Getting Started With Hydroponics Gardening

Getting Started With Hydroponics Gardening

Check out the photo of my hydroponic garden that was used in this well researched article. This is a must for those interesting in gardening in this fashion.

Aerogarden Update

As you can see in the photo above, I’ve ended the production of my bountiful herb garden.

In a few weeks, I plan to start a hydroponic vegetable garden with tomato’s, green beans, and peppers. I’m already looking forward to homemade gazpacho!

Overall, I am extremely pleased with the amount of fresh herbs I was able to grow and use in my everyday cooking. If I were to redo this herb garden, I would nix the Dill and add more Chives. I could not get enough of the Chives – they perked up EVERY recipie.

The low maintenace of this garden was another plus. The only metric I measured frequently was the water level in the bowl. The mature plants needed a water refill every other day; nutrient tabs were added when indicated by the display panel.My only con is that the aerogarden unit can only grow one type of plant at one time – no mixing of herbs and veggies. I need to purchase another aerogarden to keep my herbs blooming all year round, and use the second unit for vegetables and/or lettuce.

If you don’t have one – go get one HERE.

Aerogarden Update

For those who have asked for information regarding my Aerogarden, you can find the answers to your questions and an easy way to order one of your own at their website:

The Official Aerogarden Website

HydroGarden Update

My, my, it is a jungle in hydroponic land.

The Italian Basil, Purple Basil and Chives have all been growing like weeds (no pun intended). I’ve frozen enough basil to feed a small third world country. The chives are being used in practically every thing I cook – and I wish there were more chives in this starter kit. The thyme is so fragrant, and packs quite a tasty punch in stews and sauces. I’m now addicted to adding a sprig of mint in my cup of tea. How did I exist without such easy access to fresh herbs?

At this time, I have to check the water level every day to ensure there is always an adequate supply. I find I’m increasingly refilling the reservoir to the appropriate level. Other than adding an occasional nutrient tablet, the system is requires little maintenance.

HydroGarden Update

A long anticpated update on my hydroponic garden.

You can breathe now….

I noticed some slight burning on the Italian Basil and wonder if this is caused by excessive nutrients? Any thoughts?

The next crop is awaiting setup:

Cutest Pom EVER…and other issues.

It is safe to say, my Poofy Dog is the cutest Pom in the world – way cuter than that polarbear named Flocke:

My, how my hydroponic garden grows. The photo taken was today – 02/23/2008. This garden was set up on 01/31/2008 with a defective lamp hood. The company, AeroGrow International, was quick to resolve the problem and send me a replacement lamp hood and extra lamps. The maintenance done so far – outside of changing the lamp hood – was to add more water and two nutrition tablets. Fresh herbs and vegetables on your countertop – a dream for inner city residents such as myself. I can’t wait for the plants to mature – I’ve got culinary plans for all them.

Kevin Ferris, editor of the editorial pages for the Philadelphia Inquirer, pens yet another fabulous edition to his Back Channels column. This is a must read, folks.


Watch the video, then sign the petition!

Hydroponics in the City

My Aerogarden Pro 200 arrived today!

Hydroponic gardening has been around since the days of the hanging gardens of Babylon. Today, techniques for growing in a soil-less environment allows anyone to create an indoor garden with relative ease. The Aerogarden is specifically designed indoor ‘smart garden’. A microprocessor automatically adjusts nutrient delivery, light cycles, and water flow for fast growing, nutrient packed edible gardens.

Set up took only a few minutes and I was ready to add the included Gourmet Herb seed packs:

Mint, Italian Basil, Dill, Thyme, Parsley, Purple Basil, and Chives.

With the seed packs installed and two nutrient tabs added to the tap water in the basin, I plugged in the power cord and started growing some gourmet herbs.

You can find more information about hydroponic gardening and the Aerogarden on their website HERE. Rainy Day Magazine blog has an excellent post on the Aerogarden, where the set up and progress of plant growth is recorded. Click here for more Aerogarden goodness