Learning how to save seeds is one of the most rewarding and practical skills a gardener can develop. When a plant produces seeds, it typically completes its life cycle. Saving those seeds is simple, cost-effective, and a great way to grow your garden season after season.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to save seeds using easy methods that are perfect for beginners.

Learning how to save seeds gives you a nearly-continuous supply of seeds that are adapted to your area at little or no cost. 

What We Will Cover:

• Learn a little seed terminology before you save seeds
• Save seeds from only the best plants and fruit
• Seeds for saving must be fully developed on the plant or vine
• Learn how to harvest and dry both “wet” and “dry” seeds
• Once seeds are thoroughly dry, store saved seeds correctly
• Share your saved seeds with others
• Frequently Asked Questions About Saving Seeds

1. Learn a little seed terminology before you save seeds

Understanding how plants produce seeds and how they’re pollinated will help you be more successful at seed saving. These basic terms are helpful to know:

• Self-pollinating plants
  These plants can pollinate themselves without help from insects, wind, or other plants. Because of their low risk of cross-pollination, they are great for first-time seed savers.
  Examples: Beans, peas, lettuce, and tomatoes.
• Open-pollinated plants
  Open-pollinated varieties are pollinated naturally by insects, wind, or animals. They will grow true to type if they are not cross-pollinated with a different variety of the same species.
  Many open-pollinated plants (especially in the squash, cucumber, melon, and corn families) readily cross-pollinate.
  Tip: If you’re growing more than one variety of an open-pollinated species nearby, the seeds may not produce plants like the parent. Use isolation techniques, timing, or distance if you plan to save seed from these crops.
• Hybrid plants (F1 hybrids)
  Hybrid varieties are created by crossing two parent plants to produce a third variety with specific desirable traits.
  Important: Seeds saved from hybrid plants usually do not grow true to type and often produce unpredictable or inferior results. It’s best not to save seeds from hybrids.
• Heirloom varieties
  These are open-pollinated plants that have been passed down for generations, typically 50 years or more. They are genetically stable and tend to produce consistent results from saved seed, making them excellent choices for home seed saving.

Real-Life Example: What Happens When You Save Cross-Pollinated Seeds

When I first started saving seeds, I made the mistake of saving seeds from an Armenian cucumber I had grown near cantaloupe. The next year, I planted those seeds and ended up with large, strange-looking fruits that weren’t good for eating. They were bland, tough, and clearly not true to the original cucumber.

That was my first lesson in cross-pollination. Even though Armenian cucumbers and cantaloupes look and taste very different, they’re both members of the Cucurbitaceae family and can cross-pollinate if grown close together.

If you’re saving seeds from open-pollinated crops like cucumbers, squash, or melons, it’s important to grow only one variety at a time or use isolation methods (distance, barriers, or hand pollination) to prevent cross-pollination. Otherwise, the seeds may not produce plants like the ones you started with.

When Does Cross-Pollination Affect the Fruit?

It’s important to understand that cross-pollination doesn’t affect the fruit in the current growing season. If you grow two related plants close together (like Armenian cucumber and cantaloupe) the fruit that develops that year will still be true to the parent plant and taste as expected.

However, if you save seeds from that fruit and plant them the following season, the plants that grow will carry the mixed genetics from both parent varieties. That’s when you’ll see strange, sometimes inedible results.

In other words, cross-pollination affects the next generation of fruit—not the current harvest.

This is why isolation is only necessary if you plan to save seeds. If you’re not saving seeds, you can grow multiple varieties of the same plant family together without worrying about cross-pollination.

2. Save seeds from only the best plants and fruit

Seed saving is a form of selection. The seeds you save today shape the garden you’ll grow tomorrow.

Avoid saving seeds from diseased or weak plants. Instead, choose seeds from the healthiest, most vigorous plants and the best-tasting fruit. By doing so, you’re encouraging those desirable traits—flavor, productivity, disease resistance—to carry on in future generations.

Want to take more steps toward self-sufficient gardening? Explore these tips in this article.

