Overview of the Smart Garden Igarden Pro. Electronic alternative to pots and beds
I want to grow my own tomatoes or strawberries, but there is no summer house or no time for it? Modern technologies made their way to the Eco trend, and it is enough to put the finished homemade hydroponics on the window. Instead of a trap with a bed – a nice device that monitors the water level and supplies the plant light. Only the fruits remains to be harvested. In the literal sense: to tear down cherry tomatoes or fresh greens for salad.
This device is called Igarden. We have tested the new version of this intelligent garden – Igarden Pro – in our office for several months and are ready to share the results.
An obvious decision
NewHedgehogs pro – Not the first intelligent garden of the brand that fell into our hands. And we have already tested in the caseThe first version of Igarden, Model with LED lamp andAquaponic Aquafer.
Smart Garden hedgehogs pro
The novelty per repeats old solutions conceptually – a minimum of movable parts. The fact is that hydroponic systems make up two types: active, complex units with compressors and pumps and passive that work due to natural moisture movements. They are shaky so that they can be inserted safely in a living room, in a cafĂ© or in an office – and easier to serve.
The design of all Igels models does not change. This is a large water tank in which pots are placed with an inert substrate – vermiculit. This is such a historic mica that absorbs water well and gives water. When plants are planted in it, they grow even better than in the ground. A nutrient solution for hydroculture is poured into the tank. If there is, an LED lighting lamp is introduced at the top.
Seeds are planted directly in Vermiculit. Large seeds have to be placed on the surface and shake the pot so that they burst deeper. Small can simply be sown from above. Spring seeds, let the roots and grow in the solution due to nutrients.
This type of hydroponic system is suitable for green, low pepper and tomato varieties, the offset of repair drawber as well as decorative and edible colors. Depending on the species, seals appear after a few days or weeks. Vegetables can be eaten somewhere in a month and a half, the berries will appear in three to four months.
Classic versions
The hedgehog line started with two models. Both fit slightly into the windowsill and are identical in all indicators and differ only in the presence and absence of constructio n-in LED phytolamps.
Smart Garden Igels
With the lamp, of course, more conveniently: In addition, the growth of all harvests accelerates. In addition, the intelligent garden lamp can be used instead of a desktop.
Smart garden hedgehogs LED
Each garden is equipped with two Vermiculite pots. From above they hide behind a grill with nine nests, in every theory you should moan. As experience says, plants usually grow because they feel comfortable and not like a person.
The tank offers an indicator of the persecution of the water level. When the water is over, the device begins to publish a sharp squeak.
On a model with a phytolamp, the mode changes with a couple of clicks – from white light to purple. The lamp rests on a stand and rotates. The automatic timer turns off the lamp at night.
In fact, all care consists of topping up the nutrient solution. When edible plants are mature, they can be cut and eaten – if they are for salads or vegetables, or trimmed as needed. The garden can easily be reseeded.
New: iGaden PRO
The new iGarden PRO model is slightly different in size, it is more elongated. And there are three pots in there, with a grid for four nests each.
Another important difference is the design of the lamp and its luminosity. The lamp stands on two stands and is supplemented with lenses. The color of the LED on the device body indicates the status of the lamp: blue – automatic mode of operation 16/8, green – operation in 12/12 mode, red – off. By setting the modes more precisely, the needs of the plants can be better addressed. The lamp only works in purple light mode.
The indicator for water in the tank also looks different, it is large and is located in the center of the device. But when the water runs out, the iGarden PRO squeaks just as loudly as its counterparts.
In addition, the tank is complemented by a silent pump to circulate water so that it does not stagnate.
Everything else works the same as with the classic models: sow the seed, top up the solution, wait for the harvest.
Tips for beginning gardeners
Each iGarden smart garden includes everything you need to start your own desktop farm.
Vermiculite, which needs to be poured into pots as a substrate, is in every Smart Garden box, but just enough for one. Reuse is not recommended, so water freshly in the pots after harvest. Vermiculite can be bought at any major supermarket or flower shop.
The kit also includes a few bags of seeds that can be grown inside the gadget. Seed variety is optional. If you wish, you can choose and sow your own instead of these seeds. If you’ve never tried growing plants before, we recommend starting with basil, mint, or watercress.
