View Full Version : My Aero~Garden...
The Hollyberry Lady
02-10-2011, 10:58 PM
I just bought this kit today and haven't even got it out of the box quite yet...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC01953.jpg
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC01951.jpg
I thought this would be a good thread to show my hydroponic aero~garden and see the results of how this system works.
I haven't actually opened it yet but I will spend some time tonight checking it out and getting it set up...maybe I'll even plant the garden! :eek:
I'll show shots of the system and things included in the kit when I get it up & running. It looks like a very cool unit. You can grow herbs, veggies, & flowers...strawberries too, all year round! :D
I have a feeling I'm going to like it a lot but we'll see...
: )
Jananas Bananas
02-10-2011, 11:27 PM
I'll be watching with interest. I've been wanting to get one of these, but just didn't know if I would like it or not. It looks really good. What exactly are you going to start in it, do you know yet?
~JaNan
The Hollyberry Lady
02-10-2011, 11:41 PM
I'm starting with some herbs but I'll let you know which particular ones shortly. I'm just gonna go read about it now for a bit but it looks pretty simple.
I've been checking them out for the past two years now and wanted to get one, but like you JaNan, I hesitated because I wasn't sure if it was what it's cracked up to be...
My aunt recently got one and went through the roof with enthusiasm and praise about how terrific it is however, so this motivated me even more.
I'll show more shots shortly but I might need an hour or so to learn about it and get it set up. If I'm too late for you, look in the morning and you'll see shots and info I've posted about it...
: )
Dean W.
02-10-2011, 11:48 PM
Keep us posted on how it works.:lurk:
Jananas Bananas
02-10-2011, 11:49 PM
OK I will. I don't know how late I will stay up tonight. My mind is still racing right now and I am craving some hot chocolate (which won't help with sleeping). :ha:
~J
The Hollyberry Lady
02-11-2011, 12:30 AM
Got the unit itself now set up...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC01970.jpg
How exciting...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC01966.jpg
It's all electronic and as you can see by the settings, you can grow many things...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC01969.jpg
It's my early birthday present to myself! :birthdaynana:
Can't wait to turn it on and get the seeds going that came with the kit. You can buy many other seed kits too, but I thought I'd try this one 1st before I buy the flower kit.
Still reading & learning but be back with more soon...
: )
palmtree
02-11-2011, 01:31 AM
ive had 2 and I like them a lot. Some plants preform better than others in there, but most do very well! The basil does really nicely and I remember the chives doing very well too. I think that those both come with the aero-garden. I think they have an all basil kit. I tried the tomatoes and I didnt have a lot of luck with them.
The Hollyberry Lady
02-11-2011, 02:02 AM
Cool that you had one, Alex! :08:
I've got the basin filled with water and a nutrient packet added to begin my garden...I mean my Aero
garden! :ha:
The unit can grow 6 plants at one time, so here are the herbs I'll be growing...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC01976.jpg
You take off the little plastic lids when things germinate...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC01975.jpg
I like it that they're all labelled and even tell you when to expect germination...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC01974.jpg
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC01979.jpg
Lots of delicious ones I can add to my dishes...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC01978.jpg
Although bright, here's the lights when they're on...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC01977.jpg
Not sure what kind of bulbs they are but they're high intensity and should be replaced every 6 months. The light's height is adjustable, according to plant growth.
Really looking forward to watching things sprout and grow...
Jananas Bananas
02-11-2011, 07:51 AM
Does the supplying store sell replacement bulbs, or do you have to order them through Aero-Garden? I've gotten really aggravated buying gadgets (DH calls me "gadget woman") then I can't get whatever I need for it where I bought it.
It looks really nice - I hope you will take pictures as they sprout for us! :)
~J
Jack Daw
02-11-2011, 09:00 AM
What exactly are you going to start in it, do you know yet?
~JaNan
I would have a proposal for Holly.
http://i2.squidoocdn.com/resize/squidoo_images/50/lens6338092_1249668938marijuana.jpg
The Hollyberry Lady
02-11-2011, 10:51 AM
Too funny, Jack! :ha: I've got some seeds too! :eek:
JaNan...
The replacement bulbs can be bought from the same store I got the unit from! They sell everything, including many different seed kits too. I don't have to order online. ;)
I will for sure show shots of everything when it germinates and grows so we can all see how well this thing grows & supports plants.
It has a built-in timer and stays on about 16 hours a day and off for about 8...depending on what you're growing though.
Do you think you might get one, JaNan?
: )
Jack Daw
02-11-2011, 11:04 AM
It has a built-in timer and stays on about 16 hours a day and off for about 8...depending on what you're growing though.
Isn't that too much for a proper growth? :08:
Jananas Bananas
02-11-2011, 11:06 AM
My sister and I have both talked about getting one, for like you said a couple of years. I will wait and see how it does for you. Though with your "green hands" it may not be accurate for "regular" people like us! :ha: ~J
The Hollyberry Lady
02-11-2011, 11:15 AM
Nope, it's ok Jack! ;)
Some plants can even handle 24 hours of light, but flowers and veggies usually need a dark period of at least 6 hours a day.
Cool that you might get one, JaNan. There are different units and this isn't the only one. There's four that I know about. I have the SpaceSaver 6 model.
I sure appreciate your compliments but I'm not so confident. It's the first time I've ever grown hydroponically, although it's always remained an interest. I just hope I do well with it. We'll see soon enough...
: )
Jananas Bananas
02-11-2011, 11:29 AM
Yes, I have read about them. I like that big wide one because of the quantity and variety that you can have in a relatively confined space. I also like the fact that you can put it in a dark place and the lights do their job well and you don't need window light.
Well I am gone for the day. I absolutely have to get out of this house today before I go bonkers!!! :ha:
It's still too cold to wander around the nurseries, but I think I will go thrift store shopping to see if I can find a new girly girl something or other! :03: Ha! Ha! :ha: ~J
The Hollyberry Lady
02-11-2011, 11:55 AM
Ok here's my system turned on today...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC01988.jpg
This latch lifts up and allows access to the water basin below. This hole is where you top up the water and it tells you where to fill it to. You can see the air bubbles in the water...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC01985.jpg
Here are the nutrient packets that also get added to the water basin through the hole every two weeks...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC01986.jpg
The green light on the top fades and turns red when the water level needs to be topped up...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC01989.jpg
: )
Gardener972
02-11-2011, 07:18 PM
So it looks like the plants grow in those plastic cup things? What's the diameter of them? I thought you have a big space to grow whatever.
The Hollyberry Lady
02-11-2011, 11:04 PM
Those cups are just the "domes" that fit over top of the seed "pods" to keep the moisture inside until germination occurs. They don't stay on while the plants grow. They're just little mini 'greenhouses' that support seed sprouting...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC01999.jpg
I found myself at the mall again today and I bought the kit to start my own seeds, instead of theirs...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02003.jpg
This way I can grow whatever I want in my Aero~Garden, as long as I stick within 12". My system works well with plants that don't grow beyond 12".
You just put the brown seed sprouting sponge inside the plastic holder and then place your seeds down inside the little hole in the sponge. Then you label it and put the label into the holder as well...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC01998.jpg
The kit also came with 25 nutrient packets and only one is used every two weeks. How neat that I can grow whatever I want to now that I have these blanks. I still want to grow the herbs though to start with, before sowing my next personalized Aero~Garden. :D
Of course I have tons of room to plant here, but there's always room for more! :ha:
I love garden toys, and this is one if I ever saw it! Some Winters I don't feel like setting up my big metal halide system, so this is a nice compact alternative.
I use my four foot long fluorescents for seed germination and seedling growth in late winter. I enjoy light systems and have several of them, so this is another one to add to the collection. Plus it allows me to experience hydroponic growing, which has been a keen interest throughout the years. ;)
: )
palmtree
02-12-2011, 02:06 AM
Keep us updated! If I remember right, most of mine sprouted in the range that they gave you and they were all up by 2 weeks. I got some basil to flower in my aerogarden and I even had enough to root some cuttings!
The Hollyberry Lady
02-12-2011, 02:48 AM
Thanks for being so supportive, Alex! :waving:
It's great to know that someone else has experienced this before and enjoyed it. ;)
I changed my mind...
I've never really been big on Thyme, so I replaced it with a personalized "pod" containing some of JaNan's 'Hot Marble' pepper seeds!
:woohoonaner:
Thought it would be cool to grow some hot peppers with the herbs instead of Thyme, which I don't enjoy anyway. Pepper seeds will likely take longer to sprout though...but well worth the wait, no doubt.
I believe JaNan's hot marble pepper plant won't get super tall, so it should be perfect.
I'm getting rather excited about this experiment now and think it's totally terrific that you can grow your own personal seeds too! How cool it that?!
: )
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC01998.jpg
: )
Looks like a fun project and a great unit. Very interested to see how the plants come up and how they do. If you need more of these "pellets" I can get you all you want in the spring for free. The geese leave them all over the larger grassy areas here.:ha::ha::ha:
Jack Daw
02-12-2011, 06:44 AM
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC01998.jpg
Can't blame me for that, but it looks like sh*t. :ha:
The Hollyberry Lady
02-12-2011, 09:36 AM
Very funny, Bob & Jack! Leave it to men to notice these things! :ha:
For your information they are seed sprouting sponges that expand when they're wet. ;)
JaNan...I'm growing your marble pepper seeds in my aero-garden!!! :goteam:
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
02-13-2011, 12:56 AM
JaNan, here are your marble seeds now sown in my aero-garden...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02033.jpg
I didn't want to waste good light so I positioned a couple of little potted plants between the pods to absorb the light while waiting for germination to occur...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02037-1.jpg
: )
Jananas Bananas
02-13-2011, 12:59 AM
They look so precious in there don't they? Too cute!
Those two plants look so vibrant under the grow lights. That is a beautiful picture! ~J
The Hollyberry Lady
02-13-2011, 01:29 AM
I thought so too, but thanks JaNan! ;)
I like it that you can see the seeds as they pop and they're not covered over with soil. I think the basil might sprout tomorrow or Monday...
It'll really be cute having your hot marble peppers growing in amongst my herbs!
: )
palmtree
02-13-2011, 01:45 AM
I love hot pepper! It should be cool to see how it does! Hopefully it wont get too tall. Good luck!
The Hollyberry Lady
02-13-2011, 01:58 AM
Thanks Alex! :03:
I love hot peppers too! :08:
I'm going to prune the pepper plant when it's young so it will tend to grow more wide and dense as opposed to tall and spindly. ;)
This is way too cool. :goteam:
A lady on another garden site said I inspired her and she's going to get an aero~garden in a few days! :eek:
I just can't wait until things sprout for me...
: )
Gardener972
02-13-2011, 04:14 PM
How about some mint for tea?
The Hollyberry Lady
02-13-2011, 04:54 PM
I've actually grown mint and made tea from the dried leaves before, so thanks for the suggestion, Gardener972! ;) It's yummy & delicious!
So I noticed the dill seeds are getting quite plump & swollen today. I took the cover off so you guys could see too...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02052.jpg
The seeds just sit inside the hole made down in the little moist sponge until they germinate.
My Chives & Basil look like they will pop anyday now also! :D
I should have some sprouts in my hydroponic aero-garden soon...
: )
notrecruiting
02-14-2011, 09:27 AM
That is very cool. But, I never expected to see such a great gardener using such a "fool proof" system. I guess even the best can have fun with stuff like this. As far as keeping the plant to under 12"...can't you just keep it short by pruning? I'm also wondering how the root systems differ in hydro vs. soil. Can you use your hydro system to sprout stuff then pot it up? Maybe as a cloning station? Just some thoughts that popped into mind seeing your new system. I'm very happy for you, and I wish you all the best with your new garden toy.
The Hollyberry Lady
02-14-2011, 09:46 AM
Thanks! ;)
I love garden toys and this is such a great one. I wanted to mention the "foolproof" in case anyone was intimidated and thinking they couldn't have success with it.
Yes, you could pretty much use this system for whatever you want. It even works to root cuttings more easily as well. The unit could very well be used for whatever you wanted to use it for.
I like the idea of getting some experience with hydroponic gardening on a small scale. I also like that this unit allows you to make a garden in any dark corner of your home. It's also a great compact alternative to using my huge 400 W metal halide set-up.
Nothing's popped quite yet and I'm kinda surprise. It says germination is guaranteed, or they'll replace everything. We'll see...
Yes, you can definitely keep stuff pruned and in fact it's recommended in the instructions for the system, to prune regularily and make sure things don't become messy and overgrown.
Yup, you could definitely sprout stuff in the aero-garden and then pot it up. Same with cuttings, after they root. ;)
I'm really glad I picked one up because I've been wanting to for awhile and never knew it was this easy...and cool. :08:
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
02-14-2011, 10:45 PM
Seeds are popping!!!
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/aa25.jpg
I now have some oregano & mint sprouts! :goteam: Too tiny to show just yet but they're there! I am too excited.
Some minor problems...
The germination sponges can begin to develop a white fuzzy hairy mold that grows on top and it can even affect your seeds from sprouting. :eek:
The way to remedy it though, is to not keep the water filled right to the top, until you see sprouts appear. Things can be a little too wet so it's important to make sure things are moist but not soggy.
I've changed my mind again! Big surprise! :ha:
I decided that I don't want to grow certain herbs after all and have replaced a few more with some great hot pepper varieties mixed in with the herbs I do want to grow and am interested in harvesting.
: )
marjo
02-14-2011, 11:16 PM
Hi Holly
its great that your having so much fun with your new toy
I'm also a sucker for a new gadget and i fell for this one
I made the mistake of spending the 130 or bucks for a system that really doesn't work worth poop
Mine now rests in the back of the storage trailer
I hope it works for you better than it did for me
to the rest of you that are thinking of buying one I would advise that you wait and see how Holly's does first
Its seems to start of okay at first but the plants don't turn out quite like the pictures in the box
Keeping the plants under or around this unit is about the only thing that its good for
I don't mean to bust your bubble Holly but I had to say what I experienced, it was a huge disappointment for me
Just my two cents
The Hollyberry Lady
02-14-2011, 11:24 PM
I'm glad you posted and told us about how it worked for you, but sorry to hear it was such a huge disappointment. :(
What did you try growing in your system? What exactly were the problems you experienced?
Thanks for posting.
