The Auk Mini herb garden - a rare sight on sale - is extending its holiday pricing through December 15, offering up to $30 off the midcentury-inspired indoor growing system. With prices starting at $219 for the new cork edition, this marks one of the few times the Nordic-designed planter has offered discounts beyond Black Friday.
Holiday shoppers who missed the initial wave of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals are getting a second chance at one of the year's most elusive discounts. The Auk Mini herb garden, praised by WIRED's senior commerce editor Kat Merck as her "all-time favorite for herbs," has extended its rare sale pricing through December 15.
The Nordic-designed indoor garden starts at $219 for the new cork edition, representing a $20 savings, while the oak version drops to $229 (down $30) and the premium walnut finish falls to $254 (down $30). According to Auk, the company "very rarely" puts the system on sale, making this extension particularly noteworthy for indoor gardening enthusiasts.
What sets the Auk Mini apart in the crowded indoor garden market is its deliberate simplicity. Unlike competitors that require smartphone apps, water pumps, or pH testing kits, the system operates on a straightforward hydroponic principle using coco coir substrate and periodic nutrient additions. This no-tech approach has resonated with users who want fresh herbs without the complexity of traditional hydroponic setups.
"The new Cork Edition embodies what Auk stands for: natural plants, and natural materials," Auk CEO Didrik Dimmen said in a statement. "Growing your own herbs at home isn't just good for you, it's better for the planet, too. Less plastic packaging and waste, and now, another natural aesthetic option to match."
The cork base represents Auk's newest material innovation, sourced from Portugal and designed to appeal to sustainability-conscious consumers. The company positions this as part of a broader environmental message, emphasizing reduced plastic packaging compared to store-bought herbs.
Each bundle includes the planter, two bottles of liquid nutrients, and a bag of coco coir growing medium. While the system comes with parsley and basil seeds, users can plant any herbs they choose in the substrate. The midcentury-modern aesthetic, available in black or white accents, has made it popular beyond just gardening circles.
Merck's long-term testing revealed the system's appeal lies in its maintenance simplicity. "There's also no app to worry about, or pumps, or pH testing needed," she noted in her . The trade-off is less automation compared to app-controlled competitors, but many users prefer the hands-on approach.
