A note from BuildASoil

Over the last 13+ years, we've grown into a much better company — and a lot of that growth came directly from our critical reviews. Every 1, 2, or 3-star review on this page taught us something. New formulations, better packaging, improved shipping, clearer instructions, stronger customer support — almost all of it traces back to a customer who took the time to tell us what wasn't working.

If you haven't tried BuildASoil in a while — or you tried us early on and it didn't go great — we'd genuinely love another shot. We get better every year, and we have the receipts to prove it. See what's new at buildasoil.com →

Showing 125 of 158 critical reviews

Eddie
☆☆☆☆VerifiedMay 13, 2026
It works! However after opening the bags a handful of times, the ziplocks peeled away from the bags rendering them useless. Poor craftsmanship. So unfortunate since they work so well.
on Grove Bags - TerpLoc Herb Curing Bags - Bundles
Chris
☆☆☆☆May 5, 2026
Terrible quality and misleading description. These trays cost a buck or two at your local grow shop. Unbelievable to be charging $15 for such a cheap tray that doesn’t even fit standard holders.
on Standard Flat Insert - 50 Site
Jesse R.
☆☆☆☆VerifiedApr 22, 2026
This product caused repeated leaks and flooded my tent within days of use. Support sent multiple replacement parts (tube/grommet, and then a replacement tray), but each one still leaked. After more than a month of troubleshooting, I’ve lost all confidence in the product and am seeking a full refund.
on AutoPot Tray2Grow - Grassroots Sub Irrigation Kit
Reply from BuildASoil
Good morning, AutoPot has been handling this issue and they are authorizing a refund on this Tray2Grow for you. We sincerely apologize for the issues. Thanks!
John R.
☆☆☆☆VerifiedDec 13, 2025
I ordered two of these for my magnolia six lights with the manual dimmer. Upon receiving it, I learned that it was only capable of running one of the three lights the board has.. in other words I would’ve needed to purchase and Daisy chain six of these together for it to function as described. …. At this point, I was truly at a loss and had to make a deal with the devil himself, Jeffrey Preston. I begrudgingly ordered a pair of three into one barrel pin connector on Amazon three female to male…this time to find out the only one they sell has the incorrect size of male barrel pin, being just slightly too large to fit. After further scouring the Internet, I realized I was on my own. I will say it is worth mentioning that Jeremy reached out to me personally to try and help with the issue. I removed the back of the unit. Build A Soil sent me ..removed the barrel pin connector and hardwired the 3 into one into this unit. To my shock, as I never been good with electricity… it worked.
on Highgrove RJ11 Adapter
chuck d.
☆☆☆☆VerifiedOct 29, 2025
I have the high Grove Cypress evo8 ballast went out at the 10 month you will not get no warranty service I've been trying build a soil has been great they will respond but the warranty people will not respond I've been waiting it's not gonna happen my advice do not buy this light no warranty service
on Highgrove Cypress EVO
Reply from BuildASoil
Good morning Chuck, Even though you did not buy your Highgrove Light through us, but rather LED Lights Grow Depot, we are still working to resolve this for you with Highgrove. We appreciate your patience.
Sherry
☆☆☆☆Jun 4, 2025
It doesn't seem that you should need to buy insurance to receive your package. I buy it every order but I don't like the idea at all!
on BuildASoil Shipping Protection
Ben
☆☆☆☆May 13, 2025
Does not fit a 15 gallon fabric pot
on Gro Pro Heavy Duty Garden Saucer
Dave
☆☆☆☆May 13, 2025
Terrible scissors. Gets stuck closed right from the box even after cleaning.
on FloraFlex Scissors - Plant Trimming Shears
Alan
☆☆☆☆Apr 25, 2025
No activity in the mites bags … the rove beetles are active but no predatory mites
on Beneficial Insect Combo Packs (Medium)
James A.
☆☆☆☆VerifiedJan 19, 2025
I purchased Highgrove Cypress Evo 3 during early Black Friday sale. Did not receive light until after Christmas and I’m still waiting on the RJ11 adapter so I can’t use it with my ACI controller yet. Which was not included like BAS advertised. Also the ballast bracket/ mount does not fit the light. Would fit evo6 but strips on evo 3 aren’t close enough. Made to snap in on middle two rows of lights on evo6 as they are closer together. No instructions in box either. I did not contact BAS about this issue as I hate complaining and I already had to contact them about not getting it before Christmas and the RJ11 adapter missing. I just have it sitting on top of the light not secure. Hopefully it’s a good light. Can only review my experience so far.
on Highgrove Cypress EVO
Steven P.
☆☆☆☆VerifiedJan 15, 2025
Once again, you are asking for a review. It's a hard PASS for me on any other build a soil products. I see nothing special about these flakes. Fairly expensive for the amount I received. Not to mention there were no considerable results that I saw since using this product. I use aloe vera and it has a profound effect when using it in my garden. Your product seems as if there us Zero percent aloe in the ingredients. There is absolutely no way I would return repeat business with build a soil. I was fooled. Build a soil got me this time. There won't be a second I promise you that. Completely Unsatisfied. Looking to do business elsewhere. Bye Felicia
