Should you use plastic bags as hanging basket liners?
Written by
Julia Anderson
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Using plastic bags as hanging basket liners is a recipe for disaster. There is not enough drainage, leading to your roots drowning in all that water that is trapped inside the liner. They degrade quickly once exposed to sunlight, causing microplastics to bind to your soil. I have saved many plants from this common problem. Instead of using plastic bags, use a liner specifically designed for plant growth and care.
Drainage Dangers
- Plastic bags cause waterlogging since they lack drainage holes
- Stagnant moisture leads to root rot within weeks
- Proper liners have designed perforations or natural drainage
- Test drainage by pouring water through before planting
Material Failure
- UV exposure degrades bags quickly requiring replacement
- Tears spread microplastics into soil and plants
- Commercial liners withstand years of sun and rain
- Recycled felt offers durability without environmental harm
Healthy Alternatives
- Coconut coir provides natural drainage and moisture control
- Pre-punched plastic liners ensure proper water flow
- Jute fabric allows air circulation preventing mold
- Install alternatives using basic household scissors
Adequate air movement distinguishes quality liners from bags made of plastic medium. Roots require an exchange of oxygen that is impossible with suffocating plastic. Natural fibers, including coir, produce dozens of tiny air pockets. I can check the breathability of the liner material by feeling how much air leaks through the material with my fingertip. Your plants grow stronger with minimal effort in this simple test.
Switching from bags to suitable liners will only take a matter of minutes. Carefully remove the older bag to minimize root disturbance. Take the time to measure the entire basket before cutting new liner material. I usually assist clients in switching during the spring repotting season. You'll begin to see your plants react positively within a few weeks of this action.
Thinking thrifty doesn't mean plastic bags will be the answer. Reused burlap bags serve as excellent temporary liners. Stacking a few pieces of stout cardboard for quick seasonal planters works. Landscape fabric scraps, from a project, worked just as well for planting seeds. Plants need a breathable solution, and who wants to sacrifice plants and soil to a plastic layer?
Read the full article: Everything About Hanging Basket Liners
