Growing in bags

18:07:20 29th July 2008

As growing your own fruit and vegetables becomes more and more popular, new, and even experienced gardeners, should learn the benefits of a grow bag and how to use one correctly.

"Growing bags are an ideal way to grow tomatoes, aubergines, chillies and cucumber on sunny patios and balconies, as well as in the greenhouse," according to the BBC website.

The ideal combination would be to use a grow bag in a greenhouse to ensure plants stand the best chance of prospering.

The BBC advises that before using the bag, it should be kneaded like a pillow to loosen the compost inside.

Once this is done, "shape the bag into a low hummock, making sure compost is evenly spread".

Make sure there is adequate drainage by piercing the bag and cut out the squares or rectangles on top, dependant on what is to be grown, before scooping out enough earth from each hole to leave enough room for the root of the plant.

Once a plant is in its hole, the root should be covered with the compost that was previously scooped out.

The growing bag should then be left in the greenhouse to work its magic after being well watered and labelled.