aerogarden guide

8/10/2019 Aerogarden Guide

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HERB SERIES

Tending & Harvesting Guide

PLANTING DATE:

SEED KIT TYPE:

English


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Whether this is the first or fifth garden you are planting

in your AeroGarden, you will need to reference yourQuick Start Guide.

If you have planted a garden in your AeroGarden priorto this one, please refer to Replanting Your AeroGardenin the Quick Start Guidebefore you proceed.

If you no longer have your models Quick StartGuide,you can obtain the latest version of it atwww.aerogardensupport.com

PLANTINGYOURGARDEN

Plant Your Garden

Each Herb Series Seed Kit(except

7-Pod Seed Kits) has Seed Podsthat are labeled, Tall, MediumorShort. This helps to determinethe best position for eachSeedPodin the Grow Surface, ensur-ing each plant gets enough

light and has room to grow.

The following are descriptionsof each plant height and the best locations for themin your AeroGarden. Consult your Quick Start Guideformodel-specific planting instructions.

Tallplants tend to grow faster and branch outquickly they do best in the Backopenings.

Mediumplants grow a little more slowly and/or tendto be a bit bushier they do best when planted inSideopenings.

Shortplants are slower growing and/or mature intosmaller plants they are best suited for growing in aFrontopening.

Find Tall, Mediumor Shortinformation here on eachSeed Pod Label.

2Planting Your Garden

A little bit of care for your Garden will ensure rapid growthand bountiful harvests. You will see sprouts in a few days.In 3-5 weeks, you will see your seeds transformed intoaromatic and flavorful herbs ready for your table.


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Remove DomesA few days after plantingyour AeroGarden, tiny plants

will appear through theholes in eachSeed Pod Label.

When this occurs, removethe Domesfrom each Seed

Podwith emerging plantsand discard or recycle.Do not remove the Label!

To reduce plant stress, werecommend removing the

Domesshortly after thelight(s) turn off or near theend of the light cycle.

You do not need to thin yourplants as the AeroGardencan support multiple plantsin each Seed Pod.

Never remove Labels. They promote germination, inhibitalgae growth and identify your plants.

Each Seed Pod Labelshowsthe number of days until

seeds sprout.

Dont let this happen!

If your plant is curled

inside the Dome, it was lefton too long. Immediatelyremove Dome.

3 Tending Your Garden

Please take a moment to review this section shortly afterplanting your Garden (see page 21 for Reminders AboutPlanting Your Garden).

TENDINGYOURGARDEN


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4Tending Your Garden

Basic FeedingFirst feeding after planting your Garden, follow the BasicFeedinginstructions in your Quick Start Guide.

Alternate Rinse & Refll and Basic Feeding

4 weeks after planting your Garden, begin alternatingbetween Rinse & Refill and Basic Feeding.

To simplify tracking,cross off the appropri-ate box on the FeedingSchedule(at right)after

each feeding.

Feed Garden

Add Water

Use room-temperature water. Very hot or very cold water

will hurt your plants. We recommend using municipal tap, bottled or purified

water. Well or softened water SHOULD NOT be usedbecause the extra minerals in these sources may be harmfulto aeroponically grown plants.

There should always be water in the Bowlof yourAeroGarden. For instructions, see the Add WaterUsing a Spouted Containersection in your QuickStart Guide.

International Basil Seed Kitinstructions

For International Basil Seed Kits (available for 7-podAeroGardens only), we recommend alternating betweenBasic Feedingand Rinse & Refillsteps.

Every 2 weeks you will need to add one nutrient

tablet (3-pod AeroGardens) or two nutrienttablets (6- or 7-pod AeroGardens) to theBowl. For instructions, see Add Nutrients (FeedGarden - Basic Feeding)in the Control Panel Featuressection of your Quick Start Guide.

Continued on next page

Basil Growing NutrientsFEEDING SCHEDULE

Cross off one box after each feeding.

Rinse

&

Refill

1st

Basic Rinse

&

Refill

Basic Rinse

&

Refill

Basic

2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th


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Note: We recommend checking for bugs every time youadd nutrients. See Troubleshooting on page 24 ofthis Guide for details.

Rinse & Refll (International Basil Seed Kit only)

Unplug AeroGarden and remove Bowlfrom Baseand bring Bowlto a sink.

Remove Grow Surface from Bowl and place on acounter near sink.

