Most of us love the idea of growing plants at home but with busy schedules, we often face dead plants that could be due to over-watering or simply because you forgot to water them as required. In such cases, people often rely upon automated indoor gardens like Auk Mini that allows you to grow fresh herbs and vegetables hydroponically with minimal effort. From watering to lighting and nutrients, it is capable of doing all the tasks on its own. There are various options available on the market but this one stands out with its minimalist Scandinavian design with wood and aluminum accents as well as the open design that do not requires any specific seed pods.
Unlike many competitors, the Auk Mini uses an open system, which allows you to use any brand of seeds or even plant cuttings for more freedom and lowering the overall cost. Each unit comprises four pots filled with coco fiber, where you can put seeds on directly. Using coco fiber allows for optimal oxygen and pH buffering for improved growth conditions.
Just like the predecessor, the Auk Mini indoor garden requires a plant NFC chip to convey the system the type of plant you are growing, and then automatically control its specific needs for light, water, and nutrients for optimal growth. This way, it is aptly described as a set-and-forget indoor gardening system for beginners.
The base of the indoor garden is made from recyclable ABS and wood in oak or walnut finish while the plant light is made from recycled aluminum. The use of such homey materials makes it more aesthetically pleasing. The wooden rods holding the light measures 20 inches long, which allow you to grow plants even bigger. It is quite easy to adjust the light position as per the plant needs. You have to lower it when seedlings are popping and lift it up when plants have grown to the full size.
Also Read: 10 Best Automated Hydroponic Indoor Gardens to Buy in 2025
The Auk Mini indoor garden measures 17.5L x 8.5W x 14H niches and weighs about 4.5 lbs. There is a 0.8 gallons water tank onboard and full spectrum LEDs to ensure light for optimal plant growth. The water tank is refilled every 7-20th day depending on plant growth speed. It has a power consumption of around 6kWh per month.
Another feature that differentiates the Auk Mini from competitors is that it is a passive hydroponic system that does not have a water pump, which means it will be quite silent. What sets AUK Mini apart is its design, which is now even more sustainable with addition of a cork base option for homeowners.
If you want to grow herbs and salads at home, this automated indoor garden can be really helpful. It even allows growing dwarf tomatoes and chilies using the device. You can purchase the Auk Mini for a price of $219 from the official website.
