4.21.2008

Gardenaut Review: Kids' Recycled Indoor Gardening Kit

Green Toys, whose kids' Dinnerware and Cooking Set was reviewed on Z Recommends today, was kind enough to send us their Indoor Gardening Kit to try out. The whole thing is made out of recycled milk jugs, which is what turned us on to the company and spurred us to request the products for review. The company is clearly onto something good and we're excited to watch them grow.

Green Toys' Indoor Gardening Kit comes with three pots, a plastic spade, a tray with a great molded plastic design, appropriately-sized peat pellets, and three packets with a few seeds each of zinnias, basil, and sunflowers. The futuristic planting method is no-muss, no-fuss: Drop a pellet in a pot, fill with water, wait 30 minutes, fluff up your new peat, press seeds into the soil, and your hands are finally dirty!

Our only quibble with the overall design is that the pots don't have drainage holes, but this is a feature imposed by design, as the all-inclusive, soak-the-peat-pellet approach wouldn't work with pots that drain. But pots need to drain, particularly if they are plastic rather than ceramic - unglazed ceramic can at least wick away moisture gradually through the clay.

There is, of course, a broader issue that comes into play with a product from a company on a mission to green up our lives: Recycled plastic really can't compete, as far as environmental responsibility is concerned, with fired ceramic pots, can they? This inescapable fact makes this set less attractive to their potential audience than their gorgeous kids' play tea set, sandbox toys, or dinnerware and cooking set. But then again, there really doesn't seem to be anything else out there like this; the closest analogues are the science-kit-style "watch plants grow" cut-away view boxes, with dome terrariums coming in a distant third.

All in all, this is a really nicely-designed little kit - it's functional, attractive, and easy to use. If you're already gardening with your own child, the Indoor Gardening Kit probably isn't for you - just grab some pots and seeds and get to work. But if you want to encourage a budding gardener whose family doesn't have a lot of interest or commitment, know an apartment-bound kid who would like to watch stuff grow, or need a nice gift for a child you can't just take to your local nursery, Green Toys offers a thoughtful all-in-one option to give kids an easy, positive experience with growing things on their own.

104 comments:

Audrey The Cat said...

I don't know the numbers, but ceramic pots certainly consume a significant amount of fuel when they are being fired. On the other hand, the hydrocarbons in reused plastic have already been 'used' once, so the incremental hydrocarbon use to make the pots is small. Again, I don't know the numbers but the greenest alternative is not necessarily obvious. Now if we're talking asthetics, ceramics wins no contest.

tj sondermann said...

One of the other issues re: the green demographic, is the use of peat pellets. Not entirely sustainable, depending on whom you ask. http://tinyurl.com/3vmebf

Jeremiah McNichols said...

@Brian: Interesting point. Makes me wonder. But actually, those pots are pretty cute - not sure our flash photography did them justice.

@TJ: Yes, I almost put that in the post, but felt like a hypocrite - we have three half wine barrels full of peat at this very moment, as the supposedly perfect growing medium for our blueberries (in Texas, we consider it a badge of honor to succeed at growing them). Beyond that, we pretty much avoid peat for the reasons you mentioned (An aside to anyone reading: Peat is found in bogs and grows very slowly, and it is harvested at a drastically unsustainable rate and cannot replenish itself in the altered conditions, with the ecosystem suffering as a result.) and we gave up on peat pots long ago.

anjila smith said...

Great job you people are doing with this website. visit them

Unknown said...

Your articles and contents are inspirational.
recipes videos

Anonymous said...

I’m glad to find so many useful and informative data on your website. Click Fika Fika Link

Unknown said...

The lineament of your articles and listing is large.
Relationship with Ecco Tower Co

Anonymous said...

You guys out there are performing a great job. Relationship Issues With AM-tek Center

Unknown said...

Your articles don't displace around the bushes correct t to the part.
Relationship Advice by Ruff Services

Unknown said...

Thumbs up guys your doing a truly terrific job.
Congress Ticketing Advice

Anonymous said...

The stuff written in the blogs have allured me!!! More about Video sign 2010

Anonymous said...

Job fit done guys, wellborn content.Get more info about Chang Sinsa

Unknown said...

I admired your helpful words. Top class contribution. I really hope you’ll write more. I'll continue looking for.
online payday loan lenders

Unknown said...

Nobody can reject the info you have given in the blogs, this is actually a great work.
payday loan

Anonymous said...

