There’s never been a better time to grow your own herbs and veggies at home, but limited space is a common issue, especially in urban areas. Enter Rotofarm, a compact indoor garden suitable for the kitchen counter that’s designed to provide you with fresh food in an eco-friendly way. (We wrote about a microgreens kitchen garden device last May – so May must be the month for Kitchen Farming!)
The indoor garden works using hydroponics and an innovative lighting system that allows plants to grow without soil. Removing soil from the equation makes every step in the process easier. Plus, it significantly reduces the amount of water required for plant growth.
Additionally, the indoor garden requires minimal effort to use. The system is completely automated and can be controlled by an app. The only thing the user needs to do is pop the seedpods into the machine, mix the nutrient base with water, and pour the nutrients into the reservoir at the base of the Rotofarm.
The circular design makes efficient use of space, and the entire growing area rotates around a central light for consistent and controlled lighting. In addition to giving each plant an equal share of light, the rotation creates a zero-gravity system, which allows plants to grow faster than those in a traditional flatbed. While the actual process may not be as satisfying as getting your hands dirty in the garden, this mini-farm is still a good way to get some home-sourced greens into your cooking.