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New PCBs and New Growth!

A project log for Urban Kitchen Garden

Open Source Arduino controlled counter-top garden for growing vegetables, herbs, or greens for sustainable foods right in your own home.

eric-wiiliamEric Wiiliam 08/21/2015 at 02:440 Comments

The custom PCB's have arrived from OSH Park and I couldn't be happier! I know the design/layout isn't the best as it was my first time using Fritzing but I really think they should be great to get anyone started! I will improve the layout in future revisions soon (the acute angles on the traces are driving me nuts haha)

Thanks @hackaday for the early bird prize which made these possible. So neat to see these come to completion.

I have to leave on business for 2 weeks but when I return my goal is to start working on some easy conversion kits to make it even easier for someone to convert any existing cooler. i just need to design some basic connectors and universal PCB/LCD mount etc.

I have also been working on some contacts in the industry whereby I might be able to purchase the raw coolers without the electronics which isn't needed for these units. Perhaps I may just be able to assemble a complete finished consumer product. This would truly open up this product to anyone in the world regardless of skill.

Last video I showed how anyone can plant the garden with some lettuce and spinach greens. After 14 days here are the results:

Yes it indeed grows greens like crazy! With the light cycle currently simulating full summer hours and warm temps the lettuce has thrived. This lettuce still has room to grow (leaves are still developing their "adult" form) but I can take a harvest tonight with no issue if I wanted.

The beauty of greens like this- you don't need to harvest it completely. You simply give them a "haircut" removing the top third or so of the leaves to make an instant salad. The plants will continue to grow and you just keep giving them a trim off the top any time they need it- or you need a fresh salad.

From garden to table in under 10 seconds- handy!

Upcoming update will be how I grow bean sprouts under the main crop.

Cheers!

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