PlowBox is a gardening subscription that sends you certified organic, non-GMO seeds from Seattle Seed Co., specific to your region’s climate.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).
This review is of the PlowBox Classic, $45 a quarter, box. The climate we chose was Mild.
About PlowBox
The Subscription Box: PlowBox
The Cost: $45 a quarter for PlowBox Classic or $14.95 a month for PlowBox Green. Save with longer pre-paid subscriptions.
COUPON: Use code TRYPLOWBOX to save 20% off your first PlowBox Classic box!
The Products: 5-10 packs of certified organic, non-GMO seeds, planting instructions, and other products related to gardening and/or a healthy lifestyle.
Ships to: The US for free and Canada for $25
PlowBox Fall 2018 Review
PlowBox always includes a pamphlet with notes about each packet of seeds in the box. I recommend using the info provided in this tri-fold to get acquainted with the seeds they've provided and then doing additional research about each one online.
Waltham Broccoli Seeds, .5g —Retail Value $3.25
Scarlet Nantes Carrot Seeds, 1g —Retail Value $3.25
Walla Walla Onion Seeds, 2g — Retail Value $3.25
Purple Top Turnip Seeds, 3g — Retail Value $3.25
Black Spanish Round Radish Seeds, 1g — Retail Value $3.25
Snowball Improved Cauliflower Seeds, .5g— Retail Value $3.25
Echinacea Purpurea Seeds, .5g— Retail Value $3.25
And here you have it, our Fall 2018 seeds! I have tried growing carrots and broccoli from PlowBox seeds before but haven't been successful so I'm glad to have another try. I absolutely love radishes but have never tried this variety, so fingers crossed my crop is a success! As for echinacea, it has healing properties in addition to just being a beautiful flower, so I might look into making a tincture from what these seeds yield.
Here's a glimpse at the back of the packets. Usually, 1 packet per quarter has the planting guide seen on the right, and the rest have specific directions like on the left two.
This month's recipe is for turnip, apple, and brussels sprout slaw. I just made a vinegar-based slaw for the first time this summer for a cookout and it was a hit—and so easy—so this dish will definitely be enjoyed in my household. A good thing about slaw is you can make it in a large batch and it lasts a few days without getting soggy, unlike a lettuce salad. It's good for planning meals ahead!
Watercolor Greeting Card — Buy a set of 6 for $18
Each quarter's PlowBox comes with a card for re-gifting, which I almost always use immediately. This month's was used as a birthday card for a friend.
Seed Saving Envelopes — Estimated Value $7.95 (Found on sale here for $4.95)
I've never tried seed saving but I have been given saved seeds from friends who keep expansive gardens. I love the concept of giving self-saved seed packets as gifts! The booklet included here gives a brief overview of terminology and things, and then goes into a little more detail about specific varieties.
Vetch & Rye Cover Crop Seeds, 4 oz — Retail Value $7
Cover crop is a new concept to me, but I like what I'm learning! The idea is to improve soil properties by dedicating part or all of your garden to fertilization instead of gaining a yield. This mix blends Vetch and Winter Rye to add nitrogen to the soil, invite beneficial insects, and more. My garden is pretty small, so I think it would have to be all or nothing with this cover crop. It came with good timing, though, because I just had a baby and am not sure how much time I'll have to tend to a garden this fall. May be a good time to try cover crop!
Seattle Seed Co. Bandana — Estimated Value $5
A bandana—what a great idea to include in a gardening box! This could be worn in your hair or around your neck, or just kept in your pocket at the ready for when you need to wipe your hands. I love the classic navy color and the slightly updated paisley pattern.
Verdict: This quarter's PlowBox has me so excited for fall! Whether I decide to plant this box's veggies myself or pass them to a friend to give the cover crop a try, I'm glad my garden will be in use during this season of transition in my life. This box costs $45 with free shipping for US customers, and the items added up to an estimated $42.70, not including the greeting card. I'm happy with this value due to the thoughtful curation and quality of the products!
To Wrap Up:
Can I still get this box if I sign up today? PlowBox is a quarterly box, so you will receive a box every 3 months from the time you sign up.
Coupon - Use code TRYPLOWBOX to save 20% off your first PlowBox Classic box!
Value Breakdown: This box costs $45 with free shipping. I received a total of 11 products this month with is an average of $4.09 per item.
Check out all of our PlowBox reviews and the Eco Subscription Box Directory!
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What are your thoughts on the Fall 2018 PlowBox offerings?
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