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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Aeroponics?Aeroponics is an innovative dirt-free
growing method where plant roots are suspended in air within a 100%
humidity, highly-oxygenated growing chamber. Because the roots are
bathed with ideal levels of nutrients, water and oxygen, plants grow
significantly faster, are healthier, and have a higher nutrient content
than plants grown in soil.  How big is the AeroGarden? The
base of the AeroGarden is about the size of a breadbox or microwave
oven and is sized to fit conveniently under most kitchen cabinets. The
AeroGarden measures 16” long by 10 1/2” wide by 15 1/2” high when it is
first set up with the lights at the lowest possible setting, and 21”
high at the highest level. Currently the AeroGarden comes in only one
size.
 What comes with the AeroGarden system? Your AeroGarden kit
includes everything necessary for a complete season of growth (just add
water). See detailed description below diagram. 1. Built-in plant lighting system - Full daylight spectrum, energy efficient grow lights allow you to grow anywhere. No natural sunlight needed. 2. Aeroponic optimizing chamber - Creates a near-perfect rainforest growing environment. 3. Computerized “smart” garden technology - Built-in micro-processor automatically adjusts nutrient delivery, light cycles, and water for specific plant types. - Built-in light timer turns lights on and off. - Built-in reminder system automatically alerts you to add water and nutrients. - Two full-spectrum grow bulbs (specially engineered for the AeroGarden) Seed Kit is also included with each AeroGarden (see picture below): A. Pre-seeded bio-dome seed pods enclosed in their own mini-greenhouse for ultra-fast germination. B. Time release nutrient tablets provide erfect plant nutrition with 65 macro and micro-nutrients for optimal plant health. C.
Tending & Harvesting Guide with recipes walks you through
everything you need to know to grow and harvest your plants, as well as
tips and recipes for enjoying your harvests. 

How long will my plants live?Cherry Tomatoes and Chili Peppers
will grow for 6 – 7 months, and you will be able to start harvesting in
about 10 weeks. That gives you approximately 4 months of continuous
harvests. Salad Greens
will live for 3 – 4 months, and you can begin harvesting after only 3
weeks. This gives you about 2 ½ months of continuous harvests.
Gourmet Herbs
and International Basil will all last for 4 – 5 months. You can start
harvesting in about 4 weeks, giving you 3 – 4 months of continuous
harvests. 
How much time do I have to spend taking care of my AeroGarden?Approximately
5 minutes a month. You will need to occasionally add water, drop in 2
nutrient tablets, and provide minimal tending to your plants. Most of
your time will be spent harvesting and enjoying delicious, fresh food.

How long can the AeroGarden be left unattended? What if I travel a lot?A
planted AeroGarden can be left unattended for up to 2 weeks, depending
on the type of plants you are growing and their maturity. If you are
absent minded ... don't worry ... the AeroGarden's flashing lights will
remind you that it's time to add water or nutrients.

When can I begin harvesting?It depends on which seed kit
you have. You can begin harvesting lettuces and basils 3 weeks after
planting your garden and then enjoy continuous harvests for months. Other
herbs will take about 5 weeks to be ready for harvest. Our fruiting
plants will take longer to harvest: about 10 to 12 weeks for cherry
tomatoes and chili peppers. 

Are the nutrient tablets organic?Yes, the AeroGarden
nutrient tablets are organic, according to current AAPFCO (American
Association of Food Control Officials) standards. They are carefully
crafted using mineral salts and seaweed. These provide the 13 nutrients
that all plants require, plus 65 additional micro-nutrients for
additional vigor, in just the right proportions for each seed kit type. 
Can I mix Seed Kits?Yes, although this is primarily recommended only for experienced gardeners. There are three reasons for this. Because
the plants grow at different rates and have different leaf sizes, some
faster growing plants in mixed kits could over-shadow and block the
light from slower growing plants. Experienced gardeners will know how
to avoid this issue. Our nutrients have been specially designed
for the group of plants in each kit. If kits are mixed the plants could
be under, or over-fed. Your AeroGarden comes with pre-set light
cycles according to kit type. If you mix kits you could be
sub-optimizing your plant’s growth by giving it too much, or too
little, light. 
How much energy does the AeroGarden use?The
AeroGarden system has been designed for maximum efficiency. The entire
system uses less energy than a single 60-watt light bulb ... which is
really amazing since the system includes a computerized
micro-processor, water flow pump, timer and lights. 
What kind of light bulbs does it use?The AeroGarden uses
full-spectrum compact fluorescent bulbs exclusively designed for the
optimal amount and type of light needed for robust, healthy plant
growth. For optimum results it is recommended that you replace the
bulbs every 6 months. 


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