Would it be cheaper to buy the growbags or the pot/veg bags you fill up?

Pixiechic

Hello,
I have bought the pot and veg bags that were £2.50 for two from Wilkos that I thought was a bargain. They are just the bags that I need to fill with compost and the capacity is about 40 ltrs for the pot bags. I was wondering what other people think about whether I should have just got the big growbags that have the compost in already and grow them in them. Or if it makes sense to use the bags and fill with compost which when I look isn't altogether that cheap. I am new to this and really keen to start growing my own veg but I think I needed a little guidance from anyone who can advise me a little.
I would greatly appreciate any knowledge that could be passed on. Many thanks

kazwookie

I buy normal compost bags, tip out the contents on to a sheet, roll the top down, put back about 6" of comppost plant my spuds 3 per bag, cover, then as the shoots appear top up with compost, unrolling the bag as needed, till I get to the top, then it is a waiting game.

Never grown veg in bags.

Megansmum

I think it depends on what you want to grow and if they have deep or shallow roots... what do you want to grow?

Pixiechic

Hello,

Thanks the replies! I would like to grow potatoes, carrots, leeks, turnips and some salad stuffs, I have different veg seeds that I am growing as and when the time is right. I am doing my herbs ate the moment.
Thankyou Kazwookie, I was wondering if that was a way to do it and I think I shall do that too. Many thanks for the advice there.
Megansmum, would I have a need for these bags for other veg? I only got them last Saturday so I will take them back if I won't nedd them and get something else garden related.
I love this site, so many kind people with advice! Thank you

mi_jardin

I use growbags for my tomatoes, but I don't lay them flat like you are supposed to. Instead I bend them in half, then making sure not to spill any compost I cut them in half. I them sit them upright, and get much deeper "pots".

Megansmum

Hi Pixie

I think as kaz said, you are probably better just buying bags of compost. If you cut them at the end empty the contents and mix it up so the compost is pretty much lump free, you can do potatoes, leeks,turnips and carrots in them as they will be deep enough for the roots/tubers to grow. For salad cut and come again lettuce etc make holes in the bag with it lying flat as they don't need much depth, loosen the compost and add your seeds.

The only thing with using growbags or even containers to grow is you MUST remember to water regularly (as i found last year when all my toms died of dehydration!)

I only starting growing my own last year and the folk on here have been my lifesaver!! I made mistakes, but it is so addictive i'll be back and making more this year too!

Good luck hun.

A._Badger

It's not just water. The food supplies in growing bags and ordinary multicompost will last for around six weeks. After that you need to add a fertliser to your watering. You can get a perfectly good powder type from Wilkinsons (just follow the instructions) or you can get Phostrogen from more or less anywhere - either will do.

Good luck.