[dropcaps type=’normal’ font_size=’65’ color=’#232323′ background_color=” border_color=”]G[/dropcaps] rowing herbs and vegetables indoors – even without sunlight – is now easier than ever with an array of planter systems that include grow lights and seed pods. Generally these systems use hydroponics – a way to grow plants in growing medium, in water, without soil. Grow lights enable plants to grow faster, basically by exposing them to more intense light – via full-spectrum LED – than they would normally get indoors, with longer duration.
Smart garden systems are a great way to quickly add plants to your home by growing them yourself, while enjoying watching them grow from seeds. These systems all have a limit on how big the plants will get, as they are limited by the height of the grow light – usually up to 24 inches. For larger plants, consider buying live potted plants that are already grown to a certain size.
Although these systems are designed to look good and be part of the home, note that they can actually grow plants in a more hidden space like a closet or basement. And for small-space dwellers, it’s important to note that grow lights are designed to put out enough light to grow plants in the dark – that means that they can add a significant amount of light to smaller spaces like apartments, especially while the plants are smaller.
Because they grow so quickly, smart gardens are perfect for introducing kids to the joy of growing plants. They will love seeing the plants get bigger every day.
1. Click and Grow
Inspired by NASA technology for growing plants in space, Click and Grow was founded in Estonia in 2009. Click and Grow offers a 3 or 9 plant smart garden system, plus an option to get 9-plant gardens together with a stacking stand. Click and Grow compares it to a coffee pod system, “but for plants. Instead of different flavours, we offer a variety of plant pods with seeds and nutrients inside.” The fifty different varieties of herbs, greens and flowers come in 3-pack pods with the nutrients already in the growth medium, so it truly is a “just add water” solution. Design-wise, Click and Grow vs. AeroGarden is kind of a “Mac vs. PC” situation.
THE SMART GARDEN 9, $199.95 at Click and Grow
This 9-plant smart garden and seed pod system will grow 100% organic herbs, fruits, salads and flowers, free from GMOs and pesticides. It features automatic watering, an LED grow light, the perfect amount of nutrients and oxygen at root level and a complimentary set of plant capsules including set of plant capsules. You can Choose from 50+ pre-seeded plant pods or use your own seeds
THE SMART GARDEN 3, $99.95 at Click and Grow
The 3-plant option from Click and Grow comes with a 3-pack of basil, and is available in 4 color options.
SALAD GREENS MIX 9-PACK
Includes 3 each of romaine, arugula and green sorrel, and harvests in 30-40 days.
2. AeroGarden
AeroGarden offers 4 sizes of smart garden, with 3, 6, 9 or 24 seed pods, plus a 2-plant option for children. Each system is self-contained and includes a grow light and container to hold their hydroponic seed pods. Each system controls light and water, and the 24-plant Farm system has a touch screen and WiFi.
AeroGarden Bounty Smart Garden, was $399.95 now $319.96 with coupon at Aerogarden.com
The AeroGarden Bounty is an all-in-one hydroponic growing system, which can accommodate up to 9 plants. Aerogarden offers seed pods in 70 different plant, herbs and flower varietals. The Bounty model has a full-spectrum LED grow light that raises as your plants grow, up to 24 inches high to accommodate larger plants. With the controlled light and watering of the Aerogarden system, plants can grow up to 5 times faster than in an outdoor garden. Plus, they guarantee that seed pods will germinate.
3. Modern Sprout
Chicago-based Modern Sprout takes a modular approach to indoor gardening, with a collection of seed pots and grow lamps. Their range of kits include many giftable items, and cute containers. Plus, they recently introduced products that help preserve and restore the environment, including a Tree Kit seed starter (for each sold a tree is planted) and a Pollinator Protector Activity Kit, aimed at getting children involved in preserving our precious pollinators.
Modern Sprout Grow-Anywhere Growhouse, $190 at Food52
This chic brass growhouse includes everything needed to grow an indoor garden – just add plants and water. This wall-mountable growhouse includes a full-spectrum LED grow light and watertight box. Plus it can be connected to the Modern Sprout app for customizable programming.
Modern Sprout Smoked Glass Garden Grow Kit, from $25 at Food52
These are a nice option for anyone looking for less of a commitment or just one plant. These kits include everything needed to grow fresh herbs: a cute pot, seeds, growing medium and plant food. Options include basil, mint, lavender, chamomile or a set of all four. Combine them with the Modern Sprout Modern Growframe if additional light is needed.
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