AeroGrow AeroGarden with Gourmet Herb Seed Kit
The AeroGrow AeroGarden is a treat, especially during the cold months where working an outdoor garden is difficult. The instructions are easy to follow, the kit is well packaged, and the customer service people are knowledgeable when you need help. The online FAQs were lacking in my opinion, but at least they exist. Assembling the AeroGarden is not difficult and planting the pods is simple. Plug them into the holes and snap on the clear domes. Select the product you are growing on the display, have water and the first nutrients in the water reservoir and you’re all set. You can program the unit to turn off at a particular time and I’ve found that although the instructions said it’s not necessary, when the power went out, I had to reset the program. When the seeds sprout, remove the domes. When the signal light alerts you, add more nutrients. Always keep the water level high and use room temperature distilled water if you can, absolutely not well water. Raise the hood when the growth reaches within a couple inches of the lights. Watch for disease and bugs. Enjoy the harvests. That’s about it, pretty simple, not “dirty,” and quite tasty.
Watching the seeds sprout and reach toward the light is fun and the interactive “garden” can be simple or more complex, depending upon the seeds you select. I had a great experience with the herbs, but the replacement sweet peas I purchased were a disaster. I’ve learned that the peas seed package has been discontinued and I understand why. Fortunately, the telephone customer service person was fine and sent out a replacement of his favorite kit, the peppers. So far, so good with the peppers and I’m eager to have fresh hot peppers in the dead of winter without having to leave the warmth of my home. Unlike the more simple to grow herbs or lettuce, this is a more hands on kit, as pollination is necessary. It will be even more fun.
Until the nutrients are ultimately replaced with liquid (“like soy sauce”) product, the tablets need to be kept in the freezer. The first ones I received were all clumped together. The replacements were crumbly, but not terrible. They really need to be solid and firm, not mushy, powdery or in pieces. Can’t wait till the liquid nutrients are available!
I’m thinking of purchasing another AeroGarden but there’s one negative which prevents me from doing so. It is loud. I’ve tried all sorts of things, but I cannot reduce the sound level of the machine. When the machine turns off and the lights go out and I’m nearby, I’m more startled by the sudden absence of sound than the absence of light. This is the only reason for a 4 star and not a 5 star review.