If you’ve tried growing container tomatoes in a plastic or clay growing pot but are looking to think outside your gardening box, consider using a grow bag for your tomatoes!
When it comes to finding the best tomato grow bags for your needs, the options can be overwhelming. They come in various sizes and materials, and the costs can vary significantly. Adding to consumer confusion is that some grow bags are intended for specific food gardening, like root vegetables.
So what’s a gardener to do?
Good news! We’ve done the work for you by researching 10-gallon (and larger) grow bags that can be used for growing tomatoes. Read on to learn what our Top Picks are for the best Tomato Grow Bags for your garden.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Vivosun Nonwoven Fabric Pots
Eco-Friendly Option:
Gardzen Aeration Fabric Pot
Best Overall
Vivosun Nonwoven Fabric Pots
Coming in at our number 1 spot for Best Overall is the Vivosun Nonwoven Fabric Pots. This Tomato Grow Bag came in at the top because it’s a bestseller for bag quality and the variety of sizes available.
Product Features
Made with nonwoven fabric, this pot is constructed with a flat bottom for easy planting. These pots can be used indoors or outdoors. This versatile pot can be placed inside a larger pot for the tomato plant to continue to grow through the bottom of the vessel without having to replant.
Growing your tomatoes in Vivosun bags means not worrying about overwatering your tomatoes because of the outstanding ventilation for root systems. They’re also durable and last for multiple growing seasons.
On the downside, consumers have reported the handles disintegrating from exposure to sunlight. The sealant in the bag can also weather away, which means the soil dries out faster.
With ten different sizes available, finding the right size for your tomato plant is simple. These bags are available in both tan and black.
Pros
- High-quality fabric
- Lasts through multiple planting seasons
- Makes overwatering your tomatoes less likely
Cons
- Handles can disintegrate in the sun
- As the bag ages, it might not keep soil as moist
Best Eco-Friendly
Gardzen Aeration Fabric Pot
For gardeners looking for something ecologically friendly, there are great choices for BPA-free and AZO-free grow bags. The Gardzen Aeration Fabric Pot is our top choice for quality and price! This seller also shares documents showing proof that the product is BPA-free and AZO-free.
Product Features
This tomato grow bag features an additional drainage hole to ensure your plants aren’t overwatered. These bags are roomy, allowing for healthy roots to form. The fabric is sturdy enough for the bag to hold its shape, but the sides can be folded down when necessary.
Tomatoes will have a healthier root structure and grow faster in these bags than in traditional plastic or clay pots. The Gardzen bags are sold as a 10-pack, so you’ll have plenty on hand for all your planting needs.
Take caution to ensure proper air circulation since stagnant air can become a problem for the growth of healthy tomatoes.
Pros
- Inexpensive for the quality
- Durable and reusable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Air circulation may be a problem in the stagnant summer
- Bags are deep but not as wide as some competitors
Phyex Nonwoven Aeration Fabric Pots
Interested in saving a little money? There are great quality Tomato Grow Bags available, too! Our pick is the Phyex Nonwoven Aeration Fabric Pots.
Product Features
This pot features breathable fabric for healthy tomatoes to continue growing the whole season. Sturdy enough to be moved at any time during the growing process, they are also reusable. Simply empty the bag, wash it thoroughly, and allow it to dry fully before folding it and storing it for future use.
These pots are made from 260G non-woven fabric and sold in a 12-pack in eight different sizes. This versatility gives you plenty of opportunities to grow your tomatoes throughout the year. Your package also includes 12 plant tags for easy labeling, so you won’t get your tomato varieties confused!
The Phyex Aeration Fabric Pots are wider than several other tomato pots available on the market. This is ideal for growing tomatoes! These tomato grow bags are sturdier than some thinner varieties, making them the perfect choice for your tomato garden.
Tip: Be sure to clean these bags properly before and after use to prevent a risk of molding within the bag.
On rare occasions, some consumers have reported receiving the incorrect size bag. Be sure to check your purchase before planting!
Pros
- Large handles for easy moving
- Keeps soil damp without overwatering
Cons
- Incorrect size bags have been received
Jeria Aeration Fabric Pots
If you’re ready to grow many tomato plants at once, the Jeria Aeration Fabric Pots are just what you need! These grow bags are offered in 10 sizes, including a 30-gallon bag.
Product Features
These tomato grow bags will keep your tomatoes warmer in the cold months and cooler in the summer. They feature reinforced handles to make moving the bag during the growing season easy. The 300G non-woven fabric is soft enough to fold for easy storage.
Larger tomato grow bags are a perfect option to add companion plantings along with your tomatoes. One benefit of companion plantings is that it creates natural pest control. Visit our Companion Plants for Tomatoes article for more information.
The best part? These tomato bags come at an affordable price, so you can stay within your gardening budget!
One consideration is that once they’re filled with soil, the larger sizes may be too heavy to move. Plan accordingly and consider filling the grow bag in the spot where it will remain for the duration of the season.
