Download Aerogarden Elite Manual

1. Aerogarden Harvest Manual

3.Additional Supplies Needed.4.Designing Your GardenPlant Type. 5.Plant Height.5.Nutrients.6.Life Span.6.Plant Habit & Layout. 7.Building a Grow PodNumber of Seeds. 8.Prepare Pod Labels. 8Place Seeds & Grow Sponge.9.Attach Pod Labels.10.Place Stem Cuttings.11.Planting Your GardenPlant Grow Pods.13.Feeding Your GardenChoose a Nutrient Regime.

14.Nutrient Feeding Schedule Options. 15.Add Nutrient(s).16.Signs of Stress. E N T STending Your GardenRemove Domes. 17.Add Water and Raise Lamp Hood (Lights).18.Thin Plants. 18.Pollinate Plants.19.Prune Plants.20.Keep Your Garden Healthy.

23.Support Plants.23.Harvesting Your GardenLeafy Greens. 26.Bunching Herbs. 27Branching Herbs. 28.Images of the AeroGarden Classic and AeroGarden 3 are shown throughout this guide, but instructions apply to all AeroGarden models.You will occasionally need to reference your Quick Start Guide when planting and growing a Master Gardener Kit.If you no longer have your model’s Quick Start Guide, you can obtain the latest version at www.aerogardensupport.com. Each Master Gardener Kit is designed for AeroGardeners who want to plant their own seeds or root their own cuttings. Each kit includes the supplies needed to plant and grow one to three custom gardens.While the AeroGarden provides the ideal environment for growing plants, there are many decisions you need to make that will impact the outcome of your garden.This Guide will assist you in deciding what to plant, how to plant and how to care for your plants once they are growing.

We recommend that you read the entire Guide before starting your Garden.NOTE: Planting an AeroGarden with your own seeds or cuttings is a bit of an experiment. We hope your efforts will be successful and you enjoy the discovery process. To get started, refer to “Designing Your Garden” for helpful guidelines. Contact a garden center, hydroponic shop, or university for answers to more in-depth questions. Designing Your GardenSELECTING PLANTSThe following guidelines will help you plant and grow a thriving indoor garden.

Take the time to planPyour Garden and you’ll reap the rewards of healthy plants and bountiful harvests.While we encourage you to try growing a variety of plant types in your AeroGarden, there are a few that will not do well in an aeroponic system.Subterranean plants, such as carrots, beets, potatoes or peanuts should not be planted in an AeroGarden. In addition, plants that require very dry conditions and havevery low water requirements, Psuch as cactus and succulents, will not thrive in an AeroGarden.The maximum height of mostAeroGarden Lamp Hoods is 12”from the Grow Surface (24” forDeluxe, PRO 200 and AeroGarden6 Elite + models). It is important12”to select plants that will notgrow taller than this – or tochoose plants that can bepruned to stay within thisheight restriction, such as basil.When choosing seeds, look for dwarfor miniature varieties.

P lant Height (Continued)If you decide to grow a garden with a variety of different plants, you will also need to consider their relative heights.Try to grow plants that will be about the same height as they mature.You may be able to prune some plants in your Garden to achieve this. Using plants that grow at the same rate lets you adjust theN Lamp Hood so plants all receivethe optimal amount of light. Plant a garden with plants that have similar growth rates and heights, like SaladGreens (shown).utrientsChoose plants that have similar nutrient requirements. For example, mixing plants with fairly low requirements (such as lettuces) with plants that have much higher requirements (such as basil) is not recommended.There are two (2) different types of nutrients to choose from in a Master Gardener Kit, and more specific nutrient guide- Llines are provided in the“Feeding Your Garden”section of this Guide.ife SpanTry to choose plants that have similar life spans for your Garden. For example, dwarf tomatoes and basil are a great flavor combination, but would be hard to grow in the same AeroGarden. Basil will be nearing the end of its growth cycle just as dwarf tomatoes are starting to ripen!

P lant Habit & LayoutSome plants are bushy, others feathery, some grow straight, others branch out. As you plant your Garden, think about shape and growth habits of plants.You may want to put a feathery leafed plant in front where it can be seen and use the back row for plants that growstraight or bushy. Even after you’ve planted your Garden, you can remove Grow Pods and rearrange them. ( Just be gentle with the roots!)Horizontal SpreadingIf you grow plants that have extensive branching or will spread horizontally, you may want to leave some Grow Surface Openings empty. Example: for 3-Pod AeroGardens, plant only 1 Grow Pod for tomatoes and peppers and leave the remaining 2 Grow Surface Openings empty; for 6-Pod models, plant 3 Grow Pods and leave 3 openings empty; and for 7-Pod models, plant 3 Grow Pods and leave 4 openings empty.

This will give plants room to grow and assure they get the light they need.Be sure to cover unplantedGrow Surface Openings to inhibit algae growth. Our Plant Spacers are a perfect fit and can be re-used in any Garden. Plant Spacer Kits include 6 spacers and can be purchased at www.aerogardensupport.com.Or, choose a material that will stand up to moisture, such as aluminum foil or a plastic milk jug cap.Quick Start Guides available at:www.aerogardensupport.com. Building a Grow PodNumber of SeedsIt is important to plant extra seeds to ensure success. For larger seeds and fruiting plants, sow only a few extra seeds. Increase number of seeds as seed size decreases and for plants that grow in bunches, such as chives.PTypically, 6 seeds per Grow Pod works well.Here are a few preliminary steps that will help the Grow Pod building process go smoothly.

