How to Grow Your Own Veggies … Without a Garden
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CREDIT: Urban Cultivator, Inc. |
Many of us love the taste of fresh herbs and vegetables. But whenever you buy them, the waste is often terrible. A typical bunch of basil goes for a few dollars, and you'll use just a small amount in most recipes.
You can make only so much pesto.
Those who don't have room for a flower box, or live in climates where winter is a factor, can now go with the Urban Cultivator. This dishwasher-size device uses a special soil mix and automatically regulates light, temperature and humidity to achieve optimum conditions for whatever you want to grow. The water comes from the plumbing in the house or apartment (similar to a dishwasher hookup).
Some wags will, of course, say it's for growing a stash. (The Canadian press does mention medical marijuana.) But most people would use it for those fresh chives, cilantro or other vegetables that they need in only small amounts. A home unit sells for about $2,200. (A restaurant version costs $6,000.) If you grow basil and use it twice a week, instead of buying bunches in the store, that's a savings of $5 or so, and more in places like New York City. Other herbs are more expensive, so if you grow several regularly, the unit will pay for itself in a few years, and you won’t have the guilt of wasting food.
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