Anyone got an Aerogarden?

"merkyg" (merkyg) 01/31/2014 at 10:48 • Filed to: None

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Not remotely car-related! BUT I got myself an Aerogarden last month as I grow superhot chillis each year, and last year was a total washout - due to the usual crap UK weather and not having any outdoor space to move plants to I ended up with less than a half dozen actual chillies. So far since starting with the AG late December I've got two plants doing really well, two fairly well and the other three are struggling. Wondering if anyone here has/had one of these and what kind of success you've had with them? I'm pretty pleased that I have a Bubblegum 7-pot already coming along nicely in what is a grim, rain-lashed UK January so I'm not about to give up. Just want a few tips as this is the first foray I've had into aeroponics, and don't want to make mistakes. For example, there seems to be a green sludge (algae) forming on some of the sponge growing pods, I understand this is fairly common but is it harmless? and is the AG really a viable alternative or a pricey toy?

Money Hustard > merkyg 01/31/2014 at 10:51

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I got a really good first crop, but getting the thing going a second time proved much more difficult that other hydroponic solutions that allow you to get them nice and sterile. Also, the pump started to get really loud and weak the second time, even though I had done everything in the instructions to clean it.

The first grow cycle was great though.

Stupidru > merkyg 01/31/2014 at 10:51

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Suuuuure, "chilis" ;)

merkyg > Stupidru 01/31/2014 at 10:59

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Hahaha, if I had the stones to do that kind of gardening I wouldn't be rolling in an 11 year old car!

merkyg > Money Hustard 01/31/2014 at 11:05

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Yeah, I've heard the stock pumps are weak. Really I just wanted something I could mostly leave to its own devices which is why I didn't go with a different system. If this one works ok and I can be eating Nagas, Reapers etc in a few months I think I'll hack it a bit and put in a better pump / lamps etc. So getting it sterile is a big mission then?

Wacko > merkyg 01/31/2014 at 11:18

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yes you would, that areogarden wont grow enough for you to make money.

merkyg > Wacko 01/31/2014 at 11:23

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I won't ask how you know ;)

Money Hustard > merkyg 01/31/2014 at 12:05

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Yeah, with any hydroponics it's a big concern. Otherwise, you're buying yourself a one-way ticket to muck city.

SteyrTMP > merkyg 01/31/2014 at 13:33

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I've done some research on hydroponics in the past... I'd still like to grow a hydroponic garden in my basement (No, not THAT kind of hydroponic garden). The only thing to worry about is the electrical and water costs, that and from what I've read, corn isn't the easiest hydroponic option. The only plants I have interest in growing are green beans, assorted hot peppers, and corn.

Oh well, maybe eventually. My biggest issue would be the sub-6' ceiling in the basement. There are really some creative souls out there when it comes to things like that...