Auk Mini 2 Review: A Compact Indoor Herb Garden With More Capacity
The Auk Mini 1 is a streamlined version of the original Auk indoor garden system. It features four oval planting pots positioned above a 3-liter water reservoir, giving users an easy way to grow herbs, leafy greens, and other compact plants with Coco Coir and the included seed kits. Its simple design, modern styling, and reliable performance made it an appealing choice for growing fresh herbs indoors.
The Auk Mini 2 builds on that foundation with several notable upgrades. In addition to the traditional black and white finishes, the indoor hydroponic garden is now available in a wider range of colors. The base can still be ordered in oak or walnut, while newer beech and ash options replace the cork base used on the Mini 1. The light bar is also available in espresso, sage, and terracotta finishes.
Despite having a footprint that is 12 percent smaller than the original, the Auk Mini 2 includes a larger flowerpot and approximately 25 percent more water capacity. That combination makes it a more space-efficient indoor herb garden for kitchens, offices, and other small living spaces.
I initially had mixed feelings about the addition of app controls, but the Auk Connect app is optional. Like the Auk Mini 1, the Mini 2 can be operated manually using the buttons on the light bar, so users are not required to create an account or connect the garden to a smartphone.
The app does not offer many advanced features, but it is simple to set up and use. After downloading the app, open it and select your garden—the Auk Mini 2 should be recognized automatically. From there, you can turn the grow lights on or off, adjust their brightness, create a lighting schedule, and select between the Herbs and Salads or Fruits and Vegetables growing modes.
Like the first-generation model, the Auk Mini 2’s light bar extends to a maximum height of 15 inches. That height may not be sufficient for taller fruiting plants, such as pepper plants and tomatoes. Auk currently offers a chili and tomato growing kit for $39. It includes a taller light-bar extension and larger pots, although the tray holds two pots instead of three. While I have not tested this accessory, the additional height and growing space should make it a better option for cultivating larger fruiting plants indoors.
Source: www.wired.com