If you’re looking to improve your indoor gardening game and have been wondering about smart gardens, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll explore what smart gardens are, their benefits, and some of the best systems available on the market.
We’ll also give you tips for choosing the right smart garden for your home and how to grow your plants successfully.
Let’s dive in and discover the best smart gardens for your home.
Table of Contents
What is a Smart Garden?
Smart gardens are indoor gardening systems that use technology to grow plants with minimal effort. Smart gardens come in various shapes and sizes, but most consist of a grow light, a self-watering system, and a space for plants to grow. Some smart gardens come with an app that allows you to control and monitor the growing process. You can read more about what is a smart garden here.
Top Smart Garden Systems
Now that you understand what smart gardens are, let’s dive into some of the best systems available on the market:
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Click and Grow Smart Garden
Click and Grow Smart Garden
The Click and Grow Smart Garden is a popular smart garden with three sizes to choose from. The smallest option is ideal for people with limited space, and the large option allows growers to grow multiple plants simultaneously. These systems come with unique pods that contain everything the plant needs to grow, from seeds to nutrients. You plug the pod into the system, add water, and the smart garden takes care of the rest.
One of the great things about the Click and Grow Smart Garden is that it is suitable for both experienced and novice gardeners. The system is easy to set up and use, making it perfect for those who are just starting with indoor gardening. Additionally, the unique pods make it simple to grow a variety of plants without worrying about the individual needs of each plant.
You can browse them on Amazon.
AeroGarden Harvest
AeroGarden Harvest is a more advanced smart garden system that allows for more significant yields. The system uses hydroponics to grow plants and has a built-in LED grow light. The system is easy to set up and use, and with various pod options, growers can grow anything from herbs to vegetables.
The hydroponic system used in the AeroGarden Harvest ensures that plants grow faster and healthier than traditional soil-based gardening. Additionally, the built-in LED grow light provides the perfect spectrum of light needed for optimal plant growth. The system also has a feature that reminds users when it’s time to add water or nutrients, making it easy to maintain the garden.
Gardyn Home
Gardyn Home
Gardyn Home is a smart garden that takes up minimal space and can hold up to 30 plants. The system uses a modular design, meaning you can choose which modules to add, depending on your plant’s needs. The system has a built-in LED light fixture and a self-watering system, making it easy for the user to grow their plants.
The modular design of the Gardyn Home allows for customization and flexibility in the indoor garden setup. The self-watering system ensures that the plants receive the right amount of water, preventing over or under-watering. Additionally, the built-in LED light fixture provides the perfect amount of light for optimal plant growth, making it easy to grow a variety of plants in one system.
iDOO Hydroponics Growing System
This indoor grow kit is designed to make your journey into hydroponic gardening smooth and successful. The independent water tank can support your plants for 1-2 weeks during the growth period, and a convenient visual window allows you to monitor the water level at a glance.
With two growing modes, the LED light automatically turns on and off, simulating the sunlight spectrum and promoting photosynthesis. If features The Vegetables Mode and the Flower/Fruit Mode ensuring your plants get exactly what they need at every stage. The height of the lighting part is adjustable to accommodate plants at different growth stages.
They offer different size gardens that can fit from 7 to 20 pods, for those looking for more fresh produce. And a line of gardens that can connect to your WiFi network.
Click below to browse them on Amazon.
Rise Gardens
Rise Gardens
Rise Gardens is a modular indoor garden system that allows growers to create the perfect setup for their indoor gardening needs. The system comes with 12 standard trays that can hold everything from herbs to vegetables. The system has a built-in LED grow light and a mobile app that allows you to monitor and control everything from the nutrients to the light spectrum.
The modular design of the Rise Gardens system allows for customization and flexibility in the indoor garden setup. The mobile app allows users to monitor and control everything from the nutrients to the light spectrum, ensuring that the plants receive the perfect environment for optimal growth. Additionally, the built-in LED grow light provides the perfect spectrum of light for optimal plant growth, resulting in high yields of fresh produce.
They offer a starter kit, that can be a great alternative for novice users. It includes everything you need to get started with confidence. It comes with:
- 8 seed pods
- A six-week supply of hydroponic growing system nutrients
- A herb mix 4 pack
- A salad mix 4 pack
Click here to check out the starter kit on Amazon.
The Benefits of Smart Gardening
If you’re an avid gardener, you’re probably already aware of the benefits of planting and harvesting your produce. Smart gardens offer even more advantages; they’re easy to set up and require minimal maintenance, making them perfect for everyone. Here are some benefits of smart gardening:
- Year-round gardening – you can grow plants all year long regardless of the season.
- No soil required – Smart gardens use alternative growing mediums, making it easier to clean and more hygienic.
- Minimal effort – Smart gardens take care of the watering and provide optimal light and nutrients, so you don’t have to worry about the plant’s health.
- Saves space – If you’re living in an apartment or have limited outdoor space, smart gardens take up minimal space, making them a great option for people with limited space.