A hydroponic system requires a nutrient solution to function as the substrate contains no nutrients. In the early days of the iGarden, just filling it with water was enough, but growing plants need nutrients. The necessary nutrient solutions can be bought in gardening shops or ordered online. Choose the one that best suits the needs of your plants: for example, there are specific formulations to stimulate fruiting or for salads.
And about the harvest. Consider iGarden a complete food source, not worth it. The gadget provides fresh herbs and berries to decorate meals and diversify the diet. It’s also a good topic for table talk with friends.
aqua farm
An aqua farm is a more original solution. Let’s briefly recall how this device works: it consists of an aquarium in which the fish live and a tray with a pumice stone on top. The waste products from the fish are ingested by plants growing in the pan. Everyone is happy: the fish swims in clean water, the plants get their fertilizer.
aqua farm
The water inside is driven by a water pump.
This smart farm is more suitable for green plants – sprouted oats, parsley or basil.
You can buy smart gardensHedgehogs pro, iGarden LED, igarden andaqua farm in our online shop. The collection is available at the same prices, but we advise you to hurry. For Habr readers – 20% discount with GREENHABR promo code
Catalog
For pets, oats, wheat and barley are usually germinated. In a week the shoots will grow palm-high, after which they can be offered to the animal. The light helps the grass to grow faster – juicy young grass becomes a delicacy for the cat.
Appetizing dill greens are useful for marinades and pickles. Ideal for soups, fresh salads. Needs lots of light to grow.
This plant is a relative of the forest violet. There is a wide variety of shades, dark options look especially impressive. You need lots of light. For flowering, the temperature should be kept low. Depending on the variety, the first flowers will bloom in two months.
Crispy juicy lettuce leaves grow in a month, but young ones can be picked and eaten earlier. A source of vitamins A and K as well as for a good mood and well-being. Needs lots of water and sun.
This delicate green comes from the Mediterranean region and is rich in vitamins and minerals. It can be added to a salad or used in place of flatbread for healthy snacking. The plant is undemanding in terms of care and quickly bears fruit.
Basil is quick and easy to grow, and its flavorful leaves are used in salads, pizza, pesto, smoothies, and even desserts. Proudly called the “King of Herbs”. Try growing a few strains at the same time. Do not let the substrate dry out.
Also known as oregano, this plant is an indispensable element of Mediterranean cuisine: pizzas, fried and baked meat dishes, pies. Very thermophilic, but otherwise not particularly difficult to grow.
Borodino bread, Bavarian sausages and Georgian chakhokhbili smell of coriander. The rich aroma perfectly emphasizes the taste of meat and cucumbers. All parts of the plant are edible. It needs a lot of light and nutrients.
Blue cornflowers are reminiscent of the bright summer sky. The flowers and leaves can be eaten or used as part of an herbal tea. The plant needs a lot of sun. Depending on the variety, it can take up to 3 months to flower.
The characteristic coolness of the mint leaves gives salads, drinks and desserts a fresh taste. Mint is used in folk medicine as a sedative and relaxant. Prefers partial shade.
Solar marigold flowers are known in folk medicine for their bactericidal properties. For the treatment of burns and cuts as a component of ointments and tinctures. Calendula feels comfortable in the light and in the shade, tolerates low temperatures. Blooms in a month and a half.
Carved parsley leaves add a fresh aroma to dishes and decorate them. The characteristic herbal taste of the plant complements salads, side dishes and grilled meats well. Seeds germinate for a long time, but otherwise the plant is unpretentious.
Mediterranean spicy herb with a light needle aroma. Rosemary gives fish and meat dishes a fresh taste and is used in folk medicine to treat colds. Rosemary seeds take a long time to germinate. Grows in full sun, tolerates low temperatures.
Juicy, light-colored tomatoes the size of a cherry are rich in vitamins, magnesium, potassium and fiber. Good in fresh salads, cheese bites – and straight from the bush. Needs lots of light.
Fragrant strawberries are good for health, especially for the cardiovascular and nervous systems. There are varieties that bear fruit all year round and delight with delicate white flowers. Make sure the plant has enough water and light.
This spice was used in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. Citrus and pine-scented leaves add an exotic, rich flavor to salads, sauces and herbal teas. The plant needs a lot of light and warmth.
Dark green lettuce leaves are used in many dishes, from caesar to hot. Once cut, lettuce grows easily but requires relatively cool air and plenty of water.
