EverGrow Bags restrict and contain roots. When planted, fine roots penetrate the fabric and grow into the surrounding soil. As they thicken, they get squeezed by the outer material, reducing vigor. This restriction diverts energy from root, wood, and leaf growth to flower, fruit, and nut production. Above ground, roots air prune naturally, maintaining a healthy cycle of new roots forming.

Bag size and pruning control the tree's final size. Below ground, a bag supports a canopy around 10 times its size. Above ground, growth is more restricted, so use a larger bag to hold moisture longer.

Size Guide:

• 10L: Small ornamental trees, bulbs, flowers, herbs.
• 20L: Leafy trees, small to medium fruit trees.
• 30L: Fruit trees, berries, ornamentals, bulbs.
• 40L: Large fruit trees, nuts, ornamentals, bulbs.
• 80L: Large trees, fruits, vegetables; holds more moisture and supports bigger trunks.

Check your plant’s needs. For above-ground planting, use quality container mix. For below-ground, mix soil with compost or potting mix. Partly fill the bag, press soil firmly, prune roots if necessary, and add soil around the roots. Leave a 2-3 cm gap at the top, add stone or bark to suppress weeds and retain moisture. Ensure proper drainage; plant at half depth or above ground if needed. Protect plants in strong winds with stakes and stretchy ties, and support heavy branches with soft ties.

Place EverGrow Bags inside pots to prevent root-bound plants. Secure the tree/pot to prevent wind damage. The bag’s white base is waterproof; ensure water can seep through the sides to the pot’s drainage holes by using a loose layer of pebbles.

Water regularly during the fruiting season, less in winter. Above-ground bags need extra watering. If the mix dries out, soak the whole bag in water. To retain moisture, use a slanting saucer, shade the bag, mound soil or woodchips, or use a wicking bed or slow dripping system.

When planting a young fruit tree (pip & stone fruit) in an EverGrow Bag, we recommend a header cut between knee and hip height (500mm-1m). Leave at least 15-20cm of trunk above the highest grafting scar. Apply pruning sealer. This helps create a low, compact structure. Header cuts are best made in late Autumn through very early Spring.

Do not make a header cut on bush-type edibles like Feijoa, Blueberry, citrus, hazelnuts, etc. They already have their early branching structure. Topping may seem brutal, but your tree will respond in Spring by producing new branches. Prune and train the best-placed buds into your desired shape, and remove unwanted buds. Stone fruits usually suit an ‘open vase’ shape, while pip fruits are often shaped with a ‘central leader’ or ‘espalier’ style.

EverGrow Bags restrict and partly contain roots. Fine roots can penetrate the fabric and grow into the surrounding soil but are squeezed by the strong outer material, reducing their vigor and directing more energy towards flowers, fruit, and nuts.

Above ground, root tips 'air prune' when they reach the sidewalls and sense the open air, causing the plant to constantly produce new, healthy branching roots. This natural air pruning prevents roots from growing in a constricted pattern. There’s no need to root prune or repot, as there is a healthy cycle of old roots breaking down and new roots forming.

Fertilize in autumn with Potassium to promote flower buds. Use a low nitrogen fertilizer (5-10-10) in spring and early summer. Most trees benefit from compost mulch and liquid fertilizer. Flush excess salts if a white crust forms.

Growth rate and size vary by species. Adjust training methods and spacing as needed. To manage vigorous growth, fertilize and water less, replant at half height, or shorten protruding roots.

EverGrow Bags can be heavy. Follow safe lifting practices, such as team lifting or using a sack barrow.

Walnuts are not recommended due to their long taproot. EverGrow Bags will not restrict raspberry roots when planted in the ground. For avocados, refer to the "Growing Avocados in EverGrow Bags" page.