Growbags - First Prototype Released!

Jenny_Aster

Not sure if anyone would call it gardening, but I have been busy for the garden this afternoon. 

Over the past week I've been gathering material to make grow bags, plus been doing quite a bit of research. 

Materials purchased:

• Green tape for handles £8.10 for 50 metres
• Coats Clark Outdoor Living Thread (strong + UV resistant) £6.90 (£0.04 per metre)
• Weed Control Membrane, non-weave, heavy duty 150gsm £24.95 for 20M2 (10mx2m)

I bought a lot of material as I've got other uses for it, plus a lot of bags to make. 

Today was my first attempt to make growbags, I cut off 33cm (2m x 33cm) from the membrane, and made 3 good sized bags that would work to grow a tomato in a bag. 

Cost of the three bags - £1.39 = 46p per bag. I certainly think it's worth the effort

Thinking of adding 2 or 4 long thin pockets from the top to the base of bags to be used as 'cane holders'. 


                                

Uff

I'm impressed Jenny_Aster. I'll look forward to the next installment. 

WonkyWomble

Very impressive @Jenny_Aster
they look very sturdy and will do you for years and years!!

JennyJ

They look really good! And stitched-in cane holders is a fantastic idea. If I didn't already have enough bags for what i need, I'd be tempted to copy shamelessly .

REMF33

They are very attractive. You could sell those... How long did they take to make? I imagine you'd get faster, the more you made.

philippasmith2

Jenny_Aster said:

Not sure if anyone would call it gardening, but I have been busy for the garden this afternoon. 

Over the past week I've been gathering material to make grow bags, plus been doing quite a bit of research. 


                         

As someone who can just about manage to sew a button on, I am very impressed with your Growbags @Jenny_Aster
I use a lot of this type of planter so if you ever decide to go into full production, I'd be one of your first customers

Uff

There you are then Jenny_Aster, how's that for a challenge.

Jenny_Aster

Thank you for your kind comments about my efforts 

The idea @REMF33 isn't to sell but to try and inspire as they are so cheap to DIY.  But if I do start to sell them on Etsy or somewhere, you'll be the first to know

They really are quite easy and, I doubt the plants will complain if they're not perfect.

Today I made a potato growbag (31cm across and 55cm high) and two smaller bags from the left over material. All three used 80cm of material. The potato bag has a deep hem to reinforce the handles.

All three cost just under £2.50, a huge saving for about 2 hours of entertaining myself. 

I'm interested in square foot gardening for vegetables, therefore I've got a few bags to make that are one square foot. 

If I can help start anyone off making them, just please let me know.

Fairygirl

That's an absolutely brilliant job @Jenny_Aster, and I agree - the cane holders are an excellent idea.
I'd go for three slots though 

I reckon you could easily start a cottage industry and make a good profit. Go for it!  

Liriodendron

Just a thought:  is your weed membrane UV stabilised?  Some sorts are designed to be used (as ground cover) under a layer of bark, and if you expose them to sunshine they fall to bits in less than a season.  

The bags look excellent though!  

Jenny_Aster

Liriodendron said:

Just a thought:  is your weed membrane UV stabilised?  Some sorts are designed to be used (as ground cover) under a layer of bark, and if you expose them to sunshine they fall to bits in less than a season.  

The bags look excellent though!  

Thanks @Liriodendron  I learnt my lesson a while ago about UV after I made one of those outside sun blinds that pull out, I used normal cotton to sew it, and normal nylon type curtain rings - in a year it all fell apart, we lived in Spain then