Empty contents of Bowlinto sink and rinse Bowl.Use only water.

Fill Bowlwith room-temperature water up to Fill

To Hereand set Bowlon counter.Place Grow Surfaceback onBowl, place BowlonBaseand plug in AeroGarden.

Add 2 nutrient tablets from Growing Nutrientsbag and press the Reset button.

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Raise Lamp Hood (Light[s])

If Grow Bulb(s)are too close to plants, the leaves may

brown and burn. If they are too far away, your plantswill stretch toward the light(s) and look unhealthy.

As your plants begin to grow, you should provide1-2 (2.5-5cm) of space between the top of plants

and the light(s).For instructions, refer to the Raise Lamp Hood(Light[s])section in yourQuick Start Guide.

Quick Start Guidesavailable at:www.aerogardensupport.com

Feed Garden (Continued)


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Keep Your Garden Healthy

Keeping a watchful eye on your Garden is notonly a joy, but also a smart way to make sure yourplants stay healthy.

As your plants grow,you may see somedead or brown leavesaround the baseof plants. This isperfectly normal.

Remove theseleaves with scissorsor pinch off withyour fingers.

Keep Grow Surfaceclear of dead leaves.

Uprooted Chives

You may see chivesthat look like theyrejumping out of theSeed Pod.

This is not a problem.Sometimes delicatechive roots dontanchor properly inthe Grow Sponge.

There are many chive seeds in each Seed Pod, so youwill still have a bountiful bunch of chives.


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Prune Epazote when plant is about 4 (10cm) tall:

Cut main stem abovea set of leaves to bringplant to the same heightas slower growing plantsin your Garden.

NOTE: There will likelybe more than oneepazote stem in the

Seed Podthat needspruning.

Cut main stem justabove the 4thside stem.

Photo at right shows how theplant might look after thisfirst pruning. Epazote will beabout 2 (5cm) tall after first

pruning.

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NOTE: Epazote should not beused by pregnant ornursing women.

Pinch Plants (Ongoing after 4 weeks)

Pinching will help your plants grow full and yieldlarger quantities of basil and epazote.

Initially, your basil and epazote plants will grow tallerthan the other herbs in your Garden. Pinching theplants (or cutting with scissors) will allow you to keepthe light(s) close to the other slower growing herbs,providing them with the intense light needed to grow.


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Special Tips for Basil & Epazote(Continued)

Pinch Plants (Ongoing after 4 weeks)(Continued)

Pinch Basil:

Pinch basil plant justabove the uppermostset of leaves (growthpoints) every week.

Use these clippings in your

favorite basil recipes.

Prune Basil Flowers and Flower BudsIf you see flowers and/orflower buds on your basil

plant, remove them.

Cut back the flowering/

budding stalk just abovea set of leaves no morethan halfway down the

plant stem.

This may seem drastic, but pruning your plant will actually

stimulate growth and help the basil maintain excellent flavor.


Pinch Epazote:

Pinch or cut stems directly above a set of leaves(growth point) to keep plants at the same height asother plants in your Garden.


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These pictures show plants from an Herb SeriesSeed Kitthat are stressed. Follow suggestions torestore your Gardens health.

Wilted

Plants are not getting enoughwater. Check water level.

Burned

Plant is too close to GrowBulb(s). Raise the Lamp Hood.

Curled Inside Dome

Domewas left on too long.Immediately remove Dome.

Plant Problems & Remedies




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HARVESTINGYOURGARDEN

Harvest Your Garden

About 5 weeks after planting your Garden, youcan begin harvesting all of your herbs.

Harvest your herbs with pruning shears, householdscissors, or by gently pinching off with your fingers.

Following the harvesting tips below will help keepyour plants productive and healthy.

Harvesting Advice for All Herbs

Do not remove more than a third of the leaves orstems from any one plant at a time.

Continue to harvest up to a third of each plantper week. Leaves and stems will be replacedby new growth.

Harvest just before using for the best flavor.As you harvest, try to keep the plants at about thesame height so that they all receive the optimumamount of light.

After harvesting your herbs, lower Lamp Hoodif necessary (see Quick Start Guidefor instructions).

11 Harvesting Your Garden



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Harvest Parsley and Cilantro

Harvest parsley andcilantro near the baseof the plant, cuttingan entire stem justthe stem, not theentire plant!

