This Modern Sprout Growframe review comes after testing the $229 Smart Landscape Growframe and three companion plant-care tools from the Chicago-based brand. The wall-mounted garden is a substantial piece of hardware, and it delivers on both looks and lighting, though a few practical details are worth knowing before you commit wall space.
What the Growframe Actually Is
The Smart Landscape Growframe measures 32.1 inches long, 11.5 inches tall and 5.3 inches deep, making it wider than a typical kitchen table. Its powder-coated steel frame feels premium and weighs about 8 pounds, roughly the same as a gallon of milk, so mounting it is a two-person job or at least a careful solo project. Modern Sprout recommends driving the mounting screws into studs, which means you will need a stud finder, a level and a power drill. Drywall anchors are not included. The unit is watertight, but it should not be installed directly above an electrical outlet.
A 9-foot power cord must reach an outlet, so plan the location with that in mind. During testing, one mounting hole was slightly off and the screws had to be redone. Marking one stud first, then holding the planter in place with a level to locate the second, is the safer approach.
App Setup and Lighting Controls
The Modern Sprout app found the planter quickly, and pairing took less than two minutes. The interface is straightforward. Preset schedules for shade, partial sun and full sun start at 8 a.m. and run for 8, 12 and 16 hours at different intensities. Those presets cannot be customized, but two other scheduling options allow specific times and settings. A minor visual bug appears when reopening the preset menu, showing an inactive toggle, though the feature still works.
The Scenario tab adds automation based on device status, scheduling and weather, plus manual Tap-to-Run routines. Sunrise and sunset automation is available there rather than in the main schedule menu. The app does not integrate with platforms like Home Assistant or Samsung SmartThings, so users who want those connections may prefer a smart plug with another grow light brand.
Growing Capacity and Light Output
The full-spectrum grow light inside the top of the frame reaches up to 1,480 lumens, which is very bright for plants sitting within about 6 inches of it. The planter comfortably holds up to seven 2- to 3-inch pots, though five 4-inch herb pots fit during testing. One pot sat slightly above the planter box lip without causing a problem. Pot rims that press against the side can cause water to overflow onto the floor. Removing a little soil from overfilled pots and adding a small notch or hole on the side of the pot helps water drain into the basin.
The watertight basin can also be filled directly with potting soil for a more natural look, but potted plants are easier to remove for cleaning and trimming. One adhesive strip holding a grow light came loose during shipping, but it was simple to reattach. The Growframe does not include a hydroponic watering system, so regular watering and feeding are still required.
Companion Tools: Shears, Watering Can and Plant Food
The $20 Pruning Shears stood out as the best value of the group. The all-metal design feels sturdy and comfortable, the locking latch is easy to operate, and the needle-nose blades reach into tight spaces for trimming dead growth. They handled Italian parsley, golden oregano, purple sage, creeping thyme and chives, though densely packed chives tested patience.
The $48 Glass Watering Can is attractive but less practical. Borosilicate glass is still fragile, and the 1-quart capacity is small for larger containers. The flared rim makes filling easy from a bathroom sink, but it gets in the way when watering the Growframe and tilting the can nearly vertical for the last drops.
The $20 Dissolving Plant Food Sheets are convenient for small spaces. A full sheet treats a gallon of water and has perforations for tearing into smaller portions. The sheets dissolve slowly and need a minute or two of stirring. They are seaweed-based, though the packaging does not state certified organic status. The pouch lists 20 sheets, but the tested package contained 28. Per feeding, the sheets cost more than liquid kelp fertilizers, but they avoid liquid or powder mess.
Who Should Buy It
The Smart Landscape Growframe is expensive, but heavy-duty steel planters without smart lighting already command high prices. More affordable and more powerful grow lights exist, yet the Modern Sprout app includes the scheduling and customization features most people need, and it is easy to navigate even for those new to smart home gear. The Growframe suits anyone who values design and wants a bright, wall-mounted garden for herbs or tropical plants during fall and winter. The Pruning Shears are the easiest recommendation in the lineup. The Glass Watering Can is best for those who prize appearance over capacity, and the plant food sheets are a tidy option for small collections rather than large houseplant enthusiasts.