Preheat iron to a moderate temperature (between silk and cotton settings on most irons, 300°- 400°F). Do not use steam. Write the name of seeds or plant cutting on Label(s) with permanent marker.

Doing this before you start planting prevents accidental mislabeling ofGrow Pods. If you are re-using aSplit-Apart Basket, be sure to scrape residue from previous Label off the surface.

Remnant glue will prevent new Label from adhering. Attach Pod LabelsThe Pod Label reminds you of planting date and what you planted, and also promotes germination and inhibits algae growth. Be sure to fill out and apply Pod Labels.IMPORTANT!If you are planting SEEDS in your Grow PodsAttach Pod Labels AFTER Grow Pods are assembled and seeds are in place.If you are planting CUTTINGS in your Grow PodsSnap Split-Apart Baskets together and attach Pod Labels BEFORE planting cuttings.Remember: Preheat iron to a moderate temperature (between silk and cotton settings on most irons, 300°-400°F). Do not use steam.Attach Pod Labels. Place Pod Label on top of Split-Apart Basket. Iron for a total of 10 seconds as follows:– 5 seconds with iron in one place.– 5 seconds moving Grow Pod around outside edge of iron – to ensure Label is secure.WARNING: Burns can occur from touching hot metal parts, hot water or steam.

Extreme caution should be used near children. Never leave iron turned on or unattended, especially when children are present. Using stem cuttings is a common method for propagating many plant varieties, but it does require a bit of care on your part. A number of vegetables and shrubs root very easily, but stem cuttings from tree species can be difficult to root. We have found that some difficult species may be stimulated to root by treating them with root-promoting compounds.The following steps describe how to start plants from both herbaceous (non-woody plants such as tomatoes, peppers, chrysanthemum and dahlias) and softwood cuttings (soft, new growth from plants such as lilacs, roses, and rhododendron). Quick Start Guides available at:www.aerogardensupport.com. Moisten Grow Sponge and insert cutting 1/3 to 1/2 of its length into Grow Sponge.

Carefully push Grow Sponge (with cutting in place) throughPod Label and into Split-Apart Basket. Insert assembled Grow Pod into Grow Surface Opening(see page 13 for instructions). Repeat above steps with each cutting and Grow Pod.With all Grow Pods placed in Grow Surface. Completely cover Grow Pods using a clear plastic bag (1-gallon size), or plastic container(s) to maintain high humidity levels. Cover all plants in groups or individually – just be sure each Grow Pod is covered.Mist cuttings with water once or twice daily to maintain humidity levels.

Do not add nutrient tablets until you see roots extend from bottom of Grow Sponges. Once roots extend from Grow Sponges, start adding nutrients (see pages 14-15 for feeding recommendations). Plants are sensitive to pH levels.To eliminate potential concerns regarding pH levels, we recommend using distilled water UNTIL you begin adding nutrients. Continue to monitor cuttings and water level in Bowl. Within a few weeks you should start to see roots extend from the Grow Sponges. Check cuttings regularly and remove any unhealthy (rotten or dried up) plants. Use these plants as a guide to determine if the growing environment is too moist or too dry.

Planting Your GardenPlanting a custom Grow Pod is the same as planting a Seed Pod from any AeroGarden Seed Kit. We recommend recording the planting date and number of seeds planted in a notebook or on a model-specific Gardener’sPLog (located at www.aerogardensupport.com).

This will be a great reference when planting future Gardens. Insert Grow Pods intoGrow Surface Openings.All Grow Surface Openings should contain a Grow Pod or be covered by a moisture-tolerant covering (see page 7). Seeds Only - Place aDome on each Grow Pod.Make sure that. AeroGarden Bowl has water up to “Fill to Here.”. Use room-temperature water.Very hot or very cold water will hurt your plants. For Seeds - use municipal tap, bottled or purifiied water.

For Cuttings - use distilled water until you begin using nutrients, then use municipal tap, bottled or purified water.Well or softened water SHOULD NOT be used.The extra minerals in these sources may be harmful to aeroponically grown plants. Lamp Hood is at the lowest setting on Lamp Arm.See your model’s Quick Start Guide for detailed instructions on adding water and lowering Lamp Hood. If you no longer have it, you can find the latest version of your model’s Quick Start Guide at www.aerogardensupport.com. Feeding Your GardenEach Master Gardener Kit comes with two different types of nutrient tablets to meet the needs of a variety of plant types. The amount of nutrients in your Garden increases with tablet size.Each tablet also contains ingredients that will keep the Cwater in your AeroGarden at a pH level that is ideal foraeroponically grown plants.Most gardens will need a combination of small and large nutrient tablets. If you are planting cuttings, you will not have to add nutrients until you see roots extend from Grow Sponges.

