[2023] Brutally Honest Gardyn 2.0 Review (including the stuff they don't tell you about e.g. BUGS!)

So yeah I've been pretty pissed with the app and am tired of seeing fake Gardyn reviews.
Here's the brutally honest truth - the system is great, the app and AI are terrible.
If you are still thinking of buying one - get $125 off your Gardyn with this link: mygardyn.com/referrals/?coupo...
Check out the plant tracker spreadsheet here:
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
And awesome indie made gear that works with the Gardyn here:
www.etsy.com/listing/11545902...
And the pump I use to do water changes in 5 mins here:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...

[@AkSonya1010]

Great honest review, thank you. I have done ebenflo gardening and it's fun but takes up way too much room. I have two different Areo gardens and love them but it's time to get a bigger system. Thank you for your honest review.

[@veronicasroman1321]

I just ordered my 2.0 two days ago and got a message today that it shipped. I'm really excited to get it. It's disappointing to hear the negatives, especially about the app (I got the 1-year membership). However, very happy to hear the positives. I'll be sure to take advantage of the FB community. Grateful to be able to get the head's up on challenges to be aware of so I can minimize or avoid them altogether. I love that you're eating so many salads and not having to buy your greens at the store anymore! That's my goal. I live in Michigan and the thought of being able to grow my own produce year-round in my home makes me ecstatic! Crossing my fingers that it will happen without major challenges. Thanks for taking the time to do this review. 🌿😊🌱

[@lulu2dani]

How's your garden going?

[@EricChapmanHowell]

I’m in Michigan, so curious too. Can you offer an update?

[@kokoreply]

What the fb group call pls?

[@ourcozycorner8517]

Thaaaank you! I’ve been wanting to grow a lot of my own food without too much effort & interference(other animals & bugs & mites, etc). Been looking at hydroponic garden systems for a while. Gardyn seems to be one of the overall best options, but I was wondering if the “membership“ was really worth it. It’s already so expensive. 😅 anyway, good to know all of this. Thank you so much!

[@KitchenGardenTours]

Thanks for such an honest review of the Gardyn. I just purchased the newest version a week ago. So far I totally agree with your review points. For me it was the design that won me over vs. the tech. But I can't wait for our first harvest.

[@MattLaneFitness]

If I buy it I’ll be using your link as well as the Amazon affiliate links. This Honest review was awesome! Appreciate you good sir!

[@DeeDee-uu2zo]

I agree with you on most all points. The app is lacking and customer service is only via email. I just set mine up at the beginning of January and got off to a slow start. Had to add a humidifier and seemed to help (I’m in the desert with house humidity in the 20s often). The Gardyn needs like 60% or higher to germinate. I had 13 cubes never germinate and they gave me credits for them but in order to have them shipped free, I had to renew the membership and that irritated me. So I ordered the 13 + 10 and will cancel the membership end of this month. Also found out time lapse is still in beta and credits roll over only for 3 months or 30 credits and then they put you back to 0. So not really sure what the membership gets you other than vacation mode which unless a frequent traveler, is couple times a year. But I do love it! I just will manage it on my own and get cheaper replacement cubes and seeds when I finally will need them several months down the road.

[@AkSonya1010]

I am wondering if you are having issues starting plants because they gave you Rockwool as your starting medium. It's a great medium to grow with BUT its pH is (I believe) very alkaline so depending on the pH of your water that could be why you are having a hard time. You have invested this much money that I recommend you buy a pH meter and get pH up and down chemicals to have better luck. You could also switch to a different plant starter like Rapid Rooter or something similar. Best of planting to you...

[@__taylor__]

Hey, thanks for the Etsy and spreadsheet shoutout!

[@drefen21]

I appreciate your honesty because I was trying to figure out if it made financial sense to spend 1k and $40 a month on a garden when there are other options that might be just a viable especially if it's not really fully self sustaining.

[@yennyjen5742]

Did you bought it? I just check today and it’s supposedly 40%off. $499. Just checking if you got it and what’s your opinion?

[@seoliver]

Great review! So true about the app, but it's almost certainly a work in progress. It will be fun to evaluate the alternatives.

[@delta34golf]

It's great to get some good feedback; it disappoints me that there is a lack of objective reviews but thank you. I have been debating the hydroponics thing to grow fresh veggies too. Disappointing that the AI is a roadmap item and not something that actually works. Thank you.

