Since October 2nd, Clovy, the new vertical garden by Hexagro, is finally available internationally on the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter! Even more efficient and smart, Clovy stands out, especially for its modularity, scalability, and versatility, making it a perfect ally for those already experienced in cultivation, those new to gardening, and even those without a green thumb who want to learn to cultivate in a simple and intuitive way.
Among the features that make Clovy unique is the dual soilless cultivation method available: hydroponic fertigation and low-pressure aeroponics. Let's delve into this matter and explore the peculiarities of these two innovative methods.
Hydroponics and aeroponics: what are we talking about?
Before getting into the details of cultivating with Clovy, it's essential to understand what we mean by hydroponics and aeroponics. In both cases, we refer to innovative soilless cultivation techniques that use nutrient solutions to grow plants efficiently and sustainably.
In hydroponic fertigation, or simply hydroponics, plants do not use soil but rather an inert substrate like coconut fiber, derived from the waste of coconut husk, which is more sustainable and practical to use. The coconut substrate is saturated with a nutrient solution made of water and organic fertilizers that are delivered directly to the plant's roots through a targeted and controlled irrigation system.
In low-pressure aeroponics, there is neither soil nor inert substrate. The plant's roots are suspended in the air and are misted with a nutrient solution, also consisting of water and organic fertilizers. Thanks to its convenience and complete absence of soil, this cultivation method is well-suited for indoor environments.
Growing with Clovy in hydroponics
With this introduction, let's see how hydroponic fertigation is applied to Clovy. As mentioned earlier, the hydroponic technique uses an inert coconut fiber substrate, devoid of nutrients, which need to be added separately to provide the plant with the right nutrition. Coconut substrate is similar to soil but more sustainable because it is derived from agricultural waste materials and more practical to use since it doesn't soil and emit unpleasant odors. The irrigation system, which represents the core of Clovy, delivers the nutrient solution from the reservoir to all other levels, allowing precise plant irrigation, the correct and not excessive dosage of water, and the right nutrient supply to the roots. In both the hydroponic and aeroponic versions, you can benefit from the automation of the irrigation system through the IoT module, which will be discussed in the following sections.
This balance between cultivation efficiency and water resource usage is what truly sets it apart from traditional cultivation methods. Thanks to the nutrient solution delivered directly to the plant's roots, nutrient absorption is maximized, allowing plants to get exactly what they need and grow more quickly while saving up to 40% of water.
Growing indoor with Clovy in aeroponics
For those with a greener thumb and a desire to try a different approach to cultivation, the solution is low-pressure aeroponics. Clovy's versatility allows anyone interested to switch from hydroponic to aeroponic cultivation by simply purchasing the dedicated aeroponic component kit.
In this second cultivation method, the roots are not immersed in substrate but remain suspended in the air. This allows them to receive the right amount of oxygen and be misted with a nutrient solution sprayed by the irrigation system's nozzles. This technique significantly reduces water usage, up to 90% less than traditional soil-based methods.
Another revolutionary advantage of aeroponic cultivation is that it enables indoor farming, in closed environments like homes, offices, or any other indoor setting. This is made possible, especially due to the absence of soil and the use of LED lights. On Clovy, LED lights are available in both available sizes, S and L, and with full-spectrum technology, they support healthy and robust plant growth even in indoor environments.
The remote control
Whether you choose hydroponics or want to experience the thrill of aeroponics, in both cases, your work will become much smarter and more efficient with the IoT automation system. When you receive your Clovy, you'll always find the IoT module (Internet of Things) included, allowing you to manage irrigation timing and methods, water levels in the reservoir, and plant needs remotely through the IoT Hexagro app.
IoT is an automation device that connects to your home WiFi network and, in combination with plug-and-play sensors, enables you to:
- Monitor and control Clovy's pump
- Manage the LED lighting system
- Control the water level in the reservoir, sending alerts for refilling.
You'll also have a digital assistant by your side: Hexbee, capable of providing personalized cultivation advice, precise guidance on the needs of the varieties you are growing, and the necessary support when needed.
Have you ever wished to be part of a movement that promotes a healthy and sustainable lifestyle? With Clovy, this possibility is now within reach for everyone. Join our global community of Urban Farmers. Every seed we plant together represents a significant step toward healthier and greener cities, beautiful places to share and live well with our families and friends. Support our project and become a part of a global community of Urban Farmers, a movement of people passionate about healthy food and believing in a more sustainable future.
Help us spread the seeds of urban agriculture!