Container Intro
Container Rules and Overview
Color and Design
Potting and Repotting
Hanging Baskets
Planting Hanging Bags
Vegetables in Containers
Layering Bulbs and Plants
Vines and Roses in Containers

Flower bags and herb bags are a unique and inexpensive way of brightening your garden and living space. They are inexpensive and a simple way for displaying and growing your favorite flowers and herbs.  

Hanging bags are ideal for an apartment terrace, fence, pergola, porch, etc., and can even be used for strawberries!  The bags are reusable for years if you keep them fully planted so no plastic is exposed to the sun.

How to Plant a Flower or Herb Bag

Step 1: Fill the flower bag with good quality lightweight potting mix which contains plenty of fertilizer nutrients.  Do not use a cheap mix, or it will compress and kill the plants.

Step 2: The mix in the flower bag must be wet thoroughly.  Moisten it after filling the bag by watering until the water drips out the bottom corners.

Step 3: Lay the bag flat at a comfortable height and pat down, forming a flat 'sausage' shape.

top end

Step 4: Cut T-shaped slits into the flower bag as shown at right. Use a sharp knife and make 3-cm cuts in each leg of the T. The T-shaped cuts should be facing upside down and only on one side, as the diagram below. Make a maximum of 8 cuts, two rows of four evenly spaced T cuts on the bag. Be careful when cutting the plastic. It is a good idea to mark the plastic before cutting. Use a permanent type marker.

Step 5: Planting

• Using a dibber or similar implement, push into each cut to make a planting hole.  Remove a seedling from the cell pack or flat of plants, and push gently into the hole.
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• Pressing the bag gently around the plant will force the potting mix around the seedling.  Firm in well.  Repeat for all the holes.

Step 6: After planting, lay the flower bag under some shade cloth or in any semi-shaded spot for 3 to 4 weeks. The initial watering of the flower bag should be sufficient for this period.  The secret to success is not to move the bag for 3 weeks.  While there is plastic showing, avoid direct sunlight during hotter periods of the day or you will cook the plants.  Do not be in a hurry to hang up the plants!

Step 7: After 3 to 4 weeks you can display the flower bag flat or hang it up.  If required, top up with potting mix and insert a plant in the top.  Water generously so that water drips out of the cut corners at the bottom.

Step 8: Feed weekly with 1/2 strength plant food and every 3 to 4 months add some slow release fertilizer. Always deadhead plants to keep the hanging bag looking it's best.

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