Bright catchy Petunia flowers will add color to the interior. The plant feels best in the light and inappropriate for the rest. The first flowers can appear in a month and a half.
An amazing plant: a person relaxes, and in cats leads to an explosion of energy. It can be eaten – unless of course pets allow it. To grow catnip you need plenty of light.
Hot peppers add spice to your favorite dishes – and are good for the heart. They need time and lots of light to mature, but a fiery result is worth all the expectations. Do not require complicated care.
The time of the first harvest is indicated. The timing depends on the variety, age of the seeds, temperature and the composition of the nutrient solution
For pets, oats, wheat and barley are usually germinated. In a week the shoots will grow palm-high, after which they can be offered to the animal. The light helps the grass to grow faster – juicy young grass becomes a delicacy for the cat.
Appetizing dill greens are useful for marinades and pickles. Ideal for soups, fresh salads. Needs lots of light to grow.
This plant is a relative of the forest violet. There is a wide variety of shades, dark options look especially impressive. You need lots of light. For flowering, the temperature should be kept low. Depending on the variety, the first flowers will bloom in two months.
Crispy juicy lettuce leaves grow in a month, but young ones can be picked and eaten earlier. A source of vitamins A and K as well as for a good mood and well-being. Needs lots of water and sun.
This delicate green comes from the Mediterranean region and is rich in vitamins and minerals. It can be added to a salad or used in place of flatbread for healthy snacking. The plant is undemanding in terms of care and quickly bears fruit.
Basil is quick and easy to grow, and its flavorful leaves are used in salads, pizza, pesto, smoothies, and even desserts. Proudly called the “King of Herbs”. Try growing a few strains at the same time. Do not let the substrate dry out.
Also known as oregano, this plant is an indispensable element of Mediterranean cuisine: pizzas, fried and baked meat dishes, pies. Very thermophilic, but otherwise not particularly difficult to grow.
Borodino bread, Bavarian sausages and Georgian chakhokhbili smell of coriander. The rich aroma perfectly emphasizes the taste of meat and cucumbers. All parts of the plant are edible. It needs a lot of light and nutrients.
Blue cornflowers are reminiscent of the bright summer sky. The flowers and leaves can be eaten or used as part of an herbal tea. The plant needs a lot of sun. Depending on the variety, it can take up to 3 months to flower.
The characteristic coolness of the mint leaves gives salads, drinks and desserts a fresh taste. Mint is used in folk medicine as a sedative and relaxant. Prefers partial shade.
Solar marigold flowers are known in folk medicine for their bactericidal properties. For the treatment of burns and cuts as a component of ointments and tinctures. Calendula feels comfortable in the light and in the shade, tolerates low temperatures. Blooms in a month and a half.
Carved parsley leaves add a fresh aroma to dishes and decorate them. The characteristic herbal taste of the plant complements salads, side dishes and grilled meats well. Seeds germinate for a long time, but otherwise the plant is unpretentious.
Mediterranean spicy herb with a light needle aroma. Rosemary gives fish and meat dishes a fresh taste and is used in folk medicine to treat colds. Rosemary seeds take a long time to germinate. Grows in full sun, tolerates low temperatures.
Juicy, light-colored tomatoes the size of a cherry are rich in vitamins, magnesium, potassium and fiber. Good in fresh salads, cheese bites – and straight from the bush. Needs lots of light.
Fragrant strawberries are good for health, especially for the cardiovascular and nervous systems. There are varieties that bear fruit all year round and delight with delicate white flowers. Make sure the plant has enough water and light.
This spice was used in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. Citrus and pine-scented leaves add an exotic, rich flavor to salads, sauces and herbal teas. The plant needs a lot of light and warmth.
Dark green lettuce leaves are used in many dishes, from caesar to hot. Once cut, lettuce grows easily but requires relatively cool air and plenty of water.
Bright catchy Petunia flowers will add color to the interior. The plant feels best in the light and inappropriate for the rest. The first flowers can appear in a month and a half.
An amazing plant: a person relaxes, and in cats leads to an explosion of energy. It can be eaten – unless of course pets allow it. To grow catnip you need plenty of light.
Hot peppers add spice to your favorite dishes – and are good for the heart. They need time and lots of light to mature, but a fiery result is worth all the expectations. Do not require complicated care.
pansies
pansies
Salad latuk
Salad latuk
chard
chard
basil
basil
oregano
oregano