[@meehanasap]

Kinda plan to build my own. Thanks for the honest review

[@cynthiacoutre]

Thank you for this info!!

[@valeriesanchez3074]

The price tag keeps me away.

[@yennyjen5742]

How much was when you posted this comment 9 months ago? I just check today and supposedly is 40% off. $499 dlls. Was it close to $1k?

[@ahmxtb]

Now it is $650

[@2075vj]

Are the seeds organic? Thanks for sharing 😊

[@zendasmom]

Thank you for an honest review!

[@ibraheemsharaf8442]

You’re good at explaining things

[@St.Augustine-Bob]

Great to hear some honesty. My wife has a huge green thumb and happens to be a software engineer with decades of experience. The App is useless and very poorly executed. We have two of the first design. Both pumps failed within a year. The motherboard, if you can call it that was destroyed by water. Clearly I am not alone and they are being forced to iterate they design. We have simple gone to our own pumps with timers and avoided their amateurish apps and poor, Made in China, reliability. The experience for a few months was productive. Changing the water could be easier, but not a big deal. Wish I could show a photo of the internal water damage in this review.... Warranty...what warranty?

[@bikinggal1]

I just bought 3 Tower gardens and 2 aerogardens! Used!! So feel I got a great deal.

[@dannytaylor1358]

thanks for sharing your thoughts - sounds like a great idea but for such a big investment it should work well all the way around.

[@MarsM13]

I use empty plastic peanut jars to grow scallions and navy beans. Since I buy peanuts anyway, the jars are essentially free. I did have to buy the soil, but that's cheap even in a big bag. The only maintenance is pouring a little water on them. I think I'll just keep doing that.

[@Mracelocates]

We are considering it. Here in WA it seems a bravo ID to grow your own salads but could a person grow some Autoflowers at the base and let them grow? Asking for a friend. shur.

[@valeriesmith15]

Thank you, I heard that they are hoping to do international shipping. I live in the UK. I do like the idea of it. I have three aerogardens and one click and grow. The gardyn 2.0 is supposed to be much better. I was looking for a review.

[@akherashepsutera2013]

This was super helpful! I'm in Denver too, btw! So hopefully things will go smoothly for me too.😅 I've been wanting one for a while now. Getting more serious about purchasing it soon, but needed to hear the true cons against buying it before making a final decision. So thanks! Much appreciated! Update: went ahead and bought a 2.0 version (currently $695-$125 with an affiliate link... so, MUCH more affordable). Your link doesn't work though! I tried multiple times using it, as I wanted to give you the benefit of my purchase instead of some true random-- since you and I are mates now. 😂 ok, maybe just neighbors, not mates. 🤷🏽‍♀️😄 Might want to look into your link issue. ✌🏽

[@MEL000DY]

I’m in the area as well! Do let us know how it goes. I am still doing research and debating on whether or not to get the 2.0 or 3.0 system. Do you have a referral code?

[@jamesarnold9799]

Thank you ;)

[@user-yh5oh7fp6m]

Can i get a link to that spreadsheet and fb group you were talking about?

[@TeeFetch]

Informative video. I own 3 of the original units. Bugs are a pain. The unit is a bit flimsy. The modules have a tendency to crack especially right after the warranty expires. Kelby is not worth it. The functionality of the garden is fine. It is a bitch to clean. I'd say they would be worth $300 apiece not their price. I just bought a 36 slot Lettuce Grow Farmstand with lights, bout to try it out. I have 5 countertop Aerogardens of the harvest to bounty. I believe Gardyn cost around $8 a month to run avg. Aero gardens $6 and Lettuce grow will be $6 otherwise 50centsa month if doing it outdoors. Gardyn is more practical once you start growing your own seeds and using your own cups and growing medium. I'd like to know how cleaning the columns are for the Gardyn 2.0.

[@Kiskeyainmyheart]

How was your experience with the Lettuce Grow? I want to buy one but I can’t decide between the two

[@dungvo3208]

could you please sharing your experience with Lettuce Grow Farmstand....I have had a Gardyn but I am not happy much with it, I feel it is ineffective than it's called. Many thanks.

[@AkSonya1010]

@@dungvo3208 I am wondering if you are having issues growing lettuce because they gave you Rockwool as your starting medium. It's a great medium to grow with BUT its pH is (I believe) very alkaline so depending on the pH of your water that could be why you are having a hard time. You have invested this much money, I recommend you buy a pH meter and get pH up and down chemicals to have better luck. You could also switch to a different plant starter like Rapid Rooter or something similar. Best of planting to you...

