They work very well and all goes well until you try to remove them. Nothing packs well, so all the "dirt" falls apart. Also, if you wait too long, the roots come out the bottom and you cannot get it out. A better alternative are the Peat planters. They are bigger and much better. You can plant them directly into the ground. No hassle, no mess! Try cutting the sides of this to get everything out and you will see the mess you create. Pass on this and get the Peat planters.