Swapped out my heavy clay pots for fabric grow bags this spring and the difference is nuts

I used to think terra cotta was the only way to go for my herbs on the back porch in Austin. Then after three straight summers of root rot on my basil, I tried these fabric bags my neighbor swore by. They dry out way faster so I have to water almost every day, but the roots look ten times healthier. Anyone else made the switch and had to totally relearn your watering schedule?

2 comments

2 Comments

wade_hall1mo ago

Used to think fabric bags were just a gimmick for like hydroponic hipsters or whatever. Bought a couple on clearance last year for my peppers and holy cow, the difference in root health was night and day. My old clay pots would get that crusty white salt buildup and the roots would circle around the bottom like they were trapped. The fabric bags let the roots air prune themselves which meant way less transplant shock when I moved things around. Had to totally scrap my old watering habits though, these things drink like a thirsty camel in July. Your mileage may vary but I'm a convert now, never going back to heavy pots for anything that needs good drainage.

simon_wood721mo ago

Feel that pain with the watering. It's a whole new game.