How to Grow Greens in a Bag of Potting Soil

Growing leafy greens in a bag of potting soil eliminates the need for tedious soil preparation such as tilling, fertilizing and weeding that larger traditional gardens require. Growing these greens in the thick plastic bag that the soil comes in is also an easy way for those with limited space or poor soil quality to grow fresh healthy foods without added expenses and lots of extra work.

If you have trouble bending, limited mobility, or range of motion, bag gardens can be placed on a raised surface such as an old wicker table or other stand with drainage holes. Another benefit is that most bagged potting soils are pasteurized to kill weed seeds and may also be purchased with fertilizer already mixed in. If you chose a bagged soil with fertilizer included, be sure to choose one that is safe for growing edible vegetables.

HOW TO GROW GREENS IN A BAG OF POTTING SOIL

Materials to Grow Greens in a Bag of Potting Soil

• 40 lb. bag of clean, enriched potting soil
• screwdriver
• scissors or utility knife
• organic matter

Instructions to Grow Greens in a Bag of Potting Soil

1. Place potting soil bags in an area that receives direct sun.
2. Using a screwdriver or other tool, punch drainage holes approximately 4 inches apart into one of the wide, flat sides of the bag and position the bag so the drainage holes face downwards.
3. Using a utility knife or sharp scissors, cut out a large, rectangular section from the top side of the plastic bag. When cutting the bag, be sure to leave enough of the plastic bag to form flaps. This will keep the soil from spilling out when it is watered.
4. Enrich soil if needed or add organic fertilizer.
5. Plant seeds according to directions on the package.
6. Water the bagged soil garden and keep it moist, but not wet.

You may continue to plant, grow and harvest quick growing greens all season long using this method. Just add a bit of organic matter to the soil from time to time to keep it healthy and rich for growing.

SEE MORE: Starting Seeds Indoors | Seed-Starting in WinterThe Difference Between Soil and Dirt | Gardening AdviceSoil Testing at Home | Homemade Soil Test Kit

This post was first published in 2015 and has been updated.