on 200x Aloe Vera Powder Flakes Certified Organic
Steven P.
☆☆☆☆VerifiedJan 15, 2025
Order process and delivery were WAY TOO LONG for my taste or to even e helpful. Difficult to understand how you guys are so close but seemed to drag your feet with shipping. The whole situation has deterred me from using buildasoil or having any interest in your company. Thanks but NO THANKS
on Certified Organic Straw Mulch
Ben
☆☆☆☆VerifiedJan 7, 2025
I'm sure the product is good, the straw was put into the box without a bag or anything. Im sure you can guess what happened after I ripped the box open.
on Certified Organic Straw Mulch
Roluu
☆☆☆☆VerifiedDec 16, 2024
The pump assembly tube was cracked and the inside rusted... Nothing but troubles!
on Chapin 19069 Industrial Stainless Steel Sprayer
Ray W.
☆☆☆☆VerifiedOct 30, 2024
I followed the directions,poked the holes and nothing happened! I used the straw as a mulch layer and I have a severe case of bugs! I couldn’t recommend this product to anyone!!
on Blue Oyster Mushroom Straw Log (Living Mulch)
Transparent R.
☆☆☆☆VerifiedAug 20, 2024
Used according to the label's recommendation (4+ oz's to less than 3/4 gallon... five applications of product day over day) but the solution did not prevent pest issues. Product smelt like apple cider but is not effective in preventing nor resolving pest issues. It is too weak unless you are in an exactly perfect environment (indoor or outdoor). Not happy with the product.
on Formula EM-5 - All Natural Garden Cleaning Concentrate
Karma H.
☆☆☆☆VerifiedAug 7, 2024
Used the entire bag as directed and it did not help, in all honesty I think it made the problem worse. Organishield helps keep gnats off the plant itself but WDG3000 does not rid them of the soil. I love BaS and all they have to offer but this is a no go for me 👎
on WDG3000 Extra Strength BTI
Reply from BuildASoil
This product really works!! But many times it's the application. If there are any damp areas underneath your container you'll need to bottom water to ensure we are taking care of all areas where they can possibly develop. If we eliminate them from the mulch layer but there are still dark moist areas left untreated it's going to seem like nothing works. I hope this info help! If you truly feel something was wrong, please reach out and follow up as we guarantee all of this.
Louis R.
☆☆☆☆VerifiedJul 26, 2024
Not impressed. Solid chunks not powder. No bueno.
on BuildASoil Quillaja Saponaria Extract Powder 20
DeAngelo
☆☆☆☆Jul 9, 2024
I’ll probably never use this again I used as directed and it left this residue all over my plants and im not sure yet how that’s going to affect them. I do no recommend this.
on BuildASoil - Wettable Sulfur
Reply from BuildASoil
This is exactly what is supposed to happen! Wettable sulfur will leave a residue and it's a standard part of using this type of product. This coating of wettable sulfur is part of why it's so effective. Either way, it should be more clear and we will update our product page to clearly show this. Thanks for leaving the review so others can see, and we can get better and update our page.
Dan E.
☆☆☆☆VerifiedJul 3, 2024
Have not received order 22721747
on BuildASoil Shipping Protection
Sean
☆☆☆☆Jun 30, 2024
Opened bag contents emptied in box
on BuildABloom - Amino Chelated Bloom Booster
Stephen B.
☆☆☆☆VerifiedJun 28, 2024
I don't like it! Why can't companies take responsibility for there products! We really shouldn't need to "insure " our purchase!
on BuildASoil Shipping Protection
Tom W.
☆☆☆☆VerifiedJun 15, 2024
Disappointed used max strength 15 grams in 2 gallons of water 5 or 6 days in a row still had bad infestation
on WDG3000 Extra Strength BTI
Reply from BuildASoil
You will get an immediate knock down, but it's impossible to completely eliminate in less than 14 days based on the lifecycle of the adults vs. the larvae. Another factor to consider is that there are often dark and damp areas under the pot or in other areas that will also need treating when spraying the soil surface. I really hope you try for a longer period of time and are 100% stoked, if not we have Guarantees for a reason and only want to solve your problems.
David M.
☆☆☆☆VerifiedJun 7, 2024
I not only tried this product I went through a whole bag. I only had a few fungus gnats. So I tried this product and 2 days later my issue double. Reached out to build a customer service was amazing
on WDG3000 Extra Strength BTI
Reply from BuildASoil
I hope you got it all resolved! Glad to hear that customer service was amazing. There is a 2 week lifecycle that we must fight through. It may seem like the infestation grew worse because the gnats that are adult are unaffected by the product, only the larvae are killed. Also it's like the gnats know their larvae is dying so they fly around and look for other places to lay which can make it feel worse. I promise though, This product works and they cannot grow immune to it. We guarantee all of our products and only want to see you succeed. Please reach out if you need anything else.
R D S.
☆☆☆☆VerifiedMay 28, 2024
FYI.,...... I wasn't aware that I'd have to grind my own product. That was a surprise to say the least. I was under the impression that this product came pre-ground. Now I have to figure out a way to do just that without a grinder.
on Clackamas Coots Official Gnarly Barley - Artisan Sprouted Seed Blend