Fabric Grow Bags vs Plastic Pots?
By Nate Sawyer, Editor · Updated July 2026
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247Garden 5-Gallon Aeration Fabric Grow Bags (5-Pack)
A budget 5-pack of breathable 5-gallon aeration fabric bags that excel for small-space and balcony vegetables, air-pruning roots to prevent the circling of plastic pots and folding flat for storage. The tradeoffs are longevity and watering: the fabric dries out fast and needs frequent watering, the soft sides can slump, and it degrades after a few UV seasons.
| Type | Aeration fabric grow bags |
|---|---|
| Material | BPA-free nonwoven aeration fabric (260 GSM) |
| Size | 5 gallon (~10"H x 12"D), with handles, 5-pack |
| Drainage | Fully breathable fabric (drains everywhere, air-prunes roots) |
| Best for | Balcony, patio and small-space vegetable growing |
Bloem Ariana 20" Self-Watering Resin Patio Planter
An affordable, big-capacity 20-inch resin patio planter with a simple self-watering disk, ideal for filling a patio with large plants without ceramic's weight; its 11-gallon volume holds a small tree, and the UV-protected resin resists fading. Manage expectations: the disk is a basic reservoir, the thin walls look cheap, and it can blow over in wind.
| Type | Large resin patio planter with self-watering disk |
|---|---|
| Material | UV-protected durable plastic resin |
| Size | 21.5" top dia x 17" H, ~11 gallon capacity |
| Drainage | Sealed bottom with knock-out holes; includes self-watering disk |
| Best for | Big patio container plants and small shrubs/trees |
Our verdict
For growing vegetables in small spaces, fabric grow bags win on root health and price: breathable fabric air-prunes roots and prevents circling, and a 5-pack costs less than a single large pot. The tradeoff is that fabric dries out fast and needs more frequent watering, and the bags degrade after a few seasons. A rigid plastic or resin pot holds moisture longer, stands upright on its own and lasts years, making it the better pick for permanent patio plantings and larger specimen plants. Choose fabric bags for cheap, high-yield seasonal veg you'll water often; choose a plastic pot for a set, long-lived patio display.