You can use the fabric grocery bags from Publix etc. just as well, although with anything that's dyed there's some concern about the possibility of leaching.

I'm looking to grow tomatoes and peppers, so the publix bags wouldn't be big enough, I wouldn't think. These would be nice size I thought.

I would think they'd be unstable for tomatoes, myself, unless you have an unusually small plant or absolutely no wind ever.

EDIT That is, unless you have them next to some kind of trellis or cattle panel or something similar to support the plants.

This post was edited by writersblock on Sun, Jan 20, 13 at 21:56

I have my hibiscus in a smart pot and it is great. There is no problem with tipping over, because I used gritty mix and the ingredients are pretty heavy. Also, the soil settles when you water, so it kind of conforms to the shape of the bag (if that makes sense). Basically, I wouldn't worry about it tipping over. The only issue I have is that the handles on mine aren't very durable (they are cut from the felt material) so I feel like they will tear every time I move it. So far so good, though, and I've had mine for over a year. Definitely recommend.

According to the mfg. you can use straight compost in the root bags. You don't have to worry about drainage as much as in a pot. So I bought some and put 2 cherry tomatoes and a pepper in straight compost. They actually seem quite stable. I dont think I can use my tomato cages, I will use them in front of a panel. I just wonder if they will last 3-4 years here in the brutal Florida sun.