Hey fellow gardeners! I’ve been testing the Garden Patch GrowBox for several months now and I gotta tell you – this little self-watering planter has some interesting quirks. Let me break down everything you need to know before buying one.
Quick Verdict
The GrowBox is good for growing vegetables in small areas, but it’s not perfect. It’s simple to use and works well for most plants, but some users, including me, have had trouble putting it together and with the weak cover pins.
What’s in the Box?
- 4-gallon water reservoir base
- Upper planting container
- Nutrient Patch cover with fertilizer sleeves
- Assembly instructions
- Plastic pins for securing the cover
Note You’ll need to buy potting mix and plants separately
Key Features & Specs
- Dimensions: 27″ L x 12″ W x 11″ H
- Water reservoir: 4 gallons
- Growing space: Fits up to 18 plants (depending on type)
- Colors: Standard green or designer colors (like eggplant) for $8 more
- Price: $29.95 + shipping (basic model)
The Good Stuff
1. Self-Watering System That Actually Works
The water reservoir keeps plants hydrated through a wicking system I only needed to refill it every few days, even in hot weather. My tomatoes and lettuce stayed perfectly moist without any fuss.
2. Space-Efficient Design
Perfect for:
- Apartment balconies
- Small patios
- Urban gardens
- Raised garden areas
3. No Green Thumb Required
The Nutrient Patch takes the guesswork out of fertilizing. You get:
- Pre-measured nutrients
- Weed prevention
- Moisture retention
The Not-So-Good Stuff
1. Assembly Challenges
Real talk: Getting this thing together can be frustrating. Watch out for:
- Sharp edges on plastic pins
- Difficult-to-bend flaps
- Tricky reservoir attachment
2. Cover Issues
The plastic pins that hold down the Nutrient Patch cover are:
- Too short
- Prone to breaking
- Often ineffective in wind
Pro tip: I ended up using landscape staples instead – worked much better!
3. Salt Build-up
Some users (me included) noticed white mineral deposits between the planter and reservoir. This seems worse in areas with hard water.
Growing Results: What I Planted
| Plant Type | Results | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lettuce | Excellent | Ready in 2 months |
| Tomatoes | Good | Needed extra support |
| Herbs | Very Good | Easy maintenance |
| Peppers | Mixed | Some blossom end rot |
Tips for Success
-
Soil Matters:
- Use ONLY potting mix (not garden soil)
- Fill halfway, water thoroughly
- Add remaining mix, water again
-
Plant Spacing:
- Don’t overcrowd
- Follow the marked spots on cover
- Consider plant size at maturity
-
Water Management:
- Keep reservoir filled
- Don’t water from top
- Monitor more frequently in hot weather
Cost Analysis
Initial Investment:
- Basic GrowBox: $29.95
- Designer color option: +$8
- Shipping: $6.95
- Replacement Nutrient Patch: $8.95 (organic: $13.95)
Optional Accessories:
- Support cage: $24.95 (not recommended – build your own instead)
- Additional Nutrient Patches for replanting
The Bottom Line
The Garden Patch GrowBox is pretty solid for growing veggies in small spaces. While it’s got some annoying assembly issues and the cover system needs work, the actual growing performance is impressive.
Who Should Buy It?
- Urban gardeners with limited space
- Beginners who want an easy start
- Anyone tired of constant watering
- Patio/balcony gardeners
Who Should Skip It?
- People needing large growing areas
- Budget-conscious gardeners
- Those who prefer traditional garden beds
My two cents: Despite its flaws, I’m keeping mine and even thinking about getting another one for next season. Just remember to grab some landscape staples for the cover, and you’ll be good to go!
Have you tried the GrowBox or similar self-watering planters? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear about your experience!
Last updated: January 2025
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Garden Patch GrowBox – Why you should get one NOW!
FAQ
What is a garden patch growbox?
The Garden Patch GrowBox uses a simple potting mix for greenhouse-quality results, and it is portable, neat, easy to check and fill, and reusable for years. The cost-saving aspect of the GrowBox is another appealing factor. By growing a variety of produce, it promises to help you save money at the grocery store.
What is a growbox & nutrient patch?
The GrowBox makes it easy to grow vegetables and flowers in a small space. It’s pretty easy to put together (as long as you pay attention), small enough to move around when you need to, and it does what it says it will do. The Nutrient Patch takes the guess-work out of feeding your plants as they grow. How many tomato plants can be in a GrowBox?.
Should you buy a grow box?
Grow boxes are a great way to grow your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs at home if you don’t have a lot of yard space. One popular brand of grow boxes is Garden Patch. With their sleek design and variety of sizes, Garden Patch grow boxes allow you to grow crops easily on a porch, patio, balcony, or small garden.
Are garden patch grow boxes rot resistant?
The Western Red Cedar construction makes the Garden Patch grow boxes very sturdy, rot-resistant and weatherproof. The interlocking slats stay firmly in place season after season. The wood does not warp or crack even after years outdoors in all weather conditions.
How much does a growbox cost?
The GrowBox is available directly from Garden Patch for $29. 95 ($8 more for the designer colors, like the eggplant reviewed here), plus $6. 95 S&H. A replacement Nutrient Patch is $8. 95, or $13. 95 for the organic version. The GrowBox is also available on Amazon, as is the nutrient patch, but they cost slightly more.
Are garden patch grow bags good?
Grow bags may be prone to drying out and need frequent watering in warmer climates. Plants with spreading growth habits may become root bound by the bags. Overall, Garden Patch grow boxes consistently receive stellar feedback for their quality, ease of use, space efficiency and weather resistance.