The benefit of DIY Indoor grow bags?
- Better Drainage
- Improved root growth
- Customizable
- Cost-effective
- Portable
1. Fabric Grow Bags
Fabric grow bags are made of materials like canvas or denim which can hold the soil for longer. You can able to create grow bags based on customized sizes and shapes that suit your indoors. 5-gallon grow bags are perfect for tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and more.
Required Materials
- Denim fabric
- Heavy-duty threads
- Sewing machine
- Scissors and measuring tapes
- Optional – Plastic liner and polypropylene
Steps involved in making fabric grow bags
- For 5-gallon grow bags we need to cut the fabric by 33 inches long and 25 inches wide.
- Fold 1 inch of the long side, pin it, sew it, and leave it open
- Fold half equally the fiber, Pin and sew the other two sides, and make sure you are doing on the outer side when sewing and pinning.
- At the bottom, you mark the line at 6 inches on both sides, sew it, cut the extra pieces, and rip them back so that you can’t see the stitches on the outer sides.
- Finally, your grow bags are ready for 5-gallon, 10 inches tall, and 12 inches wide. Add drainage holes at the bottom before filling the soil.
2. Burlap Sack Grow Bags
Burlap sacks are a better option for making your own DIY grow bags, these bags are perfect for root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, beets, radishes, and more. It provides better Air circulation to promote their roots.
Required Materials
- Burlap sacks
- Scissor and Thread
- Needle, or sewing machine
- Pins and measuring tape
- Waterproof line – Optional
Steps involved in making Burlap Sack Grow Bags
- You can do this in two ways, either you cut the extras or fold double, it depends on your preference.
- I recommend cutting the extras and folding them 2 to 3 times 2 inches so that you will get the nice upper part.
- Pin it and sew it around them and make sure you are doing it on the outer sides of the burlap sack.
- Rip them back, so that the stitches are inside the bags.
- You can add drainage holes if required, but it is recommended.
3. Recycled Jeans Grow Bags
Turning your old jeans into grow bags makes your indoor rustic and charming touch, it is very sturdy and supports various plants. These recycled jeans grow bags are suitable for leafy greens, herbs, and small vegetables like lettuces, spinach, basil, parsley, chili peppers, Nantes carrots, and more.
Required Materials
- Old jeans
- Scissor
- Thread
- Sewing machine
Steps involved in making Burlap Sack Grow Bags
- Cut the legs of the jeans as per your desired size
- Rip the pieces and fold one inch to the edge where we cut the jeans, pin them, and sew them.
- Rip it back, so that stitched areas are inside the grow bag.
- Add drainage holes on the bottom before filling the soil.
4. Canvas Tote Grow Bags
You can easily convert Unused canvas tote bags into repurposable grow bags, perfect for herbs and small plants, it is portable and easy to move and rearrange the plants for indoor gardening.
Required Materials
- Canvas tote bags
- Scissors
- Needle and thread
Steps involved in making Canvas Tote Grow Bags
- Cut the tote bag into the desired size, and remove the handles.
- Fold one inch sew them again and re-fix the handles if required.
- Add drainage holes at the bottom to avoid overwatering.
5. Felt Grow Bags
Felt grow bags are the better option to grow plants due to their lightweight and superior drainage, they help to promote root health and better air circulation. These bags are used to grow root vegetables, leafy greens, herbs, and fruiting vegetables.
Required Materials
- Thick felt (2-3 mm thickness).
- Scissors
- Pins and threads
- Sewing machine
Steps involved in making felt Grow Bag
- If you plan a bag 10 inches tall and 12 inches wide, cut the same sides of 5 pieces equally.
- Take one piece and use the back side and mark, half or one inch and mark them.
- Take the second piece below the first piece, pin the top 2 markings, pin them, sew them, and cut the piece between the first marking and the last markings at the top.
- Same way place the third piece below the 2nd piece, pin the top 2 markings, sew them, and cut the top 2 markings.
- Then you will have three pieces continuously, place the fourth piece above the second piece, mark these 2 markings, pin, sew, and cut the markings between two pieces.
- you should do the same below the second piece for the fifth piece, sew, pin, and cut it.
- Finally, you will get three pieces continuously horizontally and vertically, then sew all the sides, your grow bags are ready, Add drainage holes at the bottom of the bags.
If you feel a little complicated in doing this process, please watch the below video and act them according to your desired sizes.
6. Jute Grow Bags
Jute grow bags are eco-friendly options to make your own bags for planting indoors, it is biodegradable, breathable, and alternatives to traditional containers.
These grow bags are used to plant herbs and vegetables like basil, parsley, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, carrots, and more.
Required Materials
- Jute fabric
- Needle
- Thread
Steps involved in making jute Grow Bags
- Cut the jute fabric to the desired size for your plants.
- Sew all the sides, including the bottom, and leave the top open.
- Rip them back and make sure stitches are inside the bags and add drainage holes at the bottom to prevent overwatering.
7. Laundry Basket Grow Bags
Do you know you can transform your plastic laundry baskets into large grow bags by lining them with fabrics, this setup is breathable.
Laundry grow bags are usually used to grow herbs and small vegetables, not suitable for growing larger plants.
Required Materials
- Plastic laundry basket
- Fabric liner
- Scissors
- Duct tape or zip tie
Steps involved in making Laundry Basket Grow Bags
- Measure the fabric and cut it according to the laundry basket, it should be large enough above the rim of 3-4 inches.