3. Seeds for saving must be fully mature on the plant

The best time to harvest a vegetable for eating is often not the best time to save its seed.

Seeds need time to fully mature on the plant to become viable. That means allowing the fruit or seed pod to stay on the plant well past the eating stage. The plant’s natural life cycle ends with seed development, so give it the time it needs to finish that process.

Be patient, fully mature seeds are more likely to sprout and grow into strong, healthy plants.

Examples:

• For tomatoes, let the fruit ripen fully on the vine before harvesting seeds from the best ones.
• Let beans and peas dry fully on the vine before harvesting for seed.
• Allow cucumbers and squash to stay on the plant until they turn overripe and their skins harden.
• Wait for lettuce, arugula, and other leafy greens to bolt and produce seed stalks that dry out before collecting.

4. Understand the difference between wet and dry seeds

The way you save seeds depends on how the plant produces them. Wet seeds and dry seeds require different methods for cleaning and storage.

Wet Seeds Need Fermentation Before Drying

Seeds from wet, fleshy fruits like tomatoes, cucumbers, and cucuamelons are surrounded by a gel coating that inhibits germination. Fermentation removes this coating and helps prevent disease in stored seeds.

How to ferment wet seeds:

• Gather supplies: knife, spoon, glass jar, water, sieve, coffee filter, and a small bucket if needed.
• Scoop the seeds: Cut the fruit in half and scrape the seeds into a jar. Add a little water.
• Ferment: Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 2–4 days. Stir once or twice a day to prevent mold from forming.
• Separate viable seeds: Add fresh water, stir, and let the contents settle. Viable seeds sink; pulp and bad seeds float. Pour off the pulp and repeat until the water is mostly clear.
• Rinse and dry: Pour seeds into a sieve and rinse until they no longer feel slippery. Spread them out on a coffee filter or screen and let them dry completely. This usually takes 1–2 days.

Wet seeds that do not need fermentation include melon, eggplant, and ground cherry.
Simply remove the seeds from the fruit, rinse them well under running water to remove any pulp, and spread them out to dry completely.

Dry Seeds Can Be Collected Once the Pods Mature

Dry seeds come from plants that naturally produce seeds in pods or flower heads. These include crops like sunflowers, hollyhocks, lettuce, arugula, and herbs.

How to save dry seeds:

• Allow seed heads or pods to dry completely on the plant.
• Harvest into a brown paper sack when the seed pods are dry and brittle.
• Remove seeds: Shake or crumble the pods to release the seeds.
• Let seeds continue to cure in the sack for another week or two to ensure they’re fully dry before storing.

Tip: If a crop bolts unexpectedly (like carrots or lettuce), you may still be able to save seeds.
Read Why Carrots Bolt in Their First Year to understand what triggers bolting and how to handle it.

What Do Saved Seeds Look Like?

Every crop produces seeds a little differently. Some are large and easy to handle, while others are tiny and delicate. Seeing examples of mature, saved seeds can help you know what to look for when it’s time to harvest your own.

Below are images of saved seeds from a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Use these as a visual reference as you begin collecting and saving seeds from your garden.

5. Once seeds are thoroughly dry, store them correctly

Proper drying is essential for successful seed saving. Seeds that are not completely dry are more likely to mold or rot in storage.

After drying, place seeds in labeled paper envelopes or seed packets. For longer-term storage, you can place those envelopes in airtight containers like mason jars. Always include the seed type and the harvest date on the label.

Store seeds in a dark, cool, and dry location. A closet, cupboard, or even the refrigerator can work well. Good storage conditions help maintain seed viability and extend their shelf life for future planting.

Want to dive deeper into seed storage?
Learn how to store seeds properly, prevent moisture damage, and find out how long different types of seeds will last.
Read more: How to Store Seeds and How Long They Last

6. Share your saved seeds with others

Set aside some seeds to plant next year, and then share the extras in a seed swap or donate them to a local seed library. Garden seeds also make great gifts for gardeners.  