The table below shows a suggested feeding schedule based on plant type. Use it as a starting point for selecting a nutrient regime. Keeping a watchful eye on plants will be the best way to learn the ideal nutrient regime.For cuttings, do not use nutrients until you see roots extended from Grow Sponges. Add Nutrient(s)Every 2 weeks you will need to add one (1) nutrient tablet (3-Pod AeroGardens) or two (2) nutrienttablets (6- or 7-Pod AeroGardens) to the Bowl.For instructions, see “Add Nutrients” (Feed Garden S- Basic Feeding) in the Control Panel Features section ofyour Quick Start Guide.igns of StressOvernourishedIf tips of leaves are brown,your plant is probably getting too many nutri-ents.

At next feeding, you may decrease tablet size or just use 1/2 a tablet (3-Pod AeroGardens), or1 tablet (6- and 7-Pod AeroGardens). Look for signs of improvement on new plant growth.NOTE: If browning is severe, you may need to empty all water from Bowl, put in fresh water, and add nutrient tablet(s). If you do this, remember to reset Nutrient Timer.

See “Replanting Your AeroGarden” in Quick Start Guide for reset instructions.UndernourishedUndernourished plants become yellow. If increased yellowing is noticed over time, you may want to add an extra 1/2 tablet, whole tablet or increase tablet size at next feeding.Signs of improvement will mainly be apparent on new growth. Plants will need time to absorb additional nutrients, so please be patient.

Tending Your GardenA little bit of care for your Garden will ensure rapid growth and healthy plants. This section provides someRgeneral guidelines to follow as your Garden grows.emove Domes. Shortly after planting Seeds in your garden (4 days to 2 weeks), tiny plants will appear through the hole in each Grow Pod Label.When this occurs, removeDomes from each Grow Pod and save for your next Garden. Do not remove Label.

Only remove Domes from Grow Pods with emerging plants. When a Cutting’s roots begin to extend from the Grow Sponge, remove plastic bag or container that is covering plant.

To reduce plant stress, we recommend removing Domes or Cutting Cover shortly after light(s) turn off or near the end of the light cycle.Don’t let this happen!If a plant is curled insideDome, it was left on too long.Immediately remove Dome.Never remove Labels. They promote germination, inhibit algae growth and identify your plants. Add Water andRaise Lamp Hood (Lights)As your Garden grows, it’s important to keep water in the Bowl of your AeroGarden, and 1-2”(2.5-5cm) of space between the top of plants and the light(s).For instructions, see “Add Water Using a Spouted Container” and “Raise Lamp Hood (Lights)” sections in your model’s Quick Start Guide.Quick Start Guides available at: www.aerogardensupport.comThin PlantsHerbs, lettuces, and plants that grow in bunches (such as chives) do not require thinning. However, with broad-stemmed varieties, such as fruiting plants, it is best to thin plants as described below. When plants are about 1”(2.5cm) tall, check each Grow Pod for multiple plants.

Usingscissors, snip the smallest plants at the stem base, leaving ONE healthy plant in eachGrow Pod. Thinning seedlings ensures the remaining plant in each Grow Pod has room to grow, gets enough nutrients and water, and produces many, many fruits.! Be sure to cut, not pull, the extra seedlings to avoid damaging roots of the remaining plant in each Grow Pod. Prune PlantsYour Garden may need pruning to keep plants at about the same height and to control growth. Use garden shears or scissors to prune.

Here are some general guidelines on pruning various plant types.Fruiting Plants with Upright Main Stem (First prune)(such as dwarf tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant)Early pruning of this plant helps strengthen the main stem and encourages plant to branch out. A strong plant with many branches will be able to bear the weight of much fruit without tipping over.

From base of plant, follow main stem up past first 5 branches. Cut main stem just above 5 th branch.Fruiting Plants with Upright Main Stem (Ongoing)Fruiting plants grown in an AeroGarden require ongoing pruning to control plant height and spreading.Controlling HeightUse scissors to cut branches that are growing into light(s).

Follow branch to where it meets another branch – make cut just before this junction.Continued on next page. Fruiting Plants (Ongoing) (Continued)Controlling SpreadingUse scissors to cut branches that hang outside the edge of Lamp Hood. Make cut sobranch is no more than 3” beyond outer edge ofLamp Hood.Herbs with Upright Main Stem – Sometimes an early pruning of plants such as basil, will encourage plants to branch out, rather than grow straight up. For plants that will benefit from this, you should.Follow main stem up frombase of plant past 3 sets of leaves.NOTE: There may be more than one stem in the Grow Pod that needs pruning.

Aerogarden Harvest Manual

Cut main stem justabove 3 rd leaf set. Weekly pinching of plants just above uppermost set of leaves (growth point)at top of stem will also encourage plants to growand branch out. Quick Start Guides available at:www.aerogardensupport.comAll Non-Fruiting Plants – If you see flower buds or flowers on a plant that is being grown for its leaves, not its fruit or flowers, remove them.Cut flowering stem just above a set of leaves, no more than 1/3 of the way down stem.This will extend the life and productivity of the plant.Flowers – To keep flowering plants (such as petunias) full of blossoms, remove old flowers, a process known as “deadheading”.Pinch off entire flower blossom with fingers or cut with scissors.

If possible, cut flower stem too.HELPFUL HINT: Deadhead your flowers as they start to fade to avoid accidentally pinching off unopened blossoms. At a quick glance, flower buds can look a bit like dead blossoms (see below).UnopenedDeadBlossomBlossom.

