So what happens at day 60 when you have an Aerogarden? Here is the good and bad you should know.
In a nutshell, let me put it this way – That’s Italian!
The amount of Basil it is producing is surprising. I trim it back about every 2 days. I throw it on pizza, salads, sauces, you name it.. I made a Calzone before Christmas that people are still talking about.
The dill has also taken off, so I am enjoying dill on my sandwiches and salads. Dill has to be one of my favorite herbs – so being able to pinch of a sprig and put it on my lunch adds a certain zing. The chives and cilantro look sort of meek and frail.
Now what’s disappointing is the parsley and mint are tiny. I’ve heard the saying that “Parsley has to go to hell and back before it will grow.” I guess I half-expected something magical from the Aerogarden – It didn’t happen – I haven’t pulled any parsley or mint yet. Oh well. Maybe the parsley will be big enough by spring where I can plant it outdoors and put in a different seed kit
Small Manufacturer’s defect
One of the problems I found with my Aerogarden which is apparently common involves the lights that alert you the unit needs more water. If you look at the picture, you’ll see two red lights to the left. One is for nutrients, the other is for adding water. Both blink when it’s time to add water and fertilizer.
One day, I refilled it with water and hit the reset button one day and the light didn’t stop blinking. hmm…
Maybe I didn’t fill it enough? Maybe I should unplug and replug it in.
None of what I did fixed it, but looking at the site, I found that there is a float that can become cracked which makes the float sink. When it sinks, it registers that the water tank is empty.
Workaround
First, I contacted the company and they sent a replacement float. It took 2 weeks or so to get here.
But in the meantime, this wasn’t much of a problem because as the tank empties, you start to hear a “trickling” sound of the water splashing from the plants back into the tank. The sound grows progressively louder over time. So that, in itself, is a good reminder it needs water.
Overall
So at day 60, I’ll say that I am impressed with the amount of basil and dill it is producing. The chives (I don’t eat much chives) are ok. The cilantro, parsley and mint growth is slow and the plants are small. So if those are your favorites, you might get impatient.
The basil produces enough where I can cut it off for salads, sauces and even bag some fresh for the refrigerator. Dill comes in a close second with me having to trim it back 2 times a week.
The float breaking was a minor disappointment. Having pulled out the broken one, I see that I could have patched it with epoxy, but they sent a new one anyway, so I’ll save it in case this one breaks too.
But overall, it’s a lot of fun and a great side hobby.
Your thoughts?
{ 9 comments }
Very good tip on float. Just got my garden at Christmas, and my son, 14, has loved helping me and checks it several times a day. Surprised me. I may try making my own pods when this set is done with the old wones. I have read a few tips that it works well, you just need to keep plant type short.
Jenny, I’ve heard mixed reviews on making your own pods. Have they improved on the process?
My other thought on buying pods vs. making them is they might be more reliable. I’d hate to be a month in on a planting and find half or more of the garden isn’t going to work. But that’s just me..
I haven’t heard anything wildly unusual, but if you use shorter plants with fresh seeds, you should have decent luck. And you don’t usually have to wait a month for germination. I would also expect to check on what is needed for improved germination, for example, soaking prior, or nicking the seed. It might be nice for starting specialty seeds for you garden if you don’t need lots. Unfortunately, I found out this morning one of my cats (at least) likes the new shoots also. So far we have avoided losing the new plants, but we will see.
I am surprized you haven’t gotten more parsley; it is the runt of the family but that is pitiful.
yeah, I agree… Some of the other herbs have died off so it’s given the parsley more light and room. It seems to be spreading out a bit now. but it’s still scrawny
Herbs are doing pretty well, and I was thinking of starting up some tomatoes for the summer next to the Aerogarden to take advantage of the light. My key lime tree I had to bring in for the winter has improved next to the light. It has even flowered. Smells good.
Hi,
I’m about to start my basil plants in my new Aerogarden and one of the vexing questions I have is how often I’ll need to add water to the reservoir. I’m away on frequent business trips of between 3-5 days and am worried that I may need to hire a “baby sitter” for the device…
-David
I got a reg 3-pod Aerogarden and I planted Mini Jalapeno Peppers, oregano, and mint. The peppers are fine (though I think I pruned them to late) and the oregano is small but healthy. The problem is the mint. It keeps getting big and strong, then just turns brown, cripples, and dies. I have no idea what happens, but it will die. SOMEONE HELP ME! It could be a dud even. I just want to know what’s happening. Tell me if you know.
Depending on your climate, you might consider pulling out the mint and potting it. Many of the plants I pull out of the aerogarden and plant in potS thrive!