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
02-14-2011, 11:29 PM
By the way...
check out this site I recently joined because it may help you to figure out where you went wrong, Marjo. There's many people on the site who've had great success and many pictures are posted too...
Aerogarden Growers Community Forum - Index - AeroGarden Forums (http://www.aerogardengrowers.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=7b9a7dab38bde83848cb74dc5f98454d;www)
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
02-15-2011, 07:35 PM
Here are my mint sprouts tonight, miniscule as they are...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02077.jpg
The plastic dome comes off tonight!
I decided to not grow the oregano after all and replaced it with...Alpine strawberry seeds!!! :eek:
Someone on the aero~garden site grew them to total success in their system, with the pictures to
prove it! :goteam:
I also replaced the chives because I have some outside in the garden in Spring anyway that grow every year. Instead I'm growing another hot pepper variety...Numex Twilight! :D
I really think if you checked out the aero~garden site Marjo, you'd find out where things went wrong for you and better yet...ways to correct them. You might have your system out of the storage trailer in no time
flat! ;)
Check out the aero~garden site and you'll see that many others have had total success, and you can too. The support is great and everything I've experienced so far, someone else had too. They already helped me with a minor problem I was having.
More shots soon...
: )
marjo
02-16-2011, 10:18 PM
I'm glad your happy with your Aero Garden System
and I truly hope all grows well for you
Thank you for the link to the Aero Garden forum your right I will be giving it another try
I love to see things grow and this time of year its great to have something growing in the house
I'll be looking forward to more pictures
The Hollyberry Lady
02-17-2011, 12:59 AM
So glad to hear you will give it another try, Marjo!!! :goteam:
I knew if you checked out that site you'd be inspired! It's just a matter of learning little tricks from people who are using the systems, that know how to deal with all the problems we'll encounter.
I found just lowering the water level made things geminate much more quickly and also prevented any future development of the fuzzy white mold that can form when the water level is too high.
So simple, but without their support on the aero-garden site, I wouldn't have known. ;)
I now have basil coming up which I will show in the morning. Here's my mint tonight getting a little bigger now...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02138.jpg
More shots soon...
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
02-17-2011, 01:15 PM
Basil sprouts!!! :goteam:
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02141.jpg
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
02-18-2011, 12:58 PM
I believe one of the hot marble pepper seeds is just starting to germinate...but just barely.
It really is different and kind of neat to be able to watch the seeds popping, right on top of the moist sponge, because normally they're below soil and you don't see them. :(
I am totally enjoying watching the process and seeing things come up. Here's the basil this morning...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02187.jpg
Here's one of your hot marble pepper seeds beginning to sprout, JaNan! :goteam:
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02184.jpg
I cleaned out some more herb seeds I didn't want to grow after all and replaced them with some pepper seeds. I must have missed one though because here's a sprout this morning in amongst the pepper seeds...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02188.jpg
The mint is really coming along now...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02183.jpg
Too cool!
: )
Jananas Bananas
02-18-2011, 01:40 PM
Alright! That just pushed me over the edge!!!!!! None of my little Hot Marbles have popped for me yet AT ALL! :( They are in seed starter soil on a heat mat with a container and a clear lid and inside a humid enclosed aquarium (my germination station). Yes, I am checking them probably 3 times a day! :ha: I know a watched pot never boils. I don't care, that won't stop me. It looks like I see at least 4 maybe 5 that have "tails" Sherry. All of these teeny sprouts are tooooo CUTE! ~J
The Hollyberry Lady
02-18-2011, 02:20 PM
I'm amazed at how fast seeds pop in this thing! I sowed those marble seeds like 4 or 5 days ago! :eek: I've never seen pepper seeds sprout so quickly before.
I am going to quote your other post JaNan so the information will be in this thread too, that pertains to our discussion...
OK I have been looking at the link you posted for the AeroGarden growers. My question is this - the liquid nutrients - can you use a regular liquid fertilizer? I did see a post over there that someone had used a small amount of Miracle Grow with good results, but could not find anything else mentioned about this and I have gone several pages deep. Also, they use a lot of unfamiliar acronyms in the postings. I don't know what they mean.
I told my sister that I thought I would finally be getting one (I told her about yours) and she will be getting one soon too, I am certain. :) I told her to look on Craigslist and the classifieds so she is watching those. She found one (a three holer) for $25 and corresponded with the seller and they said they would accept her offer of $20 for it. Anyway, she went to the public place (with her husband) and the lady never showed up. She wants to go with a small one to see if she likes it before investing in the larger unit. So, the deal is most of the "used" units have already used the seed and nutrients that came with them new. I know you can buy the baskets and seed sponges very reasonably and can sow your own seeds. But the official "AeroGarden" nutrients seem very expensive.
Your thoughts on this please. Thanks! ~J
I think this would be a good question on the aero-garden site but here's what I think. I found the actual aero-garden nutrients to be fairly inexpensive and they gave me 25 packets with the 'start-your-own' kit I bought, plus more seed pods to sow your own stuff in, as well as labels and dome covers. I found them to be quite generous in their suppy.
All kinds of people that are into hydroponic gardening, use many different brands and formulas of nutrients to feed their plants. If it's meant for hydroponic plant feeding, then I don't see what the harm would be in using it. In fact I thought I might like to get my own formula anyway because I think I read that the aero-garden nutrients are very high in nitrogen.
So happy to hear that you and your sister are going to get one. I think it's wise to go with the smaller system until you see if you like it and if it works well for you. Be sure to join the aero-garden site, so you can gain tips and knowledge. The support is really encouraging there.
Whatever you do, don't fill the water level to the fill line when you're 1st germinating your seeds, or they'll be wet & soggy...plus white fuzzy mold will grow and spread! If you fill it way below the line however, things will be moist but not wet, and no mold will grow at all. The seeds will sprout successfully. :08:
I am totally shocked that pepper seeds pop in less than a week! Wonder when the strawberry seeds will be up. In soil they take 21 days so it'll be interesting to see when they sprout in an aero-garden...
: )
Jananas Bananas
02-18-2011, 03:25 PM
I am amazed at the sprouting speed also. I will be getting mine online at eBay. And I want the 7 hole. If I like it I will get another. Once I get the hang of it and have all the nutrients and stuff worked out I will feel more comfortable with it.
I have gone to several local stores that were supposed to carry the AeroGarden (I checked online first), but they don't have any nor do they have the additional supplies for it. It must be a "seasonal" carried item, though you can do this year round. I thought I would rather do a cash and carry than have to wait on shipping, but it won't be my case.
QVC carries it but it is an ordering instance also. And of course there are the late night infomercials (insomniacs are familiar with these :ha:) also ordering. So, as a member of the eBay community I feel comfortable doing it that way. I can also get all the additional stuff there too.
I will be a lurker at the Aero website, but probably not a contributor for reasons only you know. :) Feel free to ask that question there though if you want to. I was a lurker here for over a year before I ever posted - and to this day never introduced myself. :ha: ~J
The Hollyberry Lady
02-18-2011, 05:24 PM
So you want the biggest unit, which is the 7 hole? Cool. That one is nice too. Mine is a 6 hole, but I will likely get the largest one later.
No problem about you lurking but here's the link for my actual thread on the aero-garden site...
HbL's 1st~time Personalized Aero~Garden... - AeroGarden Forums (http://www.aerogardengrowers.com/index.php/topic,4771.20.html)
If you get up the nerve to post it would sure be nice to see you there as well.
I did ask the questions you asked about though in my thread so we'll see what the replies are.
Let me know the day you get one. You'll have to post shot here too.
Marjo...
Let us know if you end up reviving your system! It sounds like you've got a good one. Feel free to post shots here too. :D
I'll show more pepper sprouts soon, and hopefully some strawberry ones too...
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
02-18-2011, 06:22 PM
I sowed these Bolivian Rainbow and Numex Twilight pepper seeds this past Monday (Valentine's Day) and they're already sprouting this evening...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02193.jpg
The green sprout is an herb seed that I must have missed when scraping them out.
Pepper seeds sure pop fast in an aero~garden!
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
02-18-2011, 07:01 PM
JaNan, I just got an answer to your question about using other nutrients in your system other than aero-garden's formula and the answer is yes.
A person said they are using another kind currently, and that they learned about it on the aero-garden site. Here's the link they posted...
Amazon.com: General Hydroponics Flora Series QT - FloraGro, FloraBloom, and FloraMicro: Patio, Lawn & Garden (http://www.amazon.com/General-Hydroponics-Flora-FloraBloom-FloraMicro/dp/B0024NDVRA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1298070473&sr=8-1)
: )
Jananas Bananas
02-18-2011, 07:31 PM
Thanks a bunch Sherry, that was fast! I figured that was the case. When I search I just need to word things correctly. I have that problem on all sites. ~J
The Hollyberry Lady
02-19-2011, 09:43 AM
All of the pepper seeds are sprouting this morning!!! :goteam:
I'm just waiting on the Alpine strawberry seeds now, but I bet not for long!
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
02-20-2011, 04:31 PM
Check out some of my pepper seeds today...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02203.jpg
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
02-21-2011, 06:45 PM
Here's my Bolivian Rainbow sprouts today...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02205.jpg
Also, here's my 1st "Little Blue Pot" pepper seed sprout, as well as basil to the right...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02206.jpg
I heard that 'CoolRobby' just got an aero~garden also! Hope he posts here too. I invited him to participate so we could see his stuff as well. :08:
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
02-21-2011, 08:27 PM
Sorry about that...I mislabelled the last pics, but edited them now. ;)
Here's more shots I took just now so you guys could see how fun, fast, & easy germination is with this unit.
Here's the mint really coming along from the miniscule sprouts they were a week ago...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02213.jpg
Of course I will thin the sprouts to one plant soon, because mint is very invasive and even members on the aero-garden site told about it taking over their gardens! :eek:
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02209.jpg
Also, here's the basil tonight...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02214.jpg
JaNan's Hot Marble pepper...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02215.jpg
Still waiting on the strawberry seeds. Although they're small, you can see two reddish ones in the pic. One is quite swollen and looks like it'll pop anyday now!!! :goteam:
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02217.jpg
Aero~gardens are awesome!!! :goteam:
: )
PennyG
02-22-2011, 07:53 AM
Looks great, Sherr:08::woohoonaner:
The Hollyberry Lady
02-22-2011, 09:43 AM
Thanks Penny! :waving:
I sure am enjoying it! I think the strawberry seeds might germinate in a day or two by the look of them. :D
: )
Jananas Bananas
02-22-2011, 06:33 PM
Guess what I got today????? :woohoonaner: I can play now in this thread too!!!! :ha: Sherry, you just drove me over the edge wanting an AeroGarden and I had to make the plunge. I will post pictures in a little bit!!! Yipee! :goteam:
~JaNan
The Hollyberry Lady
02-22-2011, 06:46 PM
I think it's terrific that you got one, JaNan!!!
Can't wait to see it...
: )
Jananas Bananas
02-22-2011, 07:25 PM
OK here's mine.
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110222004.jpg
It is larger than I thought it would be. I am glad because I wanted a big one. :)
~J
The Hollyberry Lady
02-22-2011, 08:04 PM
I love it! :goteam:
Please tell us all about it...
So mine is a 6 pod but yours is a seven? It's the pro 100 model, is it? The store I bought my system from has the pro 200, but frankly I think it's the same as yours. As far as I know, 7 pod is the biggest size available.
So what exactly will you grow in all 7 pods?
Did you see my recent sprouts? :goteam:
I'm not going to buy their biggest model until the Fall when I'm moved, but love it that you have one JaNan. Did you order it new from the company?
Do tell...
: )
Jananas Bananas
02-22-2011, 08:38 PM
I bought it off eBay. It is a Pro 100. From what I read, the difference between the 100 and 200 is an extra grow bulb. Mine has two bulbs like the other models, but the 200 has 3 but it does have 7 holes just like the others. It's brand new - though if I like it I will probably try and pick up a couple of used models off Craigslist. It came with a gourmet herb box which I haven't opened yet. Yes, it has seven holes. Yours is triangular isn't it? That would be real handy because I have a corner I could use it in. They have a stand thingy that holds two or three against a wall, but seems like you could just use shelves or something. I also bought the baskets and extra seed pods sponges, because I really want to do my own seeds.
Yes, I saws all your sprout pictures. I am so impressed with how fast they sprout and grow.
I will start it up in the morning. It came this afternoon, but the place I thought I would use it isn't big enough so I have to figure out someplace else. :)
In the kit it has purple basil, which I want to try (because of the color of course), I'll stick some Hot Marble Peppers in it, and I am not sure what else yet. How much of a stickler do you have to be with the settings? I mean they talk about the leafy vegetables, and the flowering fruity ones and all. I don't know what will be compatible under the same conditions yet. ~J
The Hollyberry Lady
02-22-2011, 09:04 PM
All the settings really control is the length of time the lights stay on for I believe...i.e. veggies would need a longer dark period than say herbs would. I don't think you have to be a stickler at all, JaNan. I have mine on 'herbs' setting because it keeps the light on the longest for me...on at 7 am and off at 11pm-ish.
I love basil and actually have over 20 varieties...including many purple and red leaf types. They are wonderful so I know you'll enjoy it in your cooking, JaNan.
So wonderful that you were able to get one from eBay! I'm glad it worked out for you and wish you total success. I find it's like a no-fail thing, now that I've been learning and seeing people's shots. That aero-garden site is way cool. People are even growing green beans! :eek:
My system has 2 lights also. I think your light raises higher though, as mine only reaches 12". So the pro 200 has 3 grow bulbs? I think I'd rather the 100, if that's the case. It would be 60 bucks every 6 months to replace 3 bulbs! I've paid more though for my halide bulb so if it works well, I won't mind I guess. I like your unit though. Very nice. :D
There's members on that aero-garden site JaNan, that have 4-6 systems going at once!!! It's amazing that some are mounted to the wall and stacked like shelves, one on top of the other. Some have herbs, some have tomatoes, and others have flowers. ;)
My system isn't perfectly triangular but definitely similar, yes.
Cool that you're setting it up in the morning. :08:
You're going to have so much fun.
Trust me on this though...
Fill the basin completely to the top like they tell you to do, and mix in a packet of fertilizer at start-up, like they'll also tell you to do...then set up your pods and allow them to get totally moist and wet. Then in about an hour, go back and remove a whole lot of water, with a cup. I removed mine nearly an inch and 1/2 below the fill line...just until things sprout and get going a bit. Then you add more water back later.
