Knowledge is Power!!

Boasted on t.v. commercials for the last few years, the  Aerogarden has become a hit on the sales level.  The company has branched out from its original 7 pod planter to a series of planters, stands and numerous seed blends.  You can get the makings of salsa from one packet, the herbs for spaghetti out of another–BUT DOES IT REALLY WORK?

For a BLACK thumb like myself, I figured this was my last shot at having indoor plants–and I was right! I purchased the basic 7 pod set-up with the Italian Herb seed pod set. My Aerogarden arrived quite timely, and I wasted no time setting it up–and then waiting and waiting–but look!  On the fourth day–I actually had GREEN in my Aerogarden! Here is a quick run down of what to expect if you choose to start gardening the (not kidding) EASY way!

• Set up: Easy–needs about 30 inches (width) and 15 inches (depth) of counter space and 30 – 36 inches of height clearance. Picture instructions make it good for a family project.  Add water, plug in, drop in some nutrient pellets and go!
• Maintenance: Basic–it has lights to tell you when to add the nutrients and to warn you when the water level is low.  The setting for seed types is clear and easy to use. Filling it with water is simple, there is a small flap in the front to put a hose (sink sprayer) into. HOWEVER–if it gets really low, you will make a mess filling it with cups-the hole to put water in is almost verticle.
• Yeild:  In less than 6 weeks, I had 6 very healthy herbs–one pod failed to germinate and I wrote to Aerogarden to request a new one.  I received it in about 4 days from the email. ***FAST CUSTOMER SERVICE!! *** I started using fresh chives, basil and oregano in my sauces.  **They don’t tell you that it takes almost TWICE the amount of an herb to get the same taste-so remember that!**
• Plant Longevity: my herbs did not die out very quickly, the chives were the first to go–mostly because of use.  The mint and basil I transplanted outside-the mint made it, the basil did not.  The lemon basil died in the Aerogarden after about 4 months. Parsley never stopped growing, until I removed it from the hydroponic garden-then; kaplut!
• Product Upkeep: It has been 2 years, and I have not had to buy any replacement parts as yet! I am on my third set of seed pods–doing Salsa now!
• Price:  $200 for the starter kit–$20 for any additional starter kits or seed pod kits (so you can grow your own seed desires), extra lighting, extra arms to make it taller (a conversion kit for the original 7 pod garden is about $125 to create 2 more feet of growing height)
• Electrical impact: not noticeable
• Overall: I would buy it again if I didn’t already have one! (Though I do have my eye on the 3-tiered wall mount and two more Aerogardens!)
• Tips & Tricks:
  ~If you don’t want to get a seed pod kit, buy the blank pods and plant what you want!
  ~If you let the water run out–your plants WILL die!
  ~GREAT project to do with the kids–no dirt to spill and super fast results!
  ~order something you will like for a while, the plants don’t do well outside of the hyrdoponic environment.

GARDEN ON!!

As always–other stories are happily accepted!  Just e-mail them to me at MsMacL4@aol.com