Founded by Zooey Deschanel and her ex-husband, filmmaker Jacob Pechenik, Lettuce Grow makes a variety of gardens, including the new no-pump-required counterstand set ($149) that I’m currently testing. Nothing stops guests in their tracks like an indoor farmstand. As I described it when I reviewed it last year, it’s as if a giant strawberry planter had been re-imagined as a set piece 2001: A Space Odyssey. Farmstand’s little brother, Nook, recently started selling at Costco and immediately became an online sensation among Costco influencers. (Yes, influencers at Costco are a thing.) Even my own mom messaged me in amazement after seeing it in the store, while I’ve seen full-sized lettuce grow in my house several times.
In short, if you’re looking for a wow factor gift, the Lettuce Grow Garden will definitely provide you, and right now All farmstand and counterstand sets are 20 percent off through May 10 when you enter coupon code MOM20..
In addition to indoor models that come with lighted rings, there are also outdoor versions without lights that allow you to add rings if you change your mind later. You can choose from small (18 plants), medium (24 plants), or large (36 plants) Farmstands, though each system is completely modular—you can add levels later if you choose the extension kit, though Lettuce Grow recommends no more than six total. Each Farmstand comes with a credit for planting to order once you’re ready. When I first reviewed Farmstand, pest infestation (aphids, whiteflies) was a significant issue with seedlings, which are shipped from nurseries. However, the company has since instituted a quarantine process, instructions for which are on the seedling packages. I followed this with my seedlings for the counterstand, and I haven’t had any problems with insects since.
Note that the pump at the farmstand runs every hour and sounds like a constant toilet flushing for about five minutes, so make sure your giftee is okay with that, and they may want to add a dolly ($60 from Lettuce Grow, or you can probably find one cheaper on Amazon) to make sure it’s easy to move around. When filled with water it remains more or less stable. For detailed maintenance requirements, see my full review. I have been using the system now during two growing “seasons” and still consider it a great purchase.
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