In various embodiments, an apparatus for growing plants is provided. The apparatus may include an irrigation apparatus, an accommodating space for accommodating one or more seed mats, and a controller which is configured to control the irrigation apparatus by a program controller. The irrigation apparatus includes a water circuit system for feeding water to the seed mats. The water circuit system includes at least one inlet, a water tank, at least one water circuit pump and at least one outlet. The irrigation apparatus includes a sensor which is configured to determine a conductance of the fed water.
