Prepara sprouts dirt-free garden

(Credit: Prepara)

It's hard to ignore the incessant messages to buy local, plant a garden, check for organic labels, and lead a sustainable lifestyle, yet most of us dismiss these suggestions as practices that require too much money, time, and effort.

And it's true--they really do.

Last summer I went through a green phase, heading to the plant store to purchase soil, seeds, shovels, pots, and everything else that Martha Stewart suggests I buy. Well, $120 and two weeks later, I had forgotten I'd even planted a garden and deemed my project a failure.

Thankfully, there is hope for busy and forgetful people like me. The Prepara Power Plant doesn't require any soil, planting, or high maintenance. Herbs, small vegetables, fruits, and salad greens grow quickly, as the container provides the seeds with the right amount of nutrients and water.

It's not completely care-free, though--you must water the container and place it in sunlight (such as a window sill). But unlike outdoor gardens, the Power Plant Mini is always visible, so don't bother with excuses for neglecting your innocent plant.

Fresh food without bugs, dirt, digging, and worrying sounds like the perfect package. (Plus I can tell all my friends how green and sustainable I am.) Prepara lists the product for $39.99, but it can be purchased on Amazon for $29.99.

if this will grow me some medical marijuana im all for it. anyone got any experience with these self contained gardens growing some "home-grown"

[exvaxman]

If you live near a ShopKo, they were being closed out at $20. The more expensive classic Aerogardens were being closed out for under $100. <br />What isn't said is that they recommend you put it on a timer (extra expense) (20 minutes on, 10 off, or varies depending on what you plant)

[kormiko]

Are you sure that isn't the next Xbox console?<br />They must really be going green.<br />And for $30? Wow, what a bargain.<br /><br />I can't wait to play Garden Hero. ;)

[RDWjr57]

Green? How much energy was used to create the plastics - and are they recyclable, after you decide it's a high-maintenance chia pet? Plug it in... pour in the "nutrients" made how and where by-the-way?<br /><br />The best way to go green is to get your hands brown - from diggin' in the dirt.<br />You don't need Martha - compost works better.

[Joe Real]

This is the most inefficient method of growing crops. If you were growing medicinal plants, then it might be worth it, but not for salads and herbs.<br /><br />It will only be a matter of time before one thrip, aphid, mealy bug, scale and other tiny insects to get a foot hold. These insects can go through the tiniest of holes, even if you use positive pressure doors. These are the predominant problems of very tight screenhouses and greenhouses, once these insects gets through, it is hard to control them. But fortunately there are organic biopesticides that you can use to control them.<br /><br />The others are plant diseases such as powdery mildew, black spots, root rot. A simple contamination brought by the grower can bring them in. Open your window, even if is screened, these could get established. And just the same, there are excellent biopesticides that can control these wayward diseases.

[findmorefollowers]

These are cute, but just a novelty, right? (I'm not sure that getting oregano from your window-sill is really going to help the planet in a meaningful way, when you still have to get your bread and potatoes from the grocery store. ) <br />This would make a nice gift for a child.<br /><br />[CNET editors' note: Spam deleted]

[philpalm1]

When I used to sprout things the watering schedule is very important to prevent molds. However the weak point might be direct sunlight killing plants, or forgetting to water the container. <br /><br />Anything to promote people to have a green thumb is something that I encourage. I wonder if this group has a support forum to keep people encouraged?

You have to be kidding. I wouldn't spend $20-$40 for that little thing so I could feel like I'm doing something "green". Plant a kitchen garden outside a door in a sunny spot. My tomatoes are right off the porch, along with several other plants and herbs for under $10. I can put a home-made cold frame out there and extend the lettuce season into late fall. This thing is a guppie (green yuppie) toy.

[blubbabutter]

I had a bunch of Radio Shack Model 100s that I now use for my herb gardens. Sure make a great group.

[Done321]

This is about as silly as it gets, yes how much energy and materials went into the manufacturing of this item, and on top of that you have to plug it in, why? Gosh how exotic, who was the marketing genius behind this. Now if you could have gotten Billy Mays behind this (R.I.P.) and for $19.95 with free shipping, then maybe it might have made a social impact like the FlowBee did (not) but I digress. <br /><br />The whole idea behind gardening and plants and the connection with GAIA is that there is a personal and responsible connection, not the 120v kind. And the bounty, gosh 5 leaves a week for a whole year, pretty soon there will be Meet-up groups from sea to shining shore, sprouting up just like well you get the gist. Sad, so very sad. Step back from the remote and get outside.