Keep Your Garden HealthyKeeping a watchful eye on your Garden is not only a joy, but also a smart way to make sure your plants stay healthy.As plants grow, you may see some dead or brown leaves around base of plants.This isperfectly normal.Remove these leaves with scissors or pinch off with fiingers.Remove dead blossoms from plants by pinching off with fingers.Support PlantsFruiting plants may produce so much fruit that plants begin to tip over or break. If this occurs, support plants and bring them to the upright position by securing each plant to Lamp Arm with a tie.Suggested Materials to UseThe best way to support fruiting plants is with AeroGardenSoft.Ties–purchase at www.aerogardensupport.com or from your retailer.Ribbon, at least 1/4”(0.6cm), hook & loop tape, or old stockings will also work for securing your plants.! Also avoid materials that stretch, such as stretch ties sold in gardening shops, as these are not strong enough to support fruit-filled branches.Do not use ties that will dig into (and damage) stem, such as string. HELPFUL HINT: The best way to figure out where to place tie is to gently push on main stem with your fingers, testing for strength and ability to support the plant.

Typically, your tie will be no more than 2” above the base of plant.How To Support Fruiting Plants. Loop a tie around main stem at a point where it:a) is strong enough not to bend or break when tie is secured, andb) stands upright when tie is pulled towardLamp Arm. Tightly loop one end of tie around Lamp Arm. Hold tie in position with one hand.With other hand, gently pull opposite end of tieto bring main stem to an upright position. Secure two ends of tie to each other by twisting. If you notice other heavy branches that need support, secure them to Lamp Arm as well.!

Loosen or untie supports that are around the moving portion (top) of Lamp Arm before raising Lamp Hood, to avoid damaging plant stems.Continued on next page. Support Plants (Continued)Support for Full-Size Fruiting PlantsIf you are growing full-size, fruiting plants using anAeroGarden Deluxe, PRO 200, 6 Elite+, or a 7-Pod model outfitted with aDeluxe Upgrade Kit, we recommend using the AeroGrow Trellis System. to support your plants. Trellis Systemsand additional Trellis Coils can be ordered at www.aerogardensupport.com. Trellis Brackets must be attached to the Lamp Hood in order to use Trellis System. Installation instructions are included withTrellis System.Once Trellis Brackets and Trellis Coils are attached toLamp Hood, you can begin attaching Coils to your plants.

Hold plant up and pull Trellis Coil strap down far enough to loop it around plant stem. Loop strap around stem and snap shut.Photo shows a properly attached Trellis Coil. Harvesting Your GardenIf you grow culinary plants, it is important to continually harvest to keep plants healthy and productive.Here are some general guidelines for harvesting plants grown in an AeroGarden.

Do not remove more than a third of leaves or stems from any one plant at a time. Harvest just before using for best flavor. Remove ripe fruit. As you harvest, try to keep plants at about the same height so they all receive enough light.

After harvesting, lower light(s), if necessary.How to harvest each plant depends on plant’s structure Hand growth. Here are some general guidelines for somecommon plant types.arvest Your GardenLeafy Greens(such as lettuce varieties).Remove entire leaves by cutting at base of the leaf. To ensure healthy new growth, do not harvest allthe leaves from any oneGrow Pod.

For continuous harvesting, we suggest younever harvest more than 1/3 of a plant at any time.Continued on next page. Harvest Your Garden (Continued)Bunching Herbs(such as chives and parsley). Harvest herbs that grow in a bunch by cutting an entire stem – just a stem, not the entire plant!. Select the oldest stems, found near outer edges of plant. (These stems are generally wider than younger ones and leaves may have some yellow around the edges.). Cut near the base of stem.Also, remember to remove stems that shade other plants in your garden.Branching Herbs(such as mint, basil, oregano). Cut plants just above a setof leaves (growth point) not more than halfwaydown stem.Also harvest by cutting just above a termination point (where one stem meets another).

Cut wider (older) of two stems. AppendixTroubleshootingWhat do I do when a Grow Bulb burns out?Replacement bulbs can be ordered from your retailer or at www.aerogardensupport.com.What should I do if my Grow Bulb(s) aren’t working?Make sure Grow Bulb(s) are firmly inserted in Lamp Hood. Also check that Garden is plugged into a working electrical outlet and Lamp Cord is plugged into Lamp Hood.What if I want to move my Garden to another location?Go right ahead!

Keep in mind that each AeroGarden model has different features. Unplugging it in the middle of its growth cycle could cause your AeroGarden’s light timer to reset. Before moving your AeroGarden, consult your Quick Start Guide to see how light timer is affected when your model is unplugged.To move your AeroGarden, be sure to pick it up by holding the Lamp Arm with one hand and sliding your other hand under the bottom of the Base.Can the Grow Sponges be re-used?If your seeds did not germinate, or your cutting did not take, you should be able to re-use your Grow Sponge(s).Gently remove Grow Sponge from bottom of Split-Apart Basket. (Try to do this without ripping or removing Pod Label.) Remove non-germinated seeds or dead cutting. Follow steps on pages 8-12 for placing seeds or cuttings in Grow Sponge. If there is any indication of algae growth or mold on Grow Sponge(s), they are not re-usable and should be discarded.Continued on next page.

My Garden doesn’t look healthy. Troubleshooting Help and Quick Start Guidesavailable at: www.aerogardensupport.comgrowing in Bowl.

