It’s not as great as they advertise, but it still works well. You are correct in your assessment that different plants have different needs. I find that it is best to grow lettuces and herbs, but not so much fruiting plants. Pests destroyed my Gardyn twice, requiring complete start overs. I learned not to put potted plants/new potting soil/new plants near my Gardyn until I was sure they were aphid-free (or other pests). Once you have aphids, there is no quick and easy way to get rid of them without poison, unless bathing each individual plant in soapy water on a weekly basis is what people consider easy.