Did you learn something from this article? Please share it with others and begin observing the plants around you. Also, watch the life cycle of your plants. For instance, how do they make seeds? Can you save them?

Which seeds do you have success in saving? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.

Frequently Asked Questions About Saving Seeds

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The post How to Save Seeds: A Beginner’s Guide to Seed Saving appeared first on Growing In The Garden.

1. Calendula

• Edible; medicinal uses.
• Reseeds easily.
• Early bloomer.
• Often grown as a trap crop for aphids. 
• Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow calendula. Click here for seeds.

2. Cornflower (Bachelor Buttons)

• Reseeds easily.
• Good cut flower.
• Many colors are available.
• Easy to grow. 
• Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow bachelor buttons. Click here for seeds.

3. Violas

Tips for Growing: Violets are charming little flowers that thrive in cool weather. Sow seeds directly into the garden about ¼ inch (6 mm) deep. Violets prefer partial shade and are great for attracting pollinators while adding color to your garden.

This article shares more information about how to grow violas. Click here for seeds.

4. Hollyhock

• Cottage garden favorite.
• Many hollyhocks are biennials that grow strong root systems and foliage the first year. In the second year, they send up flowering shoots that produce seeds and then die.

This article shares more information about how to grow hollyhocks. Click here for seeds.

5. Nasturtium

• Edible.
• Good companion and trap crop.
• Overly-rich soil results in fewer blooms.
• Reseeds readily. 

Gardening with kids? Nasturtiums are a good choice. The seeds are easy to plant, and the leaves and flowers are edible. Get more tips for gardening with kids in this article.

This article shares more information about how to grow nasturtiums. Click here for seeds.

6. Poppy

• Many different varieties (California, Shirley, Iceland).
• Reseeds easily.
• Seed pods are beautiful.
• Needs regular water.
• Easy to grow. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow poppies. Click here for seeds.

7. Strawflower

• Cutting central stem early produces fuller branching stems. 
• Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. 
• Good cut flower.
• Excellent for drying.

This article shares more information about how to grow strawflowers. Click here for seeds.

8. Sweet Peas

• Prefer rich soil.
• Need regular water.
• Provide support or trellis for growing plants. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow sweet peas. Click here for seeds.

9. Alyssum

• If planted from seed, thin seedlings.
• Easy to grow.
• Grows well in the sun or part shade.
• Reseeds easily. 

This article shares more information about how to grow alyssum. Click here for seeds.

10. Larkspur

• Wildflower; reseeds heavily.
• Several colors.
• Easy to grow.
• Attracts hummingbirds.
• Click here for seeds.

Looking for more ideas?

Other cool-season flowers to plant from seed include African daisy, flax, and forget-me-not. Check out this post about my favorite cool-season flowers that love mild winters. If you’re looking for a tall, elegant flower to add to your cool-season garden, don’t miss How to Grow Campanula (Canterbury Bells).

Looking for growing advice tailored to specific plants? The Ultimate Plant Index offers detailed, alphabetically organized articles on flowers, herbs, vegetables, and more. Perfect for both inspiration and practical planting guidance.

If this post about which cool season flowers grow best from seed was helpful, please share it.

The post 10 Easy Cool-Season Flowers to Plant From Seed appeared first on Growing In The Garden.

Companion planting is a proven way to boost garden success. If you’re new to the concept or looking for general tips, check out my 5 Tips for Successful Companion Planting to get started.

If you’re planning your garden layout, don’t miss this guide on cucumber companion plants—you’ll find tips on pairing cucumbers with flowers, herbs, and vegetables to improve growth and reduce pests.

1. Calendula

Tips for Growing: Calendula is a hardy annual that thrives in cooler weather. Sow seeds directly into the garden about ¼ inch (6 mm) deep. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.

Seed Source: Calendula Seeds
Learn More: Growing Calendula

2. Nasturtium

Tips for Growing: Nasturtiums are easy to grow and are great for the edges of garden beds or corners. Sow seeds directly into the soil, about ½ inch (1.2 cm) deep. Nasturtiums prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They attract beneficial insects like bees and can repel pests such as aphids.