3.Additional Supplies Needed.4.Designing Your GardenPlant Type. 5.Plant Height.5.Nutrients.6.Life Span.6.Plant Habit & Layout.

7.Building a Grow PodNumber of Seeds. 8.Prepare Pod Labels. 8Place Seeds & Grow Sponge.9.Attach Pod Labels.10.Place Stem Cuttings.11.Planting Your GardenPlant Grow Pods.13.Feeding Your GardenChoose a Nutrient Regime. 14.Nutrient Feeding Schedule Options. 15.Add Nutrient(s).16.Signs of Stress. E N T STending Your GardenRemove Domes.

17.Add Water and Raise Lamp Hood (Lights).18.Thin Plants. 18.Pollinate Plants.19.Prune Plants.20.Keep Your Garden Healthy. 23.Support Plants.23.Harvesting Your GardenLeafy Greens. 26.Bunching Herbs. 27Branching Herbs.

28.Images of the AeroGarden Classic and AeroGarden 3 are shown throughout this guide, but instructions apply to all AeroGarden models.You will occasionally need to reference your Quick Start Guide when planting and growing a Master Gardener Kit.If you no longer have your model’s Quick Start Guide, you can obtain the latest version at www.aerogardensupport.com. Each Master Gardener Kit is designed for AeroGardeners who want to plant their own seeds or root their own cuttings. Each kit includes the supplies needed to plant and grow one to three custom gardens.While the AeroGarden provides the ideal environment for growing plants, there are many decisions you need to make that will impact the outcome of your garden.This Guide will assist you in deciding what to plant, how to plant and how to care for your plants once they are growing. We recommend that you read the entire Guide before starting your Garden.NOTE: Planting an AeroGarden with your own seeds or cuttings is a bit of an experiment.

We hope your efforts will be successful and you enjoy the discovery process. To get started, refer to “Designing Your Garden” for helpful guidelines. Contact a garden center, hydroponic shop, or university for answers to more in-depth questions. Designing Your GardenSELECTING PLANTSThe following guidelines will help you plant and grow a thriving indoor garden. Take the time to planPyour Garden and you’ll reap the rewards of healthy plants and bountiful harvests.While we encourage you to try growing a variety of plant types in your AeroGarden, there are a few that will not do well in an aeroponic system.Subterranean plants, such as carrots, beets, potatoes or peanuts should not be planted in an AeroGarden. In addition, plants that require very dry conditions and havevery low water requirements, Psuch as cactus and succulents, will not thrive in an AeroGarden.The maximum height of mostAeroGarden Lamp Hoods is 12”from the Grow Surface (24” forDeluxe, PRO 200 and AeroGarden6 Elite + models).

It is important12”to select plants that will notgrow taller than this – or tochoose plants that can bepruned to stay within thisheight restriction, such as basil.When choosing seeds, look for dwarfor miniature varieties. P lant Height (Continued)If you decide to grow a garden with a variety of different plants, you will also need to consider their relative heights.Try to grow plants that will be about the same height as they mature.You may be able to prune some plants in your Garden to achieve this. Using plants that grow at the same rate lets you adjust theN Lamp Hood so plants all receivethe optimal amount of light. Plant a garden with plants that have similar growth rates and heights, like SaladGreens (shown).utrientsChoose plants that have similar nutrient requirements.

For example, mixing plants with fairly low requirements (such as lettuces) with plants that have much higher requirements (such as basil) is not recommended.There are two (2) different types of nutrients to choose from in a Master Gardener Kit, and more specific nutrient guide- Llines are provided in the“Feeding Your Garden”section of this Guide.ife SpanTry to choose plants that have similar life spans for your Garden. For example, dwarf tomatoes and basil are a great flavor combination, but would be hard to grow in the same AeroGarden. Basil will be nearing the end of its growth cycle just as dwarf tomatoes are starting to ripen! P lant Habit & LayoutSome plants are bushy, others feathery, some grow straight, others branch out. As you plant your Garden, think about shape and growth habits of plants.You may want to put a feathery leafed plant in front where it can be seen and use the back row for plants that growstraight or bushy. Even after you’ve planted your Garden, you can remove Grow Pods and rearrange them. ( Just be gentle with the roots!)Horizontal SpreadingIf you grow plants that have extensive branching or will spread horizontally, you may want to leave some Grow Surface Openings empty.

Example: for 3-Pod AeroGardens, plant only 1 Grow Pod for tomatoes and peppers and leave the remaining 2 Grow Surface Openings empty; for 6-Pod models, plant 3 Grow Pods and leave 3 openings empty; and for 7-Pod models, plant 3 Grow Pods and leave 4 openings empty. This will give plants room to grow and assure they get the light they need.Be sure to cover unplantedGrow Surface Openings to inhibit algae growth. Our Plant Spacers are a perfect fit and can be re-used in any Garden. Plant Spacer Kits include 6 spacers and can be purchased at www.aerogardensupport.com.Or, choose a material that will stand up to moisture, such as aluminum foil or a plastic milk jug cap.Quick Start Guides available at:www.aerogardensupport.com.

