This means that over half of the world can only get their fruits and vegetables by going to a store, which not only costs money but also raises questions about just how “organic” their produce really is. Many people would like to incorporate gardening into their lives, but few have the time or resources to do so. That’s all changing thanks to our latest Emerging Brand We Love: Click & Grow.
Click & Grow builds smart gardens that bridge the gap between modern life and nature. Smart gardens (automated, self-contained hydroponic systems) make it possible to grow plants 365 days a year in even the busiest households. They take care of watering, light and nutrients, while customers reap the benefits.
“Everyone deserves to experience the benefits of having a garden,” says founder Mattias Lepp. After reading a NASA report about growing plants in space, Lepp became inspired to develop the first ever indoor garden that took care of plants automatically. After working with universities around the world to fine-tune the technology, the concept of the Click & Grow Smart Garden was born in 2009.
Click & Grow’s NASA-inspired “Smart Soil” makes sure your plants get the optimal configuration of water, oxygen, and nutrients, while special LED grow lights provide them with the energy they need to thrive. No pesticides, plant hormones, or any other harmful substances are used. As if that wasn’t effortless enough, Click & Grow makes indoor gardening even easier with their subscription service. Customers can save time and money by getting plant pods delivered to their door hassle (and shipping) free. You can pick and choose which plants you want (over 45 options) and cancel any time.
It turns out one of this brand’s biggest fans is Giant Propeller’s very own content creator extraordinaire, Erik. We sat down with Erik and asked why he loves this emerging brand so much, and if anyone’s thumbs can turn green by using it…
How did you find out about Click & Grow?
My wife and I wanted a smart garden because we both work full-time but still wanted to have some control over our diets. Originally I Googled house plants and herb growing kits, and read up on the different brands and alternatives. Click & Grow was the superior choice on every level, not least of which is its simple, clean design. It really looks the best. It also had some pretty glowing reviews, so that didn’t hurt.
What are some of the benefits this brand offers?
Aside from the fact that indoor plants are proven to reduce stress, improve air quality and overall happiness, I have to admit it’s the sentimental experience of planting and gardening which I grew up with that also influenced my feelings toward the brand. Whether we use it to grow food we eat, or we just have it as an organic decoration to make our home cozier, it’s literally the gift that keeps on giving.
Tell us about your experiences with gardening before you fell in love with Click & Grow…
I grew up gardening in Norway and it was something I did with my father every year. We would plant seeds in small greenhouses we had indoors before planting them outdoors as soon as the earth thawed. You know, Nordic winters and all. So I was used to the concept of gardening in indoor environments to work around the harsh elements. Now that I live in Los Angeles, the weather is great year-round, but the resources are lacking. When you live in an apartment, your options are really limited. So this brand is truly a great “life hack.”
We have the Smart Garden 3 and my favorite thing to grow right now is Basil. I love the smell of it and it can be used in everything from salads to pastas. We’re making a pesto right now that’s out of this world.
Is it really as easy to use as advertised?
Totally. It’s literally one of the most simple products ever. You just install the unit, install the plant pods, add water and plug it in. Done.
Do you have any tips for other people when it comes to growing their own gardens like this?
I’d say the only thing to keep in mind is to plug it in early in the morning because the Smart Garden leaves the light on for 16 hours and then 8 hours off. This allows you to have the light running during a normal day cycle and be off when the rest of the rooms are dark, because it’s pretty bright light. But if you time it right, it’s great. You never have to worry about it.
