LOVE this indoor herbal garden
Pros:
Beautiful, fresh herbs grow FAST and cleanly. No dirt! Attractive setup. Prompt company support.
Cons:
Prune regularly, or the fast-growing herbs can burn on the lights.
The Bottom Line:
Would purchase again. Product as promised, fun, and clean. Probably great for kids. Maybe catnip, too (but I don't have a cat).
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
Not to be pessimistic, but I was prepared for this not to work! Surprisingly, herbs are Busting out all over! I wish I could figure out how to upload a picture for you guys.
My apartment is pretty dark (where I had room for plants), so I hadn't had much luck previously. Plus, indoors or out, the history of my green thumb is nearly black. With the aerogarden, I had herbs in just over 3 weeks! (The included info also tells you how to prune your herbs to best effect.) Now I'm trying to figure out how to SLOW the growth, as many of the herbs grow about a 1/4 inch each day, and I don't eat that much!
A great item because it is completely self contained. I add water and a (included) plant food tab (only one, since they grow so fast) about every 2 weeks. I love that a light TELLS you when to add stuff. No-brainer gardening - whoo hoo!
It's a good-looking unit (mine is black), and everyone wants to check it out (and pick at it, which is really fine - take my herbs - please!). I'm quite proud of myself, and send cell-pics to my family and friends, who humor me because they're amazed that I haven't killed it!
My thyme and chives don't seem to grow as well as the rest, and I think that's because of where they're placed in the pallet. I think they may need more of the light, or are being shaded by my HUMONGOUS basils (2 types), mint, and fennel. I had never seen purple basil before, and it's much more tasty than regular basil (with a slightly earthier, stronger tang than basil - it goes with more foods).
I did have one problem that was solved immediately by the company: I bought this off Ebay, and when I first received the kit, the grow food was all melted together and looked gross. I called the company, who they said that this can happen if the kit has been stored in a long time before sale (that might be the problem with my seeds that aren't as strong, too). They sent me out a new set of tablets right away, and also said that the original ones would be fine as well once they dried out. I appreciated the quick, free, and efficient support.
REPLY TO OTHER REVIEWS:
Someone mentioned less taste for their herbs; this has not been a problem for me - try pruning back a bit more?
Another said that the light was an energy drain; that hasn't been an issue for me. I haven't notice a boost in my bill, and for me, it's been great as a night light. (I also turn off the light on very hot days, since I don't mind if my plants slow down a bit! These monsters don't seem to notice.)
Next growing season (will this one ever end??) I'll try switching around the herbs so that the chives get more light. AND I may add some tomatoes! I highly recommend this product.
If I can do it - you can do it. Have fun!
Meijer
