Outdoor filling a hole vs. lining it with a bag. Please help!

[jreffa456]

Hi, I thought it would be a good idea to dig out holes and line them with three gallon grow bags (these grow bags are kinda just like garbage bags) to seperate them from the soil because I am using a soilless mix in it.

Are there any major dis/advantages to this? Thanks in advance for any input.

 

[mooons]

Im interested in this topic also. But from what I have read on the past the container drying out and getting rootbound are problems. For me root bound isnt a big deal I dont want full out trees lol....copters scare me...

 

[Muddy]

Personally, I've never lined my holes. Let the roots go where they will. No real reason they need to be restricted, regardless of the mix you are using.

I've tried soil less grows out doors and the results have been pretty dismal. With no amendments in the soil the plants are totally dependent on you feeding them. During rainy periods it's not unusual for the plant to stay wet for a week or more. By adding some composted manure, guano or worm castings to the mix it will continue to feed the plants when you can't.

 

[*headpiECE*]

You can totally line your holes...as a matter of fact it will help retain moisture. As Muddy mentioned, make sure your soilless mix is amended with plenty of nutes for the plant. I would also go bigger than 3 gallons with your lining, or poke a hole or three in the bottom of the liner to prevent root-binding.

For the record, it's not necessary, and won't make too much of a difference. The only real benefit of containers/liners in the ground is a small amount of increased water retention, and/or root restriction can help force photos to flower a little earlier.

 

[mooons]

Only reason I consider it is stealthyness

 

[pauliewalnuts]

I agree that it will retain moisture and restrict roots invasions,
but is also eliminates your roots from stretching out finding other
water sources.


Cheers