How to start growing with Aerogarden

Throw the nutrients that came with the AG in the trash. Buy some hydroponic nutes. I started out with the "recipe for success" by Technaflora. I'm now using General Hydo nutes and like them a lot. I get a lot less salt build up...but on that note, use 1/2 strength nutes of whatever you decide to go with. The pump in the aerogarden sucks. When it dies from getting clogged with roots, don't buy another. Go ahead and plan on installing a good source of air to pump to the roots. The bigger the air pump the better, get as much as you can afford. And last, I would really recommend upgrading the light at some point. The light upgrade will improve the yield tremendously!

which General Hydro are you using? Flora series? It has the FloraGro, FloraBloom, and Floramicro? I was just checkin those out.

If you are using this for seedlings, fine.
See instructions below for using this system for a full grow for MJ.
1/ Unplug aerogarden and take outside.
2/ Take lid off trash can, place aerogarden inside. Replace lid.
3/ Go to hydroshop and buy proper set-up.
Simples.

exploder90 said:

Throw the nutrients that came with the AG in the trash. Buy some hydroponic nutes. I started out with the "recipe for success" by Technaflora. I'm now using General Hydo nutes and like them a lot. I get a lot less salt build up...but on that note, use 1/2 strength nutes of whatever you decide to go with. The pump in the aerogarden sucks. When it dies from getting clogged with roots, don't buy another. Go ahead and plan on installing a good source of air to pump to the roots. The bigger the air pump the better, get as much as you can afford. And last, I would really recommend upgrading the light at some point. The light upgrade will improve the yield tremendously!

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i have the extended 24" lamp

i have afghan kush lowryder and lowryder diesel

cues said:

If you are using this for seedlings, fine.
See instructions below for using this system for a full grow for MJ.
1/ Unplug aerogarden and take outside.
2/ Take lid off trash can, place aerogarden inside. Replace lid.
3/ Go to hydroshop and buy proper set-up.
Simples.

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All i am trying to do is grow a couple lowryder plants for person use im not lookin for a grow op, im sure the aerogarden can produce a couple dwarfs

Cues doesn't know what he's talking about. I've been growing Scrog with the AG for over 3 years now. The resevoir can handle 2 plants fully grown. I would recommend growing Scrog though. Ignorant people like that should not even post in the "Aerogardeners" section.

whats Scrog? i am new to this i heard lowryders were the best

exploder90 said:

Cues doesn't know what he's talking about. I've been growing Scrog with the AG for over 3 years now. The resevoir can handle 2 plants fully grown. I would recommend growing Scrog though. Ignorant people like that should not even post in the "Aerogardeners" section.

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I tried using one for veg stage when I ran a tiny 250w flower closet. I have since given it to my mum to grow herbs in. Couldn't really find any other use for it. I am not speaking from lack of experience. And I always Scrog, but under a 600 HPS. I also use flourescents for cloning/first stage veg, but in a proper stealthy cabinet with a proper timer, proper temp control, a proper flood-drain system and odour control that probably cost me £30 to build in total. Am I really the ignorant one?

Cannasbistroker: I wish that there was an easier way, but if you’re as new to this as I think you are I suggest the following listen to all these guys and:
1. Read: SeeMoreBud’s book, “MARIJUANA BUDS FOR LESS GROW 8 OZ. OF BUDS FOR LESS THAN $100.”
2. Read: Jorge Cervantes’s book, “MARIJUANA HORTICULTURE THE INDOOR/OUTDOOR MEDICAL GROWER’S BIBLE.”
3. Read: Ed Rosenthal’s, “MARIJUANA GROWER’S HANDBOOK.”
4. You’ll also want to subscribe to, “HIGH TIMES,” magazine. Each issue is chocked full of useful information. .” All these resources are very well written, well illustrated and packed with information that will answer your questions before you know to ask them. This will save you and your plants a lot of anxiety.

cues said:

If you are using this for seedlings, fine.
See instructions below for using this system for a full grow for MJ.
1/ Unplug aerogarden and take outside.
2/ Take lid off trash can, place aerogarden inside. Replace lid.
3/ Go to hydroshop and buy proper set-up.
Simples.

