Planning a Vegetable Garden

Posts Tagged ‘Gardening Indoors’

Are you considering buying an AeroGarden?  Are you wondering what the heck an AeroGarden is?  Let’s take a look at what an AeroGarden is…and what it isn’t.

What is an AeroGarden?

First, let’s talk about what exactly it is.  Simply put, an AeroGarden is a way to grow herbs and some kinds of vegetables indoors, even if all you have is a dimly lit corner.

If you’ve heard about hydroponics (growing plants without soil), you have an idea of what an AeroGarden is all about.  Think of it as a mini-greenhouse that you can place on your kitchen counter.

An AeroGarden has a built-in lighting system that can turn itself on and off on a timer.  It can also remind you to water and fertilize!  Basically, it takes the guesswork out of growing vegetables and herbs inside.

AeroGarden Deluxe

Where there are quite a few models available, the deluxe is probably what you want if you plan to grow vegetables.  What kinds of veggies you ask?

You can choose from cherry tomatoes, chile peppers, green beans and salad greens.  Not a wide choice, but consider that you can grow these year-round, even if you live in a very cold climate.  Wouldn’t you love fresh tomatoes in the dead of winter?

What AeroGarden Isn’t

If you are into organic gardening, the AeroGarden probably isn’t your cup of tea.  The fertilizers provided aren’t exactly what you’d call “all natural”.

However, with a little experimentation, you could potentially substitute some organic fertilizers instead.  Unfortunately, the best of the liquid organic fertilizers — fish emulsion — is also a little smelly.

Is an AeroGarden Right for You?

If you’d love to grow at least some vegetables but you don’t have the time or space for a regular garden, you may want to consider an AeroGarden.  It’s especially great if you live in the city, or have a climate that is too chilly for most veggies.

Keep in mind that while there is little to no guesswork with this kind of gardening, it’s not totally hands-off.  You still have to water the plants and do some pruning from time to time.  Not to mention harvest some vegetables! 

AeroGardens aren’t exactly inexpensive, and if you’re looking for it to help with your grocery bill…look elsewhere. The start-up cost is roughly the same as for a 10′x10′ garden.

But an AeroGarden just might be for you if you honestly don’t have the time or space. And if you like the convenience of plucking ripe vegetables, right in your own kitchen, any time of the year.