Pros
- Good stitching
- Perfect for apartment or urban gardening in small spaces
Cons
- Can dry out quickly if not watered regularly
AC Infinity Heavy Duty Fabric Pots
For those interested in purchasing products specifically made in the U.S., the AC Infinity Heavy Duty Fabric Pots are manufactured by a California-based company. AC Infinity has an extensive product list for all your gardening needs, including options for hydroponics.
Product Features
These bags feature grommet “rings” for anchoring twist ties or twine to train your tomatoes. Nylon handles make it easy to move your bag at any growth stage without the threat of breakage. AC Infinity designed these tomato grow bags with air pruning and drainage in mind.
Each AC Infinity bag measures 1/2″ wider than many others available on the market. They’re also made of a 500G non-woven fabric, which is thicker than competitor products. With reinforced double stitching, these bags are durable for any weather and stand up to long-term use!
This durability does come with a higher price tag, but you can rest easy knowing AC Infinity Heavy Duty Fabric Pots are top-of-the-line US-made products.
Pros
- Easier to move because they hold shape better
- Great drainage
Cons
- More expensive than other brands
Best Tomato Grow Bags Buyer’s Guide
Types Of Grow Bags
Some grow bags are geared more toward root vegetables, while others are advertised for flowers. Purchasing the right grow bag for your tomatoes will give them the best chance of taking root and producing the best quality tomatoes possible. Be sure to research which of our Top Picks is right for your needs.
Materials
Grow bags are made of thick fabric to ensure the sides are sturdy and don’t collapse when filled with soil. However, the fabric is flexible enough to fold over the top portion of the bag if needed. Some bags are available with a wider mouth, something more suited for growing tomatoes, which need room for the roots to grow both in-depth and horizontally.
A quality tomato grow bag is made of water-resistant material that keeps the soil moist and has excellent ventilation. The bag’s ventilation reduces mold and allows proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
What To Look For In Product
When searching for the tomato grow bag right for you, look for a wider mouth for easier planting. The seams should have durable stitching that won’t rip or tear during usage.
A flat bottom will keep it from collapsing while filling it with soil. Sturdy handles allow you to move the bag once it’s filled.
How to Use the Product
Upon receiving your new grow bags, unfold them and check the size (mistakes happen!) Examine the stitching and edges to ensure no manufacturer defects before planting. You wouldn’t want to discover that once your tomatoes have taken root!
Prepare the Bag
Place the bag where you intend to leave it most of the time. Once the bag is filled, it can be moved, but it will be heavy. Plan ahead when and where you might want to move it and make sure the pathway to the final location is clear.
Tip: lining the bottom of your tomato grow bag with newspaper can extend the bag’s life!
Add Soil and Plant Your Tomato
Fill the bag with a small portion of soil if you are planting a starter plant that has already taken root. Once you’ve set the tomato plant in the bag, fill in around it with enough soil for the plant to grow. If you only partially fill the bag, the fabric will be flexible enough to fold the sides down.
If you’re planting seeds, fill bags with the desired amount of soil and space seeds according to the directions for your specific tomato variety. Start by filling your pot about 80% full and add additional soil as needed.
Water Properly
Place the entire bag into a large shallow tray of water so the roots will be thoroughly watered immediately. Allow the bag to soak in the water for about two hours.
Next, add 2″ of mulch to the top of your tomatoes. This will keep the soil moist and your tomatoes healthy during extreme temperature changes. Water from the top of the bag until moist.
Other Considerations
Be sure you’ve placed the grow bag where it receives the proper sun. Water in the morning and check the soil in the afternoon to see if it needs additional watering – soil in grow bags dries out faster than in other containers. There’s no need to worry about overwatering since these bags are designed with drainage at the bottom.
Moisture collecting on the outside of the bag creates a breeding ground for mold. If this happens, simply take a damp cloth and wipe the mold away, leaving the area dry when you’re finished.
Also, note where you’ve placed the grow bag. If it’s sitting on the ground, there’s a chance the roots may grow through the bottom, taking root in the ground beneath. So choose your location wisely!
Benefits of Using a Tomato Grow Bag
There are several benefits of using a fabric grow bag over traditional plastic or clay pot containers. First, they’re much lighter than pots which makes moving the bag easier.
They’re also a less expensive option than pots. Every gardener wants juicy tomatoes to grace their table, and saving a few dollars while you’re at it helps!
Add Tomato Grow Bags to your Garden
Searching for a tomato grow bag that’s right for you can be a daunting task. However, these are the best of the best within each category!
The Vivosun Nonwoven Fabric Pots are a great pick for brand-new gardeners and for seasoned gardeners wanting to try fabric bag planters. Available from 1 gallon up to 30 gallons, this grow bag will more than meet your expectations.
For more information on how to grow and care for your tomato garden, health benefits, recipes, and answers to frequently asked questions, visit our Tomato Plants page!