Trying to Garden in June Using Soil Bags

June in Arizona is not for the faint of heart — and neither is gardening in it. Temperatures regularly climb past 110°F in the Phoenix metro area, and the sun beats down with a ferocity that can wilt even the most heat-loving plants. But here at Green Thumb Hobbies, we believe there's always a way to grow, even in the brutal Arizona summer. One of our favorite low-effort, high-reward strategies? Gardening directly in soil bags.

What Is Bag Gardening?

Bag gardening (sometimes called "bag planting" or "grow bag gardening") is exactly what it sounds like: you plant directly into a bag of potting or garden soil without ever transferring it to a raised bed or container. It's cheap, portable, and surprisingly effective — especially in the summer months when you want to minimize how much time you spend outside in the heat.

Why It Works in June

In June, the ground in Arizona is like concrete — hard, hot, and completely inhospitable to tender roots. Soil bags, by contrast, are elevated off the ground slightly, drain well, and can be positioned in shaded areas of your yard or patio. You can even move them around to chase the shade as the sun moves throughout the day.

How to Get Started

• Pick up a few bags of quality potting mix — look for mixes that include perlite or vermiculite for drainage.

• Lay the bag flat and cut a rectangular opening in the top, leaving about 2 inches of border.

• Poke drainage holes in the bottom of the bag (the side now facing up) — about 6-8 holes.

• Water the soil inside thoroughly before planting.

• Plant heat-tolerant starts like sweet potatoes, Armenian cucumbers, or black-eyed peas.

• Mulch the top of the bag with straw or wood chips to retain moisture.

• Water early in the morning — ideally before 7 AM — to prevent evaporation.

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Best Plants for Bag Gardening in June

Not everything will survive a Phoenix June, but these plants are warriors:

• Sweet Potatoes – They love the heat and sprawl beautifully.

• Armenian Cucumber – A desert classic. Incredibly prolific in the heat.

• Black-Eyed Peas – Heat-tolerant legumes that fix nitrogen in the soil.

• Herbs like Basil and Rosemary – They thrive in hot, dry conditions.

• Okra – One of the few vegetables that actually performs better the hotter it gets.

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Tips for June Success

• Water deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth.

• Use shade cloth (30-40%) over delicate plants during peak afternoon hours (12 PM – 5 PM).

• Add a layer of mulch on top of the bag to keep roots cooler.

• Check moisture levels daily — bags dry out faster than raised beds.

• Consider drip irrigation or a soaker hose setup to automate watering.

Bag gardening in June isn't just possible — it can be surprisingly fun. There's something satisfying about working WITH the desert heat instead of fighting it. Give it a try this summer and let us know how it goes in the comments below!