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Origami-like mini-greenhouse lets urbanites grow their own microgreens

Origami-like mini-greenhouse lets urbanites grow their own microgreens
When folded into its origami figure the Microgarden kit becomes a conical structure capable of growing tasty microgreens in only two weeks (Photo Merav Maroody)
When folded into its origami figure the Microgarden kit becomes a conical structure capable of growing tasty microgreens in only two weeks (Photo Merav Maroody)
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Made out of a translucent waterproof material, when folded flat the Microgarden greenhouse resembles a hexagonal star (Photo Merav Maroody)
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Made out of a translucent waterproof material, when folded flat the Microgarden greenhouse resembles a hexagonal star (Photo Merav Maroody)
The Microgarden greenhouse is reusable and comes with origami folding instructions (Photo Merav Maroody)
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The Microgarden greenhouse is reusable and comes with origami folding instructions (Photo Merav Maroody)
According to infarm, microgreens are gaining popularity because of their nutritional value and flavor (Photo Merav Maroody)
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According to infarm, microgreens are gaining popularity because of their nutritional value and flavor (Photo Merav Maroody)
After sitting in the dark for three days, the greenhouse is moved to the light for another 10 days, at which time the microgreens are ready to eat (Photo Merav Maroody)
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After sitting in the dark for three days, the greenhouse is moved to the light for another 10 days, at which time the microgreens are ready to eat (Photo Merav Maroody)
When folded into its origami figure the Microgarden kit becomes a conical structure capable of growing tasty microgreens in only two weeks (Photo Merav Maroody)
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When folded into its origami figure the Microgarden kit becomes a conical structure capable of growing tasty microgreens in only two weeks (Photo Merav Maroody)
When folded into its origami figure the Microgarden kit becomes a conical structure capable of growing tasty microgreens in only two weeks (Photo Merav Maroody)
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When folded into its origami figure the Microgarden kit becomes a conical structure capable of growing tasty microgreens in only two weeks (Photo Merav Maroody)
Because of their intense flavor and colors, microgreens are gaining popularity as a topping for a variety of dishes (Photo Merav Maroody)
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Because of their intense flavor and colors, microgreens are gaining popularity as a topping for a variety of dishes (Photo Merav Maroody)
According to infarm, microgreens are gaining popularity because of their nutritional value and flavor (Photo Merav Maroody)
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According to infarm, microgreens are gaining popularity because of their nutritional value and flavor (Photo Merav Maroody)
View gallery - 8 images

Once thought of as an urban hippy fad, the concept of growing produce in the inner-city has started to become more of an accepted idea. Not only does it give urban gardeners the chance to get in touch with their inner farmer, but it also helps supplement the vegetable portion of the daily diet. For Infarm, the idea of grow-your-own comes in the form of a small, origami-like greenhouse, specifically designed to grow tiny baby greens known as microgreens.

Developed by Infarm out of Berlin and Tomorrow Machine of Stockholm, the Microgarden growing kit is not only a simple concept, but also aesthetically interesting. Made out of a translucent waterproof material, when folded flat the Microgarden greenhouse resembles a hexagonal star. But when folded into its origami shape using the provided instructions, it becomes a conical structure capable of growing tasty microgreens in only two weeks.

Made out of a translucent waterproof material, when folded flat the Microgarden greenhouse resembles a hexagonal star (Photo Merav Maroody)
Made out of a translucent waterproof material, when folded flat the Microgarden greenhouse resembles a hexagonal star (Photo Merav Maroody)

Growing the microgreens is perhaps easier than putting your origami skills to the test. Once the greenhouse is folded to its functional state, owners simply add seeds to the seaweed-based agar gel growing mixture, close the top and hide in the dark for three days. After the darkness phase, the micro greenhouse is then moved into the light for another seven to 10 days. Once the little greens have reached their optimal micro-height, they are ready to eat.

The Microgarden kit is currently part of an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign, and has already exceeded its campaign goal of €15,000 (about US$20,500). Kit pledges start at €20.

For those looking to populate their plates with more than just tiny greens, Infarm will design and build a vertical farm capable of producing fresh greens year round for €7,200. If all goes according to plan, micro-gardeners can expect shipping to start in September.

You can see the campaign pitch video below.

Sources: Infarm, Indiegogo

View gallery - 8 images
2 comments
2 comments
The Skud
All very well, but why buy this when an old-fashioned window box or flower pot arrangement on the terrace do the same job? Any decent supplier will sell that sort of seeds, and a bag of growing mix is 'dirt' cheap. I liked the idea in a previous post a bit better though, a little replacement top for a bottle that wicks up the water to feed a 'real' plant growing up top.
windykites
You can buy stacking trays into which you sprinkle various seeds. These take 4-5 days to grow. Much cheaper than this origami product.