Gardening with kids? Nasturtiums are a good choice. The seeds are easy to plant, and the leaves and flowers are edible. Get more tips for gardening with kids in this article.

Seed Source: Nasturtium Seeds
Learn More: Growing Nasturtium

3. Alyssum

Tips for Growing: Alyssum is a low-growing plant that produces a carpet of tiny, fragrant flowers. Sow seeds directly on the soil surface and press them in lightly. Alyssum is excellent for attracting pollinators and beneficial insects that help keep pests at bay.

Seed Source: Alyssum Seeds
Learn More: Growing Alyssum

4. Dill

Tips for Growing: Dill is a versatile herb that attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings. Sow seeds directly into the soil about ¼ inch (6 mm) deep. Dill prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It’s also great for companion planting with cabbage family crops. Dill is also an excellent companion plant for cucumbers.

Seed Source: Dill Seeds
Learn More: Growing Dill

5. Cilantro

Tips for Growing: Cilantro is a cool-season herb that does well when sown directly into the garden—plant seeds about ¼ inch (6 mm) deep. Bolted cilantro attracts beneficial insects and can help deter aphids.

Seed Source: Cilantro Seeds
Learn More: Growing Cilantro

Easy-to-Grow Cool-Season Companion Plants

6. Bachelor Buttons (Cornflower)

Tips for Growing: Bachelor buttons are easy to grow and produce beautiful, colorful flowers. Sow seeds directly into the soil about ¼ inch (6 mm) deep. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. For more cool-season flowers to plant from seed, see this guide.

Seed Source: Bachelor Button Seeds
Learn More: Growing Bachelor Buttons

7. Borage

Tips for Growing: Borage can grow large, so it’s best planted at the end of a bed. Sow seeds directly into the soil about ½ inches (1.2 cm) deep. Borage attracts bees and other pollinators, and its leaves can be used as mulch or in compost.

Seed Source: Borage Seeds
Learn More: Growing Borage

8. Chamomile

Tips for Growing: Chamomile is a gentle herb that’s easy to grow from seed. Sow seeds on the soil surface and press them in lightly. Chamomile prefers full sun to partial shade.

Seed Source: Chamomile Seeds
Learn More: Growing Chamomile

9. Parsley

Tips for Growing: Parsley is a biennial herb that grows well in cool weather. Sow seeds about ¼ inch (6mm) deep in rich, well-drained soil. Bolted parsley attracts beneficial insects. In this guide, discover the benefits of insect hotels and learn how to effectively use them in your garden to attract beneficial bees and lacewings.

Seed Source: Parsley Seeds
Learn More: Growing Parsley

10. Violet

Tips for Growing: Violets are charming little flowers that thrive in cool weather. Sow seeds directly into the garden about ¼ inch (6 mm) deep. Violets prefer partial shade and are great for attracting pollinators while adding color to your garden. For more cool-season flowers that love mild winters, see this guide.

Seed Source: Violet Seeds
Learn More: Growing Violets

Incorporating cool-season companion plants into your garden beds is an easy way to boost biodiversity, attract beneficial insects, and add beauty to your space. Discover more about creating a pollinator-friendly garden in my post, Perennials for Pollinators in Your Desert Garden. These ten cool-season companions are easy to grow from seed and will help your garden thrive. Plant a few seeds in the empty spots of your beds and enjoy the benefits they bring all season long.

Attracting the right insects can make companion planting even more effective. Read Planting for Pollinators: Create a Simple Insectary Border in Your Garden for ideas that work in any space.

If you want more resources on warm-season companion planting read this guide.

Looking for a creative way to combine companion planting with small-space gardening? Learn how to grow a 3 Sisters Garden in grow bags using corn (or alternatives), beans, and squash for a thriving mini-ecosystem.

If this article about cool-season companion plants was helpful, please share it.

