Real-World Testing: Two Seasons with Gardzen Grow Bags

When we decided to expand our container growing operation for the farm stand, I needed something bigger than traditional pots but more flexible than permanent raised beds. That’s when I discovered these Gardzen 20-gallon grow bags.

After two full growing seasons here in Zone 6a, I can give you the real story on how they perform.

What We Grew

Over the past two years, we’ve tested these bags with:

• Tomatoes (determinate and indeterminate varieties)
• Peppers (bell peppers and hot varieties)
• Eggplant (both standard and Asian varieties)
• Herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
• Potatoes (for easy harvest)
• Winter squash (with trellising)

The Good: What Really Works

Drainage is Excellent

The fabric construction provides perfect drainage - something that’s crucial here in Zone 6a where we can get heavy spring rains. I’ve never had a plant suffer from waterlogged roots, even during our wettest weeks in May.

Root Health is Outstanding

The “air pruning” effect is real. When I harvested potatoes from these bags, the root systems were incredibly healthy - no circling roots like you see in plastic containers. The plants just seemed more vigorous overall.

Handles Actually Hold Up

I was skeptical about the handles at first, but they’ve proven surprisingly durable. Even when the bags are fully loaded with wet soil and a mature tomato plant, the handles haven’t failed. This is huge when you need to move plants for weather protection.

Storage is a Dream

When the season ends, these fold flat and take up almost no storage space in the barn. Compare that to trying to stack 20-gallon plastic pots - no contest.

Temperature Regulation

The fabric breathes, which helps prevent the soil from overheating during our hot July and August days. Plastic containers can cook roots, but these bags keep things more moderate.

The Challenges: What You Need to Know

They Dry Out Faster

This is the biggest trade-off. The excellent drainage and breathability mean you’ll water more frequently than with plastic containers. During peak summer, our tomatoes needed daily watering, sometimes twice a day during heat waves.

Solution: We installed drip irrigation lines to each bag. Game changer.

They’re Not Pretty

Let’s be honest - these look utilitarian. If you’re going for a decorative container garden, these aren’t it. But for production growing, function beats form every time.

Initial Soil Settling

When you first fill them, the soil settles significantly. Plan to add more soil after the first few waterings. Not a big deal, just something to expect.

Wind Can Be an Issue

Large plants in these bags can catch wind and tip over more easily than in heavy ceramic or concrete pots. We learned to stake tall plants early.

Zone 6a Specific Performance

Spring Setup

• Last frost protection: Easy to move into the greenhouse or cover with row covers
• Soil warming: Dark fabric helps soil warm up faster than light-colored containers
• Transplant timing: We can start plants earlier and move them as needed

Summer Performance

• Heat tolerance: Much better than plastic containers in our 90°F+ days
• Storm resilience: Flexible material handles wind better than rigid pots
• Watering efficiency: Drip irrigation setup is straightforward

Fall Harvest

• Potato harvest: Just tip the bag and dump - easiest potato harvest ever
• Root inspection: Easy to check plant health without disturbing neighbors
• Season extension: Simple to move tender plants to protected areas

Value Analysis

Cost per bag: About $3-4 each in the 20-pack Lifespan: Going on 3 years with the original set Replacement cost: Minimal - maybe 10% failure rate over 2 years

Compare this to:

• 20-gallon ceramic pots: $40-60 each
• Plastic containers: $15-25 each
• Custom raised beds: $50-100+ each

The math is pretty clear for production growing.

Best Uses on Our Farm

Perfect For:

• Tomatoes and peppers for the farm stand
• Potato production (harvest is so easy!)
• Herb production (easy to move for optimal sun)
• Trial varieties (test new crops without permanent commitment)
• Season extension (move plants as weather changes)

Not Ideal For:

• Decorative displays (they’re just not pretty)
• Permanent plantings (perennials do better in ground or permanent containers)
• Very small plants (20 gallons is overkill for lettuce)

Tips for Success

1. Invest in drip irrigation - Makes watering manageable
2. Use quality potting mix - Don’t cheap out on soil
3. Stake early - Prevent wind damage before it happens
4. Group by water needs - Makes irrigation more efficient
5. Plan for soil settling - Buy 25% more soil than you think you need

The Bottom Line

After two seasons, I’m buying more. These bags have earned their place in our operation. They’re not perfect, but for production container growing, they offer the best combination of plant health, convenience, and value I’ve found.

Would I recommend them? Absolutely, especially for:

• Market gardeners needing flexible growing space
• Homesteaders wanting to maximize production
• Anyone dealing with poor soil conditions
• Gardeners who need to move plants seasonally

The Gardzen 20-gallon grow bags aren’t the fanciest option, but they work. And in farming, that’s what matters most.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars - Excellent performance with minor convenience trade-offs.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, Winkky Farms may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we actually use and believe in.

Next week: Setting up drip irrigation for container gardens - the system that makes these bags truly shine.