Originally Posted On: https://www.grobo.io/blogs/growing/how-to-grow-your-urban-vegetable-garden
Growing an Urban Vegetable Garden With a Grow Box or Grow Cabinet
The American Heart Association recommends that you eat at least 4-5 servings of vegetables a day.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you already know that eating a balanced diet full of fresh produce has tons of benefits. It can reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke, and cancer. Plus, a diet rich in vegetables will help you feel great every day!
But sadly, 90% of Americans don’t get their daily dose.
If you’re a big fan of fresh, seasonal produce, or need a little boost to eat right, a home garden can help. Growing vegetables at home is a great way to get your “5 a day,” avoid the toxic pesticides used for commercial farming, and save money at the grocery store, too.
Once you get started with home gardening, you’ll see that it’s tons of fun and a natural stress reliever, too.
If you live in a tiny apartment or city center, don’t worry. In this article, we’ll focus on using a grow cabinet for an exciting urban harvest, no matter how small your space is.
Keep reading for all the information you’ll need.
What is a Grow Cabinet?A grow box or cabinet is an all-in-one system for growing indoor produce in small spaces.
Typical setups include the cabinet itself, LED lighting, solutions for adjusting pH and feeding your plant, a substrate (like soil) for your veggies to grow in, and an air filtration system.
Once you’ve planted your first seedling, the system’s sensors take over. Adding nutrition, adjusting pH, and even timing your plant’s idea light cycle are all automated.
All you have to do is sit back and relax while technology takes care of your growing garden. That’s why these systems are so helpful for newbies and plant killers!
Best of all, most systems are about the size of a small refrigerator. So, you won’t have to worry about whether or not you have enough space at home.
You can easily squeeze one of these into a bedroom closet. Or, if you choose a premium setup with a viewing window, it might even become a focal point inside your house or apartment.
How Does it Work?Grow boxes use a series of sensors to monitor your plant’s conditions around the clock. These vital statistics, like moisture, temperature, and nutrition, are then used to adjust the cabinet’s internal conditions.
To work properly, your grow box will need access to a 110V plug, just like any other appliance. It will also require wireless internet and a full spectrum LED lightbulb.
Most systems also use a downloadable app to help you monitor your garden, even while you’re away from home. That way, you can keep watch over those plants, even from the other side of the globe.
This advanced technology takes all the guesswork out of growing your favorite vegetables at home. And, you’ll never have to worry about who’s going to care for them if you get too busy.
What Should You Grow?Growing vegetables inside a cabinet is so easy that nearly any plant will thrive.
But, for the best results, choose a plant with one central stem. These will perform better than underground vegetables like carrots and potatoes or vining plants like peas.
Or, opt for one of the many fruits often mistaken for vegetables. These include tomatoes, eggplant, squash, peppers, and more.
Other plants, like herbs, will thrive in your grow box, too! Try something like mint, basil, or cilantro if you’re looking to spice things up in the kitchen.
Keep in mind that your plant will be growing in its optimal conditions, so you’ll probably be in for a big harvest. Choose something that you enjoy eating so it doesn’t go to waste!
And, be prepared to freeze, can, and otherwise preserve your bumper crop.
Other Big BenefitsThe right cabinet will help you grow healthy vegetables, even if you live in a challenging climate. You won’t have to worry about seasonal temperature changes, drought, or other sudden weather events.
Plus, your plants will be safe from unwanted garden pests. This includes common nuisances like aphids, mites, and caterpillars. Oh, and your neighbor’s annoying cat, too.
If you go out of town, your grow box will run perfectly while it’s “home alone.” So, you won’t have to worry about hiring a gardener or housekeeper to look after it. And, if you’ve properly installed the app that it came with, you’ll be able to monitor your plant any time you want.
Do you have kids or pets in the house?
Your grow cabinet will have a locking door. So, even the most curious of kiddos and fur babies won’t be able to get inside. This keeps both plants and your family safe!
Best of all, you know that your homegrown veggies will be fresh, pesticide-free, and picked at their peak.
These factors maximize the nutritional benefits you’ll get from eating them. And, you’ll never have to throw away a bag of subpar or spoiled produce again.
Ready, Set, Grow!Now that you know a bit about urban gardening with the help of a grow cabinet, you’re ready to put that green thumb to good use.
Start by considering which vegetables you’d like to grow, and ordering some high-quality seeds. Then, all you have to do is set up your grow cabinet, plant your seedling, and wait for your home harvest.
For more helpful tips and tricks to get your garden started, check out our blog and forum. They’re both packed full of handy advice geared toward grow box gardening.
Need to get in touch? Feel free to contact us with your questions. We’re happy to help!
In fact, we’ll even let you book a free 15 minute call with one of our specialists! That way, you’ll have all the information you need to start gardening with confidence.
