Australian startup company Bace is launching a year-round kitchen countertop vegetable grower, the Rotofarm, with preorders available on Indiegogo for a few more days.
Rotofarm’s unique zero-gravity design was inspired by NASA research, Rotofarm rotates a full 360-degrees every 46 minutes. The rotation enables the vegetables to grow more quickly by eliminating the natural forces of gravitational pull. As the plants reach the bottom, they fill up with water and stay hydrated for the entire cycle.
Amazingly, Rotofarm’s circular 15 inch (38cm) design is the equivalent of having 5.2 feet or 1.6 meters worth of growing space right in your kitchen. The company deems it “the most space-efficient planter in the world.”
The creators have designed custom Bace Seed Pods made from 100% biodegradable coconut fibers, containing zero plastic. Housing seeds of many different herbs, vegetables, and microgreens, the coconut fiber pods provide the ideal aeration and moisture for growing conditions.
The pods are held in place by a BPA-free silicone mat, which can easily be removed for cleaning keeps the plants secure.
The growth is made possible by a custom-designed energy-efficient LED light tube stationed in the center that the crops rotate around. The light, dubbed Sun+, mimics that color spectrum of natural sunlight.
Rotofarm is connected to a phone app, which controls the sunrise/sunset times. After “sunrise”, the light boosts purple and red tones that optimize the plants’ growth.
The “Eclipse Cover” is optional, but a welcome addition to those who do not like bright lights. The cover attaches using hidden neodymium magnets, simply hold the cover near the Rotofarm and it self aligns to create a secure connection. Aside from increasing the humidity, the cover is also designed to keep more light in with a reflective mirror while the smoky exterior finish cuts 60% of the light.
The company has dozens of seed varieties to choose from including edible flowers, and small cannabis and hemp varieties where legally permitted.
Bace Founder Toby Farmer said: “Rotofarm is all about growing the largest amount of herbs, microgreens, vegetables in the smallest amount of space wherever you are.” To do this the company wanted to be sure to use no soil because it saves more than 90% of the water than growing in soil.
Farmer goes on to say he wanted to design something that anyone could use to grow their food. It’s fully automated and app-controlled. “The only thing you really have to do is top up the nutrient concentrates and mix it with your tap water, and fill up the base.”
The company is hoping to change the way people grow their vegetables and give more people the ability to have fresh food available in their homes at all times. Bace is hopeful shipping will be available starting in October at a cost of around $440 US.