Doing it this way will deter white fuzzy mold from growing and from destroying your seeds! :(
What are you going to grow in your system? Time to make some decisions...
Congratulations, JaNan. You are now an Aero-Gardener!!! :woohoonaner:
: )
Jananas Bananas
02-22-2011, 10:15 PM
Sherry, do you think I could start banana seeds in it? I usually nick and soak them but I wonder if the hydroponics would speed things up like they seem to do with other seeds? I have a few older seeds I might try in it, but I am halfway afraid to try it with them. I know they grow so fast it couldn't stay under it for long, but it sure would be cool if it would speed the process up of getting started. I mainly wanted to use it to start seeds and try to get stronger seedlings since I have so many problems keeping them alive. That was one of the things I was talking to Carrie (sister) about. There are so many things I want to try with it. I can see why you got so excited!!! My head is buzzing with possibilities. ~J
The Hollyberry Lady
02-22-2011, 10:29 PM
I never even thought of banana seeds! :eek:
Yes, I definitely do think they'd sprout in there JaNan...and pretty darn quickly too! When I saw how fast pepper and other seeds popped in that unit, I knew it was amazing. You'll see. I've had my system for 12 days and just look at the results already! :goteam:
I bet banana seeds and many others, come up in no time flat. By keeping the water level low at the start, it ensures a moist and warm atmosphere but not soggy or wet. It's ideal, really.
I am thinking of the many possibilities as well, and apparently cuttings root in this thing like a charm! :)
I'd like to try some cuttings at some point. I know the constant air circulation in the water would be amazing in encouraging roots to form. It would be so ideal.
I have a feeling we are both going to get a lot of use out of our systems...and will be back buying a 2nd unit before too long! :ha:
I read on the aero-garden site last night that someone was saying they have a system your size and they found it hard to dump the water every couple of weeks to freshen it and that it was heavy to lift...that's where Greg comes in! :ha:
I guess if the water is freshened every couple weeks when you fertilize, the plants will grow better for it. My basin is due for a changing in 2 days. I've had my system nearly 2 weeks.
Can't wait to find out what you'll grow JaNan. Your system is perfect for strawberries and tomatoes!!!
Hope Marjo & CoolRobby show their systems here too, with the stuff they're growing...
: )
Jananas Bananas
02-22-2011, 10:56 PM
Yes, I wanted to try cherry tomatoes for sure. Tomatoes are something that grows well for me outside, so I could definitely get them started in this. I have some cherry tomato seeds around here somewhere if I can remember where I put them. They aren't with my other seeds, because they came with one of those upside down planters and I didn't use them. I think they are out in the garage.
I just got a new batch of carniverous seeds I might try to start in it too. Most of those are really petite plants but they do like high humidity. Hmmmmmm...............
Oh I wanted to tell you, I was on another site and they suggested using the sponges from sponge rollers for the seed sponge. You can buy them for a dollar or two from the dollar stores. Someone else suggested the sponge refills for small paint brushes. Interesting, isn't it the ideas clever folk come up with. ~J
The Hollyberry Lady
02-22-2011, 11:59 PM
Just make sure the tomatoes you grow in your aero~garden, are the smaller bush type JaNan. You don't want the indeterminate types that go on forever! :ha:
Wow, that's a great idea and beats putting out for the expensive sponges they sell. It's 20 bucks here for a kit of whatever, and then tax too. It is expensive but I'm just a sucker for these kinds of garden toys and can't help it. ;)
What carniverous plants are you growing? I have seeds for purple pitcher plant, among others. Venus Flytrap too! :08: I bet they pop amazingly in this system. I really never gave it much thought, past herbs, peppers, tomatoes, & berries.
I am just bursting to see that you've got an aero~garden, JaNan. This will be so much fun! :woohoonaner:
: )
Jananas Bananas
02-23-2011, 11:39 AM
OK, I started the purple basil, and the mint from the kit. I started a couple of rose seeds (I've always wanted to see if I could grow a rose from seed - so this is a major experiment for me :ha:). A couple of passi seeds, the Marble pepper, and a couple of banana seeds. Since the sponges are so small I planted the banana seeds only one to a sponge. I may take some things out and change it around if I find something I want to try more than what I have started with. I was tired and except for the banana and pepper, I chose pretty much what I came to first in my bin. But it is up and going - WHEW! Now I will be checking them every five minutes to see if anything has happened. :ha:
I forgot I wanted to start some carnivorous seeds. I have Venus fly trap, Sundew, Trumpet, Hooded Pitcher and Cobra Lilies. I have always thought they were really cool plants, but have not had luck with them.
I haven't found my tomatoes yet. I think I have some grape tomato seeds too, but they may get too big for this system. I will have to read up on them. I should have already had them out and ready to go right? ~J
The Hollyberry Lady
02-23-2011, 10:28 PM
I think it's terrific you'll be trying different things. Congrats on planting your aero-garden JaNan. :goteam: So fun.
I know you're going to like the results. Glad you'll still check out the aero-garden site. You could always join under a different name. I don't know anyone there but they're really nice and friendly...And the stuff they're growing is so beautiful. Did you get a look at some of their flowers?! :eek:
Here's my stuff tonight:
Bolivian Rainbow pepper with one Numex Twilight pepper in pod as well...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02245.jpg
Little Blue Pot pepper...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02250.jpg
My Basil's getting it's first set of true leaves...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02247.jpg
Marble pepper...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02249.jpg
The strawberry seeds are looking very fat so I'm hoping by the weekend they'll have popped too...
: )
musaboru
02-23-2011, 11:04 PM
This thread is so fun to look through. I've always scoffed at those things quite frankly, but now I want to get one after seeing your results Sherry. XD
Jananas Bananas
02-23-2011, 11:08 PM
Well it's been 12 hours and nothing has popped yet!!!! ROFL :ha: What can I say patience isn't one of my strong points. Just kidding! I love the trickling sound it makes, very calming.
Sherry on average, how many seeds did you put in each pod? I think max I put 6 or 7 in the marble pepper. Did you poke them down in there real good or just barely dribble them in? I had to push a little to get the banana seeds down in there, it was a tight squeeze. Are you going to clip them back and only have one good plant in each, or try to remove some or let them be? I know in a regular pot my marble peppers have several plants.
No, I haven't really noticed the flowers over there much, only if there is one mixed in with something else. I have seen pictures of petunias on advertisements though, they look really nice. I like petunias and have them in hanging baskets. ~J
The Hollyberry Lady
02-23-2011, 11:28 PM
Hi Dar! :waving:
Cool that you like the thread. My results are nothing compared to some of the members on the aero-garden community forum though. I am just starting out but they have full grown mature plants that are thriving!
JaNan, someone's already inviting you to join, in my thread. :ha: I told you they are friendly.
Every gardener hates waiting for seeds to pop, so I understand JaNan.
Nope, I didn't poke mine down in...just kind of sprinkled them into the pods. I put 5-7 seeds in each pod but will be thinning them later. People on the aero-garden site recommend germinating the seeds in your system but then transferring them to pots later. ;)
I predict that by Sunday you will have a sprout or two, JaNan. :goteam: Things really do germinate and grow quite quickly.
I'm going to try some of the purple pitcher plant seeds I've got and maybe some drosera sundew & venus flytrap seeds also....like you JaNan. I guess other people use their units just to sprout seeds but then transfer them later.
I hope others see our stuff and buy a system too...and post their growings here. Too fun. :lurk:
: )
Jananas Bananas
02-24-2011, 01:41 PM
Here's a lit picture:
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110124009.jpg
I don't have anything small enough to sit on the seeding surface so I have surrounded the unit with some smaller plants to take advantage of the overthrow lighting. So far so good! :) ~J
The Hollyberry Lady
02-24-2011, 01:53 PM
Looking good, JaNan!
If you notice any white fuzzy mold growing...scrape it off and take out some more water. Hopefully you won't have that problem, but there is a solution is you do.
I bet you can't wait to see things pop! I'm hoping the strawberry seeds will be up really soon and then everything can begin growing around the same time.
I don't want the pro 200...now that you told me it has three bulbs. I think I might have to order a 100 from the company later though, because they aren't in our store here. I won't worry about it until later anyway.
I have plants around the system too JaNan...why waste good light, right? : )
So happy yours is up & running now. It looks great! Congrats on getting it! :birthdaynana:
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
02-26-2011, 04:20 PM
The red light is flashing today, telling me to add nutrients...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02357.jpg
I've had my system exactly 2 weeks today!
Here's how things are this afternoon:
Numex Twilight & Bolivian Rainbow pepper...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02354.jpg
"Little Blue Pot" pepper...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02359.jpg
Genevese Sweet Basil...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02361.jpg
Hot Marble pepper...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02360.jpg
: )
Very impressive everyone..............I want one!:ha:
Jananas Bananas
02-26-2011, 08:24 PM
Oh crap! OH CRAP! I have a swollen belly button on a banana seed!!! :woohoonaner: I have NEVER had a banana seed look like this so fast. Keep your fingers crossed for me banana gang!
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110226010.jpg
I can positively say it is the AeroGarden that is doing this, no doubt about it. I got my AeroGarden on Tuesday afternoon, set it up and put two banana seeds in two separate pods Wednesday morning when I fired it up.
~JaNan
The Hollyberry Lady
02-26-2011, 09:58 PM
Looks like that baby is going to pop for you, JaNan!!! :08: Congrats on your success. I'm totally loving this unit and now you've got me wanting to sow many different seeds in it. :D
Be sure to show us if that thing sprouts soon. It really looks like it will. ;)
My strawberry seeds haven't germinated just yet...they're the last ones I'm waiting on now. Maybe tomorrow...
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
02-27-2011, 07:48 PM
If there's any doubts about aero-gardens....check this thread out! :eek:
Autumn Colors - AeroGarden Forums (http://www.aerogardengrowers.com/index.php/topic,4349.msg52231.html#new)
All I can say is...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/2.gif
: )
Jananas Bananas
02-27-2011, 10:19 PM
Sherry your predictions are correct for today, I have sprouts:
Purple Basil
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110227003.jpg
Hot Marble Peppers (those in seed starter have not popped and it's been 4 weeks) these are within 5 days
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110227007.jpg
These havent sprouted yet but I have my fingers crossed they are showing "changes"
Banana seed #1 the white showing is where I filed it
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110227011.jpg
Banana seed #2
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110227012.jpg
You can see a close up of the belly button of #2 a couple of posts below.
~JaNan
The Hollyberry Lady
02-28-2011, 10:27 AM
:goteam: YAY!!! :goteam:
I knew something would come up for you soon! I bet you're really getting excited now! I love how fast pepper seeds pop!
Be sure to show more shots as things progress for you, JaNan. Enjoy!
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
02-28-2011, 01:17 PM
Ok so now I've thinned to one plant per pod and here's how things look this afternoon. I kept the strongest seedlings of each bunch...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02363.jpg
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02369.jpg
"Bolivian Rainbow" hot pepper...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02368.jpg
"Little Blue Pot" hot pepper...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02366.jpg
"Marble" hot pepper...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02374.jpg
No strawberry seeds just yet! :( Might sow some fresh ones from another batch, if I don't see a sprout soon...
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-03-2011, 01:36 AM
More shots tomorrow but things are growing so fast now. I love how quickly things respond in this system.
Unfortunately, I had to sow more strawberry seeds because these one didn't come up yet...unless they just take more time. I just threw some fresher ones into the pod with the others, so we'll see what happens...
How are things for you, JaNan? Let me know whenever you read this. I'm so hoping that a banana seed sprouts for you. Fingers crossed. ;)
I show you my fast growing peppers tomorrow. Must be the recent fertilizing as well, because things are growing speedily now.
See you soon...
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-03-2011, 10:13 AM
Here are AeroGarden things this morning :woohoonaner:
Purple Basil
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=40546&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=40546)
Hot Marble Pepper
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=40545&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=40545)
Mint
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=40544&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=40544)
Dwarf Variegated Musa
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=40548&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=40548)
Nothing on the rose or passi yet, though they are swollen.
~JaNan
The Hollyberry Lady
03-03-2011, 02:30 PM
Looking great JaNan! I am so impressed with your fast results as well. I bet you're as excited as I am.
I've now sowed some Violetta basil because I'm jealous of your purple one! :ha:
Here's how stuff looks this afternoon. This is the mint...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02397.jpg
Here's your little Marble pepper, JaNan...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02394.jpg
Can't wait to harvest and eat this stuff...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02393.jpg
These are my biggest and fastest growing pepper seedlings..."Bolivian Rainbow" & "Little Blue Pot"...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02395.jpg
I sowed some more fresh strawberry seeds too because the others may have been too old. Not sure, but we'll see...
: )
palmtree
03-03-2011, 09:28 PM
Awesome seedlings! I love watching them grow!
Jananas Bananas
03-04-2011, 01:48 PM
I can finally see mint peeking up over the sponge! :goteam:
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=40576&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=40576)
And the purple Basil is really growing fast!
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=40573&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=40573)
Oh yeah and my gorgeous little Hot Marble Peppers!
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=40577&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=40577)
~J
The Hollyberry Lady
03-04-2011, 02:01 PM
Yeah I like watching things grow too, Alex! :goteam:
JaNan, things are looking really great for you. Mint is slow to get going at first when grown from seed, and it's tiny & fragile, but in a couple weeks when the roots really get going...look out!
Be sure JaNan, to thin them later, and to only keep one mint seedling, or the roots will overtake the entire system!!! :eek:
I'm leery about growing mint in my aero-garden and if it seems like it's interferring, it'll be yanked out of there and put in a pot! :ha: I won't allow my peppers to be choked!
We'll see how it goes...
No strawberry sprouts yet. :( Now that I sowed some fresher ones though I'm hoping for at least one sprout...
Congrats on your stuff, JaNan. You Marble & Purple Basil seedlings look great.
Oh and last night I sowed some Violetta Italian purple basil and some micro tomato seeds as well for fun. I want to see how fast fresh tomato seeds pop in the A~G. Plus Micro Toms are small enough to grow in my unit, so I may let one plant stay. Whatever performs best will stay.
