@Bruce Bussing
Thanks for your input. I think creating safety redundancy through the use of cables is a valid option. Early in the week I also described using clips to keep pots and trays locked in place. We can test and evaluate this on the full scale prototype.
I love the idea of an easy to use window box, but this whole safety thing is what has been bothering me from the beginning. I've been concerned that the box or pots within could fall to the ground and hurt somebody. I think that you should use a "cable system" to ensure that none of the main components ever hit the ground. You could attach a main cable to the box frame and secure the other end to a secure part of the building. Each pot or group of 2,3, or 4 pots could have their own cables that are also fastened to the bracket that is secured to the building. All of the cable work could be neatly tucked inside of the void spaces inside the main box so that it is not visible from inside or outside of the building.
Urban Farming! This is really trendy and I think it a great idea. Using reusable materials is a must. I couldn't tell if the design would allow you to pull the box inside while keeping it mounted. Would be cool if you could lock it in place inside, outside and somewhere in between.
Sara, thanks for your comments. We are looking at reusable plastic materials for the outer shell and inner components. The shell will be locked in place, while the inner trays and bins would be sliding in and out. Sliding the entire boxed system not a bad idea, but it introduces new challenges with the mounting system.
Thanks Jiayan. It definitively fits the DIY home decoration market for urban apartment dwellers. The goal is to make it affordable, easy to use and accessible to all.
@Chris Bohlin, @mathew smith added a great link to a vertical hydroponic system. Looks like it would manage big leafy things quite well, while addressing some of the concerns with the current design.
But main issue I see is cost (pumps, irrigation, etc). And this might make it a more premium offering, not for folks testing our their green thumbs.
However, I think I could do more, larger plants this way and more advanced customers might be willing to make the investment on this basis.
That's an interesting link. Not sure if that design would work for salad fixings but a stacked tray version may if the roots don't need to go too deep..
This link looked like it has some great ideas that can be used for this idea. I think many of the vegetables need the larger planters but most of the other things were great ideas that could be good inspiration for this product concept...and anyone that has ever wanted something like thing. :)
Just a thought. Has anyone considered the size of the planters you need for growing vegetables and fruits? Not sure a small format window planter will work for many. Even peppers that I thought may work say you need large 2 gallon planters. Lettuce says 5 gallon but then I realized it makes sense since you need so many leaves to make a salad. Looks like this may end up being a flower and herb planter...anyone have any ideas for what to grow in it?
Chris, we are definitely looking into allowing customization of the planter by swapping out boxes and trays. These will have to be a part of the designed system in order to get most use out of it.
There are size limitations as to what you could grow in it. I welcome all ideas of which seeds/plants to bundle with the original offering.
For 10 years I used a window box planter holder off my balcony wall to place individual planters inside. It worked quite well since I could adjust the plants based on which one needed the most space versus a limited area forced by a divider like shown. I suggest using dividers that can be moved accordingly so a person can also use their own planters if needed.
I second the idea that it should be like a kit with tools included.
re-iterating the foam-like soil substitute idea from above, this feature would allow for much more flexibility when configuring..thugh a quick online search only brings up promising research , but not available products to make this happen. if someone knows if it's available.
Great idea, and I add a suggestion that it be offered as a "kit" with various configurations, one for small plants, one for a seed-starter, one for tall plants with an optional trellis for support.
Alison, thanks. We have been looking into a modular system with scaling shell sizes and interchangeable trays for plants, seeds etc. The trellis is a nice idea and could easily become an accessory.
Comments
@Bruce Bussing
Thanks for your input. I think creating safety redundancy through the use of cables is a valid option. Early in the week I also described using clips to keep pots and trays locked in place. We can test and evaluate this on the full scale prototype.
I love the idea of an easy to use window box, but this whole safety thing is what has been bothering me from the beginning. I've been concerned that the box or pots within could fall to the ground and hurt somebody. I think that you should use a "cable system" to ensure that none of the main components ever hit the ground. You could attach a main cable to the box frame and secure the other end to a secure part of the building. Each pot or group of 2,3, or 4 pots could have their own cables that are also fastened to the bracket that is secured to the building. All of the cable work could be neatly tucked inside of the void spaces inside the main box so that it is not visible from inside or outside of the building.
Urban Farming! This is really trendy and I think it a great idea. Using reusable materials is a must. I couldn't tell if the design would allow you to pull the box inside while keeping it mounted. Would be cool if you could lock it in place inside, outside and somewhere in between.
This is no doubt the best of the 15.
Sara, thanks for your comments. We are looking at reusable plastic materials for the outer shell and inner components. The shell will be locked in place, while the inner trays and bins would be sliding in and out. Sliding the entire boxed system not a bad idea, but it introduces new challenges with the mounting system.
I like the idea, very Ikea like and probably should aim at the same group of consumers there; may it look good and trendy.
Thanks Jiayan. It definitively fits the DIY home decoration market for urban apartment dwellers. The goal is to make it affordable, easy to use and accessible to all.
@Chris Bohlin, @mathew smith added a great link to a vertical hydroponic system. Looks like it would manage big leafy things quite well, while addressing some of the concerns with the current design.
But main issue I see is cost (pumps, irrigation, etc). And this might make it a more premium offering, not for folks testing our their green thumbs.
However, I think I could do more, larger plants this way and more advanced customers might be willing to make the investment on this basis.
That's an interesting link. Not sure if that design would work for salad fixings but a stacked tray version may if the roots don't need to go too deep..
This link looked like it has some great ideas that can be used for this idea. I think many of the vegetables need the larger planters but most of the other things were great ideas that could be good inspiration for this product concept...and anyone that has ever wanted something like thing. :)
http://www.soyouwanna.com/site/syws/wingarden/wingarden.html
Just a thought. Has anyone considered the size of the planters you need for growing vegetables and fruits? Not sure a small format window planter will work for many. Even peppers that I thought may work say you need large 2 gallon planters. Lettuce says 5 gallon but then I realized it makes sense since you need so many leaves to make a salad. Looks like this may end up being a flower and herb planter...anyone have any ideas for what to grow in it?
Chris, we are definitely looking into allowing customization of the planter by swapping out boxes and trays. These will have to be a part of the designed system in order to get most use out of it.
There are size limitations as to what you could grow in it. I welcome all ideas of which seeds/plants to bundle with the original offering.
For 10 years I used a window box planter holder off my balcony wall to place individual planters inside. It worked quite well since I could adjust the plants based on which one needed the most space versus a limited area forced by a divider like shown. I suggest using dividers that can be moved accordingly so a person can also use their own planters if needed.
I second the idea that it should be like a kit with tools included.
re-iterating the foam-like soil substitute idea from above, this feature would allow for much more flexibility when configuring..thugh a quick online search only brings up promising research , but not available products to make this happen. if someone knows if it's available.
Thanks Jose. An included accessory toolkit definitely a good idea. Also mentioned higher up.
Great idea, and I add a suggestion that it be offered as a "kit" with various configurations, one for small plants, one for a seed-starter, one for tall plants with an optional trellis for support.
Alison, thanks. We have been looking into a modular system with scaling shell sizes and interchangeable trays for plants, seeds etc. The trellis is a nice idea and could easily become an accessory.
Viewing: 1-10 of 62
Show All