If you’ve been wanting to grow more veggies, herbs, or flowers but don’t have a ton of yard space, 5 gallon grow bags might just be your new best friend. They’re affordable, easy to move, and help plants grow healthier thanks to better root aeration. Traditional pots can be heavy, crack in the sun, or hold too much water at the bottom. Fabric grow bags solve those problems—they drain evenly, prevent root rot, and are surprisingly durable. Plus, you can move them around your porch, patio, or yard depending on where the sun hits best.
I’ve personally tested several popular options on Amazon and rounded up the top 5 grow bags that actually deliver. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, these picks will help you grow more without breaking the bank.
1. Gardzen 5 Gallon Grow Bags – Aeration Fabric Pots with Handles
These were some of the first grow bags I ever tried, and honestly, they made me fall in love with container gardening. They’re durable—I’ve been using mine for over two years—and the handles are strong enough that you can drag them around to catch more sun or shade without worrying about tearing. I’ve tested different sizes in this brand (from 1 to 10 gallons), but the 5–7 gallon range works beautifully for tomatoes, cucumbers, and even flower mixes. They drain well, hold their shape, and are easy to clean with a little brush at the end of the season. I even set some on logs and added decorative stakes with solar lights, creating a little magical garden on my back porch.
Pros:
- Durable, long-lasting fabric (mine are still going strong after 2 years)
- Handles make moving plants easy
- Great drainage and root aeration
- Comes in a big 20-pack (excellent value)
Cons:
- Can dry out a little faster in hot climates (watering every 1–2 days is a must)
Best for: Anyone who wants a large pack of versatile, durable grow bags at a great price. Perfect for patio or backyard gardeners who want to grow a mix of veggies and flowers.
2. AC Infinity Heavy Duty Fabric Pots – 500G Thick Fabric with Multi-Purpose Rings
I was already a fan of AC Infinity products, but these grow bags still managed to impress me. The 500G thick nonwoven fabric feels premium, and the multi-purpose rings are handy for low-stress training or attaching support stakes. What stood out most? The drainage. If you’ve ever worried about overwatering or accidentally used the wrong soil mix, these bags release excess water instantly. They also hold their shape well and are easy to store when not in use. Honestly, I don’t think I’ll ever go back to heavy clay or plastic pots unless I have to.
Pros:
- Super thick, tear-resistant fabric (500G)
- Excellent drainage—great for preventing root rot
- Lightweight and easy to store
- Looks sleek and professional
Cons:
- Pricier than larger bulk packs
Best for: Gardeners who want premium build quality and plan to grow more sensitive plants that need reliable drainage and aeration.
3. Gardzen 5 Gallon Grow Bags – 300G Thick Fabric Pots with Handles
I discovered these by accident, and I’m so glad I did. They’re sturdy, easy to fill, and honestly, they’ve made my gardening life easier. They stand open on their own while you fill them (which not all brands do), and the handles are strong enough that even with bad knees, I can still move them around without help. Compared to plastic pots, these are a game-changer. No cracking, no drainage issues—just healthy plants. After a season, they still look brand new, and I’ve already ordered a second set.
Pros:
- Sturdy, easy-to-fill design
- Great for gardeners with mobility issues
- Drain beautifully—no waterlogging
- Affordable price for a 10-pack
Cons:
- Not as thick as AC Infinity bags
Best for: Gardeners who want a reliable, mid-priced option that balances quality and affordability.
4. 5 Gallon Thickened Non-Woven Grow Bags
If you’re looking for value, this 24-pack is hard to beat. I’ve been using them mainly for bell peppers, and they’ve worked like a charm. The handles make moving them simple, and they arrived earlier than expected, which was a nice bonus. Here’s a quick money-saving tip: instead of tossing the soil every year, I leave it in the bags over winter, sift out the roots, and refresh it with peat moss, compost, or perlite. Works like a dream and saves a lot of money.
Pros:
- Huge 24-pack (best bulk value)
- Great for peppers, herbs, and small veggies
- Handles for easy movement
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Fabric is thinner than premium brands
Best for: Budget-conscious gardeners who need a lot of bags for peppers, herbs, or small plants.
5. VIVOSUN 5 Gallon Grow Bags – Reinforced Fabric Planter Pots
We wanted an alternative to in-ground gardening, and these grow bags turned out to be perfect. They’re versatile—we’ve grown peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, lavender, and even peppermint in them—and everything has thrived. They’re not the thickest fabric, but they’re strong enough to last multiple seasons. The uniform black color also makes the garden look neat and organized. Just note that once filled, they get heavy—so try to place them where you want them before watering.
Pros:
- Versatile—works with a wide range of plants
- Affordable price for 10 bags
- Good drainage and aeration
- Nice, uniform look on the patio or porch
Cons:
- Not super thick compared to premium options
- Heavy once filled (best to move before watering)
Best for: Home gardeners who want a neat, matching set of bags that can handle a wide variety of plants.
Comparison
| Product | Key Feature | Specs | Pros |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gardzen 20-Pack | Durable, long-lasting fabric | 20-pack, 5 gal | Excellent value, strong handles, versatile sizes |
| AC Infinity 5-Pack | 500G thick fabric + rings | 5-pack, 5 gal | Premium build, best drainage, reusable |
| Gardzen 10-Pack | Easy-to-fill, sturdy build | 10-pack, 5 gal | Affordable, strong handles, good drainage |
| 24-Pack Thickened | Best bulk value | 24-pack, 5 gal | Budget-friendly, great for peppers, easy to reuse soil |
| VIVOSUN 10-Pack | Reinforced fabric, neat design | 10-pack, 5 gal | Great variety use, good drainage, uniform look |
Buying Guide – What to Consider Before Buying the Best 5 Gallon Grow Bags
- Fabric Thickness: Thicker bags (like AC Infinity’s 500G) last longer and resist tearing. Thinner ones are fine if you just need short-term or bulk use.
- Drainage: One of the biggest benefits of grow bags is drainage. Look for quality fabric that allows water to escape evenly.
- Handles: If you’ll be moving your plants often, sturdy handles are a must.
- Pack Size & Price: Bulk packs (20–24 bags) are best for big gardens, while smaller premium packs are ideal for quality-focused growers.
- Ease of Use: Some bags stand up better while filling, which makes planting easier.
- Plant Type: Choose based on what you’re growing—peppers and herbs thrive in thinner, budget bags; tomatoes and cucumbers love sturdier ones.
FAQs
1. How long do 5 gallon grow bags last?
With proper care, most fabric grow bags last 3–5 years. Thicker premium bags can last even longer.
2. Do I need saucers under grow bags?
Yes, if you’re placing them on a porch or indoors. The bags drain freely, so a saucer helps protect your floors.
3. Can I reuse soil in grow bags?
Absolutely! Just sift out old roots and refresh with compost, peat moss, or perlite before planting again.
4. What plants grow best in 5 gallon bags?
Tomatoes, peppers, beans, cucumbers, herbs, and even small root crops like beets and carrots do great.
Final Thought
If you’re just starting out or want the best overall value, the Gardzen 20-Pack is a fantastic choice. For gardeners who want premium build quality and durability, the AC Infinity 5-Pack is worth the extra cost. And if you’re on a budget but need a lot of bags, the 24-Pack Thickened Bags delivers the most value for money. At the end of the day, grow bags make gardening easier, cleaner, and more rewarding—whether you’re growing tomatoes on the patio or peppers on the porch. Want to explore even more styles and sizes? Take a look at our complete guide to grow bags here and find the perfect match for your gardening needs.
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