“Hello! We are coming over for dinner tonight!” We’ve all had that call when we least expect it. Well, each one of us has that one friend we can never seem to say no to. And when she lands in your house, you know you got to whip up some real nice meal for them. Not actually out of obligation, but because you know her company is worth all the effort. Of course, she will bring along her kids, husband and anyone else around her if possible, so you are the dinner host!
So, once you put that phone down, the first thing to hit your mind will probably be brainstorming on which sumptuous meal to prepare for them. This will take you several minutes, because you have to check your pantry and confirm you have what’s necessary for a good family meal. After reaching a decision, you get down to preparations. Out goes your office wear, in comes your comfortable and stylish
cooking apron. You start wandering up and down, putting together all the needed ingredients. Then something hits you! Your favorite spices are missing - and there is no way to get them on time.
So how exactly can you avoid such scenarios in the future? The answer to this is growing your own herbs, which you can pick at the time of need without breaking sweat over long distances. You don't have to worry about space consumption, as modern indoor herb gardens incorporate stylistic designs while occupying as minimum space as possible. Furthermore, with these, a consistent supply of fresh herbs and spices is guaranteed throughout the year. A meal made with fresh herbs and spices, accompanied with wine preserved in that favorite
aging barrel you got from your dad, and served in exquisite
champagne glasses, will ensure your guests have indelible memories of the treatment you afford them all the time.
The market currently provides gardeners with a variety of choices ranging from affordable simple designs to high-end, sophisticated models which integrate additional features such as lighting. Regardless of your choice, investing in an indoor garden has multiple proven benefits - it is definitely worth taking a punt on.
Price
Typically, prospective buyers of indoor gardens often contemplate on the pricing before acquiring their desired product. Usually, they experience a dilemma of choosing between quality and affordability. Nevertheless, this mind-boggling situation should not be a distraction, as the niche is equipped with an array of suitable options.
After scouring through the market, we discovered that there are indoor herb gardens that cater for every budget. From about $20, you and your family can enjoy fresh herbs grown and carefully tended by none other than you. However, at this measly price, only the basic necessities are inbuilt. The market has other cheap indoor herb gardens to offer, but we do not recommend them as they may not be worth even the little money spent on them. If you fancy additional features such as LED lighting and such, the high-end brands got you covered. However, this doesn’t come cheap and you will definitely have to dig deeper into your pockets. With a budget of $280, you will get some of the luxurious brands that add the ‘wow factor’ in your house.
Features
All those ads you see when searching for an indoor herb garden may mislead a gardener in the buying process. For this reason, it is imperative to be thoroughly conversant with the various features included in different indoor garden models.
Consequently, aspiring indoor gardeners should look out for the following features before forking out their money on these products.
- Plant Suitability - Which herbs are meant to be grown in the planter? Are they the same with those which the buyer intends to grow?
- Capacity - How many standalone plants can the garden accommodate? Is it large enough?
- Material - The planters in the contemporary market are made of polypropylene, plastic and in some cases, wood.
- Size and Weight - Before acquiring an indoor garden, its articulation in the home should be considered. Buying a large item for limited spaces can cause inconvenience, while heavy planters are cumbersome and hardly portable.
Once the features are checked up and found to be appropriate, the subsequent action involves assessing the performance of the indoor garden.
Construction and Design
Since it is meant to carry plants, it is paramount that the garden kit be strong and robust to withstand the weight of the herbs and the supporting soil. A substantial number of indoor gardens are constructed using plastic. Generally, manufacturers are inclined towards plastic due to its affordability as well as availability. Plastic items are also easy to carry around, as they are usually less dense compared to other materials. Some gardens, albeit in rare occurrences, are made of wood and polypropylene. While wood appeals to the organic farming enthusiasts, it is often cumbersome due to its heavy weight.
Additionally, indoor gardens may either be suspended or rest on the ground. Variants that can be suspended are ideal for limited spaces. Moreover, some models are tiered, adopting the concept used in high-rise buildings, where the space is optimally utilized to maximize output. The weight of indoor gardens also varies greatly, so you should consider it, particularly if you plan on moving it regularly.
Performance and Ease of Use
Regarding performance, indoor gardens come in handy in several situations, especially if you are an ardent spice user. Large indoor herb gardens accommodate several plants simultaneously, but they are equally a burden, particularly when moving them.
Some brands incorporate advanced technology features, such as LED lights and LCD screens. Other brands come with the seeds you will need for your initial round of spices. With these, farmers can keep track of the requirements of the herbs. Also, as a measure to increase usability, some models have smart sensors that enable the gardener to grow their plants under minimum supervision. Others are just to be placed next to the sunniest spot in your house and they will blossom on their own.
Do you live in a big city or a place that experiences cold more than six months a year? Do you love to make dishes with fresh herbs? If yes, this review is for you. Fresh herbs truly add flavor to any meal, but to grow them in your home, you need to have the right tools. As you have seen in our guide, when it comes to an indoor herb garden, you need to consider factors such as style (simple standard box gardens, or high-tech ones with lighting), the number of herbs you can grow, material and finish, and size. Once you have these factors in mind, you can narrow down your choices and pick one of the options we have reviewed below.
Fresh herbs are healthy, taste great, and can be grown on your kitchen countertop or windowsill. They are glorious additions to every meal. Take a good indoor herb garden home today, and your taste buds - and family - will thank you!