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It might feel like you need “all the things” to start a garden. That’s not true. Start small and start where you are. ⁣My first garden was a 4’x4′ raised bed made from pine boards that Home Depot cut for me. That bed lasted over ten years and grew a huge amount of food.

Starting a garden on a budget does not have to be daunting. Good advice to follow is, “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” Here are ten simple ways to start your garden without breaking the bank:

Article Outline:

1. Start Small
2. Reuse and Recycle
3. Swap Seeds and Plants
4. Make Your Own Compost
5. Choose Perennials
6. Grow from Seeds
7. Water Wisely
8. DIY Vertical Garden Structures
9. Use Natural Pest Control
10. Choose High-Yield Crops
11. Find Ways to Use Your Harvests

Bonus Tip

1. Start Small:

To minimize costs and workload, begin with a small sunken bed or container garden. It’s easier to expand later as your confidence grows. A sunken bed has minimal start-up cost and can be a very effective way to garden. To learn more, read this post about sunken-bed gardening.

2. Reuse and Recycle:

When starting your garden, use items you already have around the house. Old containers, cement blocks, and bathtubs can be used as planters to save money. Think outside the garden box and use the ideas in this blog post about creative container gardening.

Elevated Garden Bed Tips for Hot Climates is a great place to start if you’re working with a small space or just want an easier setup to manage.

3. Swap Seeds and Plants:

Swap seeds or cuttings with friends, neighbors, or online communities. This way, you can get a variety of plants for free.

• Seed packages often contain more seeds than you will use; split packages with friends.
• Learn how to save seeds so you always have some to share.
• Local libraries often have seed libraries where you can check out seeds for free!

Starting a garden can feel overwhelming. Read this guide to help you avoid new gardeners’ most common mistakes.

4. Make Your Own Compost:

Composting kitchen scraps and yard waste will save money on soil amendments and fertilizers. Although this can be daunting at first, begin composting kitchen scraps with in-bed vermicomposting. If you have a large amount of yard waste, learn how to compost in this blog post.

5. Choose Perennials When Starting Your Garden on a Budget:

Perennials come back year after year, saving you money in the long run. Some of my favorite perennials are asparagus, artichokes, Jerusalem artichokes, and strawberries. Learn more about growing perennials in this blog post.

6. Grow from Seeds to Save Money Gardening:

Growing plants from seeds is cheaper than buying seedlings or mature plants. Don’t be intimidated by starting plants from seed. If they have good soil and you start them at the right time, seeds will grow!

7. Water Wisely:

Depending on where you live, water can be an expensive part of gardening. Water in the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation and save on your water bill. Learn other watering principles in this blog post. Learn how to harvest and channel rainwater here.

Mulch reduces the need for watering and weeding, saving time and money. Places like Chipdrop provide gardeners with free woodchips. Learn more about how to use mulch.

8. DIY Vertical Garden Structures:

Building your own trellises, cages, and supports, instead of buying them, is a simple way to start a garden on a budget. Look around your house or garage and repurpose a ladder or other items. If you want to learn more, read this post about creative vertical gardening ideas.

9. Use Natural Pest Control:

When I started gardening, I thought I needed expensive organic pest control amendments and sprays, such as neem oil. But it turns out that using natural methods like companion planting and adding herbs and flowers to your garden to help control pests is more effective and eliminates the need for expensive products. This will save you money and be better for your garden. Learn more about successful companion planting principles in this blog post.

10. Choose High-Yield Crops When Budget Gardening:

Starting a garden on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t grow delicious food. Grow vegetables that produce a lot of food, like tomatoes, zucchini, and beans. You’ll get large harvests with less expense. Choose crops you enjoy eating so there is less waste. 

11. Find Ways to Use Your harvests

Try growing loofahs and learn how to make your own scrubbers!

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You’ll never need to buy a sponge again—plus, they’re completely sustainable. I love using my loofah sponges for washing dishes or in the shower!

Save on gift-giving by creating thoughtful, homegrown items that friends and family will truly appreciate. Here are some of my favorite ways to use and share my harvest!