Hi, I really need the information more as you have provided in this valuable blog. http://greenstart.net/

Unknown said...

These are the great blogs; I assure you that I really enjoyed a lot in reading. Welcome to Tina Davis Noble

Unknown said...

Nice answers in replace of the question with real point of view and explaining about that.
Relationship Issues With Finger Gate

Unknown said...

The knowledge on your website never confuses me
Cabanas 4x4 Website

Unknown said...

Outstanding blog you guys have preserved there, I totally valuate the effort.
Coloquioluso Brasileiro Tips

Unknown said...

It’s an outstanding article in favor of all the web guests; they will get benefit from it I am confident.
Relationships by Riskm

Unknown said...

I feel ecstatic I found you website and blogs.
Learn More About TNHY Brids

Unknown said...

I feel ecstatic I found you website and blogs.
Learn More About TNHY Brids

Unknown said...

Keep it up; keep posting more n more n more.
TST Pc Advice|Relationship Advice by TST Pc

Micheal Clark said...

The blog is good enough I again n again read this.
Click Otgar Link

Unknown said...

It’s a classic great for me to go to this blog site, it offers helpful suggestions online payday loan lenders

Avocet Steel said...

I’m surely coming again to read these articles and blogs
reclaim ppi

Avocet Steel said...

I’m surely coming again to read these articles and blogs
reclaim ppi

Anonymous said...

Amazing information in this blog here that is truly glancing over the every aspects of topic.
accident claims

Cool boy said...

Amazing blogs you have guys!! Keeps the ball rolling…..Direct Mail Marketing Company

Anonymous said...

I want plenty of articles and blogs please upload shortly. ppi reclaim

Unknown said...

I feel pleasure to read the content that you are posting.
life insurance rates

Unknown said...

Your writers are enormously tremendous.
ecigkits

Unknown said...

A huge round of applause, keep it up.
PPI Claims

Unknown said...

Those who are still far from your site they are missing the more brilliant stuff of the blogs.
PPI Claims

Unknown said...

Ahaa, it’s nice conversation on the subject of this post at this place, I actually have read all that, therefore at this time me additionally commenting at this place.
Payment Protection Insuranceclaims

Unknown said...

Unexpected work you people do with this webpage. cash loans online

Unknown said...

Inconceivable points. Sound arguments. Keep going the truly amazing work. here

Unknown said...

I love this blog because it is user friendly with appreciative information. auto insurance rates

Unknown said...

You guys abolish it real straightforward for all the oldsters out there. andriod central

Unknown said...

The blog is good enough I again n again read this. technology management

Anonymous said...

Wow, awesome blog, thanks for the article. Szuleszet Website

Unknown said...

good skin I'd like to take the power of thanking you for that specialized guidance I've constantly enjoyed viewing your blog.

Unknown said...

Fascinating information I haven’t been experienced such information in quite a long time.web statics

Unknown said...

Awesome blog! Now In anticipation of a follow-up …. cash loan online

Unknown said...

congratulations guys, quality information you have given!!! life insurance costs

Unknown said...

congratulations guys, quality information you have given!!! ppi reclaim

Unknown said...

I agree with most of your points, but a few need to be discussed further, I will hold a small talk with my partners and maybe I will look for you some suggestion soon..
Web Developers Bangalore

Anonymous said...

The deep you dig into the subject and give us the accurate data is appreciable. car insurance

Anonymous said...

I’m glad to find so many useful and informative data on your website.
ppi reclaim

Leona said...

I’m glad to find so many useful and informative data on your website.
PPI

Leona said...

The deep you dig into the subject and give us the accurate data is appreciable.
PPI Claims

Anonymous said...

The quality of information that you are providing is simply marvelous.
Relationship with Boob Scam Exam

Unknown said...

This is my very first time that I am visiting here and I’m truly pleasurable to see everything at one place.
Discover SC Pyce

Unknown said...

I need more articles and blogs please post soon.
<a href="http://ny-vacations.net>Relationship with NY Vacations</a>

Unknown said...

I need more articles and blogs please post soon.
Relationship with NY Vacations

gallantfelix said...

I think I have never seen such blogs ever before that has complete things with all details which I want. So kindly update this ever for us.Go to Coal Free Mass

Unknown said...

I want more and more articles and blogs please post soon such informative information.
tutors in english

Anonymous said...

These are truly amongst the wonderful informative blogs.
automobile insurance

Unknown said...