Building a Grow PodNumber of SeedsIt is important to plant extra seeds to ensure success. For larger seeds and fruiting plants, sow only a few extra seeds. Increase number of seeds as seed size decreases and for plants that grow in bunches, such as chives.PTypically, 6 seeds per Grow Pod works well.Here are a few preliminary steps that will help the Grow Pod building process go smoothly. Preheat iron to a moderate temperature (between silk and cotton settings on most irons, 300°- 400°F). Do not use steam.

Write the name of seeds or plant cutting on Label(s) with permanent marker. Doing this before you start planting prevents accidental mislabeling ofGrow Pods.

If you are re-using aSplit-Apart Basket, be sure to scrape residue from previous Label off the surface. Remnant glue will prevent new Label from adhering. Attach Pod LabelsThe Pod Label reminds you of planting date and what you planted, and also promotes germination and inhibits algae growth. Be sure to fill out and apply Pod Labels.IMPORTANT!If you are planting SEEDS in your Grow PodsAttach Pod Labels AFTER Grow Pods are assembled and seeds are in place.If you are planting CUTTINGS in your Grow PodsSnap Split-Apart Baskets together and attach Pod Labels BEFORE planting cuttings.Remember: Preheat iron to a moderate temperature (between silk and cotton settings on most irons, 300°-400°F).

Do not use steam.Attach Pod Labels. Place Pod Label on top of Split-Apart Basket. Iron for a total of 10 seconds as follows:– 5 seconds with iron in one place.– 5 seconds moving Grow Pod around outside edge of iron – to ensure Label is secure.WARNING: Burns can occur from touching hot metal parts, hot water or steam. Extreme caution should be used near children. Never leave iron turned on or unattended, especially when children are present. Using stem cuttings is a common method for propagating many plant varieties, but it does require a bit of care on your part.

A number of vegetables and shrubs root very easily, but stem cuttings from tree species can be difficult to root. We have found that some difficult species may be stimulated to root by treating them with root-promoting compounds.The following steps describe how to start plants from both herbaceous (non-woody plants such as tomatoes, peppers, chrysanthemum and dahlias) and softwood cuttings (soft, new growth from plants such as lilacs, roses, and rhododendron). Quick Start Guides available at:www.aerogardensupport.com. Moisten Grow Sponge and insert cutting 1/3 to 1/2 of its length into Grow Sponge. Carefully push Grow Sponge (with cutting in place) throughPod Label and into Split-Apart Basket.

Insert assembled Grow Pod into Grow Surface Opening(see page 13 for instructions). Repeat above steps with each cutting and Grow Pod.With all Grow Pods placed in Grow Surface. Completely cover Grow Pods using a clear plastic bag (1-gallon size), or plastic container(s) to maintain high humidity levels.

Cover all plants in groups or individually – just be sure each Grow Pod is covered.Mist cuttings with water once or twice daily to maintain humidity levels. Do not add nutrient tablets until you see roots extend from bottom of Grow Sponges.

Once roots extend from Grow Sponges, start adding nutrients (see pages 14-15 for feeding recommendations). Plants are sensitive to pH levels.To eliminate potential concerns regarding pH levels, we recommend using distilled water UNTIL you begin adding nutrients. Continue to monitor cuttings and water level in Bowl. Within a few weeks you should start to see roots extend from the Grow Sponges. Check cuttings regularly and remove any unhealthy (rotten or dried up) plants.

Use these plants as a guide to determine if the growing environment is too moist or too dry. Planting Your GardenPlanting a custom Grow Pod is the same as planting a Seed Pod from any AeroGarden Seed Kit.

We recommend recording the planting date and number of seeds planted in a notebook or on a model-specific Gardener’sPLog (located at www.aerogardensupport.com). This will be a great reference when planting future Gardens.

Insert Grow Pods intoGrow Surface Openings.All Grow Surface Openings should contain a Grow Pod or be covered by a moisture-tolerant covering (see page 7). Seeds Only - Place aDome on each Grow Pod.Make sure that. AeroGarden Bowl has water up to “Fill to Here.”. Use room-temperature water.Very hot or very cold water will hurt your plants. For Seeds - use municipal tap, bottled or purifiied water.

For Cuttings - use distilled water until you begin using nutrients, then use municipal tap, bottled or purified water.Well or softened water SHOULD NOT be used.The extra minerals in these sources may be harmful to aeroponically grown plants. Lamp Hood is at the lowest setting on Lamp Arm.See your model’s Quick Start Guide for detailed instructions on adding water and lowering Lamp Hood. If you no longer have it, you can find the latest version of your model’s Quick Start Guide at www.aerogardensupport.com.

Feeding Your GardenEach Master Gardener Kit comes with two different types of nutrient tablets to meet the needs of a variety of plant types. The amount of nutrients in your Garden increases with tablet size.Each tablet also contains ingredients that will keep the Cwater in your AeroGarden at a pH level that is ideal foraeroponically grown plants.Most gardens will need a combination of small and large nutrient tablets. If you are planting cuttings, you will not have to add nutrients until you see roots extend from Grow Sponges. The table below shows a suggested feeding schedule based on plant type.