• Gifts from the Garden: Homegrown Holiday Ideas
• Holiday Neighbor Gift: Wildflower Seed Packets

Bonus Tip: Learn and Experiment When Starting a Garden on a Budget

The more you learn about gardening, the more you can save. Don’t be afraid to experiment and learn from your mistakes.

Remember, gardening doesn’t have to be expensive. A beautiful and productive garden on a budget is possible with creativity and resourcefulness.  Let me know your best money-saving tips in the comments. 

If you are just getting started with gardening, this beginner’s guide is a great place to begin. It pulls together my most helpful resources for new gardeners and walks you through the first steps toward a thriving garden.

Now that you know how to garden on a budget, here are 8 simple tips to help you get your garden started.

If this post about how to start a garden on a budget was helpful, please share it.

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My earliest gardening memories are with my grandparents in Indiana and Idaho. We did simple things together, like planting flowers and picking beans, but those memories have stayed with me. I wanted to have those same types of memories with my children. Here are ten tips that made involving my five kids in gardening tasks a positive experience. Use these ideas to plant the seeds of a shared love for gardening and nurture a deeper connection with your children.

Article Outline:

1. Give ownership
2. Choose easy-to-grow crops
3. Grow things they like to eat
4. Encourage and trust them
5. When you’re gardening with kids, be positive and make it enjoyable
6. Make gardening with kids a sensory experience
7. Incorporate their interests
8. Enjoy the harvests
9. Find teaching moments while you’re working together
10. Marvel at the miracles
11. Craft with Garden Harvests

1. Give ownership

Let each child take charge of a small area or container so they can have ownership and see results from their actions. This blog post teaches the basic steps for container gardening.

To learn more about gardening in containers, read my book on this topic. Learn more about the book “How to Grow Your Own Food: A Beginner’s Guide to Container Gardening” in this post or purchase the book here.

2. Choose easy-to-grow crops

Plant vegetables with big seeds, such as beans and sunflowers, that are easy for small hands to handle. Choose crops with the shortest time to harvest, like radishes and peas, for quick results. Check a local planting guide (I have one in my shop) to ensure that you’re planting at the right time so that the seeds will sprout and grow well. This blog post lists ten easy-to-grow crops.

3. Grow things they like to eat

Research the crops your family enjoys eating and determine the best time and method to plant them. Do you love strawberries? Are carrots and broccoli favorites? They are excellent choices for kids’ gardens when planted at the right time. Growing their favorite foods can make gardening more exciting and rewarding for children. 

4. Encourage and trust them  

The tasks will vary depending on age and ability, but it’s essential to encourage kids to do whatever they can in the garden. We often learn more from our mistakes than our successes. It might be messier or take longer, but they will feel a sense of accomplishment. Simple jobs for young children include dumping, watering, and planting.

As children get older, look for ways to show trust in their abilities and give them more complicated jobs. They will surprise you! And most importantly, they will feel proud of their contributions. 

5. When you’re gardening with kids, be positive and make it enjoyable

Focus on the positive in their actions instead of just pointing out mistakes. Try to make it a game. If there are weeds, challenge everyone to pull 20 and “see how quickly we can finish!” Keep gardening sessions short. It’s better to do a little bit each day than to have long sessions where they get tired and worn out.

6. Make gardening with kids a sensory experience

Let children experience the sensation of dirt in their hands and the strong-smelling scents of herbs like basil and mint and flowers like sweet peas. Found a worm? Watch it wriggle on your hand for a moment before gently returning it to the soil and observing it burrow into the earth. Encourage children to listen to the sounds of nature, such as birds chirping or leaves rustling, and to observe the colors and textures of various plants.

7. Incorporate their interests

If your child is interested in science, consider getting a compost thermometer. They can use it to monitor the temperature of the compost as it heats up and learn about the science behind it. In-bed vermicomposting bins are a simple way to teach your children about the amazing world of worms. Through the years, the majority of my kids’ science projects were garden-related.

