# News

## Back to the Roots is Launching the Garden Industry’s 1st Ever Soil Packaging Made from 100% Post-Consumer Recycled Plastic

In 2024, Back to the Roots will begin phasing in Certified Circular, 100% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) plastic into the packaging for its best-selling Organic Potting Mix, an Important Milestone in Sustainability for the Lawn & Garden Industry.

## Best Lighting Practices

### FINDING THE BEST LIGHT FOR YOUR HERBS AND VEGETABLES
Proper sunlight is one of the most important factors in successful plant growth. Most herbs and vegetables - including all of those offered by Back to the Roots - will thrive in a spot in your home that gets 8+ hours of direct sunlight each day. Here are three big tips!

1. **PLACE GROW KITS IN A SOUTH-FACING WINDOW**  
   For those in the Northern Hemisphere, south-facing windows will receive the most direct sunlight. Placing your plants in south-facing windows will expose them to day-long sunshine. If you live in the Southern Hemisphere, north-facing windows are best.

2. **NO SOUTH-FACING WINDOW? THERE ARE OTHER OPTIONS!**  
   East-facing and west-facing windows are your next best locations, but growth will be diminished. Supplement with a grow light for better results. Avoid north-facing windows for plant growth.

3. **DETERMINE LIGHT INTENSITY WITH A QUICK SHADOW TEST**  
   Place your hand ~1ft above the plant location and observe the shadow. A well-defined shadow means light is strong; fuzzy shadows indicate you may need to supplement with a grow light.

### Organic Shiitake Mushrooms Grow Kit FAQs
#### GROW ONE, GIVE ONE
For every Indoor Gardening Kit product you post a photo with, we'll donate a product & a custom curriculum to an elementary school classroom of your choice!

**FAQ**  
- **THE LOG HAS ALREADY PRE-FRUITED WHEN I OPEN THE BOX. WHAT DO I DO NOW?**  
  It’s OK. If the pre-fruit pin size is larger than a dime, skip the soaking step and start spraying water on the block.

- **WHAT SHALL I DO IF MY LOG HAS NOT STARTED FRUITING AFTER ONE WEEK?**  
  Spray water more frequently or soak the block again until it weighs around 4 lbs.

- **CAN I RECYCLE THE SPENT SHIITAKE LOG INTO MY COMPOST BIN?**  
  Yes, it's an excellent amendment to compost.

- **HOW DO I DECIDE WHEN IT’S READY TO HARVEST?**  
  Harvest your mushrooms before the caps start to flatten.