Your complete
guide to growing
with Shrivaya
Everything you need to get the best from your grow bags — from first fill to season storage.
Getting started
Setting up your Shrivaya grow bag takes less than 10 minutes. Follow these steps for the best results.
Unfold and inspect
Remove the grow bag from its packaging and unfold it fully. Check for any transit damage. The coloured bands at the top and bottom are the reinforced sections — this is normal.
Choose your spot
Place the bag where it will live before filling — it becomes heavy once filled with soil. Most plants need 4–6 hours of direct sunlight. A sunny balcony corner or terrace edge works perfectly.
Add a saucer or tray (optional but recommended)
Place a saucer or drip tray underneath to catch water runoff and protect your floor. This lets you water generously without worry. Any plastic or clay saucer works.
Fill with growing medium
Use a good quality potting mix — available at any nursery. For the 9×9 inch bag, you need approximately 8–10 litres of mix. For the 12×12 inch bag, approximately 15–18 litres. Fill to about 2 inches below the top rim to allow room for watering.
Plant and water in
Make a hole in the centre of the soil, place your seedling, sapling, or seeds, and firm the soil gently around it. Water thoroughly until you see moisture come through the fabric sides — this confirms drainage is working correctly.
First watering tip: After planting, water slowly and deeply rather than a quick splash. This settles the soil around the roots and activates the drainage system. You will see water seeping through the fabric walls — that is exactly what should happen.
How and when to water
Fabric grow bags drain faster than clay or plastic pots — this is a feature, not a flaw. It means your roots never sit in stagnant water. It also means you need to water a little more frequently.
The finger test: Push your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry at that depth, it is time to water. If it still feels moist, wait another day. This is the most reliable method regardless of season.
Water slowly and evenly across the surface rather than in one spot. Continue until you see moisture appearing on the outside of the fabric — this means water has reached the bottom of the root zone. Morning watering is best as it gives the fabric time to dry during the day, reducing the chance of mould.
What to grow in your Shrivaya bags
Both sizes work beautifully for a wide range of plants. Use this guide to choose the right bag for what you want to grow.
| Plant | Best Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Marigold | 9×9 inch | Excellent for balconies, bright colour, low maintenance |
| Petunias | 9×9 inch | Cascading varieties look beautiful over the bag edge |
| Rose (miniature) | 12×12 inch | Needs room for roots; water daily in summer |
| Tulsi / Holy Basil | 9×9 inch | Thrives in fabric bags, excellent drainage suits it perfectly |
| Mint | 9×9 inch | Grows fast; keep one bag per plant to avoid spread |
| Coriander / Dhaniya | 9×9 inch | Sow seeds directly; harvest outer leaves regularly |
| Chilli / Mirchi | 9×9 inch | Loves the air-pruning effect; produces well in 9×9 |
| Curry Leaf / Kadipatta | 12×12 inch | Slow to establish but rewards patience; prune regularly |
| Money Plant | 9×9 inch | Works well indoors near a window; water moderately |
| Aloe Vera | 9×9 inch | Needs very good drainage — fabric bags are ideal |
| Ferns | 9×9 inch | Keep in shade or indirect light; keep soil consistently moist |
| Hibiscus / Gudhal | 12×12 inch | Large flowering plant; needs the bigger bag for best blooms |
General rule: If a plant grows tall (above 60cm) or spreads wide, choose the 12×12 inch. For everything compact — herbs, small flowers, trailing plants — the 9×9 inch is perfect.
Caring through the seasons
India’s seasons affect your grow bags and plants differently. Here is what to keep in mind throughout the year.
Summer (Mar–Jun)
Water daily, preferably in the morning. Move bags away from harsh afternoon sun if plants show stress. The fabric helps prevent overheating compared to black plastic pots.
Monsoon (Jul–Sep)
Drainage becomes your biggest advantage. Reduce watering and let rainfall do the work. If bags are outdoors, they handle heavy rain naturally — no waterlogging.
Post-Monsoon (Oct–Nov)
Excellent growing season. Most flowering plants thrive now. Increase watering frequency as temperatures drop and evaporation slows. Great time to plant new seedlings.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Water every 2–3 days. Most plants slow growth — reduce fertiliser. Bags can stay outdoors. For sensitive plants, move them to a sheltered spot during cold nights.
Do’s and Don’ts
- Use quality potting mix
- Water deeply each time
- Use a saucer or tray below
- Move bags using the handles
- Fertilise every 3–4 weeks
- Clean bags after each season
- Fold flat for storage
- Choose the right size for your plant
- Use garden soil alone
- Let soil dry out completely
- Drag bags on rough surfaces
- Use bleach to clean
- Store while still wet
- Overfill above the top rim
- Place in zero-light spots
- Ignore yellowing leaves
About fertiliser: Because fabric bags drain freely, nutrients also wash out faster than in closed pots. Use a slow-release fertiliser once a month, or a liquid fertiliser every 2–3 weeks during the growing season for best results.
Cleaning & storage
With proper care, your Shrivaya grow bags will last 3+ growing seasons. Here is how to clean and store them correctly.
Empty and remove roots
At the end of a growing season, remove the plant and shake out as much soil as possible. Most roots will come out with the soil — for stubborn roots, use your hands to pull them free gently.
Rinse thoroughly
Rinse the bag inside and out with plain water. A gentle hosepipe or bucket works well. You can also soak it in a bucket of water for 30 minutes to loosen any stubborn soil.
Dry completely
This step is important. Hang the bag in a well-ventilated spot or lay flat in the sun until completely dry inside and out. Do not store while damp — this can cause mould on the fabric.
Fold and store
Once dry, fold the bag flat and store in a cool, dry place — a shelf, cupboard, or drawer. The bags fold very compactly and take up almost no space. They are ready to use again next season.
Reuse tip: The soil from your grow bag can be refreshed and reused. Mix in some fresh compost or potting mix (about 30%) before replanting in the next season. This saves money and reduces waste.