How to Use Aero Garden to Grow Herbs
AeroGarden may be the perfect alternative for individuals who want to experience the fun and money-saving aspects of having a home-grown garden without all of the hassle. No bugs or animals will eat your plants. You don't have to worry about feeding and watering the plants every day. There's no hot sun or freezing rain to contend with. The system creates as close to a perfect rain forest environment as is possible in an artificial situation. The AeroGarden almost does all of the work for you. It is easy enough that almost anyone can have one. You can grow plants anywhere in your home all year round. The built-in computerized program tells you when you need to add water as well as when to drop in the nutrient tablets. A built-in timer lets you decide when the garden is turned off and on. All that is left is to sit back and watch your garden grow twice as fast as it would done the old fashioned way. AeroGarden is perfect for cooks who prefer to use fresh herbs. Just follow the steps below and you will be able to harvest fresh product for several months. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- AeroGarden
- Herb kits of choice
- Water
- Nutrient tablets
- Electrical outlet
Instructions
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How to Use AeroGarden to Grow Herbs
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1
Snap the top and bottom of the AeroGarden system together as outlined in the instructions provided with the kit.
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2
Insert the grow lamps provided into the top section of AeroGarden in the area made for them.
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3
Determine the type of herbs you want to grow and, if that kit did not come with your AeroGarden system, purchase the appropriate kit locally or on-line through AeroGarden or a myriad of other on-line retailers. Currently there are several herb seed kits available including French herbs, Italian herbs, Japanese herbs, Mediterranean herbs, South-of-the-Border herbs and Tuscan herbs. Additional herb kits include an herb chef pack, gourmet herbs and International types of basil. Still more include herbs for poultry, beef, and pork, herbs for marinades and dressings, herbs for pasta and rice, herbs for seafood, as well as herbs for soups and stews.
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4
Insert the pots of herb seeds into the holes provided in the bottom section of the AeroGarden. Be certain to put the pots in the exact position allotted for them according to the instructions provided with the kit. Each kit is laid out in a certain way to maximize space for the plants.
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5
Add water up to the level indicated in your particular AeroGarden model.
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6
Drop the nutrient tablet into the water section of the AeroGarden.
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7
Plug the AeroGarden into an electrical outlet.
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8
Set the timer to determine what 16-hour block of time your AeroGarden will be turned on.
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9
Keep your water level at the right level. The water level light on front of the AeroGarden will come on when it is time to add more water.
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10
Adjust the height of your AeroGarden lights as your plants begin to grow. The grow lights should always remain at least two inches from the top of the plants.
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11
Prune your plants regularly as outlined in the Tending & Harvesting Guide that is provided with every seed kit.
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12
Replace the grow bulbs twice a year (every six months).
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13
Make certain that the garden pump is functioning properly by checking it periodically. If it appears to have slowed down or stopped altogether, troubleshoot the problem through AeroGarden's website at aerogrow.com.
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14
Harvest your herbs until they stop producing further off shoots.
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15
Purchase a new herb kit and begin the process over again.
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1
Tips & Warnings
AeroGarden is also perfect for growing certain types of flowers, including mini roses, English cottage flowers, edible flowers, mountain meadow flowers, scented blooms, colorful blooms, spring bouquet, petunias, master garden, and much more.
Select vegetables can also be grown in AeroGarden, including cherry tomatoes, chili peppers, snow peas, green beans, romaine lettuce, and mixed salad greens, arugula, baby greens, salad chef pack, and salsa garden plants.
Inform AeroGarden's on-line site when seed kits don't germinate in the time indicated or when seeds other than those indicated on the pots grow instead.
Troubleshoot any problems and ask questions about your AeroGarden at aerogrow.com.
It isn't advisable to mix herbs and flowers together in a single AeroGarden with the possible exception of edible flowers, which can also be used in cooking and for garnish.
Don't ignore any signs that your AeroGarden machine may need assistance. Problems might include a need to replace grow lights; water light continues to blink even after you add water; or the pump slows down or stops working.
Do not overfill the water section of your AeroGarden.
Do not attempt to grow seeds other than those specifically made to be grown through AeroGarden.
