Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
FIGURE 7.10
24Pot System. (Courtesy of AutoPot Global, Ltd., Paddington,
Oxfordshire, United Kingdom.)
the easy2grow Systems for the same sizes are $50, $75, $100, $275, $520,
and $900.
AEROGARDEN
Although the name “AeroGarden” suggests an aeroponic system, it is
actually a drip irrigation system using small foam growing cubes that are
termed “Growing Sponges.” The AeroGarden, produced by AeroGrow
in Boulder, Colorado, was first introduced to the market in 2005. The
AeroGarden is a plug-and-play type of unit. The unit has its own lights and
the kit comes with seeds, nutrients, and an instruction manual (Figure 7.11
and Figure 7.12). The philosophy of the AeroGarden is to make hydroponic
growing available to anyone and to be done on your kitchen counter. The
growing of the plants is automated with a light timer and irrigation cycle
controller all built into the unit. Over 40 types of seed kits are available
including combinations of flowers, patio cherry tomatoes, dwarf peppers,
lettuces, mesclun mixes, basils, and herbs.
There are now a number of models of the AeroGarden. The initial
Classic 7 has seven growing sites and the AeroGarden 3 has three growing
sites. There is also an AeroGarden Extra Tall for larger tomato and pepper
plants. The AeroGarden 3 is also available in a number of colors they term
“Expressions,” in addition to the standard black, white, and silver finishes