Click to expand...

Yes, you are ignorant for posting this to someone asking for help. You don't come on the "Aerogardeners" thread, bashing the unit. Sure give your opinions, but in a respectful manner. I believe the Aerogarden is a good beginners tool. It's a good way to learn basic hydoponics. You have to learn to work with what you've got. I originally planned on upgrading to a bigger set up, but I'm happy with the output of my unit for personal use. I didn't start this "hobby" to get rich, I started so I could smoke better stuff than I can buy off the streets, and to make my own hash. Telling him to throw it in the trash is stupid, this thing is fully functional. I know you could build a better setup on the same scale as the AG for much less. But don't let anybody tell you different...you can grow some premium bud with the AG.

Scrog stands for screen of green. Do some research, but it is an effective way to maximize your yield with minimum space. You can't really scrog auto-flowers though.

I'm not bashing anyone. Apologies if I come across that way.
My fear is that if someone is trying to use this system as their first attempt for growing MJ, they are going to be very disappointed and give up the hobby altogether.
The Aerogarden is effective for growing herbs and I have had some success with this, particularly with basil. It can also grow dwarf cherry tomatoes at a push.
The main problem is that, unlike tomatoes and herbs, MJ is a photoperiod-dependant plant. Any disturbance of it's 12-hour dark period during flowering results in disaster. Either hermies or a complete stop or reversal in flowering.
This can only really be overcome by placing the system in a light-tight cabinet (£5, second-hand shop). The problem with this is that Co2 becomes a limitation, so the cabinet will need some active ventilation, i.e. a fan providing air-exchange. (£2 second hand shop or £6 new, maplins)
The second problem is that temperature is entirely dependent upon ambient temps. This can also be resolved by placing in a cabinet with the fan (would suggest a PC fan) being controlled by a simple adjustable 12V max dc transformer (£6 argos)
Next, you really want more control over the light times so attach a timer to the hood. (timer via kettle plug socket) (Who hasn't got one of thes lying around?)
Then you need improved lights over their weird light socket arrangements which force you to buy their over-priced bulbs. Just go and buy some cfls and fittings. This also then gives you the option of plugging in flower or veg Kelvin bulbs. (£1 per fitting, £1 per bulb, wilko)
Finally, upgrade the res unit with a bigger one capable of coping with these improvements, running your choice of hydro. Be it DWC, EBB/flow etc. (Any container lying around, £10 for a pump, either air or water from local pet shop)
Anything left over, use and yes, you have your highly modified aerogarden working perfectly!

Like I said, I've been growing with the AG for a while. So yes, I've made a few improvements here and there. But as for the AG itself, I've only added an air pump that has some good output (but could be better), and 3 airstones. I wouldn't call that "highly" modified. My biggest expense was the light, which as I stated would pay for itself with the 1st batch. I wouldn't put anything higher than a 250W light above the AG.

Any good setup takes careful planning. But plenty of people have proved that the AG is capable of growing some premium bud. It's a learning process though, whether you make your own setup or purchase the AG. Honestly, eventually I will probably upgrade soon and make my own resevoir that will let the roots have more space rather than them cramming in the AG resevoir.

Nothing personal Cues. I just didn't think that was the best thing to say about the AG to a newbie that's already made the purchase of an AG. Good luck everybody.

Cannabistoker: to put it in a nut shell, read everything that A/G sent with the unit, everything they have on line at their website and it doesn't hurt to talk to their customer service people. It's a free 800# and they're real nice people. Just don't tell them what you're growing. If they ask tell them culinary herbs or tomatoes. They're the closest thing to what we're up to.