Use it as a starting point for selecting a nutrient regime. Keeping a watchful eye on plants will be the best way to learn the ideal nutrient regime.For cuttings, do not use nutrients until you see roots extended from Grow Sponges. Add Nutrient(s)Every 2 weeks you will need to add one (1) nutrient tablet (3-Pod AeroGardens) or two (2) nutrienttablets (6- or 7-Pod AeroGardens) to the Bowl.For instructions, see “Add Nutrients” (Feed Garden S- Basic Feeding) in the Control Panel Features section ofyour Quick Start Guide.igns of StressOvernourishedIf tips of leaves are brown,your plant is probably getting too many nutri-ents. At next feeding, you may decrease tablet size or just use 1/2 a tablet (3-Pod AeroGardens), or1 tablet (6- and 7-Pod AeroGardens).

Look for signs of improvement on new plant growth.NOTE: If browning is severe, you may need to empty all water from Bowl, put in fresh water, and add nutrient tablet(s). If you do this, remember to reset Nutrient Timer. See “Replanting Your AeroGarden” in Quick Start Guide for reset instructions.UndernourishedUndernourished plants become yellow. If increased yellowing is noticed over time, you may want to add an extra 1/2 tablet, whole tablet or increase tablet size at next feeding.Signs of improvement will mainly be apparent on new growth. Plants will need time to absorb additional nutrients, so please be patient. Tending Your GardenA little bit of care for your Garden will ensure rapid growth and healthy plants.

This section provides someRgeneral guidelines to follow as your Garden grows.emove Domes. Shortly after planting Seeds in your garden (4 days to 2 weeks), tiny plants will appear through the hole in each Grow Pod Label.When this occurs, removeDomes from each Grow Pod and save for your next Garden. Do not remove Label. Only remove Domes from Grow Pods with emerging plants. When a Cutting’s roots begin to extend from the Grow Sponge, remove plastic bag or container that is covering plant. To reduce plant stress, we recommend removing Domes or Cutting Cover shortly after light(s) turn off or near the end of the light cycle.Don’t let this happen!If a plant is curled insideDome, it was left on too long.Immediately remove Dome.Never remove Labels.

They promote germination, inhibit algae growth and identify your plants. Add Water andRaise Lamp Hood (Lights)As your Garden grows, it’s important to keep water in the Bowl of your AeroGarden, and 1-2”(2.5-5cm) of space between the top of plants and the light(s).For instructions, see “Add Water Using a Spouted Container” and “Raise Lamp Hood (Lights)” sections in your model’s Quick Start Guide.Quick Start Guides available at: www.aerogardensupport.comThin PlantsHerbs, lettuces, and plants that grow in bunches (such as chives) do not require thinning. However, with broad-stemmed varieties, such as fruiting plants, it is best to thin plants as described below.

When plants are about 1”(2.5cm) tall, check each Grow Pod for multiple plants. Usingscissors, snip the smallest plants at the stem base, leaving ONE healthy plant in eachGrow Pod. Thinning seedlings ensures the remaining plant in each Grow Pod has room to grow, gets enough nutrients and water, and produces many, many fruits.! Be sure to cut, not pull, the extra seedlings to avoid damaging roots of the remaining plant in each Grow Pod. Prune PlantsYour Garden may need pruning to keep plants at about the same height and to control growth. Use garden shears or scissors to prune. Here are some general guidelines on pruning various plant types.Fruiting Plants with Upright Main Stem (First prune)(such as dwarf tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant)Early pruning of this plant helps strengthen the main stem and encourages plant to branch out.

A strong plant with many branches will be able to bear the weight of much fruit without tipping over. From base of plant, follow main stem up past first 5 branches. Cut main stem just above 5 th branch.Fruiting Plants with Upright Main Stem (Ongoing)Fruiting plants grown in an AeroGarden require ongoing pruning to control plant height and spreading.Controlling HeightUse scissors to cut branches that are growing into light(s). Follow branch to where it meets another branch – make cut just before this junction.Continued on next page. Fruiting Plants (Ongoing) (Continued)Controlling SpreadingUse scissors to cut branches that hang outside the edge of Lamp Hood. Make cut sobranch is no more than 3” beyond outer edge ofLamp Hood.Herbs with Upright Main Stem – Sometimes an early pruning of plants such as basil, will encourage plants to branch out, rather than grow straight up.

For plants that will benefit from this, you should.Follow main stem up frombase of plant past 3 sets of leaves.NOTE: There may be more than one stem in the Grow Pod that needs pruning. Cut main stem justabove 3 rd leaf set.

Weekly pinching of plants just above uppermost set of leaves (growth point)at top of stem will also encourage plants to growand branch out. Quick Start Guides available at:www.aerogardensupport.comAll Non-Fruiting Plants – If you see flower buds or flowers on a plant that is being grown for its leaves, not its fruit or flowers, remove them.Cut flowering stem just above a set of leaves, no more than 1/3 of the way down stem.This will extend the life and productivity of the plant.Flowers – To keep flowering plants (such as petunias) full of blossoms, remove old flowers, a process known as “deadheading”.Pinch off entire flower blossom with fingers or cut with scissors. If possible, cut flower stem too.HELPFUL HINT: Deadhead your flowers as they start to fade to avoid accidentally pinching off unopened blossoms. At a quick glance, flower buds can look a bit like dead blossoms (see below).UnopenedDeadBlossomBlossom. Keep Your Garden HealthyKeeping a watchful eye on your Garden is not only a joy, but also a smart way to make sure your plants stay healthy.As plants grow, you may see some dead or brown leaves around base of plants.This isperfectly normal.Remove these leaves with scissors or pinch off with fiingers.Remove dead blossoms from plants by pinching off with fingers.Support PlantsFruiting plants may produce so much fruit that plants begin to tip over or break. If this occurs, support plants and bring them to the upright position by securing each plant to Lamp Arm with a tie.Suggested Materials to UseThe best way to support fruiting plants is with AeroGardenSoft.Ties–purchase at www.aerogardensupport.com or from your retailer.Ribbon, at least 1/4”(0.6cm), hook & loop tape, or old stockings will also work for securing your plants.!