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-04-2011, 02:10 PM
What did you take out to replace with the other basil? Did you pot it up or what? I am thinking about taking out the rose and passi, sticking them in dirt (just in case they decide to sprout), and putting something else in their spot. ~J
The Hollyberry Lady
03-04-2011, 02:16 PM
I'm actually going to grow a purple and a green basil plant in one pod. Gonna see how it goes anyway...
I did pot up some of my extras though...like my three Marble pepper seedlings which I'll go take a shot of now and post in the pepper-a-holic thread...
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-04-2011, 02:35 PM
Ohhhh! I think that will look really pretty together! The green and purple, yes!
I am pretty much using mine to start seeds, with every intention of putting them in pots to rotate more seeds into the AG. ~J
The Hollyberry Lady
03-04-2011, 02:51 PM
So you don't think you'll grow any actual plants in your system...just use it to germinate seeds? It sure does a great job of it, as we're seeing. :D
I'm trying to pop some seeds in pods that already have a plant growing in them...why not? I think they'll sprout regardless, but we'll see. Once they're up and have a true set of leaves they can be relocated elsewhere. :08:
It's like a super duper seed popping machine, JaNan! :ha:
I love it and I can tell you do too. I wonder how many people are planning to buy an aero~garden now, thanks to us! :eek:
You won't be disappointed, if you do. I'm buying another one for myself, as well as one for a friend, in the Fall. They're just too cool and a must-have for any gardener, wouldn't you agree JaNan? I can tell you're impressed by how fast those marbles of yours came up! ;)
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/2.gif
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-05-2011, 05:05 PM
I know why the strawberry seeds are not sprouting in my aero-garden!!! :goteam:
It's not because the seeds aren't fresh enough...it's because strawberry seeds like cool temps to germinate, not warm! Like DUH! Someone remided me about it today and the penny dropped! :ha:
Things are sure looking good today...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02426.jpg
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02427.jpg
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02428.jpg
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-06-2011, 05:08 AM
What I'm liking most about the aero-garden is that the steady light really brings out the color of plants. My marble seedlings in the window are green but the one in my aero~garden is purple! :08:
I was thinking too that grafting would be as easy as seed sprouting with these units and I may do some experimenting later...
So I took the pod containing the strawberry seeds and put it into my cool bathroom until they sprout. Bet they will now. :D
How are things, JaNan?
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-06-2011, 09:36 AM
Good Morning, Sherry!
I think rose seeds need cold strat! I need to read up on them, but when you said that about the strawberries, that seem to hit a nerve! :ha: I wanted to put something else there anyway. I have a huge tub of seeds, I don't know what I want in there yet, but I will find something! :)
I slept in this morning. I was a pooped pup yesterday when we got home!
I need to take pictures of my goodies that I bought yesterday. I'll post somewhere. Need to go catch up on the threads! ~J
john_ny
03-07-2011, 01:58 PM
I think rose seeds need cold strat!
They do.
The Hollyberry Lady
03-07-2011, 03:02 PM
Yeah, I've got my strawberry seeds in my cool bathroom until they pop.
I'm just loving the color of my 'little blue pot' seedling. It's getting really blue...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02499.jpg
also have some "Violetta" Italian purple Basil coming up as well. In this shot you can see the white root and the little purple head...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02484.jpg
Here's a Micro-Tom seed popping also. You can see the white tail...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02485.jpg
Here's the mint...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02493.jpg
"Hot Marble" seedling...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02487.jpg
Last night I sowed a couple "purple beauty" sweet peppers seeds as well as a few 'orchid blue' geraniums. :D
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-08-2011, 01:46 PM
Here's how things are today: :D
Peppers...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02530.jpg
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02531.jpg
These "purple beauty" pepper & "blue orchid" geranium seeds are quite swollen...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02539.jpg
The mint's getting taller & bigger...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02540.jpg
Sweet Genovese Basil...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02528.jpg
"Violetta" Italian Purple Basil sprout...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02526.jpg
Tiny little Micro tomato sprout coming up at the base of the mint...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02525.jpg
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-09-2011, 10:32 AM
:woohoonaner::08::woohoonaner::08::woohoonaner:
One of the strawberry seeds is coming up, since I moved the pod to my cool bathroom window!!! :goteam:
I'll show it when it's bigger and I transfer it back into the aero-garden...
: )
notrecruiting
03-09-2011, 11:01 AM
looks like you guys are having a blast!!! I like it. What exactly is a "little blue pot" pepper? Is it a pepper that you had growing in a little blue pot that you really liked and saved the seeds out of? It looks kind of like an "explosive ember" or "black prince". If they're not hot they could pass for "medusa" as well. I loved the way my explosive embers were camoflouged in the soil when they first sprouted. My "black prince" are doing the same....deep dark purple first leaves with the true leaves having more green on them. Do you still have your "aurora" going? Do you replant as an annual or is it a permanent fixture in your window? I'm way too cheap to buy one of those, but I think I might start trying to germ in damp sponges now just for kicks. As for strawberries, mine are doing quite well now....after almost throwing them out for lack of sprouting. Anyway, that's all from me for now.....lol
The Hollyberry Lady
03-09-2011, 06:59 PM
Actually it's called "Little Blue" but when the seeds were first introduced in 2008 they were labelled "Little Blue Pot". I just always liked the name and have continued to call them that. ;)
You can pick up a second-hand aero-garden system for way cheaper than a new one...like on eBay or something.
I have seeds for "explosive amber" but not "ember".
Things are growing so quickly in my aero-garden...even today the growth is amazing and I noticed things are getting much taller.
I can't wait to transfer the strawberry sprout back into the system, maybe tomorrow morning. I'll see if it's big enough to take a pic of soon...
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-09-2011, 07:42 PM
:woohoonaner: Glad for your stawberry seed Sherry!
Here are a couple of my shots from this afternoon. I love the vibrant colors!
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110309006.jpg
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110309002.jpg
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110309013.jpg
JaNan
The Hollyberry Lady
03-09-2011, 07:49 PM
Wow JaNan...your stuff is looking really great! I love the colors too....yours are very richly colored and beautiful! You must be thrilled. :D
Yes, I'll try to get a shot of the strawberry sprout. They're woodland alpine strawberries and they're tiny but super flavorful. Looking forward to trying them again because it's been a few years.
Maybe I can get a shot of the sprout tonight...I haven't checked to see how much it's grown today while I've been out but I'll let ya know. Maybe more have come up...
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-09-2011, 08:36 PM
Ok just to satisfy curiosity, although it's still way too small to really appreciate yet, here's the Alpine sprout that I put back into the A-G...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02553.jpg
: )
notrecruiting
03-09-2011, 08:42 PM
I think the explosive ember/amber are the same. I did a quick google and both plants have the same description. Anyway....all looks good.
notrecruiting
03-09-2011, 08:55 PM
I also had a question about the setup....Is the add nutrients light actually a sensor? Or is it just on a timer to remind you it's been two weeks? I just find it hard to believe that your system used up all the nutrients just sprouting seeds that haven't eaten anything yet.
The Hollyberry Lady
03-09-2011, 09:41 PM
It's just a timer that can be reset. ;)
Tonight I added some epsom salt to my water basin...around 1 tsp. Someone on the aero-garden site said they had less blossom-drop after adding the epsom salts and that it was recommended.
Soon, I'm going to try my own blend of organic hydroponic fertilizer called DNF, and experiment a bit. Just hope I don't kill my plants! :eek:
I might change my mind and take that mint out of there and grow it in a pot instead. I want to replace it with a micro-tom. :D
That's the great thing about the A-G...it can be used as a seed popping machine :ha: and then things can be tranplanted to pots...
I am going to grow some actual plants in the A-G but it's fun sprouting seeds for now.
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-09-2011, 09:57 PM
By the way...that "Explosive Amber" hot pepper plant is totally awesome. The leaves are nearly all black. Here's one I grew last year...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/623.jpg
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-09-2011, 10:29 PM
The nutrients that came with mine are tablet form. I'm not so wild about them just because I think the liquid blends better. I have added some SuperThrive in my water. I don't think it is hurting anything using both - the babies seem to like it.
Beautiful peppers!
~J
The Hollyberry Lady
03-09-2011, 10:45 PM
They ARE pretty cool...I knew you'd like them! I'll be sure to include some for you JaNan, as I saved lots of seeds. ;)
I can send you some small bush-type tomato seeds too, that will grow great in your A-G. :D
I change the water in the basin each time I feed, because people on the aero-garden site say the plants grow better if the water gets changed frequently. I guess some people change it each week.
I wonder if feeding every two weeks is really enough, or if the plants are really croaked for some grub by the 10th day! :ha: I love to feed my plants and might try sneaking them treats...against recommendation! I'm worried that the aero-garden nutrients aren't oganic! :eek:
Your seedlings sure look great JaNan...so whatever you're doing is working! :08:
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-10-2011, 12:01 AM
Alright, now I've gone and done it...
I've taken the mint right out of the system altogether...and the "little blue pot" hot pepper also! :eek:
Yup...I did. :D
They're just not what I want in there and instead would like a tiny tomato plant, as well as a small flowering plant of zinnias, called "thumbelina". They only get 6 inches tall.
For peppers, I want the Marble one for sure but I'm not sure if I'll keep the Bolivian Rainbow plant in there. I might replace it with one of Blake's Chilly Chili seedlings that came up in soil.
I just can't decide what to grow in there but for sure I'll keep the basil.
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-10-2011, 10:06 AM
Here's my little Woodland Alpine strawberry sprout this morning back in the aero~garden...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02573.jpg
Here's your marble hot pepper seedling this morning too, JaNan...with a micro tomato seedling to the left...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02578.jpg
The basil is making me drool...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02576.jpg
Here's the little Violetta purple basil sprout too, although it's just getting going...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02579.jpg
It looks like the 'orchid blue' geranium and 'purple beauty' sweet pepper seeds will sprout any day now...
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-10-2011, 10:27 AM
Is the orchid blue geranium really blue?
That little strawberry is just too cute for words!
Everything looks so perfect! The hot marble looks like a "big" pepper plant now. Do you eat your basil in salad or cook with it, or how do you use it? It sure is plump and sassy! :ha:
I am anxious to see your Violetta when it gets larger. You know I love puple leaves on plants! ~J
The Hollyberry Lady
03-10-2011, 03:23 PM
I mostly use my basil in tomato & pasta dishes, which I eat a lot of, but sometimes I use it as 'lettuce' on a sandwich. I also like drying some too because the flavor is extremely flavorful in dried leaves.
Although this is not my shot here's how the 'orchid blue' geranium flowers will look...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/orchidbluegeranium.jpg
: )
musaboru
03-10-2011, 04:15 PM
By the way...that "Explosive Amber" hot pepper plant is totally awesome. The leaves are nearly all black. Here's one I grew last year...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/623.jpg
: )
That is such a gorgeous plant! I want to grow one lol.
The Hollyberry Lady
03-10-2011, 04:23 PM
You can get some seeds from me in Spring, Dar! ;)
It is a cool variety. Now you guys are making me want to grow one in the aero-garden. :ha: It's smaller than 'black pearl' but has that same black leaf effect.
: )
musaboru
03-10-2011, 04:27 PM
Awesome thanks! I got a few different tomato varieties such as Red Robin and Hahm's Gelbe (both patio tomatoes). Lets do a trade then. :D
The Hollyberry Lady
03-10-2011, 04:32 PM
Sounds good. I've got red robbin but I'll try the other one.
Looking forward to it. :D
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-10-2011, 05:43 PM
I have grow tails and sprouts on seeds I just put in the AG yesterday afternoon! Is that incredible or what????? I think I could just park a chair in front of this thing and watch things grow. As much as I look at them I might as well do that anyway. :ha:
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110310008.jpg
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110310015.jpg
~JaNan
The Hollyberry Lady
03-10-2011, 05:50 PM
What are those, JaNan?
Amazing they came up in a day! :08: Some seeds are extemely viable and fast sprouting and in the aero-garden they'd love it even more. Plus it's March! :goteam:
Are the second one tomato seeds, JaNan? I am so excited to see more sprouts popping up. My little strawberry seedling is standing up tall & proud this evening.
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-10-2011, 06:04 PM
It's called Salad Blend Italian mixture. It includes Lettuce, Arugula, Chicory, Endive, Spinach, and Swiss Chard. I know I have too many seeds on it, but I am hoping I can carefully move them when they are a little larger. It should really be pretty when the leaves come in.
Yes, the others are cherry tomato. ~J
The Hollyberry Lady
03-10-2011, 06:11 PM
I don't think you'll have any problems pulling the little sprouts up as they emerge and planting them elsewhere. ;) Sounds like a nutricious and yummy mix you've got going on there, JaNan. I love swiss chard and have seeds for many unusual and colorful varieties.
I'm convinced that pretty much anything will grow in this system and I bet you agree. Your stuff is doing wonderfully.
How are the banana seeds?
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-10-2011, 07:06 PM
Yes, I do agree wholeheartedly! There has not been much change with the banana seeds. They are still moist and swollen, but nothing has popped up.
I think I may stick a couple of the bell pepper seeds in on top of some of the pods to see if they get started fast. That is all I did with the salad mix is just sprinkle on top. I really want to start EVERYTHING in it! :ha: ~J
The Hollyberry Lady
03-10-2011, 10:19 PM
I've just been sprinkling my seeds on the top of the sponges and they've been sprouting great, as you can see. ;)
I guess some people poke them down into the sponge more but I didn't.
Good luck with the banana seeds. I sure hope they pop for you. Fingers crossed.
As soon as I got home a few minutes ago, I rushed to look at the aero-garden, so I know what you mean about watching constantly. It's too fun and exciting.
My strawberry seedling is looking terrific and happy tonight. The first set of true leaves will develop shortly and then you'll really think it's adorable, JaNan. I wonder if you might be interested in some seeds for this Alpine type I have? Are you interested in growing strawberries at all? I also have an amazing type for a hanging basket called 'temptation'.
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-11-2011, 10:08 AM
This is my salad mix this morning:
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110311001.jpg
Have a couple more purple basil sprouts peeking up out of the hole:
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110311005.jpg
Sherry, I am thinking maybe I should take the larger ones out to help these little ones out. What do you think? And since these are from the AG kit, they are down in the hole. Do you think I will damage the roots if I try it? Or just leave them alone?
