Do Aerogarden Seed Packets Contain Fertilizer?

AeroGarden Containers

• AeroGardens are self-contained growing environments that consist of a shallow, covered bowl on a stand. A second shallow bowl is turned upside and attached with a tall rod to the lower bowl. It houses the grow lights. AeroGardens come in several colors and three sizes, small, medium and large. The AeroGarden system uses aeroponic technology so plants grow in water, nutrients and oxygenated air that deliver nourishment directly to the roots of the plants. AeroGardens are equipped with automated light, nutrient and water reminders.

AeroGarden Seed Kits

• AeroGarden has dozens of seed kits, each of which comes with its own liquid nutrients matched to the requirements of the plants in the kit. Seed kits correspond with the sizes of the AeroGardens, which are either three-pod or seven-pod systems. The seed kit comes with three or seven pods of seeds embedded in a spongelike material. The seed pods are inserted into openings in the lower part of the AeroGarden, which contains the water and into which the liquid nutrients are added. Each seed pod is guaranteed to grow and AeroGarden will replace it if it does not. Herb seed kits include Italian herb, pesto basil, gourmet herbs and catnip. Salas seed kits include Romaine mix and salad greens, while vegetable seed kits include jalapeno pepper, cherry tomatoes and sweet bell peppers. Flower seed kits include English cottage garden, cascading petunias, mountain meadow and lavender. AeroGarden will also customize seed kits for you.

AeroGarden Liquid Nutrients

• AeroGarden sells packets of nutrients specific to the kind of plant you are growing. Packets are 4 ml for three-pod gardens and 8 ml for six- or seven-pod gardens. The packets, added directly to the water in the garden, contain a proprietary blend of macro and micro nutrients and balance the pH of the water. They are made from mineral salts and seaweed. You can also purchase the nutrients by the quart. Nutrients from other manufacturers for hydroponic systems usually contain some combination of nitrogen, phosphate, soluble potash and magnesium, and may contain other nutrients such as amino acids, trace minerals and growth factors.

Grow Lights

• Grow lights are placed in the top hood of the AeroGarden. AeroGarden grow lights are high output, full-spectrum, energy-efficient bulbs. They should be replaced every six months, according to the manufacturer.

Caveat

• While this system virtually guarantees that you will be able to grow herbs, salad greens, vegetables and flowers, this is not a good system to use if your intent is to save money over normal grocery store prices. However, the system does give you the pleasure and your children the experience of growing your own food and seeing firsthand how plants develop from seeds to mature specimens. It also guarantees that you will have fresh herbs for cooking and fresh salad greens every day.