Aerogardens/Hydroponics

Mankysteve

No I don't want to grow and illicit substances I just wondering if anyone's had a go with Hydroponics for growing veg and such, specifically the aero garden that's on the market?

s4lvatore

Yes I would like to know too. If grown in that aerogarden can they then be easily transplanted into soil?

alanobrien

Had a go with hydroponics mostly for growing tropical plants - no not that sort
I looked at the aerogarden but its fairly limited in scope and expensive for parts so i opted for a diy flood and drain system. The simplest systems are bubblers and these are quite cheap circa £25 on ebay (google oxypot) or alternatively Wilma systems are quite good and easy to use.

s4lvatore

alanobrien wrote: »

Had a go with hydroponics mostly for growing tropical plants - no not that sort
I looked at the aerogarden but its fairly limited in scope and expensive for parts so i opted for a diy flood and drain system. The simplest systems are bubblers and these are quite cheap circa £25 on ebay (google oxypot) or alternatively Wilma systems are quite good and easy to use.

Do they work the same way as the aerogarden then?

alanobrien

Same principles different equipment, take a look here:

http://www.simplyhydro.com/whatis.htm

Mankysteve

After a bit of research I think I'm going to try a DIY Aeroponic system. But its going to wait till next pay day first.

The only thing I'm unsure of is the nutrients and what to buy in that regard. Any adivce.

After research the Aero garden its not a true aeroponic system its a combination of drip and passive Hydroponic system. Coupled with there expensive bulbs.

Vampgirl

I've had an Aerogarden for a couple of years now and I really like it. Ok it may not be the cheapest way of doing things, but if you're short of space then it works well. Its very easy to look after with little maintenance required, and you can find cheaper places to buy spare bulbs/pumps with a little bit of work. I don't replace the bulbs as often as they reccomend anyway - I'm only on my second set of bulbs in 2 years and things are still growing well.

I now use the "master gardener kit" which allows you to use your own seeds, instead of their pre-selected kits. I've grown herbs, tomatoes and chillies - all very easily and I sucessfully transplanted the herbs to soil.

I think if you're looking to grow large quantities then Aerogarden is probably not for you, but if you only have limited space, need to be able to move the kit around occasionally and you view it a hobby with edible bonuses then its good fun For me, now we have a garden, its main purpose is to grow herbs for use in cooking...I find it much more reliable than growing in pots on the windowsill and I do like to have a year-round supply of fresh basil, corriander and parsley.

Mankysteve

Well with Fish-tank growing bulbs they only recommend every one year to change. I do like the look of the prorogation kit they do for it.

DKLS

Have you seen the aquaponic growing systems?, Farm veggies and the fish course at the same time!

Micro

Some useful aqvice regarding UK Aquaponics systems can be found here at www.aquaponicworld.com. I've had mine going for ages and am becoming a big fan !

Micro

Vampgirl wrote: »

I've had an Aerogarden for a couple of years now and I really like it. Ok it may not be the cheapest way of doing things, but if you're short of space then it works well. Its very easy to look after with little maintenance required, and you can find cheaper places to buy spare bulbs/pumps with a little bit of work. I don't replace the bulbs as often as they reccomend anyway - I'm only on my second set of bulbs in 2 years and things are still growing well.

I now use the "master gardener kit" which allows you to use your own seeds, instead of their pre-selected kits. I've grown herbs, tomatoes and chillies - all very easily and I sucessfully transplanted the herbs to soil.

I think if you're looking to grow large quantities then Aerogarden is probably not for you, but if you only have limited space, need to be able to move the kit around occasionally and you view it a hobby with edible bonuses then its good fun For me, now we have a garden, its main purpose is to grow herbs for use in cooking...I find it much more reliable than growing in pots on the windowsill and I do like to have a year-round supply of fresh basil, corriander and parsley.

Thanks for this - just got my aerogarden. Cool bit of kit which is now glowing on my window sil !