Is TikTok's Free Plant Grow Bag Trick Actually A Good Idea?

Gardening can be one of those hobbies that starts out as a way to save money, but rapidly becomes a sizable expense in and of itself. Supplies like containers, potting soil, fertilizer, and seeds or seedlings can quickly add up, potentially leaving you wondering whether you'd be financially better off just going back to buying your produce from the supermarket. It's no surprise, then, that TikTokkers like AussieNation have taken to the platform to share money-saving gardening tips like using plastic potting soil bags as an alternative to fabric grow bags for vegetables. But, is doing so safe for edible plants?

We asked Ashley Esakin, founder of Gardening in Canada, for her expert opinion. AussieNation's TikTok video has racked up over 280,000 views, so far. However — according to Esakin — its popularity doesn't make it a good idea. If you've seen similar hacks and found yourself tempted to try them in hopes of taking your garden from drab to fab on a budget, our gardening expert is here to spell out exactly why you should hesitate. 

While growing your own vegetables in reused potting soil bags definitely sounds like a fun, cute, and rather clever way to save yourself some money on plant supplies, combining edible plants and plastics isn't necessarily the most health-conscious plan. This comes down to the fact that not all plastics are considered to be food-safe. "Plastics that are not food-safe are known to break down quickly and release microplastics into the soil," Ashley Esakin exclusively explained to House Digest. "These are up-taken by the plants and ultimately by humans who consume these plants."

Consuming microplastics — according to the United Nations Development Programme — has been associated with a possible increased risk of reproductive health challenges, insulin resistance and weight gain, endocrine disruption, and even cancer. These potential health risks are unlikely to be worth taking to in order to save some money, even by the most frugal of gardeners. 

If you've been searching for a more affordable alternative to repurposed plastic grow bags, it might feel a little disappointing to learn that a hack as cheap and simple as growing your edible vegetables in old potting soil bags isn't advisable. Fortunately, however, there are similar alternatives that don't pose the same health risks. Basic uncoated cardboard boxes are a simple, biodegradable and reusable alternative, according to Ashley Esakin, along with other common household items you might never have thought of.

"Cardboard boxes, pillow cases, clothing, and food-safe buckets are all alternatives that are free," the expert exclusively shared with House Digest. She even recommends these free alternatives over some inexpensive grow bags. "Conventional grow bags from a reputable source are safe," she elaborated. "Grow bags from Amazon or Temu, however, may be questionable," Esakin continued. "For that reason, I lean towards the alternatives."