- Add drainage holes on the bottom of the basket as well as in the fabric.
- Push the fabric inside the basket and reach the bottom, leave it free, and should not be tight.
- Cover the extra fabric on the handles and secure them with tape or zip ties.
8. Pillowcase Grow Bags
Don’t throw your pillowcases, they can be easily repurposed into grow bags with minimal effort by sewing.
These pillow grow bags are used to grow various indoor plants such as carrots, beets, lettuce, kale, pepper, and more.
Required Materials
- Old pillowcases or cloth
- scissors
- Sewing machine and thread
Steps involved in making Pillowcase Grow Bags
- Either you can do pillow grow bags from old materials or new cloth and stitch from clothes.
- If you are using new materials, cut the cloth in two equal rectangles based on your requirements.
- Sew the three sides keep one side empty fold the open end and sew for a neat finish.
- Make a few minute small holes for drainage and enjoy indoor gardening.
9. Recycled Rice grow Bags
Rice bags are made of woven plastic which is durable and water resistant, which is perfect for various indoor plants.
Rice grow bags are used to grow plants like potatoes, beets, arugula, basil, mint, and more.
Required Materials
- Woven plastic rice bags
- Scissors
- Thread
Steps involved in making recycled rice Grow Bags
- Select sturdy and cleaned rice sacks, which are durable and commonly used.
- Wash the bags and remove any dust or chemicals.
- Use the scissors to cut the sacks as per the desired size and leave extra for folding and sewing.
- Fold the cut edges inwards and use a sewing machine to stitch for perfect finishing.
- Add drainage holes at the bottom to avoid overwatering.
10. Tea Towel Grow Bags
Tea towels are the perfect materials to grow small plants and decorative materials that are used in windows.
These grow bags are used to grow plants which are herbs, leafy greens, and small root vegetables.
Required Materials
- Tea towels
- Scissor
- Thread and sewing machine
Steps involved in making tea towels Grow Bags
- Add liner by holding half an inch on one side.
- Sew all the three sides and open the side that we used to add liner.
- Add drainage holes at the bottom and enjoy indoor gardening.
11. Old T-Shirt Grow Bags
Use your old T-shirts to transform grow bags, which are sustainable and breathable for many indoor plants such as herbs, leafy greens, and small vegetables.
Required Materials
- Old T-shirts
- Scissors
- Thread and sewing machine
Steps involved in making Old T-Shirt Grow Bags
- Cut the Bottom of the t-shirt or fold it to the desired size.
- Sew the bottom with a sewing machine.
- Add drainage holes at the bottom where you sewed.
- Use the top side for planting, if required cut the top and re-sew for the desired shapes and sizes.
12. Feed Sack Grow Bags
Sturdy feed sacks can be used to make your DIY grow bags which are widely used to grow larger vegetables and even small trees such as tomatoes, beetroot, carrots, and more.
Required Materials
- Sturdy feed sacks
- Scissor
- Thread
- Needle or sewing Machine
Steps involved in making feed Sack Grow Bags
- Cut the feed sack to the desired height, fold 1 inch from the top edge, and sew it for a nice finishing.
- Sew the bottom and add a drainage hole to prevent overwatering.
- Add plants to enjoy indoor gardening.
13. Canvas Drop Cloth Grow Bags
Canvas drop cloth grow bags are heavy-duty and can be repurposed to grow medium-sized indoor plants such as carrots, spring onions, radishes, and more.
Required Materials
- Canvas drop cloth
- Scissors
- Thread
- Needle or sewing machine
Steps involved in making Canvas Drop Cloth Grow Bags
- Cut the canvas drop cloth into the desired size.
- Sew all the sides and open one side to form the bag shapes.
- Secure the bottom and add drainage holes to enjoy indoor gardening.
Conclusion
Creating your DIY indoor grow bags is easy and fun with sustainable materials, and budget-friendly, and start expanding your indoor container gardening with these 13 creative ideas.
You can use your old household items and fabrics to create your DIY grow bags based on the plant’s needs. These containers not only save space and money but also give a unique and personal touch to your home.
Are you excited to learn more, read our guides on how to grow fresh vegetables and herbs every single day without worrying about the season, and also learn how to store indoor gardening tools and access whenever required.
You can also explore 6 amazing benefits of grow bags and 15 indoor container gardening ideas.
What are DIY indoor grow bags, and why are they popular?
DIY indoor grow bags are containers made from household materials like old jeans, burlap, or fabric to grow plants indoors. They are cost-effective, space-saving, and sustainable, making them ideal for small indoor gardens.
What materials can be used to make DIY grow bags?
Common materials include denim, burlap sacks, canvas totes, old jeans, jute fabric, pillowcases, rice bags, and tea towels. These materials are often repurposed from household items.
What plants can be grown in DIY grow bags?
Depending on the bag material and size, you can grow a variety of plants such as tomatoes, peppers, carrots, leafy greens, herbs, and small root vegetables.
What are the benefits of using grow bags for indoor gardening?
Grow bags offer better drainage, improved root growth, customization options, cost-effectiveness, and portability. They also promote sustainability by repurposing old materials.
How do I make a simple grow bag from old jeans?
Cut the legs of the jeans to the desired size.
Fold and sew the open edges, leaving a neat finish.
Rip the fabric back to hide stitches inside the bag.
Add drainage holes at the bottom before filling with soil.
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