I test a lot of indoor gardening systems throughout the year, and the midcentury-chic Auk has remained my all-time favorite for herbs. Not only can you plant whatever seeds you want in its coco coir substrate (though it does come with parsley and basil), it takes very little maintenance, requiring only periodic refills of water and nutrients. There’s also no app to worry about, or pumps, or pH testing needed. This makes it a perfect no-muss, no-fuss gift for cooks, gardeners, or anyone at all interested in growing their own herbs.
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Courtesy of Auk
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Photograph: Kat Merck
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Photograph: Kat Merck
I almost never see it on sale, and Auk confirms it very rarely is, so if at any point you were on the fence, this is your last chance post–Black Friday and –Cyber Monday to save $20 to $30 on the bundle (with free shipping!), depending on which finish you choose. This includes the Auk planter itself and everything you need to start growing, including both pump bottles of nutrients and a bag of coco coir. The sale ends on Monday, December 15, so there are only a few more days to take advantage.
The least expensive style is also Auk’s newest release, with a base made of 100 percent cork sourced from Portugal. You can also opt for an oak wood bottom, for $10 more, or darker walnut (shown above) for $35 more. Buyers can choose either black or white for the non-wood portions.
“The new Cork Edition embodies what Auk stands for: natural plants, and natural materials,” said Didrik Dimmen, Auk’s CEO, in a statement. “Growing your own herbs at home isn’t just good for you, it’s better for the planet, too. Less plastic packaging and waste, and now, another natural aesthetic option to match.”