Budding artists can create plant markers using rocks or draw pictures of the plants as they grow. If they enjoy photography, encourage them to document the gardening process through photos. Incorporating each child’s interests into gardening can make gardening with children more enjoyable and meaningful.

8. Enjoy the harvests

I disliked carrots until I tried one fresh from my grandpa’s garden. Encourage your children to taste everything and “practice” liking it. Find simple recipes you can make with your children that use the garden’s produce, such as a fresh salad with lettuce and tomatoes, fresh-squeezed orange juice, or a stir-fry with freshly harvested peas and carrots. 

9. Find teaching moments while you’re working together

Beyond just learning about the origin of their food and a love for nature, life lessons are everywhere in the principles of gardening – delayed gratification, the law of the harvest, the importance of daily actions, changing seasons, and so much more! Teaching about the birds and the bees becomes natural when you are actually teaching about birds and bees. 

10. Marvel at the miracles

Kneel and point out the miracle of green sprouts emerging from the soil when gardening with your kids. Let them experience the wonder of pulling carrots from the ground that began as tiny seeds. Pause and marvel together at blossoms, insect eggs, cocoons, butterflies, and rainbows. If you spot something interesting, point it out. Before long, they will start making their own discoveries and sharing them with you.

11. Craft with Garden Harvests

There are so many fun ways to create garden crafts with your kids—some might even be useful around the house! One of my favorites is making loofah scrubbers. Check out my guide on how to make loofah scrubbers for step-by-step instructions.

If you try any of these ideas, tag me @growing.in.the.garden —I’d love to see your garden and creations!

Learn how to start a garden in this guide.

If this post about gardening with kids was helpful, please share it:

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It’s easy to see why grow bag gardening is becoming popular for new gardeners and gardeners looking to add more space to their gardens.

Advantages of gardening in a grow bag

Some of the advantages of grow bag gardening include: 

• Grow bags are an inexpensive, easy way to add growing space. Look for good quality grow bags that will last many seasons.
• Gardening in grow bags prevents overwatering. Excess water drains through the fabric and prevents soggy soil and roots. Look for good quality grow bags; they should have excellent drainage. (These are the ones I recommend on Amazon.)
• Grow bags are easy to store when not in use. Clean them out by spraying off well, and then fold them up and let them dry. 

• Unlike most containers, grow bags allow plants’ roots to breathe. Happy roots mean a happy plant. This is one of the biggest advantages of grow bag gardening.
• The ability to move grow bags easily to the best location. Look for a sunny spot in cool climates or give them shade in hot climates. 
• When gardening in grow bags you can make a big difference for bees and butterflies. See how in my posts, Planting for Pollinators: Create a Simple Insectary Border in Your Garden and Perennials for Pollinators in Your Desert Garden.

Disadvantages of gardening in grow bags (and what to do about it)

Grow bags require more watering than traditional pots and the soil can dry out quickly. 

• For thirsty plants like tomatoes and squash, use a grow bag with a watering reservoir or add an olla to the grow bag. 

Larger grow bags can be hard to move when full of soil.

• To make grow bags easier to move, choose good quality bags with heavy-duty handles and get help. Be sure of the location before filling it. 

Grow bags require more frequent fertilization than raised beds or in-ground beds. Similar to other containers, plants grown in grow bags require more frequent fertilization. 

•  Use a half dose of a liquid fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season for most crops. 

5 Tips for Successful Grow Bag Gardening

1. Choose the right plants to grow in grow bags

Because grow bags limit the size of the roots and available water, some plants are better suited to grow in grow bags than others.

When choosing which plants to grow in grow bags, look for “dwarf” varieties. These are smaller versions of full-size plants that do better in grow bags. Also, select “bush” or “compact” varieties rather than vining types.

If you’re exploring what to plant in grow bags, don’t miss this guide to the Three Sisters Grow Bag Garden—a space-saving way to grow corn, beans, and squash (or their alternatives) together in a single container.

