Create instant garden plot with TogetherFarm blocks
The concept for the TogetherFarm interlocking garden blocks was born at Concordia University in Portland, Ore., where MBA students Joe Aakre, Doug Holcomb and Matt Stormont were working on a business plan.
“We thought, why not try to create something meaningful?” said Holcomb. “All three of us are avid gardeners. We care about the environment and want to make sure we make things as good as we can for the next generation.”
The trio live in the metro Portland area, where they said many urban dwellers are without access to gardening space. “We wanted to come up with a product that would meet a need and serve an urban population and home gardener,” Stormont said.
Raised beds are not new. But they are often made with expensive, heavy woods that require tools and effort to assemble. Togetherfarm Blocks ($49.99 for a set of 24 blocks) are an affordable option. Made from lightweight durable recycled plastic (BPA- and phthalate-free), they resemble oversized Lego pieces and can be assembled in minutes. Simply snap the interlocking blocks together and create a custom raised bed anywhere, whether in the dirt or on a balcony.
Following a successful Kickstarter campaign, their simple idea for a raised bed planter made from recycled interlocking blocks will begin shipping from Amazon Wednesday. The blocks are currently available in slate gray, with brown and multicolored blocks to follow. TogetherFarm is offering an exclusive coupon for L.A. at Home readers: 10% off of each kit with the code LA011410.
When finished with the blocks, simply toss them in the recycling bin. The only downside to the new product? “One of our backers said he was having a hard time getting the blocks back from his kids,” Holcomb said with a laugh.
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