London-based startup Bottle Farm has designed a simple and economical way to grow herbs at home. Rather than selling you an elaborate kit containing vessels that require soil and/or grow lights, they reckon you can save money by using sunlight and an existing jar, can or beverage container.

"Our mission is simple. Get more people growing, and have a positive environmental impact. Bottle Farm products allow you to upcycle everyday objects and use them to grow food at home. By making growing fun and easy, we aim to encourage more people to start growing their own food. Supermarket produce, often wrapped in plastic and transported by plane, has a large environmental impact. The more we grow at home, the better."

Their Mini Kits contain just five elements:

The Base is a small, thin laser-cut piece of (reclaimed) wood with a hole in it. This is what straddles the opening of your vessel.

The Grow Basket is made from recycled plastic, and nests within the Base.

The Grow Pods (three are included in each kit) are compressed wads of recycled coconut husk that expand in water. These serve as the substrate.

Also included are the seeds and a nutrient powder that serves as plant fuel. Once all of this is dropped into a vessel and filled with water, the herbs grow hydroponically and do not need to be constantly watered.

Each Mini Kit goes for £5 (USD $6). Currently on offer are arugula, basil, chili, chives, coriander, lettuce, mint, tomato, parsley and rocket.

Here's their demo vid, from an already-succeeded crowdfunding campaign:

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