The other thing to note is that with the size bin we used (approx. 4" tall, 2" across) you are not going to feed your family of five all Summer long - you would need to make several bins of the same crop if you are looking to really grow a good supply of something. We were just looking to do some experimental growing to show our toddler, so it worked out well. We also wanted to grow fresh herbs - which you will get plenty of in one of these bins. We had enough basil to use, give away, and freeze for Winter. Another huge plus for us is the built in protective cage above the soil line. We have groundhogs, rabbits, deer, etc and none of them ate the things growing in the bins - maybe a few nibbles on something that grew through the wire, but nothing really damaging.
Over the Winter - we saved the wire cage cylinders and spread the soil out in the other planting beds we have (you could pile it up and save for next year too). We did leave one veggie bin up that I planted some strawberries in just to overwinter and they came up this Spring - I may leave them in there and see how that works (depends on the condition of the paper layers - I may need to redo the bin). So would I recommend trying these? Yes! They are fun and don't take up much space, they fit in tight spaces where you don't have room for a huge garden. These could even work on a rooftop garden, patio or apartment balcony with some slight adjustments (like a shallow tray to sit them in, one with drain holes). Then from year to year - you can move them around and plant something new.
Here are more photos of the bins and a sampling of the resulting harvest:
Blue Potato sprouting
Radishes sprouting
Growing faster!
Blue Potato harvest
Carrots and Green Peppers
Basil
