- Desktop Farming: 10 Gadgets for Growing a Cubicle Garden
A bit of foliage can make all the difference to a workplace, bringing a little bit of nature indoors in all its green and air-purifying glory.
If you’re stuck in a cubicle, or behind a desk, then we’ve got 10 excellent gadgets, gizmos and other solutions that will see you enjoying the pleasures of desktop gardening in no time at all.
If you like the idea of introducing a bit of the natural world to your workstation, have a look at the gallery below and let us know which options get your green fingers twitching.
1. Desktop Plant Light
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Is your desk in the deepest, darkest bowels of a building? Then this lamp will replicate sunlight so you can keep a potted plant (and yourself) happy.
Cost: $49.99
2. HydroDome DIY Hydroponics Kit
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This kit will let you create your own hydroponic garden right on your desk. Lettuce seeds are included, but you can grow any plant you like in its nutrient solution.
Cost: $29.99
3. USB Greenhouse
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Another light-giving solution for those in sunshine-free workplaces, this "USB greenhouse" will also remind you when to water your new plant buddy.
Cost: $43
4. Andrea Air Purifier
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This plant will earn its place in your office since it doubles as an air purifier. It absorbs toxic gases thanks to the natural, absorptive properties of the plant.
Cost: $199
5. USB Flower Pot
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If you've not had much success with keeping potted plants alive, this USB flower pot might be the answer. The bundled software will remind you to care for the plant at timely intervals via the LED lights on the pot's base.
Cost: $20
6. Uncle Milton Hydro Greenhouse 2
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Actually aimed at children as an educational toy, we think this mini greenhouse kit is ideal for desktop gardening projects. It comes complete with all you need to start growing, including cute, small-scale tools.
Cost: $29.99
7. Grow Your Own Aloe Kit
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Aloe Vera grows fast and is hard to kill, making it the perfect desktop plant for gardening newbies.
Cost: $14.99
8. AeroGarden
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Ideal for anyone who likes gadgetry, the AeroGarden is a serious bit of indoor gardening kit. This coffee-maker sized device is fully automated and comes with everything you need to start growing. As an added bonus, it's also available in a range of contemporary colors.
Cost: From $59.95
9. Plantariums
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These science-tastic test tube-style containers are filled with a NASA-approved nutritive gel, letting you can see the germination process happening right in front of your eyes. There's a choice of "flavors," so to speak, with basil, busy Lizzie, carnation, sunflower and tomato seeds available.
Cost: $11 each
10. Click & Grow
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The coming-soon Click & Grow plant pots are due to be available in April, 2011. They offer a futuristic, maintenance-free indoor garden, totally automating the plant-care process. Starter kits will include a Busy Lizzy plant and everything else you need to get growing.
Cost: 59 euros (approx $82)
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