Auk Mini 2 Indoor Smart Garden Review: Better Where It Counts

The Auk Mini 2, a new indoor smart garden from Norwegian company Auk, improves upon its predecessor with better lighting, larger pots, and a new app, all at a lower launch price. The original Auk Mini 1, released in 2024, was praised for its sleek Scandinavian design and use of coco coir instead of proprietary pods. The Mini 2 retains these features but adds new color options (espresso, sage, terra-cotta tops; beech and ash wood bottoms), a 25% larger water capacity, and a 12% smaller footprint. The new Auk Connect app allows control of light schedules and a vacation mode called Slow Mode, which dims lights to slow plant growth. The most significant improvement is the new light bar with an optical lens system that focuses light more efficiently, resulting in bushier, less leggy herbs. A starter kit now includes fine gravel topper to stabilize plants. The Mini 2 retails for $229 (launch deal) or $249 for the espresso-and-walnut combo, compared to the Mini 1's $259. The review notes that the stock light bar dowels are still too short for tall plants, but Auk offers a $39 Chili & Tomato Kit with longer dowels. The review is based on testing with Italian parsley and Genovese basil, which grew lush and bushy without floppiness. The Mini 2 is available now, with the launch price likely ending soon.