[@1889mdp]

Very helpful

[@eccentricbeliever7]

I love an honest review

[@remoteonlinenotary.]

thanks for the links to make life easier. any updates? did anyone release an app?

[@ElfingHippie]

Thank you

[@wei944]

Hi Matt, thanks for your helpful videos regarding the Gardyn. Did you get any bitter tasting romaine or other lettuce varieties? I learned that this can occur if the lettuce has bolted or was grown in too hot of an environment but neither of these two conditions apply to my lettuces so I am trying to understand what else could be the culprit.

[@Milkikomori]

Do you have a lot of milky fluid in your leaves when you break them off? That milky liquid is super bitter and the closer you break off to the stem of the plant the more of that you'll get in your lettuce. You may want to try cutting less close to the stem and rinsing them to remove any of that milky stuff. This is just from my experience with grocery store lettuce/romain though, hopefully it helps

[@wei944]

@@Milkikomori Hi Arianna, thanks for your feedback and insight. Yes, I milky liquid/sap is something I had seen in my romaine and other lettuce varieties. I submerged them into cold water and left them soaked in the fridge overnight, and it helped a tad bit. Since I posted my question a month ago, I started researching the pH of the water and discovered that the water in the water tank was very basic for plant growth (>6.5 pH) so I have since checked the pH in the water tank every other day or so to keep it between 5.5 to 6.5 and noticed that the lettuces no longer taste bitter! Plus, I noticed overall improved plant growth and even less fruit flies/gnats! I bought the pH indicator and solutions off Amazon. :)

[@lauranglover521]

I've had the Gardyn for almost 2 years, I have NO problems with the app, it's saved me several times. Cleaning: HATE IT~ you have to disconnect the black tubes to really get an easy clean, then labor to match everything up (need to mark them with sharpie markers one of these days). I bought the membership and enjoy 10 pods a month. I store them up and I'm happy with it, other than cleaning. when a pod won't produce, they send you a free replacement!

[@kokoreply]

Did you get the latest version,3.0 as I’m typing this, or older version?

[@ramoschris0131]

Can you link that spreadsheet you were talking about?

[@craftyliu]

Thanks for the review! Did you consider the iHarvest when you were purchasing?

[@mattquinn5684]

I did, it looked bulky and the Gardyn brand sucked me in.

[@JenniferJanvier]

Lol I was going to get this for the app , thanks for the truth

[@ptewptew]

The technology isn't that great. My greens were ready to harvest like a month before the app said so, now, if it looks ready, I harvest lol the app isn't worth paying $40/month but the 10 pods are worth it. One thing I didn't like is that some pods listed on browser isn't listed on the app, I've reached out to customer service and they said they're working on it. I think some pods you have to pay for and isn't included with the free 10 pods.

[@pastamane]

Hopefully they fix these issues. I was most excited about the app and AI system. Still deciding with my wife on what we should get. This is both of our favorite option so far

[@mattquinn5684]

yeah I wouldnt buy another

[@mattquinn5684]

sorry I meant any other

[@buyingdonewright]

Would you still do the subscription or just use your own medium and plant your own seeds?

[@mattquinn5684]

the latter

[@jqc5]

I love the Gardyn, but I love hydroponics too..................yes and Bugs do happen...........but Ive grown so many lettuces, and I love trying new things

[@thebackbencher666]

Are there options for just green stuff that looks good ? I dont need food grown in my house.

[@mattquinn5684]

yeah you can do flowers

[@anthonygomez8338]

True

[@PlusSe7en]

would you show how you use the pump to refresh the tank?

[@mattquinn5684]

sure - in another video. Not due for 20 days

[@mattquinn5684]

Here yuo go kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2W7koVnqtqFiKc

[@kikip9358]

Do you have a video you can share on how you changed the water with the pump from amazon?

[@mattquinn5684]

Will be releasing in 7ish days when I do a refresh.

[@mattquinn5684]

here you go kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2W7koVnqtqFiKc

[@lorae7]

After having this and aerogarden - aerogarden is by far superior and waaaaaaaaaay easy to clean and maintain

[@RoxxdafoxxHoneyBadger]

I need to know about the bugs 🤣

[@jek539]

Price to high for 30 holes plus have to spend more $ monthly.... would consider if they lower price and stop the membership

[@uncommonsenseU]

Brutally honest review, the echo in your presentation makes this video unbearable. Thanks for the hard work.