The caliber of information that you're offering is merely wonderful.
pay day loans

Unknown said...

The complete blogs are really inconceivable and definitely everyone will share this information. android apps free download apk

anjila smith said...

This blog is down to earth, hats off buds available. product management tools

Micheal Hussey said...

The caliber of information that you're offering is merely wonderful.
infographic design

Micheal Clark said...

Outstanding efforts for making this blog!! Your writers and your work are really appreciative.
social media infographics

anjila smith said...

Your blogs and its stuff magnetize me to return again n again. social media infographics

agen sbobet said...

Unbelievable work man!! Keep your heads high you probably did it.infographic design

Unknown said...

Finally I’ve found your blog, awesome way of explaining each and everything really.
social media infographics

Unknown said...

These articles and blogs are certainly sufficient for me personally for a day.
pay advance loans

Anonymous said...

Hello, this is fastidious post I actually loved reading this.infographics design

Anonymous said...

Every day I visit a number of blog sites to see content, however this offers quality based content. http://bonville.org/

Unknown said...

I wanna thanks to a great extent for providing such informative and qualitative material therefore often.cheap auto insurance

Anonymous said...

Awesome blog! Now In anticipation of a follow-up …. cheap car insurance

Anonymous said...

I read your blogs regularly. Your humoristic way is amusing, continue the good work!Mulberry Handbags outlet

Unknown said...

Nicest information!!! I'll be enchanted to greatly help due to what I've learnt from here.
term life insurance rates

Jack Alice said...

Hello, this is fastidious post I actually loved reading this. wallhack mw3

Anonymous said...

These blogs are valuable because these are providing such informative information for all the people.
dla phone number

Anonymous said...

Your blogs and its stuff magnetize me to return again n again. single premium life insurance

Anonymous said...

Congratulations guys, quality information you have given!!!
best weight loss foods

zacharyrizzuto said...

You entirely go with our expectation and the range of our information.
visit us

Unknown said...

This blog post is really great; the standard stuff of the post is genuinely amazing. Giving Sight

Anonymous said...

The stuff written in the blogs have allured me!!! NC payday loans

Unknown said...

I read your blogs regularly. Your humoristic way is amusing, continue the good work! credit repair

jackymiky said...

Great post! I am actually getting ready to across this information, is very helpful my friend.bubblegum casting

Unknown said...

This info you provided in the blog that was really unique I love it!!! on line pay day oans with no faxing

durrani farms said...

I have learnt various good stuff right here, and I’m sure everyone will get advantage of it.


Mortgage Advice Poole

Unknown said...

I have spent a lot of the time in different blogs but this is really a unique blog for me.
vietnam visa on arrival

Unknown said...

Fascinating information I haven’t been experienced such information in quite a long time. glass fencing brisbane

Anonymous said...

Continue the good work; keep posting more n more n more.
code xbox live gold gratuit

Anonymous said...

Your blogs are easily accessible and quite enlightening so keep doing the amazing work guys.
get more

Anonymous said...

Waooow!! Nice blog, this will be greatly helpful.sewing kit

Anonymous said...

This is really quite informative blog such qualitative info I have never seen anywhere.is bubblegum casting legitimate

Unknown said...

Nobody can reject the info you have given in the blogs, this is actually a great work. dwi ny

Unknown said...

I'm dotty for your best article writings and contents auspiciously. bubblegum casting reviews

Anonymous said...

Continue the good work; keep posting more n more n more. bubblegum casting reviews

Sir Thoma said...

I love all details that you give in your articles. criminal lawyer ny

Cool boy said...

I constantly emailed this site post page to all my friends, because if prefer to read it then my all friends will too.find villa marrakech

Anonymous said...

Info is out of this world, I would love to read more. infographics

Anonymous said...

I Love your articles guys keep it up. best blog post

Anonymous said...

Hmm I have got the vital information from here. Just love reading! home security companies

Unknown said...

This blog post is really great; the quality information of this post is genuinely incredible. umrah packages

Mitcheal Clerk said...

That’s a nice site you people are carrying out there.when do you pay auto deductible

Angel Rio said...

I guess this blog is perfectly incomparable. online payday loans for self employed tennessee

Anonymous said...

Great post guys, you have done the nice job, and solved my problem I was in trouble. Thanks a lot. Health Insurance Tallahassee

Justin Bieber said...

I agree. You have made the nice blogs with the great info in the contents.online payday

Unknown said...

It’s really such nice information to get advantage from.online car insurance