There’s no one-size-fits-all in farming, or even in mesh bags for that matter. What works like a charm for onions might turn into a mess for garlic. Potatoes packed the wrong way can go from “farm fresh” to “farm flop” before they ever reach the stand. Whether you’re bagging by the bushel or bundling for market, picking the right mesh makes a difference in produce safety and quality.
These six tips will help you choose the right mesh bags for different crops, keeping your produce looking sharp and holding strong. Here’s what to keep in mind before making your next bulk bag order.
Match Mesh to the Crop
Think of mesh size like the Goldilocks principle. Too big, and you’ll lose your garlic; too small, and your squash will suffocate. Fine mesh is perfect for pint-sized produce that needs containment, such as shallots, garlic, or pearl onions.
Bulkier veggies like cabbage or eggplant will do just fine with larger openings that let them breathe. No vegetable wants to feel like it’s been shrink-wrapped. A little airflow goes a long way in keeping things crisp, not composty.
Know the Load Limits
Even the best-looking mesh bag can buckle under pressure if it’s not built for the job. Heavy hitters like potatoes or turnips need bags with reinforced seams and industrial-strength material.
Test each new batch of bags with a 50-pound load at least a month before peak harvest. This could save you a serious headache later.
Pick the Right Handles
Handles can make or break your bag game. Do you need to hang bags from a rack? Haul them across the barn? Let customers pick up and go? Loop handles or drawstrings make all of that smoother than a fresh-picked cucumber.
On the other hand, if you’re shipping wholesale by the crate, plain open-top bags will do just fine—no fancy frills required.
Use Colors With Purpose
There’s more behind that bright red mesh than just good looks. Color isn’t just for eye candy; it can be functional, too. Red mesh produce bags, for example, make onions or potatoes stand out and signal freshness with a pop.
Some farmers even assign bag colors by crop, turning sorting and selling into a well-oiled, color-coded machine. It’s a small choice that saves big time.
Don’t Skip Labeling Features
You’d be surprised how many farmers overlook this one. Some mesh bags come with writable tags or built-in label space. These are lifesavers when you’re juggling six varieties of spuds and need to tell Yukon Gold from russet at a glance.
A clearly labeled bag keeps your goods—and your buyers—happy.
Save Time, Ship Smart
One of the best tips for choosing the right mesh bags for different crops is to work with a distributor that gets your timing needs. After all, tomatoes don’t wait around for late packaging.
Buy wholesale mesh produce bags from Globe Bag Company, just outside Boston, Massachusetts. We’re rooted in reliability and built for speed, with modern facilities near major highways to keep your harvest moving, not waiting.