Grow Bags vs Raised Beds: Which One Should You Buy?

You’ve got seeds in your hand, dirt under your nails, and one big question: Should I use grow bags or build raised beds?

I’ve gardened in both and I’ll be honest, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But depending on your space, your budget, and how much you want to grow, one might be a better fit for you right now. Before I got started with raised beds, grow bags were the most practical for my family on 6 on a tight budget. I needed to prove to myself that I could grow food, and that passion only grew over the years.

So let’s break it down. Here’s everything I wish I knew when I started growing food in my backyard—from someone who’s planted tomatoes in totes, herbs in grow bags, and root veggies in raised beds made from scrap wood.

Table of Contents:

What Are Grow Bags?

Grow bags are portable fabric containers made from breathable material. They come in all sizes (1–100 gallons!) and can be used on patios, decks, or straight on the ground.

Pros:

• Lightweight + easy to move
• Great for renters, patios, or small spaces
• Good drainage and air circulation for healthy roots
• Fold flat for storage at the end of the season

Cons:

• Dry out faster than wooden beds
• Less durable (usually last 2–3 seasons)
• May need more frequent watering

What Are Raised Beds?

Raised beds are framed garden boxes—usually made from wood, metal, or composite—that you fill with soil and compost.

Pros:

• Long-lasting and sturdy
• Holds more soil = deeper root growth
• Easier to weed + manage over time
• More permanent (great for perennials!)

Cons:

• Requires building or buying a kit
• Higher upfront cost
• Not easily movable once filled

🛒 Product Picks: Grow Bags & Raised Beds

Best Grow Bags for Beginners

• Vivosun 5-Pack 7 Gallon Grow Bags – Heavy-duty handles, great for tomatoes, peppers, potatoes
• Root Pouch Fabric Planters – Eco-friendly + breathable
• PHYEX Heavy-Duty Grow Bags – Reinforced stitching and excellent for large plants

Best Raised Bed Kits

• Greenes Cedar Raised Bed Kit – Natural wood, dovetail joints, expandable
• Best Choice Galvanized Metal Bed – Rust-resistant and modern
• Vita Gardens Vinyl Raised Bed – No tools needed, durable for years

🔗 Compare them here

Which One Should You Choose?

Go with grow bags if you…

• Have limited space or rent your home
• Need something lightweight or seasonal
• Want a low-cost way to get started

Go with raised beds if you…

• Want a more permanent garden setup
• Have poor native soil or drainage
• Plan to grow more food long-term

There’s No Wrong Choice

I’ve grown lettuce in 5-gallon grow bags on my porch, and harvested beets from a raised bed by the barn. Both worked. Both fed my family.

Start where you are. Use what you have. And grow what you can.

Happy Gardening Linnea

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