~JaNan
The Hollyberry Lady
03-11-2011, 07:51 PM
Wow, things are looking great JaNan! :goteam:
I actually tore my sponges a bit when I was trying to remove seedlings so I could get the roots, without breaking them too much. If you break some of the roots though, don't worry, things will still be ok and
grow. :)
I think your little basil below the bigger sprouts will still be ok but it's time to thin things out and leave just one or two plants of the basil in your pod. The growth will be better.
Especially thin the mint while it's young and not so invasive. Frankly I'm glad it's out of my unit altogether because it was already getting a huge root system on it compared to the other plants. I don't want the mint sucking up all the nutrients and leaving nothing for my other plants! :eek:
Check out my little strawberry baby tonight...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02596.jpg
I'm taking some more shots this evening...
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-11-2011, 08:26 PM
Ok my camera battery just died while I was in the middle of taking some shots, so I've got it on the charger. Here's what I have so far...
"Purple Beauty" sweet pepper seeds popping:
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02600.jpg
In this next shot you can see the "orchid blue" geranium seeds with the pepper seeds, and one is totally swollen and ready to burst, likely tomorrow:
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02599.jpg
Here's my little Micro tomato sprout:
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02601.jpg
This is the last shot I got before the battery died...JaNan's gorgeous little 'Hot Marble' pepper seedling that's really looking great now. It's going to stay in my areo-garden as a permanant plant for this cycle:
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02602.jpg
I love the way it's looking. :D
No Zinnia sprouts just yet but knowing how this unit works, there should be some by Sunday! :ha:
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-11-2011, 09:21 PM
Don't you just hate it when that happens! :ha:
That little micro tomato is as cute as the strawberry. Isn't it amazing? :woohoonaner:
Everything looks GREAT, Sherry! ~J
The Hollyberry Lady
03-11-2011, 09:51 PM
I really am getting excited, now that I see how great seedlings grow in our systems. The marble seedling is just bursting with growth everywhere and I bet it won't be long before I see fruits! :goteam:
One of the 'thumbelina' zinnia seeds looks pretty swollen tonight. I kind of tucked it down into one of the torn sponges and hope it comes up soon. Zinnia flowers grow really great in the aero-garden, as I've seen shots of many people's flowers on the A-G site. WoW is the word!
Your salad mix sprouts look really terrific, JaNan! :08: I bet you're so pleased with how fast and well things are coming up. It's like magic really, but I didn't expect it to be this wonderful and reliable. One great garden toy, that's for sure.
Now I'm drumming up more ideas of what to sow next...
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-11-2011, 10:17 PM
Sherry I don't remember if I ever told you, but the Hot Marble Pepper is a dwarf. You probably goggled it and already know but thought I would mention it since I was just thinking about it. I think it is a perfect pepper for the AG. I know you mentioned that you were going to keep it in there. Yes, I think you should see some blooms soon!
Yes, it is very exciting! That's the first thing that I do in the morning - check on the sprouts progression.
I know I still haven't gone through my seed tub. I know there are things in there that I have tried in the past that I haven't had too much luck with. I know I have a lot of dwarf things. And giant things for that mattter. :ha: ~J
The Hollyberry Lady
03-11-2011, 10:42 PM
No, I didn't realize that the marble plant is a dwarf but that's just great! It was slower than the others for the longest time but now it's taken on a different look and it's growing like crazy.
Since I added the epsom salts to the water basin, things are different. I'm not sure how, but the seedlings just look perkier and more richly colored. I might try some DNF next time I fertilize and see what happens...
Will told me it's a hydroponic formula also, so it can't hurt things. It sure grows my soil plant terrifically so I bet it will be great for the aero-garden also. We'll see. I think Sunday is the day I fertilize again.
I am so enjoying watching the seeds come up so quickly and reliably. Just remember that seeds that need cooler temps will not like the A-G, but like my strawberry seeds, they can be sprouted elsewhere and put back into the unit later.
I'm going to enjoy having many different things growing in the A-G for my first garden cycle. I wanted to grow only the stuff I really will enjoy and not waste time on something boring and no fun. Flowers, tomatoes, berries, peppers, and purple basil are so fun and I am really looking forward to watching how things will do.
This experience will teach us what does best in our A-G's and what we love growing in them the most. I sure hope we have success with our vegetative growth and blooming/fruiting, like we have with germination. :D
We are well on our way now, JaNan! :08:
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-11-2011, 11:15 PM
I don't have DNF but did use Superthrive in it from day one. And once I read you put some epson salts in it I added that too! :ha:
Yeah, I need to goggle some of the seeds if they aren't something I know about to make sure they will do well with the warmth. I agree - I only want to start things that I really, really want too. What's the point if you don't really want it right?
I would like to try those micro-toms and alpine. I have regular strawberries and cherry tomatoes, but neither of your kind. :2222: I wonder how the grape tomatoes would do? The tomatoes are smaller than cherries, but I don't know how big the bush gets. :2181:
I hope so too!!! You know I already have problems with my plants when they get beyond the youngster stages. I think Cameron and I have the same problems.
Yes, we are! :pepper2nana: ~J
The Hollyberry Lady
03-11-2011, 11:52 PM
I can easily share some of the alpine and micro-toms with you JaNan...the micro plants only get 6" tall! :eek:
I also have a cherry type called "Table" and the little shrub grows about 8 inches tall.
Then too, there's "patio" tomato that gets about a foot to a foot & 1/2. These all would make wonderful types for the A-G.
Your strawberry seeds should be ok unless it's the type that produces lots of runners. You would know soon after you planted them because long dangling runners would develop...but then you could just transfer it to a hanging basket if that happened. :)
I worry that your grape cherry tomatoes will be the indeterminate vine type that go on forever, even though the fruits are small. You want you grow small determinate bush varieties only. Aero-garden themselves sells a tomato seed kit as well...it 20 bucks here.
I think the problems you've had come from not feeding your plants enough. Especially when they're young, I like to get my seedlings on a strict feeding schedule right away. Plants are like us and they need food. They like to snack too and some are proper pigs and gluttons! :ha:
Fortunately with gardening, we don't all have to do everything the same and use the same products to get excellent results. I think your Superthrive sounds great JaNan and I can see your basil looks gorgeous.
Hope you'll be able to cut it and not just let it grow and grow until it flowers! :ha: Herbs like to be cut regularily. Not to worry, when the time comes, I'll get after you about it! :eek:
Like my mom, who grows herbs but never cuts them! It's too funny. Actually, letting herbs produce flowers, sacrifices some of the flavor in the leaves. Snipping them regularily makes them grow and grow and grow. Letting Basil produce flowers, signals the plant to die! :(
Just rememeber JaNan, as I've reminded my mom many times too...herbs are for harvesting & eating. :chefnaner:
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-12-2011, 09:16 AM
A few morning pod shots. Salad mix is amazing!
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110312007.jpg
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110312008.jpg
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110312012.jpg
Yeah, there are so many tomato sizes and you surely can't tell by the sizes of the stalks. I was noticing that the cherry tomato starter plants at Lowe's were huge and thick compared to an Early Girl that was gangly looking.
Are the flowers pretty for the basil? The leaves are so pretty I really don't care if the flowers are pretty though. I actually grow some of my canna for the leaves rather than the flowers.
I can really relate to how your Mom feels! :ha:
I'll be running around today, but wanted to get a quick update on the AG pods! :)
~J
The Hollyberry Lady
03-12-2011, 10:26 AM
Wow JaNan! Things are sure looking terrific for you. That salad mix looks fantastic! How exciting watching new little plants emerge from all of our seeds. I love it. Your purple basil is gorgeous!
I'll get some shots later on but things are pretty much the same still. The 'purple beauty' pepper seeds are coming up today and one of the 'blue orchid' geranium seeds is splitting too! :D
I'm waiting on the zinnia. They usually sprout fairly quickly, even in soil, so I'm expecting them by tomorrow to come up.
I think I'm due to fertilize again soon and I plan on trying some DNF, just to see what results from it.
Do you change your water, JaNan? I do each time I fertilize. Apparently the plants grow better when the water is freshened regularily.
Some new shots soon...
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-12-2011, 10:31 AM
Oh and yes, the flowers on Basil are kind of pretty but letting basil produce flowers actually signals the plant to die, so it's best to snip your Basil regularily and not let it bloom. ;)
You'll be so addicted to that Basil anyway JaNan when you taste it, that you'll be snipping it all the time. It's too delicious.
Really loving how your stuff is looking JaNan. You are having total success! :goteam:
What will you do with the salad mix...pot it up? You are in for some delicious bowls of grub, that's for sure. :ha:
Now I'm jealous again, and am considering sowing some of my own salad mix...
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-12-2011, 01:32 PM
This pod of pepper & geranium seeds is about to burst...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02639.jpg
Basil's looking nice today too...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02635.jpg
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-12-2011, 02:18 PM
I decided to throw a few of my "amythest beautyberry" seeds into the pod with the strawberry seedling and see what happens...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02646.jpg
I left the purple skins intact to see what happens...
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-12-2011, 09:51 PM
Things are really sprouting tonight. Here's one of the "Thumbelina" Zinnia seeds already germinating...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02651.jpg
"Purple Beauty" pepper seeds are doing amazing this evening...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02654.jpg
Just loving how strong and bushy the 'Marble' pepper seedling is becoming...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02658.jpg
I'm going to take out the "Bolivian Rainbow" pepper tonight and re-pot it in soil. It's my biggest pepper plant of all in my system but it's just not what I want in there...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02665.jpg
I'll let you know what I decide on...
Here too is my little Violetta purple Basil seedling, developing it's first little set of true purple leaves in the center...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02663.jpg
Also, my Micro-Tom seedling...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02662.jpg
Here's what I've decided to grow for sure in my six pods so far...
1. Woodland Alpine strawberry
2. "Hot Marble" Hot pepper
3. Micro tomato
4. Genevese & Violetta basil
5. "Thumbelina" zinnia
6. ??? Not sure yet, still deciding. :ha:
So far I'm really enjoying this system and what it has to offer. The plants are thriving. Sorry to change things around so much but I've pretty much decided on what I'm growing now for this first cycle and I'm happy with my choices. Now we can just watch stuff grow.
Time to decide on what to put in the 6th pod and go take the Bolivian Rainbow out. It's a shame because it really does love it and it's thriving in the A-G. I want something else though....like maybe a dwarf sweet pepper or something. I was thinking of maybe growing a "Tennessee Cheese" sweet pepper...
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-12-2011, 10:08 PM
Everything looks so beautiful and healthy! What is that little round headed one in the Thumbelina picture with the purple neck on the right? Is that the new little Violetta?
What about the salad mix for your sixth pod? I don't want you to be jealous! :ha: Mine have shed the seed shells and are standing at attention tonight. They are so cute! I'll take new shots in the morning. ~J
The Hollyberry Lady
03-12-2011, 10:26 PM
Thanks, JaNan! :waving:
Yup, that's the new little Violetta. Slow to grow, but likely because it's in a pod with an already big basil plant in it and it's trying to catch up. Poor little thing.
I am still thinking about what to grow in the sixth pod. I'm going to go through some of my seeds and decide tonight. I know I'll be up late so I might as well have a look through everything and then make a decision.
I do love salad mixes and I will be jealous. I'm already jealous of that beautiful purple basil of yours! :ha: That is just so pretty, JaNan. I bet you're very pleased with it.
Things sure are thriving for us. Looking forward to seeing your shots tomorrow...
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-12-2011, 11:39 PM
Ok here's what I'm trying to decide on for the 6th pod. Here are the choices...
- "ruby red" lettuce
- "baby star" mini-romaine
- "dixter" burgundy romaine
- mini bell pepper in any color
- "tennessee cheese" super sweet pepper
I'll likely choose "Tennessee Cheese" because the fruits are as sweet as candy and plus it'll be nice to have a sweet pepper plant with the hot one.
It would sure be nice to see some of that red romaine though too. Now I can't decide. :(
I'm also going to sow some "Purple Pitcher Plant' carnivorous seeds in the A-G tonight as well...Sarracenia Purpurea. Maybe a couple "Venus Flytrap" seeds too. I think it would be so cool to get a sprout and then transplant it to a pot later. I also have Drosera Capensis & Drosera Capensis Alba. :D
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-12-2011, 11:52 PM
Why don't you but one or two of each of lettuces in a pod (you know they are ALL going to sprout so one of each would be enough). The color combinations should be beautiful! And you can have your own salad mix! :)
Some carnivorous seeds need cold too. Not sure about those you mentioned without looking them up.
They all sound like good choices to me!
The Hollyberry Lady
03-13-2011, 12:05 AM
The carnivorous seeds have been in my fridge for months so I hope this counts. I'm going to google them before I sow them of course, so we'll see.
I am still comtemplating about the lettuces because they bolt and die fast but my peppers will continue on indefinitely! :08:
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-13-2011, 12:40 AM
Oh I'm sure that would count! :ha:
Why can't you just start them all together? Oh, nevermind. You want to start them and leave them growing in the AG, right? DUH! It just dawned on me. :rolleyes:
I'm a little slow sometimes. I guess because I am not leaving stuff in it.
There is a 7 holer on Craigslist here for $70. It is a used one, but I am tempted to at least check it out. What do you think? I think they may be addictive! :eek:
Jananas Bananas
03-13-2011, 07:58 AM
You must have pooped out on me last night! :) I am already piddling with pictures of the pods this morning. Here is the salad mix:
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110313004.jpg
And these are the cherry tomatoes coming up this morning. The other seeds are the peppers I put on top of the pods yesterday morning. I think it's been 3 days maybe on the the tomato seeds?
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110313010.jpg
I am ready to try and start some new things. This thing is so great for impatient people like myself!!!! :ha: ~J
The Hollyberry Lady
03-13-2011, 01:32 PM
I am so excited because I sowed some "Purple Pitcher Plant" seeds last night!!! :goteam:
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02667.jpg
I only planted three seeds, in case they don't come up I didn't want to waste them...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02666.jpg
Of course they're covered with the plastic cup until germination occurs. I'd die to get a sprout for one of these. How cool would that be?! :08:
I'll crack a bottle of champaign if one sprouts! :birthdaynana:
Apparently they take up to 4 weeks to pop but I'm hoping they'll come up a lot faster in the warm humid A-G. We'll see...
JaNan, your sprouts look wonderful! I bet you're thrilled with them. :waving:
Did you end up getting the 2nd unit? ;)
I think I'm going to leave the 6th pod free for just popping seeds in. I need to give these carnivorous seeds room and time to germinate and adding another plant in the pod might just interfere with things sprouting properly...especially sensitive seeds like these ones.