[@stacybuckeye481]

OH mi gosh I thought you were going to say insects!!! hahahah

[@mattquinn5684]

not an issue in Denver but users all over the US have issues with aphids

[@AkSonya1010]

@@mattquinn5684 aphids dye with simple soap and water in a spray bottle. Neam oil it a pain to work with and really doesn't kill anything.

[@Aurossa]

Any updates on this. Been a year since

[@mattquinn5684]

I still use it - did my first deep clean after 14 months. The app is still completely crap but the gardyn works and a neverending supply of spices and leafy greens is great

[@aef6259]

I see that the membership gives you 10 credits per month. How much can you get with that?

[@mattquinn5684]

More than enough pods.

[@Vera-xu3xw]

How can you eat off it every day? doesn't look like it produces that much.

[@solohelion]

All those positive reviewers just want to get a referral bonus... Anyway, I like it, use the link below 😆

[@deborahleroy6321]

Do you know what gardyn is made of? Is it pvc ?

[@mattquinn5684]

i actually dont know

[@deborahleroy6321]

@@mattquinn5684 Just found out it’s made from food grade ABS plastic

[@justinelliott3529]

That’s certainly a Colorado accent lol

[@tessalaframboise5699]

this is the most esthetically pleasing unit ive seen. and their userx on their site is very seductive. However, I am def not a fan of the membership and the app ai capabilities. Total drawback. I also saw someone cleaning it and it was just no. They do entice people very well with marketing and a buy now website.

[@MaryaliciaVerdecchia]

Do you have an update?

[@mattquinn5684]

What kind of update are you looking for

[@paul7787]

" I am fan of it, but for the sake of putting out some critics out there - i will criticize it a little" :D

[@mattquinn5684]

I should do a video 6 months on. Ready to sell it tbh

[@keeganrasmussen977]

So.... Is it aeroponic?

[@mattquinn5684]

no

[@prueitt]

Thanks my gardyn is a fail. I think I burned my plants with too much plant food.

[@peggypeters6676]

How much does it cost?

[@mattquinn5684]

like $1000 i think

[@MsApril-vo7iz]

I got mine for 435 during a black Friday sale cheaper than the aerogarden farm. I like it well enough, the membership is crap didn't get it. I don't like that I have to have internet for it to work. If it goes out it's a pain. My pump I think just went out after 8 months so going to have to deal with that.

[@kokoreply]

@@MsApril-vo7iz did you replace the pump? was it easy to do?

[@MsApril-vo7iz]

@@kokoreply replaced but ran into issues with not watering had also gotten hurt at work still recovering and haven't messed with it

[@BBYmallory]

we al know what we using this for...

[@seanmurphy3753]

[@user-mp1sw4ty9d]

Your heading suggests a problem with bugs but you don’t talk about it in your video. What problem do you have with bugs?

[@mattquinn5684]

I have no bug problems but others in the forums complain about them constantly

[@garyabc]

So let me get this straight, you don't like the app?

[@kitakitzFarm]

You can make a beautiful looking DIY system using the $8 Mr. Stacky 13" butterfly stackable pots. I live in the Philippines and my costs are much lower at 90¢ each for the EXACT SAME stackable pots. I simply added a $12 pump and a $3 dollar 7 gallon bucket for the Hydroponic solution . I have experimented using Soil, cocopeat and or NO growing media. I prefer the no media AEROPONIC methods. In my situation I spent another $4.and made a few simple modifications to have a AEROPONIC SYSTEM. I paid $16 for 18 identical stackable pots here in the Philippines and each stack of 18 pots has 72 growing areas. Make a Automatic system for a few dollars more. I added a 12v DC external pump, timer and a mist sprayer from modified drip irrigation tubing My Total 1 time cost for 72 growing areas was $34 here in the Philippines. Your USA DIY cost would be about $80 for a similar set up like I have. BE CHEAP LIKE ME! You DON'T need pumps or timers. You can simply manually pour a few liters of plain water in your pots daily if you are using soil. Or pour your hydroponic solution in the top tray a few times a day. Or you can spend $500 to $1000++ for a similar store bought growing system.

[@go2ferdie]

I was looking at this and iharvest.... iHarvest won in the end!!

[@TheAnimatedOsprey]

Thank you