Smart gardening is not only beneficial for the environment but also for your health. Growing your own produce means that you know exactly what you’re eating, and you can avoid harmful pesticides and chemicals that are often used in commercial farming. Additionally, the act of gardening itself can be therapeutic and can help reduce stress levels.
How Smart Gardens Work
Smart gardens use hydroponics, a method of growing plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water. Plants are placed in net pots in the hydroponic system, and their roots grow into the water, absorbing the necessary nutrients. Hydroponic systems have been around for centuries, but with the advancements in technology, smart gardens have made it easier for everyone to grow their own plants.
The smart garden uses a self-watering system, which means the water level in the reservoir is automatically maintained. The water is circulated through the system, and the plants absorb the necessary nutrients from the water. The grow lights provide the needed light spectrum for plant growth, and some smart gardens even have adjustable light settings to mimic different seasons and growing conditions.
For the more advanced smart garden systems, there’s a mobile app to monitor the plant’s health and control environmental factors such as light, water, and nutrients. The app can send notifications when it’s time to add more water or nutrients, and it can also provide recommendations for the best plants to grow based on your location and growing conditions.
Choosing the Right Smart Garden for Your Home
When it comes to choosing the right smart garden for your home, there are a few factors to consider. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:
Space Considerations
If you live in a small apartment, you might want to consider a compact smart garden like the Click and Grow or Gardyn Home. These smart gardens are designed to fit in small spaces and can be placed on a countertop or windowsill. They are perfect for growing herbs, small vegetables, and flowers.
If you have more space available, you can consider a larger smart garden like the AeroGarden Farm, or the Rise Gardens. These systems are designed for larger plants and can grow a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. They can be placed on the floor or on a stand and can be used to create a beautiful indoor garden.
Plant Variety and Growth Capacity
If you’d like to grow more than just herbs, consider a smart garden like the AeroGarden Harvest or Rise Gardens that can accommodate larger plants. These systems have a higher growth capacity and can grow a variety of plants, including tomatoes, peppers, and strawberries. They are perfect for those who want to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables.
On the other hand, if you’re only interested in growing herbs, a smaller system like the Click and Grow Smart Garden may be perfect for you. These systems are designed specifically for herbs and can grow a variety of different herbs, including basil, parsley, and thyme.
Read more about the best plants to grow in smart gardens.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
If you’re new to gardening or don’t want to spend too much time maintaining your plants, systems like the iDOO Hydroponics Growing System or Click and Grow Smart Garden may be perfect for you. They are easy to use and require very little maintenance. The Click and Grow even comes with pre-seeded pods that you simply insert into the system, add water, and watch your plants grow.
Other systems like the AeroGarden and Gardyn Home require a bit more maintenance, but they are still relatively easy to use. They come with instructions and all the necessary equipment to get started. You will need to monitor the water levels, add nutrients, and prune your plants regularly.
Price and Value for Money
The price range can vary significantly, and the systems’ quality should be evaluated before making a final decision. The iDOO Hydroponics Growing System is one of the most affordable options on the market, while the AeroGarden and Click and Grow Smart Gardens are more expensive.
When evaluating the price and value for money, consider the cost of the system, the cost of the pods, and the cost of maintenance. Some systems may be more expensive upfront but may save you money in the long run by producing more fruits and vegetables.
FAQ
Do I need any special skills to use an indoor smart garden?
No, you don’t need any special skills to use an indoor smart garden. Most smart gardens are designed to be easy to use and require minimal maintenance. However, it’s important to follow the instructions provided with your smart garden to ensure that your plants grow properly.
How much does an indoor smart garden cost?
The cost of an indoor smart garden can vary depending on the size and features of the system. Basic models can be purchased for as little as $50, while more advanced models with larger growing areas and more features can cost several hundred dollars.
What kind of maintenance do indoor smart gardens require?
Most indoor smart gardens require minimal maintenance. You will need to refill the water reservoir periodically and add nutrients to the water as directed by the manufacturer. You may also need to prune your plants occasionally to promote healthy growth.
Can I use an indoor smart garden to grow plants from seeds?
Yes, many indoor smart gardens are designed to be used with seed pods or seedling trays. You can start your plants from seeds and then transplant them into the smart garden once they have sprouted and developed roots.
Can I control my indoor smart garden with my smartphone?
Many indoor smart gardens come with a companion app that allows you to monitor and control your system from your smartphone or tablet. With the app, you can adjust the lighting and watering schedule, monitor plant growth, and receive alerts when it’s time to add water or nutrients.
How much space do I need for an indoor smart garden?
The amount of space you need will depend on the size of the smart garden you choose. Some models are designed to fit on a countertop or table, while others are larger and require a dedicated space. You should consider the size of the growing area and the height of the system when choosing a location for your smart garden.
Can I use an indoor smart garden to grow plants without soil?
Yes, some indoor smart gardens use hydroponic or aeroponic growing systems, which allow you to grow plants without soil. Instead, the plants are grown in a nutrient-rich solution or mist. These systems can be more efficient than traditional soil-based growing, but they may also be more expensive and require additional maintenance.