What new seeds are you thinking of sowing, JaNan? I can't wait to find out...
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-13-2011, 02:59 PM
I am excited for you. That is a beautiful plant! I'm keeping my fingers crossed! They'll sprout or you, I just know it! :ha:
No, I haven't contacted them yet. I got my unit off eBay, but it was new. I think these people have said they used it once. So I am trying to decide, it probably needs new bulbs and such - so I am weighing the cost against a new one. :)
I did dig through my tub a little this morning. I have a lot of flower seeds, most of which won't do well in our heat here. I have some seeds for a Kentucky Coffee tree, which I think sounds interesting. And a couple of sizes of Dutchman's pipe. Oh, I think for sure Mexican Bird of Paradise. They do well here and I have it in Pink (which is fairly rare), Orange, and Yellow. Some dwarf pink Oleander too. I'm still thinking on it! :) ~J
The Hollyberry Lady
03-13-2011, 03:30 PM
I really hope they sprout for me too, JaNan! I will be watching closely everyday. I've always wanted to grow one of these I'm even thinking that it could continue to grow in the aero-garden, even after germination. :D
Wouldn't it be so pretty to have one of them growing in the A~G?! :eek:
Here's my strawberry sprout today with some 'Amythest Beautyberry' seeds around it. I ended up removing them from the purple skins after all, so I wouldn't attract mold...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02675.jpg
I just want to check for viability.
Here too is a cute little 'Thumbelina" Zinnia sprout coming up beside the Micro-Tom...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02676.jpg
Now I'm thinking of sowing some of those Tennessee Cheese seeds after all...just in case I change
my mind! :ha:
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-13-2011, 03:38 PM
Your choices sound kind of cool, JaNan. I'll have to google that Kentucky Coffee Tree...it sounds neat. ;)
I'm thinking of starting a 'fish' heirloom hot pepper seed in the A-G today too. Pepper seeds are so cool and fun to watch...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02677.jpg
Those are my 'purple beauty' seeds! ;)
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-13-2011, 07:02 PM
These straightened up just since this picture I took this morning and were touching the little dome. Oops! :ha:
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20100313046.jpg
OK Sherry, I am going to try to extract the mint from the pod this evening. Because I want the dome on the pepper seeds.
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20100313050.jpg
If I am successful I will take pictures and let you know. If I fail you don't get to see! :ha: ~J
The Hollyberry Lady
03-13-2011, 07:21 PM
You won't fail...mint has an incredible will to survive. ;)
Just pull it gently out of there and pot it up with a bag over top for a couple days until they make the transition. They'll be just fine, you'll see.
I sowed a couple Venus Flytrap seeds in the A-G alongside the Purple Pitcher Plants ones. Plus I sowed a "Fish" heirloom hot pepper seed in another pod with a few burgundy Romaine lettuce seeds! :D It's a variegated type...the fish pepper I mean.
I told you I'd change my mind. ;)
Your stuff is looking terrific JaNan. Isn't this so fun? :goteam: I like your sponges how they are white...mine are brown.
Good luck with the mint. Don't be afraid. I even tore my sponges a bit when I had to...they fit back together anyway. Your mint is still quite small though so you shouldn't need to.
Do you think we could make our own homemade sponges, JaNan? I think you mentioned something about it before but I forget. Would roots grow through the normal type sponges, do you think?
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-13-2011, 07:25 PM
Wait a minute...I just noticed you have a brown sponge too! :eek:
You have both! ;)
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-13-2011, 07:40 PM
Yeah, the Gourmet Herb Kit that came with my machine has the whitish gray sponges and they have really fine little holes. The brown ones are the DIY kit for my own seeds. They have a much courser hole structure.
I may try to do something with the basil. But I am just so partial to it - it is so beautiful I really hate to disturb it. If I left any in the system it would be that one. What do you think? I am vacillating.
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20100313051.jpg
~J
The Hollyberry Lady
03-13-2011, 07:55 PM
I think you should do whatever you feel is right for you and your aero-garden JaNan. ;) If you really don't want to disturb your basil, than I wouldn't do it. It'll still be ok, but if it was mint it wouldn't be so I'm glad you're at least willing to thin the mint before it takes over the whole unit! :eek:
Some of the basil will lag behind because of so many plants stuffed into one pod, but you can cut those ones later when you see which ones are the strongest and fastest growing. I usually stuff lots of basil plants in one pot when I grow it in soil, so why not in the aero-garden too. ;)
Trial & Error are the best teachers anyway JaNan. We'll both find out what works best in these systems by experiencing growing things in them and seeing what we prefer. It's ok that we might like and prefer different things. I think your little seedlings look great and you're doing a good job with everything.
Your Purple Basil is so pretty and beautiful. I love it when you show shots of it. I can't wait for mine to grow but think it's more like a maroon color. Yours is like a super bright purple. I just love it. :08:
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-13-2011, 08:09 PM
Do try not to be jealous! :ha:
Sweet Genovese Basil...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02692.jpg
"Marble" hot pepper! http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/emo1.gif
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02697.jpg
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-13-2011, 08:24 PM
This is eactly what I mean JaNan...
My little Violetta Basil seedling should be a lot further along than it is at this point, but because it's competing with a much larger Genovese Basil, it's trying to find room to root and here's how it looks tonight...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02699.jpg
Slowly but surely. ;)
Here's another angle of the little micro-tom tomato seedling with the tiny "thumbelina" zinnia sprout. You can see the little cotyledon leaves about to part and open. So cute, eh?
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02698.jpg
Both the micro-tom and the zinnia will only reach 6 inches tall! How adorable is that? Zinnias grow beautifully in the aero-garden, as I've seen on the A-G site. Mine are from a mix, so the color will be a complete surprise!
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-13-2011, 08:29 PM
I am trying, but it is a struggle to NOT be jealous! :ha:
It would be easier to move the Marble Pepper. There is only one of them that did any thing. The teeny one at the bottom hasn't changed in days. But I have more seeds so I can start more. I love the color on this too! I can't remember how many seeds I put in it. I think maybe four.
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20100313048.jpg
~J
The Hollyberry Lady
03-13-2011, 08:40 PM
Ok now I REALLY am jealous! Why is your marble seedling so purple compared to mine?! http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/emo2.gif
I want mine to turn purple like yours! :(
You just couldn't wait to post that so you could rub it in! I'm onto you! :ha:
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-13-2011, 08:48 PM
:ha: Yours was too when it had the first few leaves. I can see them underneath the newer more "adult" leaves. Look back at your younger pictures. You are two weeks ahead of me. As they get older they get greener. They do stay a darker green than other peppers though. I wish it would stay that bright lime green with purple edges. I love variegated plants, I know you've heard me say that a million times. I am anxious to watch your "Fish" grow, especially in the AG!!! Oh, or did you say you planted them? I think a variegated one would be stunning in the AG - you need to give it a try!
The Hollyberry Lady
03-13-2011, 09:02 PM
You're right, it was more purple back then. ;)
I think the Fish pepper will be gorgeous in the A-G...and yes I did sow one fish seed this evening. I'll have to try to sneak a plant in somewhere because it would sure be nice to see a variegated variety growing is this unit. :08: I've grown Fish before and I know it has white and green leaves, but is there purple in the leaves also? I can't recall offhand.
You would love the Explosive Amber plant JaNan. It's small and compact with black leaves like the 'black pearl'. I debated on whether to grow a 'black pearl' or 'fish' pepper in the system. I decided on 'fish' though. Can't wait to watch the seed grow.
Mostly I'm just excited to see if those pitcher or venus flytrap seeds pop! How amazing it will be if even just one does! :birthdaynana:
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-13-2011, 09:17 PM
Yes, I would like them.
And I do think we could find sponges to use. At GardenWeb they have several AeroGarden threads and they were saying the sponge part of sponge rollers that you can get at the Dollar store for one or two bucks. And another suggested the small sponge refills for those sponge paint brushes. You may have to trim to fit the basket a little but what the hay. I think the roots would do just fine in them.
Yes it would. I have never had much luck with them - so that would really be GREAT to see!
The Hollyberry Lady
03-13-2011, 09:29 PM
Here's one of the 'purple beauty' sprouts tonight. I helped it along and pulled the seed shell off...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02700.jpg
I would love to see the marble, fish, and black pearl, all together in one unit! "Black Pearl" is a huge plant though so I worry it'll be too big. "Fish" too really, is a large plant. I can't resist, though I may have to keep it pruned to fit the system.
I don't have total faith yet that the carnivorous seeds will gerninate for me...I still have much to learn and may have to experience some failure before I have success. I'm giving it my best shot so we'll see...
I am so impressed with how fast the zinnia seeds pop in there...three days! I bet marigolds sprout in
one! :08:
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-13-2011, 10:17 PM
I agree I would like to see them all together also. That would be beautiful! That would be one to grow for the colors of the leaves. Wouldn't that be a showoff on the AG website!
The Hollyberry Lady
03-13-2011, 11:10 PM
What I love too is that you get to totally watch your seeds germinate before your eyes! In soil, you have to wait for them to come up and you miss they way they look when the seed first begins to swell.
I use a toothpick to maneuver my seeds around in the pod when I need to. ;)
I also enjoy that there's no messy soil to work with. It's so clean and cool. :08: I'm really getting addicted to aero-gardens! I know you are too, JaNan.
Yes, to grow a few kinds of gorgeously colored pepper plants would be so beautiful. I have some 'black pearl' seedlings already sprouted in soil and could add one to the system if I wanted to. I bet it would be black as night under those lights! I'm so tempted, because it's so gorgeous...but I'd have to keep it seriously pruned and may never see any peppers on it bcause if it. Oh but how pretty it would be though. :D
What to do, what to do. :confused: Decision, decisions...
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-14-2011, 05:31 PM
"Purple Beauty" sweet pepper is fully up this evening! If you look closely beside the sprout, you'll see an "orchid blue" geranium seed popping beside it...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02730.jpg
"Marble" hot pepper after a shower this evening...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02735.jpg
Genovese is getting so huge...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02734.jpg
Here's the little strawberry seedling, developing it's first leaf...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02733.jpg
"Micro-Tom" & "Thumbelina" Zinnia seedlings...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02731.jpg
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-14-2011, 09:04 PM
Lookin' GOOD! :) That strawberry is about the cutest dang thing I have ever SEEN! I don't know why I love these teeny little things so much. I think I am ADDICTED to them! The Micro Tom and Thumbelina too. Here are a few of mine from a while ago.
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110314025.jpg
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110314043.jpg
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110314041.jpg
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110314038.jpg
I think I see changes today to both of these banana seeds:
Seed #1
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110314037.jpg
Seed #2
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110314028.jpg
My favorite to throw in the jealousy factor! :ha:
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110314031.jpg
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110314030.jpg
The Hollyberry Lady
03-14-2011, 09:24 PM
Wow JaNan...it sure looks like those banana seeds are germinating to me! :goteam: How totally cool!
Your salad mix looks terrific and of course the purple basil also. Notice how your one big basil plant is outgrowing the rest and shading them? ;)
Yes, I love the little sprouts too...they really are cute & adorable. I really enjoy watching them split and seeing the seedlings emerge...it's too fun! :0517:
I think one of the 'Dixter' burgundy romaine seeds will sprout soon...
So excited about your banana seeds, JaNan! :lurk:
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-15-2011, 01:16 PM
Here's a couple "Dixter" burgundy Romaine lettuce sprouts coming up! That's a "Fish" pepper seed but it's not quite germinated yet...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02737.jpg
This is the little Alpine Strawberry seedling, now getting going...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02738.jpg
Still waiting on a Pitcher seed sprout, and I can barely contain myself. I rush to the unit each morning to see if one's popped. :ha: It's only been a couple days but I'm anxious. I shouldn't get my hopes up though, in case they don't do anything at all. :(
I got the seeds from someone else, but they seemed to believe they're fresh so we'll see.
I really mean it though, if one of the Pitcher or Venus Flytrap seeds sprout, I will crack open a bottle of champaign in celebration! :birthdaynana:
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-17-2011, 11:33 AM
Here was the "orchid blue' geranium, rising up this morning...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02761.jpg
So happy to see it today. :D
Still no carnivorous seeds up yet but it's likely too soon yet. No "Amythest Beautyberry" seeds are up yet, but again, it may be too soon. Fingers crossed...
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-17-2011, 11:35 AM
Oh and I must confess...I've been eating the Basil!!! :eek:
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-17-2011, 02:01 PM
Ok, here's the Violetta basil, slowly but surely...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02764.jpg
Your "Marble" pepper plant JaNan, is doing amazingly...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02765.jpg
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-17-2011, 10:09 PM
Here's the marble hot pepper plant from the side. It's becoming a bushy little thing...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02784.jpg
This is the "Dixter" burgundy Romaine sprout and a "Fish" pepper seed about to pop...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02782.jpg
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-19-2011, 12:30 AM
JaNan, I was wondering what time your lights come on and go off each day? Mine now come on at 6:00am and turn off at 1:00am.
Here's a shot of the Violetta basil tonight. I don't know if I mentioned that it's a ruffles type...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02799.jpg
Micro-tom and "thumbelina" zinnia seedlings...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02805.jpg
"orchid blue" geranium sprout about to open beside "purple beauty" sweet pepper...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02806.jpg
Check out the branching tonight on the marble pepper, JaNan...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02802.jpg
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-19-2011, 12:47 AM
I'm not exactly sure the timing of the lights. I originally had them set to come on a 8 am and go off at midnight, but the power cutting off and back on has changed them.
No you didn't mention it was a ruffles! Noe I'm jealous!!!
Micro Tom and Thumbelina are really starting to grow with their leaves filling out. What is that tiny thing under the Micro Tom? Another micro Tom (just to the bottom left of it)?
That little orchid blue looks like a teeny little rose bud. That is just adorable.
That marble pepper is amazing isn't it!!! It is looking sooooooo good!
The Hollyberry Lady
03-19-2011, 01:03 AM
JaNan, that's a little mini sweet bell pepper mix, beside the micro-tom and zinnia! It could turn out to be red, orange, or chocolate colored fruits...it will be a surprise. ;)
It's easy to reset the timer...I referred to my manuel and you just hold down the re-set button for 5 seconds at the time you want the lights to go off and they will shut off each day at that time.
