It’s finally here! The newest addition to the Soltech catalog, the Grove LED Grow Light bar light! We know many of our customers have been waiting with baited breath for this model. It makes sense, the bar light lends itself to tons of creative setups and projects, who wouldn’t want that sort of freedom to grow what they want, where they want?
This is our most innovative model yet, with touch control power and dimming. As always, Soltech puts durability first, with an aluminum body and quality construction allowing for two different methods of installation: adhesive or screw in. Plus, with magnetic mounting brackets, you can easily rotate your Grove to allow even more optimization within your space! Build the best setup possible for you and your plants!
Need some tips? We get it, maybe you didn’t hop on the bar light hype bandwagon until recently. No worries! We’ve got you covered with the best ideas to get those creative juices flowing.
Glass Cabinet Greenhouse:
Building a DIY greenhouse out of a glass cabinet is an innovative and cost-effective way to create a small indoor garden for growing plants. Read along and we'll give you our tips for building the perfect setup!
Materials and Tools:
Gather the necessary materials and tools, including a glass cabinet (old or new), a screwdriver or drill, screws, hinges, weatherstripping, a latch, a small fan, pots or trays for planting, potting soil, and the plants you want to grow.
Choose the Right Cabinet:
Select a glass cabinet that suits the size and scale you desire for your greenhouse. You can of course thrift your ideal cupboard as well, just make sure it's made out of a material which can handle a higher humidity level. If you're looking to buy new, Ikea has multiple models of glass furniture, including the MILSBO, which you can see featured in the Soltech office!
Prepare the Cabinet:
Remove any shelves or unnecessary components from inside the cabinet to create space for your plants. Clean the cabinet thoroughly to ensure there are no residues or dirt.
Create Ventilation:
Install a small fan near the top of the cabinet to maintain proper air circulation. Good ventilation is crucial to prevent excessive humidity and mold growth. However, if you live in a dry environment, you will most likely need to introduce a humidifier of some sort to keep the environment suitable for your plants, depending on their species. You can invest in an electronic model, like this one, or build your own pebble tray for plants which need less moisture.
Add Weatherstripping:
Attach weatherstripping around the edges of the cabinet doors to seal any gaps and keep the interior insulated. This helps maintain a stable environment for your plants.
Positioning:
You could place the greenhouse in a location that receives ample sunlight throughout the day. South-facing windows are typically ideal for maximum sunlight exposure. However, you most likely don't want to waste prime space in your home trying to cram a mini greenhouse-cabinet in this spot. The Grove LED Bar Light is the answer, of course! With our warm-white LED’s, the same sunset spectrum loved by many within the plant parent community, you can truly put your setup anywhere with gorgeous results!
Potting and Planting:
Fill the pots or trays with potting soil and plant your desired seeds or seedlings. Consider the light and temperature requirements of the plants you choose, and whether or not they will fit into your lifestyle and ideal living conditions. For example, don’t place a plant that requires high humidity in your bedroom, as this may negatively affect your sleeping patterns.
Monitoring and Maintenance:
Regularly monitor the temperature and humidity levels inside the greenhouse. Ensure proper watering and fertilization for the plants' healthy growth. Adjust the fan and ventilation as needed.
Latch and Lock:
Install a latch or lock on the cabinet doors to keep them securely closed when needed, providing additional protection for your plants.
Seasonal Adjustments:
During colder months, you can add additional insulation around the cabinet to protect plants from extreme temperatures.
We see tons of inspiration for glass cabinet projects online, including on Pinterest and Tik Tok. This is a great craft to experiment with, offering you the opportunity to cultivate your favorite plants year-round, regardless of the outdoor weather conditions. With a little creativity and care, your glass cabinet greenhouse can become a stunning addition to your home while providing a nurturing environment for your greenery to thrive. Enjoy the process and the joy of watching your plants grow and flourish!
Bookshelf Ideas
Book worms and Plant Parents go together hand in hand. Designing a bookshelf that incorporates both plants and books is a wonderful way to combine nature and literature, creating a unique and refreshing focal point in your living space that can capture multiple different elements of who you are and put them on display! Here are some tips for designing your perfect bookshelf with plants and books:
Choose the Right Bookshelf:
Select a bookshelf that complements your interior decor and offers ample space for both plants and books. Consider the size, style, and material that will harmonize with your room's overall aesthetics. You can buy one new, or thrift a piece and upcycle it. We recommend going with whichever option will allow you the freedom to be most creative! Get crazy with colors, or look for embellishments on an antique you can’t find anywhere else! Make it one of a kind!
Placement and Lighting:
Position the bookshelf in an area that receives sufficient natural light to support the growth of indoor plants. Place it near a window or skylight if you have either available. Of course, you can also utilize a Grove for this project, and have greater freedom to build/place your little library where you so choose. Plus, the Grove is the perfect fixture to light up the spines on your collection, making sure you have the optimal browsing ability. Even better, you can use one of our other lights for larger or potted plants and create a whole reading nook! Add a comfy seat and a convenient place to set a cup of tea and you’ll be set!
