AeroGarden 900214-1200 3 with 3-Pod English Garden Flowers Seed Kit, Silver

Cheap AeroGarden 900214-1200 3 with 3-Pod English Garden Flowers Seed Kit, Silver Review

I bought this as a Christmas gift for my 82-year-old Mom, and she's been enjoying it very much. The flowers are growing well and blooming, though one of them is not as robust as the others. She had some trouble getting the light/dark cycles set at first---the directions were not all that clear for this model---but we eventually figured out that she just needed to get up early in the morning, unplug it, and plug it back in to reset the timing. I like hearing her reports on her garden's progress, too (kind of the ideal low maintenance "pet" for her, really...), and will probably get her a set of herb pods to try next.

AeroGarden 2490-21S 2490-21S Classic 7-Pod Indoor Gardening System with Herb 'n Serve Dressing Mixer and Herb Chef Seed Kit, Silver

Cheap AeroGarden 2490-21S 2490-21S Classic 7-Pod Indoor Gardening System with Herb 'n Serve Dressing Mixer and Herb Chef Seed Kit, Silver Review

I have 2 Aerogarden 7 pod Classic systems (the Classic 7 pod, 2 season herb w/ dressing mixer & a 7 pod Classic). I'm on my 2nd round of herbs & 1st round of tomatoes. My beans croaked. My results have been mixed on both units, and I learned the following from talking to Customer Service:

1) use distilled water
2) make sure the nutrient tablets aren't mushy
3) store nutrient tablets in the freezer
4) Aerogarden should be switched over to liquid nutrients by November 2009 (12/16/09: Customer Service now say early next year for the liquid nutrients).

I've had mixed results in growing my herbs & beans. Basil grows like gangbusters, as does the mint & chives, but the rest have been slow to grow or don't grow well at all. I've called Customer Service multiple times, and each time the representative has been wonderful and helpful. They are also quick to replace non-growing seed pods, just as their warranty states. However, even with switching out the grow bulbs after 6 months, I'm still frustrated with my results and hope that the liquid nutrients will be the turning point for my future gardens.

Since Customer Service is convinced that Aerogarden users will see much better results with liquid nutrients, I will update with results once the liquid nutrients are shipped with the seed pods. As of today's date, Aerogarden is still shipping with the messy nutrient tablets.

AeroGarden 9800-00S 1-Shelf Wall Garden, Silver

Cheap AeroGarden 9800-00S 1-Shelf Wall Garden, Silver Review

Everything is as advertised. However, there is no where to wind the cord in the back (for those of us who can put an outlet where we want one) or to put anything else on the shelf (perhaps a swing out side shelf to hold your shears and nutrient tablets; or one to hold another plant for those of us using the lights for other growing). Overall a good product. I've seen the price drop to , but not often...

AeroGarden 9803-00S 3-Shelf Wall Garden, Silver

Cheap AeroGarden 9803-00S 3-Shelf Wall Garden, Silver Review

This unit looks attractive in most decor. The power cords are MOSTLY (except at the bottom) concealed behind the vertical shield, and it comes with a really convenient installation template that you merely have to tape at the top to a good spot on the wall and along the sides. Put some clear duct tape folded over the paper on the top of the template and along the tape spots along the sides, because you will want to save it.

For all but the handiest person, installation will be a two person job, because one person will need to hold the shelves while the other sets the screws. Short persons may need a step stool or ladder to measure and securely reach the highest point.

If you have a bubble level, pencil, tape, and screwdriver or electric drill and can find a stud, you can do this. The only real challenges are locating the horizontal center of the stud (probably the trickiest) and missing the nailheads in the stud with your screws (luck -- I missed 3 out of 5).

The shelves are heavy duty cast metal alloy with an attractive shiny surface -- more of a molded aluminum alloy than a stainless look, so you will want to clean the fingerprints you leave on them off before you put the Aerogardens on them. They are specifically molded exactly to the Aerogarden bottom contours, so they hold them securely AND no pet or child is going to accidentally knock one off, nor will an Aerogarden vibrate off a shelf.

I gave it only 4 stars because it ships with the worst screws I have ever seen for stripping. They did not fit any of my various bits particularly well and no matter which drill or electric screwdriver I used, the screw resistance going into a stud was so great that the heads wanted to strip just before I got them fully in the wall. Once I realized you can't see the screw heads behind the wire shield, I went and replaced them with nice stainless hex head screws and there was no problem.

Best advice, when you get the set is to take the screws down to your hardware store and replace them with hex head screws of the same length. That will cut the installation time and headache considerably.

One other thing, is that BEFORE you attach the included power strip for the power plugs of the up-to-three Aerogardens, be sure and force the plugs into them while you have them in your hands and can apply the necessary force. This powerstrip had the tightest plugs I have ever seen, and once it was installed I was afraid to apply the force necessary to set the plugs.

Our friends all think my wife's Aerogardens look great in our kitchen. They form a nice conversation piece, and now we have tomatoes, herbs, and the best-tasting and most tender lettuce I have ever tasted right there in the kitchen and ready to go. Unless you just have a lot of extra counter space, this is the way to go, but save that template and the instructions in case you have to take it down when you repaint or you wish to move it.

Overall design is excellent in keeping with the nice design and manufacturing standards of the Aerogarden itself. We have the black Aerogardens, and it looks great with them, but I am also sure it would with the white. I see no reason why someone who had more of a traditional kitchen design could not paint over the silver vertical cord shield and blend it into their decor better.