The AeroGarden is perhaps the simplest form of indoor home gardening ever...but should you have any questions about the AeroGarden, Hydroponics or Aeroponics that are not covered by the information in on the Hydroponic Home Garden Site, please let us know and we will be happy to give our best shot at answering them for you. Below are a few of the frequently asked questions that people have about the AeroGarden.
Q) What are Hydroponics & Aeroponics?
Answer: Hydroponics are basically the growing of plants with water instead of soil. Aeroponics is hydroponic technique that delivers water and nutrients to the plants roots while they are suspended in air. For more information about Hydroponics and Aeroponics & how the AeroGarden uses this technology, click here.
Q) How big is the AeroGarden?
Answer: The AeroGarden has the footprint of a breadbox and is sized to fit conveniently under most cabinets. The AeroGarden measures 16” long by 10 1/2” wide by 15 1/2” high when it is first set up with the lights at the lowest possible setting, and 21” high at the highest level. Currently the AeroGarden comes in only one size.
Q) What comes with the AeroGarden system?
Answer: The AeroGarden comes with everything necessary for a complete growing season (except the water).
The AeroGarden Includes:
- Built-in plant lighting system -
*Full, daylight spectrum, energy efficient, grow lights allows you to grow anywhere, … No natural sunlight needed.
- Aeroponic optimizing chamber -
*Creates a near perfect rainforest environment.
- Computerized “smart” garden technology -
*Built-in micro-processor automatically adjusts nutrient delivery, light cycles, and water for specific plant types. Built-in light timer turns lights on and off. Built-in reminder system automatically alerts you to add water and nutrients.
- Free Seed Kit also included with each AeroGarden:
*Each AeroGarden Seed Kit comes with pre-seeded Bio-dome Seed Pods enclosed in their own mini-greenhouses for ultra-fast seed germination; packet of time-release nutrient tablets; and an AeroGarden tending and harvesting guide that tells you everything you need to know about using you Hydroponic powered AeroGarden to product perfect plants.
Q) How long will my AeroGarden plants live?
Answer: Cherry Tomatoes and Chili Peppers will grow for 6 – 7 months, and you will be able to start harvesting in about 10 weeks. That gives you approximately 4 months of continuous harvests.
Salad Greens will live for 3 – 4 months, and you can begin harvesting after only 3 weeks. This gives you about 2 ½ months of continuous harvests.
Gourmet Herbs, International Basil, and Cascading Petunias will all last for 4 – 5 months. You can start harvesting your herbs and basil in about 4 weeks, giving you 3 – 4 months of continuous harvests.
Q) How much time do I have to spend taking care of my AeroGarden?
Answer: Approximately 5 minutes a month. You will need to occasionally add water, drop in 2 nutrient tablets, and provide minimal tending to your plants. Most of your time will be spent harvesting and enjoying delicious, fresh food.
Q) How long can the AeroGarden be left unattended? What if I travel a lot?
Answer: A planted AeroGarden can be left unattended for up to 2 weeks, depending on the type of plants you are growing and their maturity.
Q) When can I begin harvesting my AeroGarden?
Answer: It depends on which seed kit you have. You can begin harvesting lettuces and basils 3 weeks after planting your garden and then enjoy continuous harvests for months. Other herbs will take about 5 weeks to be ready for harvest. Our fruiting plants will take longer to harvest: about 10 to 12 weeks for cherry tomatoes and chili peppers.
Q) Are the nutrient tablets organic*?
Answer: Yes, the AeroGarden nutrient tablets are organic, according to current AAPFCO (American Association of Food Control Officials) standards. They are carefully crafted using mineral salts and seaweed. These provide the 13 nutrients that all plants require, plus 65 additional micro-nutrients for additional vigor, in just the right proportions for each seed kit type.
Q) Aren't the AeroGarden Seed Kits kind of expensive?
Answer: No. First, they include absolutely everything you need for a season of successful growth with your AeroGarden. Next, they take all the work out of gardening - you simply pop the seed pods in the holes, add water and nutrients, and you are ready to watch your AeroGarden grow. Finally, you won't believe how much produce you will grow with each kit. You will grow over $100 worth of herbs and basil with the AeroGarden Gourmet Herb and International Basil Kits. You will grow hundreds of vine-ripened, delicious cherry tomatoes and chili peppers with our Cherry Tomato or Chili Pepper Kits. You will grow many dinner size salads after only 2 1/2 weeks with the AeroGarden Salad Greens Kit.
Q) Can I mix Seed Kits?
Answer: Yes, although this is primarily recommended only for
experienced gardeners. There are three reasons for this.
- Because the plants grow at different rates and have different leaf sizes,
some faster growing plants in mixed kits could over-shadow and block
the light from slower growing plants. Experienced gardeners will know
how to avoid this issue.
- Our nutrients have been specially designed for the group of plants in each kit. If kits are mixed the plants could be under, or over-fed.
- Your AeroGarden comes with pre-set light cycles according to kit type.
If you mix kits you could be sub-optimizing your plant’s growth by
giving it too much, or too little, light.
Q) When will new Seed Kits be available?
Answer: We will be introducing new Seed Kits on a regular, and frequent, basis. The next kits are due to be released as early as September, 2006.
Q) How much energy does the AeroGarden use?
Answer: The AeroGarden system has been designed for maximum efficiency. The entire system uses less energy than a single 60-watt light bulb.
Q) What kind of light bulbs does it use?
Answer: Aeroponics The AeroGarden uses full-spectrum compact fluorescent bulbs exclusively designed for the optimal amount and type of light needed for robust, healthy plant growth.
Q) Do you ship internationally?
Answer: Yes. If you are an international customer, please send us an email to request a shipping quote for the AeroGarden.
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