What is 'Grow Bag Farming'?

The chili farming shown in the above photo is called the “Grow Bag/Polybag Method”. Grow bag farming is a farming method in which plants are grown in grow bags instead of traditional pots. It is ideal for growing vegetables and fruits on rooftops, balconies, or in limited spaces. In this method, plants get proper aeration, which prevents root rot and keeps plants healthy. Grow bags are durable, lightweight, and eco-friendly, making them easy to move from one place to another, and also convenient for harvesting and soil replacement.

What are the features of this method?

1. Grow Bags/Polybags

• Thick polybags or jute/non-woven bags are filled with a mixture of soil, cow dung manure, cocopeat, vermicompost, etc., and plants are grown in them.
• There are small holes at the bottom for drainage so that water does not stagnate.

2. Controlled Farming

• Soil quality, manure, and water can be completely controlled in this method.
• Very few weeds grow.

3. Higher Yield in Less Space

• This method can be practiced on rooftops, courtyards, terraces, or limited spaces.
• More plants can be grown in less space, and fruiting is higher.

4. Fewer Diseases

• Soil-borne diseases and pests are reduced because the soil mixture is pre-prepared and balanced.

5. Higher Production

• If irrigation and nutrients (organic manure, NPK soluble fertilizers) are provided on time, plants become so heavily laden with fruits that they start bending, as shown in your photo.

Important Things to Keep in Mind in Grow Bag Farming

1. Choose the right size: Select a grow bag according to the plant’s requirement.
2. Use quality soil: Use a good-quality potting mix that contains compost and cocopeat.
3. Water regularly: Since grow bags have better drainage, you will need to water frequently.
4. Use liquid fertilizers: Use liquid fertilizers for healthy roots and add organic manure every one to two months.
5. Support plants: Use sticks or nets to support plants like tomatoes and cucumbers.

What to Grow in Grow Bags?

• Leafy Vegetables: Spinach, coriander, dill, fenugreek, amaranthus, Malabar spinach, etc.
• Fruit Vegetables: Chili, capsicum, tomato, brinjal, cucumber, bottle gourd, pumpkin, bitter gourd, spine gourd, zucchini, cabbage, broccoli, beans, etc.
• Root Vegetables: Carrot, radish, potato, sweet potato, garlic, etc.
• Fruit Plants: Strawberry, lemon, karonda, papaya, dragon fruit, fig, etc.