A Super-Simple Way to Grow Food: Start a Bag Garden

I’m all for planting in well-worked, well-maintained garden beds, but because of busy schedules and limited growing space, that isn’t an option for everyone. If you’ve been thinking of taking the plunge into the joy of growing your own food and want to start with an easy method, a bag garden might be for you.

To plant a bag garden, you simply purchase a few bags of topsoil from your local garden center (buy more than a few if you have the space and want to grow even more). Lay the bags anywhere that gets full sun and has dirt below—most people just lay them on the edge of a yard in the grass (note: the bags will kill the lawn directly below them, but that’s OK because this has transformed into garden space).

Next, use a utility knife to cut out a large, rectangular window on the upper surface of each bag. Leave the sides and 2 inches of each top edge intact, resembling a picture frame (see illustration above). The 2-inch rim of plastic will keep the soil from spilling and help retain moisture. Lightly dust the surface of the soil inside the bags with organic fertilizer and mix it in with a trowel. (Skip this if the bag’s label says fertilizer has already been added.)

After that, stab each bag through at least a dozen times with a screwdriver or a big knife to create plenty of drainage holes in the bottom. Plant roots will eventually use these holes to grow down into the soil below the bags.

Next, it’s time to plant your seeds! Consider trying easy-to-grow spring crops such as lettuce and spinach. Then, sit back, watch your veggies grow, and before you know it you’ll be enjoying a fresh salad you grew yourself!

For more on bag gardening, see Start a Quick and Easy Food Garden.

Illustration by Keith Ward

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Ronald N.

10:35AM PST on Feb 21, 2012

Just moved from the rural country with my 30x50ft vegetable garden to a city lot with less than that as a back yard. This might come in handy. There's nothing like walking out in the yard and picking something for dinner or a snack.

send a green star

Vicki P.

6:50PM PST on Feb 1, 2012

Thank-you for interesting method

Gretchen H.

6:41PM PST on Feb 1, 2012

Great idea for a small space. I think everyone should try to grow some type of food so their kids see how it works.

Joan S.

2:52PM PST on Jan 31, 2012

Genius and so simple I wish I had thought of this. I'm going this way for spring and bet I have much better luck then previously. Thank you so much

Rebecca D.

2:47PM PST on Jan 31, 2012

This is how my mum grows her tomatos! Works great!

Sherry C.

7:41PM PST on Jan 30, 2012

I like this idea, except worried about the plastic over time.

Debbie C.

1:09AM PST on Jan 30, 2012

I might try this in the spring. But, one question. Will the plastic compost down, or will we have to pick out the pieces once it starts decomposing?

Sarah B.

9:29PM PST on Jan 29, 2012

Can't wait to do this!

Laura S.

1:29PM PST on Jan 24, 2012

Wow, good idea!!!! It saves mess for digging ground! I think it's good practice to know how to garden cuz I'm not green thumb. After I get to know how, then good idea to dig up ground. THANK YOU for great tip!!!

Tish L.

8:02PM PST on Jan 23, 2012

Interesting idea!