Also avoid materials that stretch, such as stretch ties sold in gardening shops, as these are not strong enough to support fruit-filled branches.Do not use ties that will dig into (and damage) stem, such as string. HELPFUL HINT: The best way to figure out where to place tie is to gently push on main stem with your fingers, testing for strength and ability to support the plant.

Typically, your tie will be no more than 2” above the base of plant.How To Support Fruiting Plants. Loop a tie around main stem at a point where it:a) is strong enough not to bend or break when tie is secured, andb) stands upright when tie is pulled towardLamp Arm. Tightly loop one end of tie around Lamp Arm. Hold tie in position with one hand.With other hand, gently pull opposite end of tieto bring main stem to an upright position. Secure two ends of tie to each other by twisting.

If you notice other heavy branches that need support, secure them to Lamp Arm as well.! Loosen or untie supports that are around the moving portion (top) of Lamp Arm before raising Lamp Hood, to avoid damaging plant stems.Continued on next page. Support Plants (Continued)Support for Full-Size Fruiting PlantsIf you are growing full-size, fruiting plants using anAeroGarden Deluxe, PRO 200, 6 Elite+, or a 7-Pod model outfitted with aDeluxe Upgrade Kit, we recommend using the AeroGrow Trellis System. to support your plants. Trellis Systemsand additional Trellis Coils can be ordered at www.aerogardensupport.com. Trellis Brackets must be attached to the Lamp Hood in order to use Trellis System. Installation instructions are included withTrellis System.Once Trellis Brackets and Trellis Coils are attached toLamp Hood, you can begin attaching Coils to your plants.

Hold plant up and pull Trellis Coil strap down far enough to loop it around plant stem. Loop strap around stem and snap shut.Photo shows a properly attached Trellis Coil. Harvesting Your GardenIf you grow culinary plants, it is important to continually harvest to keep plants healthy and productive.Here are some general guidelines for harvesting plants grown in an AeroGarden. Do not remove more than a third of leaves or stems from any one plant at a time. Harvest just before using for best flavor.

Remove ripe fruit. As you harvest, try to keep plants at about the same height so they all receive enough light.

After harvesting, lower light(s), if necessary.How to harvest each plant depends on plant’s structure Hand growth. Here are some general guidelines for somecommon plant types.arvest Your GardenLeafy Greens(such as lettuce varieties).Remove entire leaves by cutting at base of the leaf.

To ensure healthy new growth, do not harvest allthe leaves from any oneGrow Pod. For continuous harvesting, we suggest younever harvest more than 1/3 of a plant at any time.Continued on next page. Harvest Your Garden (Continued)Bunching Herbs(such as chives and parsley). Harvest herbs that grow in a bunch by cutting an entire stem – just a stem, not the entire plant!. Select the oldest stems, found near outer edges of plant.

(These stems are generally wider than younger ones and leaves may have some yellow around the edges.). Cut near the base of stem.Also, remember to remove stems that shade other plants in your garden.Branching Herbs(such as mint, basil, oregano). Cut plants just above a setof leaves (growth point) not more than halfwaydown stem.Also harvest by cutting just above a termination point (where one stem meets another). Cut wider (older) of two stems.

AppendixTroubleshootingWhat do I do when a Grow Bulb burns out?Replacement bulbs can be ordered from your retailer or at www.aerogardensupport.com.What should I do if my Grow Bulb(s) aren’t working?Make sure Grow Bulb(s) are firmly inserted in Lamp Hood. Also check that Garden is plugged into a working electrical outlet and Lamp Cord is plugged into Lamp Hood.What if I want to move my Garden to another location?Go right ahead!

Keep in mind that each AeroGarden model has different features. Unplugging it in the middle of its growth cycle could cause your AeroGarden’s light timer to reset. Before moving your AeroGarden, consult your Quick Start Guide to see how light timer is affected when your model is unplugged.To move your AeroGarden, be sure to pick it up by holding the Lamp Arm with one hand and sliding your other hand under the bottom of the Base.Can the Grow Sponges be re-used?If your seeds did not germinate, or your cutting did not take, you should be able to re-use your Grow Sponge(s).Gently remove Grow Sponge from bottom of Split-Apart Basket. (Try to do this without ripping or removing Pod Label.) Remove non-germinated seeds or dead cutting. Follow steps on pages 8-12 for placing seeds or cuttings in Grow Sponge. If there is any indication of algae growth or mold on Grow Sponge(s), they are not re-usable and should be discarded.Continued on next page. My Garden doesn’t look healthy.

Troubleshooting Help and Quick Start Guidesavailable at: www.aerogardensupport.comgrowing in Bowl.