Would anyone recommend an Aerogarden?
@wrld_n_harmony (695)
United States
March 1, 2008 12:13pm CST
So I've been wanting a garden for quite some time, but we've been apartment living and I don't really see an end to that in the near future. Has anyone had success with growing things in an Aerogarden? Would it be better to just grow in pots? I tried some herbs in pots last year, but they were overrun with gnats in the soil. I'm really interested in growing tomatoes, and it seems that the Aerogarden would be good for this purpose. What do you think? From people who've used it, is it worth the money?
1 person likes this
2 responses
@coolseeds (3919)
• United States
2 Mar 08
I recommend it. You will get better results that way. However I don't know if the "Aerogarden" is the way to grow. I DOUBT you can grow plants that look that nice in their set up. The plants in the photo were probably not grown in that small unit.
The reason why I doubt that they were grown under that light is because the plants are full on the bottom. When you grow plants under artificial light the plants will not have a lot of foliage on the bottom because they don't get light. I know that the foliage on the top of the plants will be blocking light. Therefore the plants in the photo were not grown in that unit. More than likely the went to the local greenhouse, bought the plants and put them into the growing unit for the photo.
It isn't the size of the container either. The light source is what I question. It isn't very big.
If you wish to grow aeroponically I suggest you build your own system. It is very easy and can save you hundreds.
@coolseeds (3919)
• United States
2 Mar 08
You can grow strawberries and tomatoes in hanging baskets. If you have the space that might be an easier alternative.
Building an aero system is similar to building a hydro. To make it really simple you can get a plastic storage box. Drill holes where needed. Put an aquarium heater (if needed) and water pump in the reservoir.
Next make a spray bar by drilling holes into a plastic tube. Hook that up to the pump & you've got aeroponics.
I know my instructions are crude but there isn't much to it. As far as aesthetics are concerned that is up to your creativity. You might be able to get an old piece of furniture and cut a hole in the top for your aeroponic unit.
If you grow tomatoes make sure you get something that isn't going to be 8 feet tall. It will be hard to stake them and will not look very nice.
I made an aeroponic unit with 2 plastic shoe boxes to give you an idea size is not the issue.
Check out this book.
Title: HOW TO HYDROPONICS
Author: Keith F. Roberto
It covers hydro and aero. You will also find plans for the aero system that I crudely outlined making.
@coolseeds (3919)
• United States
2 Mar 08
1 last thing...
Nothing beats the flavor of organically grown in soil. So take advantage of it when you can. You might be able to share the crop with a friend to grow it on their property.
@wrld_n_harmony (695)
• United States
2 Mar 08
How would you go about building an aeroponic unit? I've read online how you can build hydroponic systems, but not aeroponic ones. The hydroponic systems are really quite ugly too, which if isn't going to have to be on display in our small place is an important drawback. A friend of a friend just got one of the less expensive Aerogardens and is growing herbs with quite a bit of success. They're still VERY small plants, and I haven't heard what's happened with them since setting up the unit. I would really rather grow the tomatoes or the strawberries though, and I think those would be more difficult to grow than the herbs.
@Lindalinda (4111)
• Canada
1 Mar 08
Is an aerogarden hydroponics? I had some friends who had a hydroponics installation in their basement. It was very expensive to buy the liquid nutrients all the time. They grew lettuces and herbs. The plants were very fragile.
If you have a balcony with lots of sunlight you can grow tomatoes in a pot. A friend of mine does this. She had masses of cherry tomatoes last year. Really firm and tasty. Also if you grow things in pots, they should be washed out thoroughly and dried and then filled with sterile potting soil to avoid infestations from gnats.
The plants should also be sprayed from time to time with an organic spray to keep away insects. Happy gardening.
@wrld_n_harmony (695)
• United States
2 Mar 08
It's actually aeroponic instead of hydoponic in that the roots don't sit in water, they're just misted with water. You can read more about it at www.aerogrow.com. It looks like a pretty neat set up.
