Why we started
In 2018, with an experienced and skills-diverse plant enthusiasts, we set out to accomplish an ambitious goal: to make growing fresh leafy greens and herbs at home effortless and reliable. The idea struck us after years of struggling to keep our own veggie gardens thriving, while balancing demanding jobs, busy families and remaining environmentally sustainable. So, we made it our mission to make growing veggies at home more accessible, effortless and sustainable.
Our Mission

To facilitate people eating fresh leafy greens and herbs in a way that reconnects people with their food, nourishes their body, is kind on the planet and encourages community.

To help people reconnect with their food and nourish their body while being kind on the planet

We are not finished yet
Timeline

  • Explore food sharing idea

    After various stories of home gardens experiencing feast or famine we wondered if there was a need for a food sharing platform specifically for home grown produce.

  • Back in research mode

    While ultimately the food sharing idea was not viable, we did discover that home veggie gardening was a challenge for many. We started honing in on the problems of time, space and sustainability.

  • LivingPantry sprouts its first Prototype

    We quickly discovered that hydroponics was a great solution. Hydroponic gardening systems require less space, meaning more plants can be accommodated, no soil is required, water is conserved and there is less labour involved!

    Timeline: 1st prototype

  • Learning to grow

    Part of the proposition we were crafting was around a subscription seedling service, so we needed to be able to grow seedlings reliably and on time

    The seedlings would need to be grown hydroponically and in a controlled environment.

    Timeline: Growing Operations

  • Trowel and error - Our second prototype

    With a lot of hard work, we developed a prototype that worked! This early version of the LivingPantry was able to rapidly grow produce with minimal water use! Based on feedback from our early supporters, we re-designed the unit to better fit with furniture usually found on a deck or patio.

    The feedback we received on the unit was it needed to look like a piece of furniture so that it looked in place on a deck or patio.

    Timeline: 2nd prototype

  • Electronics development

    With the early prototypes we manually managed the hydroponic system, measuring the water condition daily and making adjustments as required.

    If the system was going to be simple to use for everyone, all manual intervention we were making would need to be automated.

    Timeline: Early electronics

  • Continued crop development

    We continued to develop protocols for growing different crops and finding which crops best fit our criteria.

    Timeline: Crop development

  • Taking root

    We had learnt so much from using the first two prototypes and had discovered several areas for improvements. These improvements went into the design the Early Adopter Team units.

    Timeline: Early Adopter Team unit design

  • LivingPantry blooms!

    Our LivingPantry units and seedlings are ready! Get yours today

    Get started today! Timeline: Early Adopter Team unit design