Punchline: Great as a gift or a fun hobby, but not ideal for serious prepping.
This past summer, I was feeling FOMO after reading all the amazing gardening stories from Josh, Redneck, and others in the community. I wanted to get started growing something in my backyard, but I couldn’t plant directly in the soil. So I decided to go with a raised bed setup. However, I was too busy to build one myself or do proper research on ready-made options. That’s when I came across Back to the Roots and thought, “Why not give it a try?†Back to the Roots is a U.S.-based company that sells organic seeds, potting mix, and growing kits—like mushroom kits, hydroponics systems, and fabric raised beds. Their mission is to “reconnect every family and new generation back to where food comes from,†and they’re B Corp certified. No green thumb or backyard? No problem. I bought: - A $25 3 cubic foot fabric raised bed - A $25 self-watering fabric pot with an Olla system - A $30 beginner seed pack Fabric raised beds are supposed to be breathable, which helps promote healthy root growth. They’re also easy to set up because there’s no building involved, and the fabric is lightweight. Both the bed and pot are made of thick felt with stitched-in handles. The 3 cu ft bed has internal dividers, making it easy to grow different plants or use a square-foot garden method. The material feels durable and sturdy. Setting it up was straightforward: just unfold the fabric, fill it with soil, and you're good to go. The hardest part was carrying the soil to the bed, but other than that, it was smooth sailing. The self-watering pot has a 5-gallon capacity and includes a small terracotta Olla that holds about 20 oz (or 2.5 cups) of water. The stopper is rubber. An Olla is an unglazed clay pot used for sub-surface irrigation, a technique that’s been around for thousands of years in arid regions. I planted some cherry tomatoes indoors first, then moved the best ones into the fabric pot with the Olla. I also planted radishes directly in the raised bed. The tomato plant did okay, but I realized that one plant isn’t enough for two people. We ended up snacking on them as they ripened, but we never had enough for a real salad. As for the Olla, I wasn’t super impressed. I expected it to keep the soil moist for a few days, but I ended up refilling it almost daily, and the soil still dried out quickly. I think a combination of factors played a role: high temperatures (over 95°F), the relatively small amount of soil in the 5-gallon pot, and the fact that it was a fabric bed. Fabric can lose moisture faster, especially in heat. Plus, the Olla might have been too small for this setup. The bed was on a cement patio, which probably added more heat. Another issue was that the more I watered, the more the soil compacted, causing the sides of the rectangular bed to collapse. This created shadows inside the bed, which affected the radishes. Some of the radishes didn’t develop properly—they grew long stems instead of bulbs. One of the handles broke when I tried to move the bed while it was full. Not a big deal, but a bit frustrating. I also didn’t like how visible the logo was, so I turned it away from our seating area. While their "Grow One, Give One" campaign is nice, I don’t love when logos are too prominent. The grey fabric also got stained from water and soil over time. It’s not a functional issue, just an aesthetic one. I wasn’t expecting that, but I’ve gotten used to it now. Overall, I’m glad I tried the fabric beds and the Olla. I plan to use them again next year and maybe test the other seeds from the pack. It could be a good way to see if they still germinate. **But are these products worth it for prepping?** Honestly, no. If I were trying to grow enough food for two people, I wouldn’t rely on these. I’d need larger beds and cheaper alternatives. I also think fabric beds might not be the best fit for my climate. When I’m ready to scale up, I’ll probably go with traditional raised beds instead. As for the seeds, I don’t see any reason to think they’re worse than other organic seeds. But they’re definitely pricier. For example, a pack of Roma tomatoes from Back to the Roots costs $2.99, while similar ones at Home Depot are $2.49. You might even find better deals at a local nursery. Terracotta Ollas are expensive on their own, but DIY versions are much cheaper and widely available online. **Who are these products for?** I think they’re perfect for kids, urban dwellers, or anyone who wants to try gardening without the hassle of planning a full garden. Even though some items are pricier, they often run promotions, and the overall experience is user-friendly. Plus, they offer money-back guarantees, growing support, and free STEM resources for kids. Bonus: Check out Ubique’s excellent forum post on drought and food production prep—it’s a great read.Car Diffuser,Car Oil Diffuser,Car Perfume Diffuser,Car Fragrance Diffuser
Jiangsu Raymeel Home Decoration Co., Ltd. , https://www.raymeelhome.com