I got this today and thought I might sow some in the aero-garden...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02792.jpg
Wouldn't it be so pretty in there? It only takes 45 until harvest! :eek:
Yes, the geranium seedling looks rose-like. I love how reddish it is! :08:
I am totally amazed at that marble pepper plant too, JaNan! It's like the perfect pepper plant for the A-G! I love it that it's from you. :D
Looking forward to your shots soon...I know things must be growing nicely for you. Tomorrow I'm changing my water and fertilizing with my Dutch Nutrient Formula hydroponic fertilizer. We'll see how it goes...
I think the marble plant will produce fruits soon!
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-19-2011, 01:07 AM
Oh yeah and by the way...yes the Violetta basil will grow like Ruffles does! http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/emo1.gif
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-19-2011, 12:26 PM
OK I will post a few pictures -
From this:
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110314043.jpg
To this in 2 days:
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110319017.jpg
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110319024.jpg
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110319008.jpg
These we taken out of the AeroGarden and placed in Spagnum (Purple Basils):
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110315001.jpg
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110315003.jpg
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110315002.jpg
From this (Hot Marble):
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110314041.jpg
To this:
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110315005.jpg
The Hollyberry Lady
03-19-2011, 12:48 PM
WOW JaNan...your stuff is looking fantastic! :08: I am so impressed and thanks for posting your lovely shots. Things are sure coming along nicely for you.
I gotta separate some seedlings today and take some out altogether. Hopefully there might be room when I'm finished to sow more seeds! :ha:
Looks like the your purple basil made the transition into soil and it will be fine. All my plants that I took out and put in soil, are doing really well now with no covering. :D
I'll take some shots soon...
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-19-2011, 04:55 PM
Strawberry sprout...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02821.jpg
Violetta is developing...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02824.jpg
"Orchid Blue" geranium is opening up...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02827.jpg
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-19-2011, 05:19 PM
I'm very excited because in a few minutes I'm going to dump my water basin in the tub and freshen the water. For the first time I plan on adding some Dutch Nutrient Formula instead of the aero-garden nutrients!!! :goteam:
I'm excited to see the results! :lurk:
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-21-2011, 01:56 PM
Things are a little bit wet after a shower, but here's how everything's looking today:
"Thumbelina" Zinnia...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02868.jpg
Woodland Alpine Strawberry...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02871.jpg
"Violetta" Italian purple Basil...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02872.jpg
"Micro-Tom"...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02877.jpg
Last but not least and very exciting...my "Marble" dwarf hot pepper seedling is producing the beginnings of pepper blossoms!!!
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02873.jpg
You can see this one a little closer...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02874.jpg
Yippeeeeee!!!
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-23-2011, 12:10 PM
Here are a few of mine from this morning:
These are cherry tomatoes that I just finished moving out of the pods and potted them up -
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110323008.jpg
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110323010.jpg
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110323009.jpg
Mint
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110323014.jpg
Purple Sage sharing a pod with papaya seeds
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110323006.jpg
Mixed Sweet Bell Peppers sharing pods with banana seeds
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110323004.jpg
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110323003.jpg
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110323012.jpg
~JaNan
The Hollyberry Lady
03-23-2011, 01:40 PM
The pepper buds are coming along, this afternoon!!! Here's another shot...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02898.jpg
Basil...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02891.jpg
Alpine strawberry...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02897.jpg
"thumbelina" zinnia...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02895.jpg
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-23-2011, 06:32 PM
I told you I've been eating the Genovese basil. Here's proof! :eek:
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02924.jpg
Still no carnivorous seed sprouts yet...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02926.jpg
Maybe soon. :lurk:
I've also got a few more purple pitcher seeds soaking in water in the fridge for a day or two before I put a few of the seeds in an A-G sponge and keep them moist in the fridge for another month. Then I'll also put them into the A-G system and see if they pop.
I'm just experimenting and seeing what the best method is to get one of these babies to germinate. I want one to so badly! :08:
I also sowed a "jigsaw" hot pepper seed in the system tonight too.
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-23-2011, 10:15 PM
Oh I'm so excited! :goteam:
I sowed some "Amythest Beautyberry" seeds in the aero-garden...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/631.jpg
...and they're beginning to sprout tonight!!! :eek:
Too small to show yet, and they're underneath my little strawberry seedling, but I see one has a little white root coming out of it!!! YAY! :08:
What an amazing, no fail seed germinating machine an aero-garden system really is. I love it! :D
Now too, I can share little beautyberry shrub seedlings with people. I know You'll be wanting some, eh JaNan? Now I know the seeds are very viable but they just take time. I have a feeling the carnivorous seeds are the same. :) We'll see.
This is too cool! :birthdaynana:
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-23-2011, 10:47 PM
:goteam: YaY! You Bet Cha! I am amazed every day, every time I look at mine. I love it! And I am amazed every time I see your stuff from it. I agree, it's a seed popping machine.
The Hollyberry Lady
03-23-2011, 11:01 PM
With soil, it's difficult to keep it consistently moist sometimes, and this is why they can take longer...or sometimes not come up at all! :eek:
The aero-garden provides a constantly moist and super warm atmosphere and the seed shell can't help but break down after being in there only a short time. It's wonderful and totally reliable.
I should do a test and put some seeds in soil and some in the aero-garden and see what the time difference is in germination. Would be interesting.
I'm trying to just focus on what I have growing now in the system and I've thinned a lot of extras and removed many things. Now there is one plant per pod and only the things that are staying permanantly to grow and mature.
Now that I've had such great success with the beautyberry seeds, it's inspired me to sow some more difficult ones and see what happens. I would like to sow some chilled holly seeds that have been in the fridge close to a year.
I seem to sow a ton of pepper seeds but now it's time for something way more challenging I think...I gotta think about it though and go through my collection. I think I have some cool tree seeds...like maybe even magnolia!
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-24-2011, 11:07 PM
:goteam: CARNIVOROUS SEEDS SPROUTING!!! :goteam:
I didn't mention that I threw down some sundew seeds in the pod with the Purple Pitcher seeds, but they were like dust and I wasn't even completely sure if any had actually landed on the moist sponge. :ha: I really didn't think they'd ever come up.
Much to my shock & surprise though, this evening I began to see all these little tiny miniscule sprouts, all around the Purple Pitcher seeds!!! :eek: I knew it wasn't the two venus flytrap seeds coming up because there's at least 5 sprouts that look the same.
This is a little seedling that was the only one at least visible to my camera. I've never seen such small sprouts before. It was extremely difficult to get a shot of it because it was so small but to give you an idea, check out this very tiny one, jutting out on the side of the sponge to the left...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02941.jpg
Sorry it's blurry but it's so small and I just couldn't get it right. :(
There's four more little ones on the top but the shots I took didn't pick up on them as well. When they grow bigger, I'll surely show them all. :D
Oh my goodness I'm so thrilled! :08:
I truly believe now that the Pitcher seeds will pop and that it's only a matter of time. Same with your banana seeds, JaNan. ;)
Here are my other plants:
Zinnia is growing super quickly...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02933.jpg
Strawberry...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02934.jpg
Micro-tom...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02938.jpg
Marble hot pepper...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02936.jpg
Violetta Basil...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02931.jpg
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-24-2011, 11:13 PM
Oh yeah by the way...
The sundew seeds coming up are a mix of Drosera Capensis & Drosera Capensis Alba!!! :08:
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-25-2011, 04:15 PM
At this point JaNan, I'm so darn excited, I might have to take daily shots! :ha:
Did you see my little sundew seedling?! :eek:
There's actually a few of them on the sponge but they're just about the smallest little plants I've ever seen! I thought at first they were little green specks of mold growing! :ha:
So here's todays shots that I took a few minutes ago: :goteam:
Micro-Tom...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02952.jpg
Zinnia...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02951.jpg
Strawberry...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02958.jpg
Marble pepper...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02953.jpg
Basil...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02947.jpg
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02950.jpg
"Amythest Beautyberry" sprouts...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02961.jpg
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-25-2011, 05:48 PM
:woohoonaner: Where's the champagne????? :woohoonaner:
Yes I saw the teensy little darling! It IS the smallest thing I have ever seen! I hope you do take pictures of it every day!!! You know I love the babies!
That little strawberry is still one of my very favorites! It looks like a baby's hands with chubby little fingers!:ha:
Sherry that picture of your Violetta with the water on it is a gorgeous picture!!! What a little beauty.
I am so excited for you!
I wish I would see a sprout from my bananas, but they don't seem to change any:
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110325126.jpg
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110325127.jpg
A couple of the darker seeds have sprouted, but are very green stemmed - I was hoping for more purple stems! :)
~JaNan
The Hollyberry Lady
03-25-2011, 06:28 PM
It's only a matter of time JaNan for your banana seeds popping...trust me.
If tiny little dust-like particles that are the sundew seeds will sprout, then those big banana seeds will too...they just take longer. Keep in mind that black outer shell is tough and hard and it takes awhile to break down and loosen up enough for the sprout inside to release. I can tell by looking at that thing, it's ready to bust! :eek:
No worries, just keep watching. :lurk:
I liked that shot with the water droplets on the purple basil too...it's making me hungry, actually! :ha: Plants makes such great subjects for pictures. I can't wait to eat that basil soon...
So what else are you sowing in your A-G? I sowed some Gaultheria Procumbens (winterberry dwarf evergreen shrublet) seeds late last night, so we'll see how they do...
I seriously will break out the champagne when one of the Purple Pitcher Plant seeds comes up for me. I'll pour a glass right after I recover from passing out! :ha:
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-25-2011, 07:58 PM
I'll post them here too. Here are the 2 types of Sundew plants I've got sprouting in the A-G:
Drosera Capensis...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/droseracapensis1.jpg
Drosera Capensis Alba...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/droseracapenisalba.jpg
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-25-2011, 08:52 PM
I took the mint out and put them in some starter soil with their own little dome. I started some mini passiflora that I got in a seed trade. They are teeny little yellow ones slightly larger than your thumbnail.
Passiflora lutea - Google Search (http://www.google.com/images?rlz=1C1AVSX_enUS387US387&q=Passiflora+lutea&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&sa=X&ei=KEWNTb_NJsqBgAe19dimDQ&ved=0CDUQsAQ&biw=1333&bih=665)
I really think I MAY see the bump of a seed tail on a couple of them. They are hard to see because they are the color of the sponge.
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110325123.jpg
~JaNan
The Hollyberry Lady
03-26-2011, 09:40 AM
Wow JaNan...I bet those passiflora seeds pop soon. Good luck with them and let us know the minute they come up for you.
The little sundew sprouts are still as small as ever this morning. I read that even in a year's time, these plants are only ready for a 4" pot so I expect the seedlings to grow incredibly slowly. I still have to use a magnifying glass to see them well. I just hope they don't die on me. :(
Carnivorous plants don't like a lot of fertilizer, so I think I better get them out of the A-G within a couple weeks. I'm thinking of buying another small system like the one I have, just for growing carnivorous plants in! :eek:
Then I could keep the water basin free of nutrients for them and they could continue to grow under the lights.
We'll see...
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-26-2011, 10:32 AM
Good Morning Sherry! :waving: I just came back inside from taking pictures and feeding the chickens.
I hope those little minis pop for me. They are incredibly cute! They are not fresh seeds though, so it may be iffy! Here they are this morning and I can't tell if they have changed or not.
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110326103.jpg
I sowed some Royal Empress tree seeds in the AG last night. I have never had any luck with them in soil or seed starter. Keeping my fingers crossed! They are tiny little seeds considering they are tree seeds. They look like they might be swelling since last night, but it good be wishful thinking and the fact that they are moist now! :ha:
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110326109.jpg
I have so many seeds I want to try in the AG. I just found one for $40. I may get that one tomorrow just to have another one. It's cheap enough that I can get replacement bulbs and still be very reasonable. ~J
millworkman
03-26-2011, 02:12 PM
Hollyberrylady, you better watch out, those Drosera really do not like having nutrient rich media/water. They might sprout but they wont last long with feeding like that. Just a heads up.
The Hollyberry Lady
03-26-2011, 06:22 PM
Yes, and don't think I don't know it, Millworkman!!! :eek:
I'm thinking of buying another aero-garden to put them into, with a basin of nothing but purified nutrient-free water...and fast.
If they die, I assure you it isn't going to be because of being killed by nutrients...I won't allow it, and have already taken measures against it, until I buy the second aero-garden or decide what to do.
They're still unbelievably small but look like they're growing, slightly. I hope they survive for me, being so miniscule. ;)
Thanks for the heads up but it's something I knew about and I've been totally paranoid since the sprouts appeared! :ha: Good thing too, I have more seeds. At least I definitely know they're viable, even though they look like dust.
Here were the tiny sprouts earlier today. They look like little tiny blades of grass. I counted, when viewing them under the magnifying glass, and there's more than 8 sprouts! JaNan if you blow these shots you'll see them fairly well. Here are the tiny little sundew darlings now...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02992.jpg
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02995.jpg
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02993.jpg
JaNan, here's the one today, that you especially love...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02991.jpg
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-26-2011, 06:24 PM
Oh and JaNan...good luck with your Empress seeds. Pretty cool! :08:
Thing are looking great for you. ;)
Did you get that 2nd system? What is it...another 7 pod unit?
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-26-2011, 07:39 PM
I talked to the lady this morning and I will go pick it up tomorrow morning. She is moving and doesn't want to have to pack it. :eek:
From the pictures it looks just like the one I already have, so they will match! :ha: I've already got all the pods filled in my head! :ha:
Here is a link that she included with the ad:
AeroGarden | AeroGarden 7 Elite Indoor Garden, Seed Kit, Grow Light (http://www.aerogarden.com/aerogarden-7-elite-107.html)
You have probably watched them already, but I had not seen all of them and thought they were fun to watch.
Yes, I did see your teensy little babies. What are the two gold seeds and the black seed in there with them?
Yes, that one is my favorite! The chubby little baby hands! :shareluvnana:
The Hollyberry Lady
03-26-2011, 07:57 PM
Wow, that's great JaNan. Congrats. I'm sure you'll have a blast.
Those two seeds in with the sundew sprouts are the Purple Pitcher Plant seeds! :08: There's actually a third one but it's buried in the sponge a bit.
