HERBUS
Open-source herb planter – for fresh herbs all year round
Note: I have included some info on what tools I used to create the Herbus, and some of these are affiliate links, so I get a little too. Thank you!
WARNING
This is a beta release. If you do not wish to risk printing large parts that have not yet been widely tested I recommend waiting until version 1.0, but please go ahead if you don't mind the risk or wish to get involved in testing this early release. Don't say I didn't warn you because this notice is pretty big! 😉
Change Log / Status
The device is currently in a rough late alpha/early beta state
26 Nov 24: Uploaded a new 0.6 version as I’d forgotten to include the mini dowels.
There are so many awesome ideas that people have suggested, and I’ve also spotted a few improvements I’d like to make. Here’s a quick overview of what’s coming soon and what to expect.
At this stage, the design is worth downloading if you’re interested in helping brainstorm, re-model, or creating add-on features. However, if you’re planning to build one, I’d recommend holding off for a few weeks if possible. With some of the exciting changes in the pipeline, the new versions will offer even more flexibility.
Current Features & Planned Changes
Main Body
- Current Status: The main structure is solid and works well.
- Planned Improvements:
- Make it fully parametric, which may introduce slight incompatibilities with the current version.
- Add fan filter slot options for controllable ventilation, likely on the top of the unit.
- Potential for cable management grooves using the current depth, though reducing thickness might compromise strength.
Loading Bay
- Current Status: Temporary push-fit design.
- Planned Improvements:
- Switch to a click-fit panel for better usability.
- Paused development until the final parametric design is complete to ensure compatibility.
Door (Front/Back)
- Current Status: Works perfectly with balanced magnets and is ready for use.
- Planned Improvements:
- Add a simplified window option for those who can’t laser cut or saw curved panels. This will include a straightforward rectangular panel for easy fitting.
Shelves
- Current Status: Strong and functional.
- Planned Improvements:
- Explore cable management solutions while maintaining parametric flexibility.
Pots
- Current Status: Work well and are ready to use.
- Planned Improvements:
- Develop a simplified range for transparent panels using common materials like microscope slides (suggested on Discord).
LED Lights
- Current Status: Power requirements are being tested and look good.
- Planned Improvements:
- Identify and include simple connectors for easy light connection/disconnection.
Future Features (Long-Term Plans)
- Hydroponic Options: Integration for those interested in growing plants with water-based systems.
- Parametric Overflow Station: Fully customizable overflow functionality.
- Custom Textures/Styling: Options for unique and personalized aesthetics.
What’s Next?
These updates will make the design even more versatile and accessible, so stay tuned! If you have feedback or ideas, I’d love to hear them—every suggestion makes the project better. And if you’re itching to dive in, feel free to start experimenting with the current version or contribute your ideas for add-ons and refinements!
Options
Pick and choose the options depending on your interests and needs
Manual
Smart Features
LEDs
Laser Styling
How-To Guide
These steps refer to pieces listed in the parts section above.
1. 3D print the main body and doors
3D print the main body using parts in the Main Unit folder:
- Base (Left and Right)
- Tier 2 (Left and Right)
- Tier 3 (Left and Right)
- Top (Left and Right)
- ~28 Dowels (Connectors folder)
- Side hangars
You need both a front and back door. The centre pieces are different, just for design reasons. To build two doors you need:
- Door Pieces in Door (Back) folder
- Door Pieces in Door (Front) folder
- ~16 Dowels (Connectors folder)
For the overflow station you will need:
- Two pieces in Overflow Station folder
- ~12 Dowels (Connectors folder)
2. 3D print the shelves
As a minimum I recommend at least one shelf. There are three types of shelf:
- Light Shelf – simple shelf
- Combo Shelf – has grooves for LEDs underneath if desired
- Half-Depth Mini Shelf – less deep if you want to put a smart planter behind
You will need to print:
- 7 dowels per shelf (Connectors folder)
I used one of each shelf: a light shelf for the larger herbs to sit on (the grow zone). a combo shelf for the LEDs above the grow zone and a half-depth mini shelf for above the germination zone.
3. 3D Print the pots and reservoir pods
Work out what pots and trays you need to print. I used the following:
Grow Zone:
- 8 Pots and Bases (Large) – you have options of a simple pot or one with an acrylic insert if you have a laser cutter
- 4 Water Trays and Lids
Germination Zone:
- 16 Pots and Bases (Seedling)
- 2 Seedling trays and Lids
Print your pots, bases and trays.
Laser cut the acrylic inserts or use the simple pots.
4. Glue and waterproof the 3D prints
Insert the connectors into all of the holes along the rim of the frame and shelves.
I recommend superglue along the edges for extra strength.
Once glued, consider spraying the glued-up pieces with any food-safe coating (e.g. shellac, resin etc) to ensure it’s watertight, particularly along the joins. This is especially important for the overflow station.
5. Cut and glue in acrylic windows and magnets
Cut the four windows using a laser cutter. or a saw. I used the xTool P2. You will need to round the corners with this version (see change log):
- 2 Top (W:380mm x H305mm)
- 2 Bottom (W:380mm x H:195mm)
This is also a good time to glue in the magnets. You will need:
- 5mm neodymium magnets
Superglue these into the holes in the back and front of the main body as well as the back of both doors. Make sure you get the magnets the right way around so the doors are attracted to rather than repelled from the frame!
6. Add smart features
Optional Extra!
The Herbus is designed to work natively with the Elecrow GrowCube. This enables self-watering of four areas via four independent pumps which can be monitored using soil moisture sensors. You can control the moisture levels using either the GrowCube app which contains over 1000 plants and their ideal moisture conditions, or with Home Assistant which has similar capability.
You can optionally add this device to the base of the frame and thread the water tubes and wires through the holes in the shelves.
7. Add LEDs
Optional Extra!
Fix your LEDs to the underside of your shelves and slot the shelves above your plant areas.
I connected my LEDs to a battery power bank which is housed in the central section of the Herbus frame.
7. Add styling
Optional Extra!
I have included the designs for the styling. I used the xTool M1 Ultra to cut the vinyl, but you could equally use another die cutter, such as a Cricut or Silhouette.
I used the F1 Ultra to carve the copper coin and walnut plywood. The M1 Ultra and P2 can also cut the walnut plywood.
I used copper tape rather than vinyl for a lot of the straight lengths of trim, which doesn’t require any special cutting tools.
Good Luck! And Let me know if you have any improvements!
If you’ve got any questions or ideas, there’s lots of discussions happening on Discord so please feel free to join.