Auk

What's in the box: Pre-seeded plant pots for growing herbs and greens in the Auk garden, which is bought separately as the core hardware.

Auk is a Norwegian company making countertop smart gardens for growing herbs and small greens indoors. Its current model, the Auk Mini 2, measures 16.9 by 7.5 inches. The company says it holds 25% more water, produces 20% more growth and is 12% smaller than the original. Other changes include bigger plant pots, a new lens system for the grow light, a slow mode and a new app. The water tank sits hidden behind a wooden tray, and the design has collected design awards and positive coverage from outlets such as Wired, T3 and Trusted Reviews. Earlier versions were known for needing no pump or app, which points to a simple, low maintenance setup. The subscription side is less clear. The site leads with the hardware, and it does not spell out up front how recurring plant pot deliveries work, which varieties are offered or how often they ship. Check refill options and costs before you buy, since ongoing pots are what keep a garden like this productive. A 100 day home trial lowers the risk, and shipping is free on orders over $58. If you want basil or mint within reach and care about how a gadget looks on the counter, Auk is one of the stronger choices.