Parsley shown, butinstructions alsoapply to cilantro.

Select the oldeststems, found nearouter edges ofplant. These stemsare generally wider

than the youngerones and the leavesmay have someyellow around theedges.

Remove stems thatshade other plantsin your Garden.

This is what yourparsley might looklike after harvesting.

Harvest Your Garden (Continued)


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14Harvesting Your Garden


Harvest Savory, Oregano, Marjoram, Tarragon

and Thyme

Harvest the talleststems that aregrowing into light(s)and/or spreadingout to other partsof the Garden.

Oregano shown, butinstructions also applyto savory, marjoram,tarragon and thyme.

Prune just above aset of leaves (growthpoint), and not more

than 1/3 of the waydown the stem.

This is what youroregano might looklike after harvesting.


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Harvest Sage

Harvest singleleaves, startingwith those nearthe base of plant.

Cut or pinch off

leaves where theymeet the stem.

This is what yoursage might look likeafter harvesting.

If sage is growingtaller than otherplants in yourGarden, cut backthe top of plant.

Prune just abovea set of leaves andnot more than 1/3of the way downthe stem.


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Harvest Mint and Epazote

Harvest outermost

stems and anybranches that shadeother plants, as well astallest stems that aregrowing into light(s).

Mint shown, butinstructions also applyto epazote.

Prune just above aset of leaves (growthpoint), and not morethan halfway downthe stem.

Epazote only:

Cut or pinch off large leaves and longer shoots wherethey meet the stem. Also remove leaves that shade

the lower parts of epazote plant.

This is what your

mint might look likeafter harvesting.



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Harvest Dill

Harvest dill wheretwo stems join(termination point).

Find terminationpoint by lookingnear the base ofdill plant.

Cut wider of thetwo stems.

This is what yourdill might look like

after harvesting.


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Harvest Basil (all varieties except Globe)

To keep basil plantsproductive andflavorful, focusharvesting on thefollowing 3 areas

Basil plant ready forharvesting.

Large Leaves

Cut or pinch off

large leaves thatshade lower partsof basil plant. (Thisharvest will yield justa few leaves.)

Stems

For larger quantities,

and to keep thebasil plant bushy, cutstem just above aset of leaves but notmore than halfwaydown the stem. Neverharvest more than1/3 of the plant atany one time.

Select branches that shadeother plants in your Garden.


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Uppermost Leaves

Continue weeklypinching of theuppermost leavesof basil plant(see Pinch Basilon page 9).

This is what yourbasil might look likeafter harvesting.

Harvest Globe Basil

Prune just above aset of leaves (growthpoint) and not morethan 1/3 of the waydown the stem.

Note: Globe Basil growsin a compact, roundshape leaves mayneed to be gentlypushed aside to reach astem during harvesting.

This is what yourglobe basil might looklike after harvesting.


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21 Appendices

APPENDICES

Please use the Quick Start Guideincluded in youroriginal AeroGarden box for more detailed setupinstructions. If you no longer have your Quick StartGuide, you can find the latest version of it atwww.aerogardensupport.com.

Reminders About PlantingYour Garden

Setting up Your Garden

Is the Lamp Armfirmlyinserted into the Base?

Are Grow Bulb(s)firmly inserted intoLamp Hood?

Is Lamp Cordpluggedinto Lamp Hood?

Is Bowlsecurelyplaced in Base*?

Is there water in Bowlup to Fill To Here?

Is Lamp Hoodatlowest setting?

Planting Your Garden

Is there a Seed Podin every GrowSurfaceopening?

Did you put a Domeon each Seed Pod?

Did you add StartingNutrienttablet(s)?

Did you recordplanting date on thecover of this Guide?

Starting Your Garden

Did you plug inAeroGarden?

Are GrowBulb(s)on?

Replanting YourGarden (if this is notyour first planting)

Did you reset thenutrient timer on

your AeroGarden?

(See ReplantingYour AeroGardeninQuick Start Guide.)

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* If your AeroGarden has anAir Hose, connect it tothe Bowlat this time.


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22Appendices

Questions & AnswersLight(s)

Set Your Light Timer

Do I need to turn light(s) on and off manually?

No. Your AeroGarden includes a built-in timer thatturns your light(s) on and off at specific intervals.These intervals are designed to maximize the growthof your plants. The timing system started as soon asyou plugged in your AeroGarden.