Put in an air stone and get some good nutes. I've used Technaflora's, "Recipe for Success," for the last few years and it has worked great from seed germination to harvest. Technaflora has a starter sample kit you can get for about $30 and it will last you a long time in an A/G. All you need is a set of measuring spoons and a pH tester. Check the pH daily, keep it clean and follow their growing guidelines to the letter. If you do you should have nothing but fun. Good luck. I hope this helps. HSA

Late the party OP... hope you are still in the mix with the AG.
The newer units that use the Ultra LED hood are perfect low energy, low heat and easy to use self-contained units for growing premium moms.
Put one plant in that bitch and let it rip. You can use the nutes that come in the box and be just fine. Only consideration is getting some Alaska Fish Fertilizer to act as a pH down mechanism and also some supplemental Nitrogen. Second addition would be to get another side LED light for like $20-40 now that they have started to perfect the light frequency they use in them.
Peace,
immr

Thank you all for the information. I'm planning on buying the ultra led model in a week or 2 I'm a beginner grower. And have no hydro experience. Planning on trying royal dwarf auto flowering strain. Before reading these posts I would've put all 7 holes to work but now I'll only try one or two and duct tape the other holes. Plus place my aerogarden in a small grow cabinet. Thank you all again

HSA said:

Cannabistoker: to put it in a nut shell, read everything that A/G sent with the unit, everything they have on line at their website and it doesn't hurt to talk to their customer service people. It's a free 800# and they're real nice people. Just don't tell them what you're growing. If they ask tell them culinary herbs or tomatoes. They're the closest thing to what we're up to.

Put in an air stone and get some good nutes. I've used Technaflora's, "Recipe for Success," for the last few years and it has worked great from seed germination to harvest. Technaflora has a starter sample kit you can get for about $30 and it will last you a long time in an A/G. All you need is a set of measuring spoons and a pH tester. Check the pH daily, keep it clean and follow their growing guidelines to the letter. If you do you should have nothing but fun. Good luck. I hope this helps. HSA

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I'm getting ready to start an auto flower grow in eg extra led. I'm going to germinate with paper towel method. I've already poked a hole through bottom of grow sponges. I'll be using technoflora recipe for success nutes. Do I add them right away or wait for 2 weeks till I add nutes. The nutrients instructions talk about seedlings and cuttings but not newly germinated seeds as far as what to add when. Also added air pump with 10" bubble wand to ag. Do you think I need to add more light also? I'm using the light boosters from ag which are a mylar like material. So it looks like a mini grow tent. Someone please reply this is my first hydroponic and aeroponic grow. I've posted at least 6-7 times with never a reply. I just want to learn to be successful for my own grow with this system.

squirt1961 said:

I'm getting ready to start an auto flower grow in eg extra led. I'm going to germinate with paper towel method. I've already poked a hole through bottom of grow sponges. I'll be using technoflora recipe for success nutes. Do I add them right away or wait for 2 weeks till I add nutes. The nutrients instructions talk about seedlings and cuttings but not newly germinated seeds as far as what to add when. Also added air pump with 10" bubble wand to ag. Do you think I need to add more light also? I'm using the light boosters from ag which are a mylar like material. So it looks like a mini grow tent. Someone please reply this is my first hydroponic and aeroponic grow. I've posted at least 6-7 times with never a reply. I just want to learn to be successful for my own grow with this system.

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I have had my ag ultra led and now on day 22 with AK47 and Bubble Gum. Both are about 11 inches tall and I fimedboth of them. Nutes at 5.5 added aanother air pump.It all looks great and smells great too. Any help or comments would be great.

okc said:

I have had my ag ultra led and now on day 22 with AK47 and Bubble Gum. Both are about 11 inches tall and I fimedboth of them. Nutes at 5.5 added aanother air pump.It all looks great and smells great too. Any help or comments would be great.

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Looks good so far I covered my bottom with mylar and it helped cool down water by almost 15 degrees I also added the ag light boosters which is just hanging strips of mylar reflectors to back and sides growth really took off after that I'm currently on day 44 and my plants look great 3' tall I detached led light and hung above also learned from others on here that led lights need to be around 12-18 inches above plants. I'm using recipe for success nutes buy technoflora and happy with results. I started with auto flowering auto purple seeds but none grew past germination due to way too much humidity so I started the 3 free seeds that came with them 1 female northern lights and 2 reg. Afghan all turned out female luckily and I think I'll be harvesting within next couple weeks. Pics included below. The northern lights is definitely much better and bigger than the Afghan but all looks good to me so far. This is my first time grow hydroponically I grew outside in soil 30 years ago. So I'm real happy with results for first grow. Hope this helped. I'll update at harvest time.