Urban Cultivator: Convenient Gardening

Our residential model of the Urban Cultivator arrived a few weeks ago - yipee!  Getting this kitchen appliance delivered has been a long road but well worth it.  A plumber came out to install it a week or two ago - we are now just waiting on a teeny tiny replacement part that holds one of the hydroponic light bulbs in place ... let me back up and explain this amazing appliance.

The Urban Cultivator allows restaurants and homeowners alike the ability to grow their own herbs and veggies year round inside their business or home.  In our case, the unit is the same size as a mini refrigerator and it fits seamlessly in our cabinetry and almost flush with the countertops.  It allows us to have the freshest, most organic greens possible, all while giving us the opportunity to watch our food grow.  The lighting, watering, and feeding schedule can be automated too which is makes the whole process so convenient.  Here are some stats/selling points that make it well worth the investment:

• Year-round and hassle free: as described above, this appliance says whatever to our Midwestern weather and puts the gardener in control of the crop and it's growing conditions.
• Nutritional value: store bought greens have a much lower nutritional value.  The Urban Cultivator eliminates the guess work of just how many chemicals and pesticides were used to grow food.
• Food without miles: the turning point for me was driving to Whole Foods this winter and realizing their produce department was practically empty.  When I questioned one of the employees he stated that a snow storm on I-70 shut down most of their shipments and to check back in a few days.  That's all I had to hear to fully grasp that even organically grown food clocks hundreds of miles (time + energy) before even reaching my local store, and eventually my family's dinner plate.
• Expiration date: buying fresh herbs to take a dish from good to great, but the price tag and limited shelf life drive me nuts.  If fresh cilantro is needed for tacos I don't want to be eating mexican food all week in an effort to eliminate waste.  The Urban Cultivator allows you to grow the amount you want, when you want it.  Not to mention it cuts the cost at the store too (pay-back on the until is estimated at 1-3 years).

Here are some pictures of it when we first got it, along with a picture of it installed:

It may be hard to read what we'll be growing so I've listed out what came in our starter kit: Arugula, Basil, Broccoli, Chives, Cilantro, Kale, Pea Tendrils, Radish, Wheatgrass, Spinach, and Lettuce

It's a perfect fit!

Once we start growing (likely a few weeks post baby) we will post an update.  All are welcome for dinner to taste the difference between "fresh" store bought vs. our homegrown herbs + lettuce.  YUM!