Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Herb Urban smart system work?

The system provides an ultimate growing environment by providing a responsive and controlled release of plant food into an aqua store as required by the plants. This ensures the plants always have access to optimal nutrients and water.

The system ensures plant health by using a microcontroller to read data from sensors in the planter boxes growing area and determining the requirement for plants to be fed/ watered. The controller then takes action and continues to monitor repeating the plant feed/ water cycle as required.

What can I grow in a Herb Urban Garden?

You can grow almost any of the green leafy herbs that are commonly used in cooking; Basil, Parsley, Coriander, Dill, Mint, Oregano etc… In the Herb Urban you can also grow a large variety of vegetables; Tomatoes, Peas, Beans, Zuchinni, Cucumber, Eggplant, Capsicum, etc… This is not a definitive list, most anything will grow in the Herb Urban but as with any outdoor garden consideration needs to be given to the time of year, temperature and the amount of light the plants will receive to determine if it is appropriate to plant. Herb Urban can also be used to grow ornamentals for a beautiful green wall.

What feeds the plants?

Herb Urban’s Smart Gardening System feeds the plants on an as need basis, ensuring no waste of water or plant food. Using a pump system, the water is pushed to the plants in need.

How often do I have to water the plants?

Our system waters and feeds your garden for you. All you have to do is top up the Herb Urban water and food tanks when required. This will be no more than once a fortnight in the peak of Summer.

I've tried growing a garden before but my plants didn't survive. How is Herb Urban different?

The Herb Urban system takes the guesswork out of growing your own plants. Using a microcontroller and sensors the Herb Urban has been designed for one task; to make sure your plants get everything they need, when they need it.

Unlike other options on the market, Herb Urban’s products have been designed and tested by a electrical engineer to operate autonomously and seamlessly.

Do the planters come in different colours?

The planters themselves come in white and black, though we do not recommend white for high sun exposure areas as experience has shown it tends to colour over a few years turning a slight beige.

We have also developed a “skin”, we can do the skins in any colorbond colour or as a galvanized finish.

How often do the plants need to be replaced, and how do I do that?

Most plants have a 2 - 3 month viability, one of the big benefits of growing your own is that you don't need to wait for plants to be mature i.e, harvest a whole head of lettuce, or whole bunch of kale you can pick leaves as the plant grows and in this way you are eating from it for most of its lifecycle (and getting the fresh tasty new growth), eventually, usually seasonally dependent, the plants will go to seed which means they put all their energy into the seed and then need to be replaced. We usually encourage letting some of your plants go to seed as it looks beautiful with the various flower types and encourages bee activity.

You can replace the plants by using pre-planted pods directly from us - the plants have been grown at our nursery in Islington pre-planted in Herb Urban Coconut Husk. You can also purchase seeds or seedlings from a nursery, then plant into the pods with Herb Urban Coconut Husk.

How do I stop pests from destroying my garden?

We love using organic Neem oil on our plants as a pest repellent. It is environmental friendly and healthy for you and your family. Our repellent is derived from the Neem tree native to India but is found in most tropic climates. Our can source Neem oil from our shop

What do I use as plant food?

Herb Urban plant food! Our plant food is made up from a rich resource of minerals and nutrients ideal for plant’s growth. It is produced locally in Australia.

Do I need coconut husk?

Yes, our coconut husk provides your seeds with the ideal growing bed to sprout. It is a repurposed sustainable material from the production of coconuts and is a long lasting and low carbon intensive material.

What is the best position for my garden?

Herbs love sunshine. We suggest finding a northerly facing wall or window to position your space. Considering the way our gardening systems work, you plants will survive in many different light situations, we will talk with you about which plants will work in the spaces you have available. Think your space is getting hit by harsh sun for too long? That’s okay! Our system will make sure that the plants are being delivered the right amount of water and nutrients to survive harsh summers.