Anybody use an Aerogarden?

[hvn_nbr_2]

They look pretty cool but seem very expensive. Are they worth it? How much salad greens can you get from it?

[plantwomyn]

1. Very expensive and the refills are too.

You can make one yourself in a tray or in pvc like this one. You just need a pump, some tubing, a light {the sun?] and a little plumbing knowledge. Either way read up on it a bit. The only problem is to keep the fertilized ORGANIC so you aren't pumping a bunch of chems into your food.
http://www.jasons-indoor-guide-to-organic-and-hydroponics-gardening.com/images/homemade

[Mind_your_head]

2. I have one and really like it a lot

I got mine as a Christmas gift in '06, so I've had it just over a year. I've only grown herbs in mine so far....but I get a lot of yield from mine. I cook a lot and it's been really handy to have fresh basil, oregano, parsley, and chives on hand.

It's really low maintenance. Just add water and the mineral tablets every 1.5-2 weeks and it signals you when it's time to add. However, I've found that sometimes I need to add more water before it signals me to - no biggy there though.

I'm not sure if it has technically "paid for itself" yet, but it might have. If I were to have had to buy the fresh basil or oregano packages at the store at roughly $3.00/package that would be 50 purchases - which I may have saved myself ($150 purchase price for the garden divided by $3.00 per pkg of herbs). A three month supply of mineral tablets are $15.00 (or $5/month).

Their customer service is EXCELLENT. I was given a black Aerogarden and wanted a white one. I called them up and it was no problem to mail back the black one and they sent me a white one. I then had one of the bulbs go out after about one month and, again, called them up and they sent me a new one at no charge. Haven't had any problems with the bulbs after that.

I really like mine a lot. It's fun to tend to and easy to use. I like the convenience of having the fresh herbs available. If anything, it produces more herbs than I can use. I should be better at drying/saving the excess instead of cutting and throwing it out. Lastly, I have a very dark kitchen (north-facing) and I really like the extra lighting when it's on.

Hope this helps.

[bluhoodie]

3. Thanks for asking this question

I've been wanting to post it too, but was afraid True Gardeners would snicker. ;-)   Yes, they are expensive, but if they serve a purpose for some people -- like those of us without yards or sufficient sunlight, or who are too busy to garden as much, or when, we'd like to -- then they might be a good idea (if they work well). I've seen that some people complain that their light is too bright or that they take up too much space (on a kitchen counter, for instance). I'd think they would be good for various herbs, especially in the winter, but I don't have first-hand knowledge. Thus, I'm curious to hear from actual users myself.