With sales of more than 50,000 of the first generation of its namesake product under its belt, Click & Grow is set to release a second-generation version of its smart pot plant system. Like the original, the new Smart Herb Garden will help take the guesswork out of growing plants indoors but, in response to user feedback, will support the growing of more than one plant at a time and include a built-in light to combat any lack of natural light.
Instead of growing in soil, the Click & Grow system relies on a nanomaterial growth medium designed to provide the optimum amount of nutrients, water and air to the plant roots. Whereas watering causes nutrients to be flushed out of the soil in traditional pot plants, the Click & Grow growth material is embedded throughout with nanocapsules that provide oxygen and nutrients. Water is also absorbed evenly throughout the growth medium.
While the original Click & Grow only allowed the growing of one plant, the new model has three separate beds contained within to support the growing of up to three herbs at once. Like the original, the seeds come in cartridges that are simply slotted into the device. Then all that’s needed is to add water, plug it in and the Smart Herb Garden will do the rest.
The mains power is another departure from the original, which ran on four AA batteries. This is due to the addition of the built-in lighting to keep photosynthesis going even in dark and dreary rooms. Two 3 W LED lights shine down on the plants from a stylish arm attached to the side of the device – although the design hasn’t been finalized, so may differ slightly from the provided images.
The starter kit will come with basil, thyme and lemon balm cartridges, with refill cartridges for chili pepper, mini tomato, peppermint, spinach, salad rocket, various varieties of lettuce and strawberries also available.
While the company has created a prototype, it is taking to crowdfunding to get the device production-ready. If successful, the Smart Herb Garden is expected to retail for US$79. However, backers who get in early can score a white one with three plant cartridges included for $39. Other colored lids are available at higher tiers and units are expected to ship in September of this year.
The Smart Herb Garden Kickstarter video pitch can be viewed below.
Source: Click & Grow via Kickstarter
