Is a smart garden worth it?
Gardening has always been a therapeutic activity that has a wide range of benefits. It allows you to connect with nature, improve your mental health, and grow your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs. However, with the advent of technology, gardening has gone a step further. With the introduction of smart gardens, it has become possible to automate and simplify the process of gardening. Smart gardens have been gaining popularity in recent years, and many people are curious about whether they are worth the investment. In this article, we will explore the benefits of smart gardens, as well as some of the drawbacks, to help you determine whether a smart garden is right for you.
What is a Smart Garden?
A smart garden is an indoor or outdoor garden that uses technology to automate various gardening tasks. Smart gardens typically include a hydroponic system that allows plants to grow without soil, as well as features such as automated watering, lighting, and temperature control. They may also include a companion app that allows you to monitor and control your garden from your smartphone.
Benefits of Smart Gardens
1. Efficient Use of Space: Smart gardens take up less space than traditional gardens, making them ideal for those with limited outdoor space. With a vertical hydroponic system, you can grow plants upwards instead of outwards, maximizing the space available. Most smart garden companies have multiple models you can buy. Some of them can be stacked on top of each other if you want to start a lettuce farming business in your basement.
2. Consistent Growth and High Yield: Smart gardens provide a controlled environment for plants to grow. With features like automated watering, lighting, and temperature control, plants can grow consistently and with high yields. This means you can grow more produce in a smaller space than with traditional gardening. You will be shocked at the yield on these things. I grew a basil plant that looked like it was on steroids.
3. Year-Round Gardening: Smart gardens can be used for year-round gardening, regardless of the weather. You can grow fresh produce in the middle of winter, and enjoy the fruits of your labor even during the colder months. Smart gardens are fantastic for growing almost anything. Fresh flowers in the middle of a snowstorm? No problem.
4. Low Maintenance: Smart gardens require less maintenance than traditional gardens, as the hydroponic system eliminates the need for soil, and automated systems take care of watering and lighting. This makes them ideal for those who love gardening but have busy schedules. All you need to do is add water and nutrients to the tank once a week. Takes about two minutes.
5. Educational Value: Smart gardens can provide an educational experience for children and adults alike. You can learn about plant biology, hydroponics, and the importance of sustainability and organic farming.
Drawbacks of Smart Gardens
1. High Initial Cost: Smart gardens can be expensive to set up. A head of lettuce is only a couple bucks, but a smart garden could set you back several hundred depending on the size. Costco has been carrying the entry level Vegehome lately. It’s about $115, and lets you grow up to eight plants.
2. Power Outages and Technical Glitches: Like all technology, smart gardens can experience technical glitches and power outages. This can cause disruptions to the automated systems, and may require manual intervention.
3. Limited Plant Selection: Smart gardens are designed to grow certain types of plants, and not all plants are suitable for hydroponic systems. Most smart gardens systems also sell pods with seeds in them. Their websites will say you can’t use other seeds, but you can. You just need to empty a spent pod, and then fill it with potting soil and seeds. I grew my own coriander in an old basil pod.
4. Dependency on Technology: Smart gardens rely heavily on technology to function, and this can be a drawback for those who prefer a more traditional gardening experience.
Is a Smart Garden Worth It?
If you are considering a smart garden, there are a few things to think about. If you have limited indoor space, a smart garden can provide a year-round gardening solution. If you have a busy schedule and want to enjoy the benefits of gardening without the high maintenance, a smart garden can be a great option. Additionally, if you are interested in learning about hydroponics and sustainable farming practices, a smart garden can be a valuable educational tool.
However, if you are not comfortable with technology or prefer a more traditional gardening experience, a smart garden may not be the best choice for you. Additionally, the high initial cost of setting up a smart garden may be a deterrent for some people.
Ultimately, whether a smart garden is worth it or not depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you value the benefits of a controlled environment, high yields, and low maintenance, and are comfortable with technology, a smart garden may be a great investment for you.
Personally I am love with my smart gardens. I have two. One for lettuce and kale, and a second one for herbs. If you find yourself frequently buying a lot of greens, then a smart garden is definitely worth it. They cost me about $300 to set up (machines and pods) and have already produced about $65 in greens in less than two months.
Tips for Setting Up a Smart Garden
If you decide to set up a smart garden, here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Research the different types of smart gardens available to find one that meets your needs and budget.
2. Choose a location for your smart garden where the bright light won’t annoy you. They should be somewhere you will see them daily so you can keep an eye on each plant. Some plants grow faster than others and require grooming.
3. Read the instructions carefully and follow them closely when setting up your smart garden. Don’t do what I did and shove a lettuce pod into each hole in the smart garden. Lettuce yield is insane. If there are eight holes, then only use four. You’ll get more than enough lettuce.
4. Stagger your pods. If I was starting over, I would plant just a single lettuce pod, then wait a week and plant another. This means instead of a gigantic harvest, you’ll get a good one every week once the plants mature.
5. Monitor the water level frequently. Lettuce and kale suck up more water than coriander and thyme. I have to add water to the lettuce tank twice a week whereas the herb tank I only water once a week.
Yes, smart gardens are definitely worth it.
Smart gardens offer a modern twist to the traditional gardening experience. While they do have a few drawbacks, the benefits of a controlled environment, high yields, and low maintenance make them an attractive option for many people. If you are interested in a year-round gardening solution that requires less space and maintenance, and are comfortable with technology, a smart garden may be a great investment for you.