Crops that grow well in grow bags include: 

• arugula
• radishes
• lettuce
• peppers
• carrots
• strawberries
• potatoes
• kale
• green onions
• cucumbers
• eggplant
• beets

Herbs that grow well in grow bags include: 

• basil
• dill
• cilantro
• sage
• rosemary
• thyme
• garlic
• parsley
• oregano
• ginger
• turmeric
• calendula

2. Use oyas or self-watering grow bags for thirsty plants

Because grow bags dry out more quickly, certain crops will do better if grown with an oya or in a self-watering type grow bag. I use oyas from Growoya.

3. Choose the correct size grow bag

Wondering which size of grow bag to choose? Look at plant spacing guidelines for the plants you would like to grow. The chart below gives general guidelines about the size of grow bag for common vegetables, fruits, and herbs. 

Extra small grow bag (holds up to 2 gallons/7.5 liters of soil) is a good choice for many herbs like sage, rosemary, thyme, and basil. 

This size grow bag is also good for many vegetables such as kale, green onions, radishes, lettuce, chard, and arugula. 

A small grow bag (holds up to 3 gallons/11 liters of soil) is a good choice for many herbs like dill, cilantro, and parsley. (These are the ones I recommend on Amazon.)

This size grow bag is also good for many fruits and vegetables such as kohlrabi, carrots, beets, strawberries, and celery. 

Medium grow bag (holds up to 5 gallons/19 liters of soil) is a good choice for many herbs like lemongrass, ginger, and turmeric. (These are the ones I recommend on Amazon.)

This size grow bag is also good for many vegetables such as beans, broccoli, cabbage, okra, potatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, and peppers. 

Large grow bag (holds up to 10 gallons/38 liters of soil) is a good choice for tomatoes and sweet potatoes. (These are the ones I recommend on Amazon.)

Using a grow bag larger than 10 gallons? Great! They are well-suited to most types of vegetables and can often have several different types in the same bag. Read this article on companion planting for some ideas. 

4. Fill your grow bag with the best type of soil

Regular garden soil is too heavy for grow bags; it will become compacted. The best soil for grow bags is a combination of: 

• compost
• vermiculite
• coconut coir or peat moss

Look for bagged potting soil that has a combination of these ingredients, or make your own. I use the Growing in the Garden Raised Bed mix from Arizona Worm Farm in my grow bags and raised beds. This blog post details the best soil for raised beds, which I use in grow bag gardening. 

When using this mix, the soil remains light and airy; it does not get crusted or compacted. Plants’ roots need oxygen and water, and roots love this mixture.

It is important to fill bags all the way up with soil to take advantage of the room inside the grow bag.

5. Put your grow bag in the best location

A major advantage of gardening in grow bags is the ability to put the bag in the best location based on the sunlight it receives. 

Most plants grow best with at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight. Morning sun is preferred, and a little afternoon shade is ideal, especially if you live in a hot climate. 

Looking for ideas on how to incorporate grow bags into your overall garden layout? See how I use containers like grow bags in my backyard garden design.

Growing in the Garden container gardening resources:

If you’re looking for more resources, I have several videos and blog posts that provide step-by-step guides, tips, and tricks for successful container gardening. I even wrote a book about container gardening, which covers everything from choosing the right containers to harvesting your first crop. You’ve got this! 

• Container Gardening for Beginners: 10 Steps for Success
• Guide to Container Sizes: Which Size Container Should I Use?
• 20 Best Vegetables for Container Gardening
• The Pros & Cons of Container Gardening
• The Best Way to Water Containers
• Grow Anywhere: Smart and Creative Gardening Container Ideas
• Container Gardening Playlist on YouTube
• Three Sisters Grow Bag Garden

If you enjoy container gardening, you’ll love the benefits of elevated beds—check out my guide, How to Grow in Elevated Garden Beds, to learn how to get started

To learn more about gardening in containers, read my book on this topic. Learn more about the book “How to Grow Your Own Food: A Beginner’s Guide to Container Gardening” in this post or purchase the book here.

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