Does it matter what time of day the light(s) go off?

No. It makes no difference to the plants when yourlight(s) go on and off. Some people like to have them

turn off when they go to bed and come on in themorning when they wake up. Others prefer touse the AeroGarden as a nightlight.

Can I change the time of day the light(s) go OFF?

On select models yes. If it is possible to change thetime your light(s) go off, instructions will be foundin the Personalize Your Light Timersection of yourQuick Start Guide.

Your AeroGarden has light(s) and a built-in timerthat automatically provide your plants with theoptimal amount of light needed to grow an abun-dance of herbs.

If the option is available to set the light timer* on yourAeroGarden, you will find instructions in the Person-alize Your Light Timersection of your Quick Start Guide.

* Not available on all AeroGarden models consult QuickStart Guide available at www.aerogardensupport.com.


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Troubleshooting

23 Appendices

What do I do when a Grow Bulbburns out?

Replacement bulbs can be ordered from yourretailer or at www.aerogardensupport.com.

What should I do if my Grow Bulb(s)arent working?Make sure Grow Bulb(s) arefirmly inserted in theLamp Hood. Also check that your Garden is pluggedinto a working electrical outlet and the Lamp Cordisplugged into the Lamp Hood.

What if I want to move my Garden to anotherlocation?

Go right ahead! Keep in mind that each AeroGardenmodel has different features. Unplugging a Gardenin the middle of its growth cycle could cause your

AeroGardens light timer to reset. Before moving yourAeroGarden, consult your Quick Start Guide to see howthe light timer is affected when your model is unplugged.

To move your AeroGarden, be sure to pick it up byholding the Lamp Armwith one hand and sliding

your other hand under the bottom of the Base.

My Garden doesnt look healthy. What can I do?

If you are concerned about the health of yourGarden, please go through the following

Keep light(s) as close to plants as possible, withoutleaves touching the Grow Bulb(s).

Replace Grow Bulb(s)after 6 months of use (seeQuick Start Guidefor model-specific instructions).

Follow the harvesting instructions on pages 11-20.

Dont use softened or well water.Make sure your garden is in a location that is not too

hot (70F or 21C maximum).

Only harvest up to 1/3 of each Seed Podeveryfew days.


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24Appendices

What if I see bugs?

Occasionally, bugs might decide to visit your herbs.If you see bugs, you will probably see aphids orspider mites which probably found their way into

your home on clothing or cut flowers. They areclever about hiding under leaves and in the jointsbetween leaves and plant stems, so they can bedifficult to see at first.

Initial signs that you have aphids are either your

plants look unhealthy or you may see a stickysubstance on your AeroGardens Grow Surface.Spider mites look like tiny gray dots on theunderside of leaves. Heavy infestation will leavenoticeable webs on the tops of plants.

This is the easiest way weve found to get rid of bugs:Unplug AeroGarden and remove the Bowlfrom the Base.

Carefully lift entire Seed Podand plant out ofthe Grow Surface.

Turn plant upside down in a sink and gentlyrun room temperature water over the under-side of leaves to rinse bugs off.

Check your plant for any remaining bugs

rinse again if necessary and then return plantand Seed Podto the AeroGarden.

Check all surrounding plants to make surebugs havent spread. If they have, follow theabove steps with any other buggy plants.

Replace Bowlon Baseand plug in AeroGarden.

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25 Appendices

Troubleshooting (Continued)

How do I take care of my Garden when I go outof town?

Add water to raise the level up to Fill To Here. A

newly planted Garden with Domesremoved maynot need care for up to 2 weeks. However, if yourGarden is mature and you will be out of town forseveral days, we recommend that you makearrangements for someone to care for your Gardenwhile you are away.

What do I do when my Garden has completedits growth cycle?

For step-by-step instructions regarding the care ofyour AeroGarden after plants have stopped growing,

refer to the Prepare for your Next Gardenpage inyour Quick Start Guide.

Replace Bulb(s)Grow Bulb(s)should be replaced after 6 monthsof use. See Replace Grow Bulb(s) in your Quick StartGuidefor replacement instructions.

Replacement bulbs can be ordered from your retailer or atwww.aerogardensupport.com.

Quick Start Guidesavailable at:

www.aerogardensupport.com


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26Appendices

Gardening Notes


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AeroGrow International, Inc.


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