Growing your own herbs at home is both fun and practical, especially when autumn arrives and the days get shorter. With a Click & Grow Smart Garden, you don’t have to think much about light or watering. But there are a few simple tricks that make growing even more enjoyable and help you get more out of your plants.
One of the big advantages of Click & Grow is that you can grow all year round, no matter what the weather looks like outside the window. The system’s built-in LED lighting, self-watering function, and pre-seeded plant pods take care of much of what can otherwise be a little tricky. But even though the technology does most of the work, there are things you can do yourself to improve the growing experience. It’s mainly about choosing the right plants, harvesting at the right time, and planning the next round before the current one is completely finished.
Start with what you actually use
There’s something satisfying about being able to snip fresh basil straight from the kitchen counter when the pasta is almost done. But to really enjoy your Smart Garden, it’s smart to start with plants you use regularly.
Basil is a favorite in Italian cooking, while parsley goes with almost everything from potatoes to fish and stews. If you want a bit more variety, try thyme or Thai basil. The great thing about Click & Grow is that the plant pods already contain seeds and the nutrients the plants need as they grow.
If you have a Smart Garden 3, you can combine three different plants, while Smart Garden 9 has room for nine pods. So you don’t have to fill the whole garden with the same herb. A mix of everyday favorites and something new can make cooking a little more fun.
Harvest a little at a time and let the plant keep growing
A common mistake when growing herbs is waiting too long for the first harvest. It can feel a shame to cut into a plant that has finally grown large and healthy, but for several herbs, pruning is actually an important part of care.
Basil is a good example. Once the plant has grown well, you can cut the top just above a pair of leaves. That allows new shoots to develop and helps the plant grow bushier instead of just taller. Leave enough leaves so it can keep growing.
Different plants, however, need to be harvested in different ways. Some lettuce varieties can be harvested over a limited period, while many herbs are better suited to repeated pruning. So follow the care instructions for the plant you’re growing.
Plan the next grow before the first one is done
One of the most enjoyable things about a Smart Garden is that you don’t have to see each grow as a separate project. When a plant has run its course, you can replace the pod and start again with something new.
All plants have different life cycles. Basil can give several harvests if you prune it correctly, while other plants are meant to be harvested over a shorter period. When growth slows and the plant starts to look tired, it may be time to change the pod.
If you have a Smart Garden with multiple growing spots, you can also try planting in stages. That way, not all the plants need to be ready for harvest at the same time. It’s especially practical if you want fresh herbs available for a longer period.
Let the technology handle the daily work
Click & Grow is built to make growing simple. The water tank gives the plants access to water, and the LED lighting helps them grow even when daylight is limited. You only need to check the water level regularly and top it up when needed.
During autumn and winter, it’s especially nice to have a small garden at home. Not just for fresh ingredients in your meals, but also because it’s actually quite fun to watch something grow in the middle of October.
And once you’ve found your favorite plants, it’s easy to keep going. Replace the pods as you go, try new varieties, and let your Smart Garden become a natural part of the kitchen. It doesn’t have to be any more complicated than that.
FAQ
How often do I need to refill the water in my Smart Garden?
It depends on which model you use, how large the plants have grown, and how much water they consume. Click & Grow says the water tank in some models can last up to three weeks. Check the level regularly and top it up when needed.
Can I harvest the same plant more than once?
Yes, several herbs can be harvested repeatedly if you prune them the right way. Basil is a good example, where regular topping can encourage new shoots. Other plants have a shorter harvest period, so always follow the recommendations for the variety you’re growing.
When is it time to replace a plant pod?
When a plant has reached the end of its life cycle and no longer gives a meaningful harvest, it’s time to insert a new pod. How long a pod lasts varies between plants. Basil, for example, can produce several harvests before it needs replacing.
Do I need to add extra plant food?
Normally not. Click & Grow’s pre-seeded plant pods contain Smart Soil with nutrients suited to the plant’s growth. The system is designed to work without you having to mix nutrient solutions yourself. Follow the instructions if you use other growing methods or special pods.
Can I grow different plants at the same time?
Absolutely. With Smart Garden 3, there is room for three plant pods, and with Smart Garden 9, for nine. You can combine different herbs and other compatible plants, but keep in mind that they may grow at different rates and need to be harvested at different times.
