AeroGarden is the big name in at-home DIY hydroponic kits. They do a really good job of making the entire growing experience as fun and easy as possible, and about as easy to use as a Keurig machine. The idea may seem so simple, but the inner workings are quite interesting and complex.
How an AeroGarden Works
The AeroGarden product line utilizes a growing technology known as hydroponics. As the name implies, the AeroGarden uses a subset of hydroponics called aeroponics, which is one of the six main hydroponic systems.
AeroGarden systems allow for plant roots to grow outward into air space, and then down into a highly oxygenated nutrient solution.
Plants grown in an AeroGarden do not use soil, but instead get their nutrients from a combination of air and a nutrient rich water solution.
Each system comes with a proprietary LED grow light built in. This LED grow light is equipped with all the necessary light spectrum colors for optimal growing conditions for the plants.
AeroGardens come in several different shapes and sizes and utilize a pod system. The units are sold by how many pods they can hold. Each pod comes pre-seeded depending on what plant you’d like to grow. Aerogarden seed pod kits can be purchased on Amazon or directly from Aerogarden. This system is easy to understand, which makes it possible for just about anyone to be a gardener. The best part is you can set this all up in your home since they don’t take up much space.
Are AeroGardens Safe?
Yes, AeroGardens use a very clean and sustainable way to grow simple plants and food. The plants do not come in contact with harmful pesticides like in other forms of gardening or farming.
Be sure to read the instruction manual to understand the proper way to operate your system and you shouldn’t have any issues.
How Do you Use a AeroGarden?
Simple steps to set up an AeroGarden. This is for the “Harvest Touch” system.
Raise the lamp arm.
Use two hands, one to hold the base and the other to lift up on the light.
Insert the grow bowl into the base of the unit.
Insert the pump cord located at the back of the unit.
Plug the power cord into an outlet.
Select “Quick Plant” option on the screen.
Go through all the prompts to set the system up. It’s important to select what you plan on growing so the system can properly calibrate itself.
Add water.
Add water up the to ‘fill to here’ line in the base. Room temperature tap water or filtered water is preferred.
Insert seed pods.
Refer to the instructions to see where certain pods should be inserted.
Place the plastic domes over the seed pods.
This helps to germinate the seeds by creating mini greenhouses.
Add your liquid plant food into the water.
Refer to the instruction labels for the correct amount.
Return the light to its lowest setting.
You’re all set!
What are the different types of Aerogardens?
The Aerogarden comes in 4 main variations:
- Aerogarden Farm Family
- Aerogarden Bounty Family
- Aerogarden Harvest Family
- Aerogarden Sprout Family
These are the main types of Aerogardens, deciding which one is for you depends on your budget as well as your needs. Take a closer look at the 4 above to see which one fits your needs the best- and join in on the fun! We have written 2 in-depth reviews on all the product lines check out our Aerogarden Farm reviews post. For the rest we’ve written a buyer’s guide showcasing the Aerogarden Bounty, Harvest and Sprout reviews.
There’s a lot to like about the simplicity of the AeroGarden systems. If you’re just starting out, it can be daunting to go to a hardware or garden store to piece together your own hydroponic system. However, AeroGarden makes a really nice all-in-one kit that couldn’t be easier to set up or use.
If you really enjoy your AeroGarden, there’s always time to make a bigger, custom DIY hydroponic setup once you understand the basics. Check out AeroGarden and see if hydroponics is for you!