Balancing Books and Plants:
Divide the bookshelf into designated sections for books and plants. Strike a balance between the two by alternating shelves or integrating them side by side, creating a harmonious coexistence. There’s no right way to do this, and you can always shift them as you see fit!
Plant Selection:
Choose a mix of indoor plants that thrive in your home's lighting and climate conditions. Opt for low-maintenance varieties like pothos, snake plants, or succulents that require minimal care and can tolerate indoor environments. As well, avoid plants which need excessive humidity, as this will be bad for the books. While you may want to avoid a humidifier, we do recommend a pebble tray for a less extreme moisturizing option.
Potted Plants and Plant Stands:
Use a variety of pot sizes and styles to house your plants, adding depth and visual interest to the bookshelf. Incorporate plant stands or shelves at different heights to create a layered effect and accommodate taller plants. Don’t forget trays beneath draining pots, as well! We’d hate to see any soggy pages!
Organizing Books:
Organize your books in a way that complements the plant display. Arrange them by genre, size, or color to create an aesthetically pleasing arrangement. You can also mix vertical and horizontal orientations for added visual appeal.
Decorative Elements:
Integrate decorative elements, such as botanical-themed artwork, small sculptures, or literary quotes, to enhance the overall theme and add a personal touch to the bookshelf. You can pull out your collection of action figures, crystals, or framed photos of loved ones. If you want to look at it everyday, it probably belongs on your shelf!
Proper Plant Care:
Regularly water and maintain your indoor plants to keep them healthy and vibrant. Prune and groom them as needed to ensure they stay visually appealing.
Seasonal Updates:
Change the plant selection or rearrange the books and decorative items with the seasons to keep the bookshelf design fresh and dynamic. Think pumpkins in fall, snowflakes and Douglas firs in winter, bunnies and baskets in spring, and some tropical flair come summer!
Enjoy the journey, and experiment with different arrangements, and don't be afraid to let your personal style shine through. Your botanical bookshelf will become a captivating display of your love for both nature and literature. Your collections will not only add charm and life to your living space, but also offer a serene and inviting environment for you to enjoy and cherish your favorite books and plants.
Bar Car Styling with Herb Garden Flair
Designing a bar cart herb garden is a brilliant way to combine your love for mixology with fresh and aromatic herbs. It not only adds a touch of greenery to your home but also allows you to elevate your cocktail game by incorporating freshly picked herbs into your drinks. Here are some tips for creating your own stylish and functional bar cart herb garden:
Choose the Right Bar Cart:
Select a bar cart that suits your style and complements your home decor. Opt for a cart with multiple tiers or shelves to accommodate various herbs and bar tools.
Location and Lighting:
Bar carts can be moved from location to location, and you’ll have optimal freedom to do just this when you invest in a Grove LED Bar Light to ensure optimal light exposure wherever it is you plan on growing or mixing.
Selecting Herbs:
Choose a variety of herbs that are commonly used in cocktails and cooking. Mint, basil, thyme, rosemary, and lavender are excellent choices due to their versatility and delightful aromas.
Containers and Drainage:
Use attractive and functional containers to plant your herbs. Ensure that each container has drainage holes to prevent waterlogged roots. However, you will want to invest in trays to catch any overflow.
Arrangement and Labels:
Organize your herbs on the bar cart, keeping taller plants towards the back and shorter ones at the front. Use stylish labels or markers to identify each herb for easy recognition.
Bar Tools and Accessories:
Incorporate essential bar tools like muddlers, cocktail shakers, and jiggers on the cart. This way, you have everything you need to craft fresh and flavorful herb-infused cocktails.
Watering and Maintenance:
Regularly water the herbs, but be mindful not to overwater. Check the soil's moisture level before watering to avoid root rot. Trim and prune the herbs as they grow to encourage bushier and healthier plants.
Personalize and Decorate:
Add personal touches to the bar cart by incorporating decorative elements like small figurines, candles, or cocktail recipe books that complement the herb garden theme.
Experiment with Cocktails:
Get creative with your mixology skills by experimenting with herb-infused cocktails. Use your freshly picked herbs to add unique flavors and aromas to classic drinks.
Designing a bar cart herb garden is not only a fun and rewarding project but also a practical and stylish addition to your home. It allows you to savor the joys of gardening while enhancing your bartending skills, providing you with a fresh and delightful cocktail experience right at your fingertips. Cheers to a bountiful harvest and unforgettable cocktail concoctions!
The Grove: For All your Adventures
We hope you’re feeling inspired! If you are, we would love for you to connect with us on social media and show us what you create with the Grove LED grow light, or any of the fixtures in our catalog!
