For under a $1.00 I was able to replant my standard AeroGarden unit. I found that dividing one 2 inch rockwool cube into four segments would fill four AeroGarden baskets perfectly! I bought four loose 2 inch rockwool cubes from my local store for $1.00 and used less than two of them to fill my seven port Aerogarden. Just took a slight trimming at the base and they slipped right in. A poke in the middle for the seeds and they were ready to be planted.
Remember to document what you planted and when. I just jotted down the date planted and what the seeds were in each pod. Each pod has three seeds in it so I can be certain of germination. Extra seeds that come up will be clipped.
I am using my AeroGarden to start tomato and pepper seeds that will be transplanted to my larger hydroponic set-up in just a few weeks.
The other two rockwool cubes will be segmented and will be growing romain lettuce and basil in my kitchen's Aerogarden unit during the coming winter months. Yes, it's true, I have two AeroGarden units, and oh, a mini Aerogarden (3 port) in my office growing the colorful bouquet mix in it. It has the prettiest maroon/yellow monkey flowers and a gorgeous burnt orange/yellow marigold blooming! The mini geranium is playing catch-up but is finally growing well. No signs of blooms yet on it.
This is great. I love how it is a DIY solution that is way cheaper.
ReplyDeleteYep, and lettuce seeds were already popping in two days! I have already thinned the plants to two plants in each pot.
ReplyDeleteJoyce, where do you get rockwool? I know about the rock wool that is/was used for insulation but it is not a solid block like you have pictured. Another question, can I start tomatoes in the early spring and transplant them outside in the garden? I just did my first planting of herbs today.
ReplyDeleteThanks. JKL
Rockwool can be found from your local garden center especially if they carry hydroponic products. If not locally, then easily available online through any number of vendors. Most definitely start your tomatoes six weeks prior to planting outside but a couple of pointers..... first tomatoes are not frost tolerant so need frost protection and secondly the ground soil temperature. If the soil is cold and wet, your plants may not do well. Best of the soil is around sixty. Can be easily check with a probe thermometer.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your herbs. They are great for indoor winter gardening.
Thanks for your post.
Hi Joyce
ReplyDeleteI have just purchased the aerogarden and wanted to plant my own seeds, as you have done. However, what nutrients can I use instead of the supplied nutrients....any thoughts?
Tracy.
Yes, you bypass the nutrient tabs and use any commercial hudroponic solutions. Just be sure that your ratio of product is correct to the amount of water in your aerogarden reservoir. I personally use the liquids and have had great success. I feed my aerogarden once a week and it's a good practice to change out all the solution in your reservoir once a month. The reason being is that nutrients levels can get concentrated over time, so once a month just empty out the resorvior and replace the water with a new solution of nutrients. During the week, only add plain water to the reservoir as the plants take up solution.
ReplyDeleteThank you Joyce.
ReplyDeleteTracy