Garden Patch GrowBox Review: Is This Self-Watering Planter Worth Your Money in 2025?

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Robby

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 great for growing veggies in small spaces, but it ain’t perfect. While it’s easy to use and works well for most plants, some users (including me!) have had issues with assembly and the flimsy 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

  1. Soil Matters:

    • Use ONLY potting mix (not garden soil)
    • Fill halfway, water thoroughly
    • Add remaining mix, water again
  2. Plant Spacing:

    • Don’t overcrowd
    • Follow the marked spots on cover
    • Consider plant size at maturity
  3. 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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No Other Gardening System Has This University-Developed Technology

  • This is 9 year old Abbie B. from Ohio with another amazing 1 day harvest of 10 cucumbers from 1 GrowBox! She is so proud of herself! Abbie & Dawn B.Centerville, OH
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  • Second year using the GrowBoxes – everything looks great Bob Z.New Philadelphia, OH
  • Our first harvest!! Love my GrowBoxes. Thanks for making gardening fun and easy for newbies like me!! My tomatoes are about to be as tall as me! Everyone that sees my GrowBoxes wants to know how to order!! Vickie RLexington, SC

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Try our GrowBoxes™ at home and if for ANY reason you’re not completely satisfied and convinced that the Garden Patch™ GrowBox™ is the easiest and most productive way to garden, simply return them within one year for a FULL REFUND. Even if you lost the receipt.

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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 relatively simple to put together (if you do it carefully), small enough to move when needed, and works as promised. 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?

If you want to grow your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs at home but don’t have a lot of yard space, grow boxes are a great option. 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.

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