There are 2 Venus Flytrap seeds in there too. :D
: )
millworkman
03-26-2011, 10:33 PM
Great, I sprouted a little more than 500 Capensis seeds late last fall and they were dreadfully tiny things until a couple weeks ago when it warmed up a little for them and they got some bright sun. Keep up the good work you two.
The Hollyberry Lady
03-26-2011, 10:42 PM
Wow, so what kind of conditions do you have yours growing in, Millworkman? I'd love to know how they do for you. I understand they're very hardy. Great they're taking off for you this spring! :08:
Do you grow other carnivorous plants?
: )
millworkman
03-26-2011, 11:14 PM
Ive got them sitting out under the sun right now, cold weather be damned :) They are in long fibered sphagnum moss that was put through a blender and ground very fine, with a layer of unground moss at the bottom. They are doing amazing, I will take some pictures sometime soon.
I also have a single Sarracenia Purpurea and about 10 Sarracenia Oreophila seedlings going right now. I also have a couple Drosera Indica and Drosera Filiformis seedlings as well. Going to be an interesting year for me that is for sure.
The Hollyberry Lady
03-26-2011, 11:28 PM
I was going to start a carnivorous plant thread but then noticed last night, there already is one. :ha:
Please be sure to join soon and post shots of yours, Millworkman. I'd love to see them. Sounds like you've got some awesome ones going! :08:
Good luck with your CP's and thanks for sharing some info. ;)
I thought I'd skip a day of aero-garden shots and show some tomorrow, JaNan. :waving:
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-27-2011, 11:14 AM
Here are things today: :goteam:
"Thumbelina" Zinnia...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC03008.jpg
Micro-Tom...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC03007.jpg
"Fish" heirloom hot pepper...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC03009.jpg
"Violetta" Basil...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC03004.jpg
"Marble" pepper buds today...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC03013.jpg
The plant itself is so beautiful and compact. I just love it...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC03056.jpg
Wild Woodland Alpine strawberry. I adore the little red crown in the center where the leaves are growng from...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC03042.jpg
Those are more "Amythest Beautyberry" shrub seeds sprouting around the little strawberry seedling, by the way. ;)
Won't it be neat to look back on how small things were, later when they're big and mature?! :eek:
Last but certainly not least, are my new very tiny miniscule Sundew spouts. Be sure to magnify the shot to 400%...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC03016.jpg
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-27-2011, 12:57 PM
Dang Sherry, that Hot Marble Pepper looks picture perfect!!! :goteam: Don't you love the purple lines on the stems? :)
And I see my little baby favorite is growing more leaves!
I just finished setting up AeroGarden number TWO! :woohoonaner: I had to clean it real good. The lady had it stored in the garage so it was pretty dusty. But that's all done now and the water is in and nutrients added. She gave me an unopened box of GourMet Herbs. The same one that came with my other one. It is the same model too, the AG Pro 100 with the Stainless Steel trim. I told DH that I couldn't believe it was the exact same one! So I have twins! :ha:
I am taking a break right now, because I am trying to decide what I am going to put in it. I think I am going to make another start of the Hot Marble, just to see if it comes out like the other one or if it turns out like yours. I think I will leave it in to grow also. All the stuff I took out doesn't look as good as it did when it was in the AG. In fact, most of the lettuces are wilting even though I mist them and have them covered with a Saran Wrap tent and they are under the AG overthrow lighting. :(
I have more banana seeds, but I want to see if the ones I have in # 1 are going to do anything before I try any more. I guess I need to go dig through my seed bin again! :ha: ~J
The Hollyberry Lady
03-27-2011, 01:27 PM
Very cool JaNan, that you have a 2nd system now! :08: ...and that it's identical to your other
one. :D
Thanks, about my marble plant. I had no idea it was going to be as grogeous as it is now. What a beauty...and yes I love those purple veins running up the stems. Very cool. It sure is a success in the A-G, so it's good you're growing one in there too. I can't wait for the blossoms to open up! I imagine they're purple and the fruits are purple at first too? Curious.
I was going to buy a 2nd system this weekend too but my mom talked me out if it. She's right though...I'm trying to pack and move and buying more stuff right now will just get in the way. I'm going to stick with my original plan and get a 2nd unit in the fall. Or so I believe right now. I could change my mind next week. :ha:
Yes, the strawberry seedling is taking off now. It's Spring, after all! I love how red the crown is becoming. I'm going to get some types this April that have pink blossoms, instead of white.
I've got a Jigsaw seed in my A-G as well, but still waiting. You said it's variegated JaNan, so I had to try it. ;)
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-27-2011, 02:30 PM
OK here are the twins! :ha:
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110327004.jpg
I have 6 of the 7 pods seeded. Pink Oleander (I love my red one), Echinacea, mixed Petunia, Corn flower (Bachelor Buttons), Hot Marble, and more Purple Basil. Haven't decide on the last one yet.
Oh darn, I was hoping you would get another one. But Mom's are usually right! :) And I understand your reasons! Do you have Craigslist there? You might keep an eyeball peeled there just in case you see a deal that's too good to pass up though. You could always take it over to your Mom's new apartment until you moved! :) She only has one more month (and a couple days) to go!
I took a few seed packet pictures while I had the bin out to post in the traders thread! ~J
The Hollyberry Lady
03-27-2011, 03:04 PM
Those are really nice looking units JaNan...so cool that you now have 2.
So you're going to grow flowers in your new system...or do you just mean you're germinating the seeds? Flowers grow really well in the A-G. :08:
Yeah I think it's just better for me to wait to get another one when I move. I gotta get busy with packing and I need room to organize. I'm pretty happy with the one I have for now though and also, the growing season is upon us and I know I don't need the aero-garden as much. Things thrive in my windows here. :D
We do have craig's list so I'll keep an eye out anyway. In the end I'll likely have 7 of the things! :ha: Have you noticed an increase in your power bill, JaNan? I haven't really...maybe 2 or 3 dollars.
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-27-2011, 03:36 PM
I haven't tried any flower seeds yet, so I wanted to give it a shot. I'll have to take the big ones out - oleander, echinacea, and the corn flower - they are all tall - but I think I will let them get larger than the other seeds that I have started. I have seen petunias in some of the advertisements for AG, so I think I may leave them in. I have a couple of dwarfs that I may leave in when I replace the big ones.
You are right, I have stuff coming up outside in pots and planters right now, but I am really having lots of fun with the AG.
The Hollyberry Lady
03-27-2011, 04:03 PM
Yeah, me too JaNan. ;) It's sure getting me through the cold months and cheering me up. Too much fun.
The petunias will be gorgeous! I hope my little dwarf zinnias turn out to be a great color. They're from a mix, so you never know and have to take what you get. I'll try to be happy even if they turn out orange...which they likely will. "Thumbelina" blooms quickly so I'm very excited. It's the fastest growing plant in my A-G right now. :08:
I bet your bachelor buttons seeds sprout within 2 days or less, JaNan. They come up in soil within 24 hours if they're super fresh. :eek:
So excited about our successes. That marble plant is my prize aero-garden plant to date! It's just too nice. The ones in soil haven't even set buds yet.
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-27-2011, 04:37 PM
That makes me so proud! I sure am glad you love the little Hot Marbles!
The bachelor buttons aren't fresh, that's why I wanted to start them in the AG! I thought they would have a better chance.
Oh and no, I haven't really noticed much of a difference in the electric bill. We have a large all electric home and it runs pretty high about 8 months out of 12!
Very impressive... think I'm going to get one just for germinating tougher seeds!
The Hollyberry Lady
03-27-2011, 04:58 PM
Well just look at it JaNan...you can see why it's my favorite plant! Soon it will have fruits
on it! :goteam:
Hi Bob! :waving:
So you're impressed are ya? I am too, frankly. :ha: Hydroponic growing is too cool.
Are you jealous of my sundew sprouts, Bob? http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/emo1.gif
: )
A bit jealous sure..... I'm more jealous right now of anyone who has any room to walk in their houses unlike me ( you too I'd bet) with all the plants inside..... :ha:
It'll be interesting to see just how fast those Sundews grow. I really know nothing about them and just started reading a bit about CP's after seeing your pics.
The Hollyberry Lady
03-27-2011, 05:10 PM
They grow real slow Bob...and won't mature or produce flowers for 5 years! :eek:
It's better to buy nursery plants while you're waiting on your seedlings to grow. This way you can enjoy a carnivorous plant right away. For instance like if you ordered some...and put us seed growers to shame! http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/emo2.gif
: )
Thanks.... at my age I think I'll stick with nursery grown!:ha:
The Hollyberry Lady
03-27-2011, 05:35 PM
Yes Bob I keep forgetting you're a relic! :ha:
JaNan I couldn't stand it and now I've just sown a bachelor buttons seed in the pod with the
basil! :ha:
They grew amazingly last year in my windows so I can only imagine in the A-G! I bet they'll be stunning. My seeds are fresh so it'll be interesting to see how long it takes to germinate. It's from a mix so it could turn out to be any color at all...including purple!
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-27-2011, 05:44 PM
They start out creamy white, yellow, purple, orange, and red! Here are some of my old pictures:
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=36419&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=36419)
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=36058&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=36058)
~J
The Hollyberry Lady
03-27-2011, 05:54 PM
Those are just so darn cute JaNan! :goteam:
I hope I get tons of fruits on my plant. I'm feeding it well so it should have a few. It's also only still young yet. The fruits are so pretty but I hear they're surprisingly hot. This is cool because I intend on eating mine.
In a way I wish I had kept the "little blue" hot pepper in the aero-garden too. It's such a beauty. It's in soil now and has buds!!!
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-27-2011, 06:06 PM
I know they are! I am sure you will get tons of fruit on yours! I will be anxiously waiting on your pictures!
Your "Little Blue" has buds already too? WoW! :woohoonaner: I must not have noticed in the last picture you posted, so I will have to check the pictures out again.
My Grandmother used to have bachelor buttons in all shades. I always thought they were so pretty! I think I have an assorted seed pack in my bin, but the blue ones were on top! :)
The Hollyberry Lady
03-27-2011, 06:18 PM
Here it is in the pot, JaNan. You can see the buds...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC02964.jpg
I have bachelor buttons in a mix of all colors and I have seeds for the blue type, although I think blue is in the mix too. The blue ones are just gorgeous!
Oh don't worry. You know when fruits appear on the marble plant, I'll be posting shots galore. :2738:
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-27-2011, 06:26 PM
Yes, I can see them. That is such a beautiful plant! What color are the blossoms and the peppers?
The Hollyberry Lady
03-27-2011, 06:32 PM
If I remember correctly, the blossoms are purple. The fruits start out purple and keep getting a darker and darker purple, until they turn red. The fruits are small and roundish and super hot! The leaves get darker all season too and the whole plant has a dark purple/blue hue to it.
I can easily share seeds with you JaNan. I know you'll just love it. The more sun it gets, the more purple it becomes.
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-27-2011, 06:56 PM
Is it full size - 2 foot to 3 foot? That is what I consider full size anyway. I guess those 6 foot ones would be giants! :ha:
The Hollyberry Lady
03-27-2011, 08:08 PM
Nope JaNan, it only gets 8" tall and it spreads 6-8"!!! :goteam:
It's truly a unique and wonderful variety! I'll be sure you get some seeds. ;) I knew you'd like it. It was new in 2008 and I've loved it since.
Can't wait for that bachelor buttons seed to pop. I might grow it in there with the basil. What the heck. I can grow the basil in a pot so I'm not too worried about it. I'd rather see pretty flowers. :D
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-27-2011, 09:22 PM
Oh WoW! I like it even MORE now! :goteam: Yes, I would love some seeds of this one for sure!
I think I might get brave and join the AG site! I'm feeling bold tonight!
The Hollyberry Lady
03-27-2011, 09:36 PM
Oh I'm so glad you will. I wanted to ask you again but didn't want to seem pushy. They're so nice there and they'll enjoy seeing your stuff. I've already made a few friends there and arranged a few trades for April. It's a great site...plus you can see what others are doing. I just posted there today. It'd be nice to see you join my thread there too...
Yup, I knew once you found out it only grows 8", you'd love it. It's ideal for containers but also performs well in the garden too. The plants are just adorable and the peppers are even cuter. You'll see. Now I want it back in the aero-garden!!! Maybe I'll see if I can arrange it...
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-28-2011, 11:39 AM
Ok here's the "Little Blue" hot pepper back in my aero-garden! :ha:
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC03073.jpg
I really should never have taken it out. It's got buds on it so we'll see fruits soon...
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-28-2011, 11:49 AM
How did you do it Sherry? Just rinse it off and split the sponge or what? I may want to do that with a couple of mine.
It sure is a pretty one!
~J
The Hollyberry Lady
03-28-2011, 12:03 PM
That's right JaNan...I just cut the sponge and wrapped it around the roots! It was perked right up this morning.
The "little blue" was only out of the system a little over a week but I regret taking it out at all. It's too nice and the lights will make it more and more purple. It also the same size as the marble plant so they look cute in the same system.
Which plants are you going to transfer into your unit, JaNan?
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-28-2011, 12:21 PM
Well I hate to admit this, but almost all of the little babies are gone that I took out of my AG. I used 1/2 MiracleGrow and peat 1/2 perlite, so no soil. Covered and misted twice daily. Also used SuperThrive. They didn't (thrive that is). I have been looking around the AG site, and noticed one lady has 14 units. WOW! That is the most I have noticed so far.
And I like your pictures - I can see details. When they are reduced you can't see nearly as much detail.
The Hollyberry Lady
03-28-2011, 12:30 PM
I like them big too but this one lady on the A-G site complained they were too big and took too long for her to load. I should cater to the majority though, not just one person. I hate small tiny pictures...they suck! :ha:
So yeah, I'm wondering, did you kill the seedlings with too much of a good thing...fertilizer? :eek:
When they're young, they shouldn't be given too much, or many different ones at the same time. The soil was part miracle grow soil...is this correct? Plus the superthrive...might have been too much for them?
What actually happened to them...did they dry up and turn brown? So sorry for you JaNan, but I'd like to figure out what happened so we could prevent it from happening again. I was able to get my plants going really well from the aero-garden and then into soil, but I just gave them plain water for a week until they made the transition.
Let me know how they deteriorated and then finally died...this might indicate what actually happened to them.
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-28-2011, 12:48 PM
Yeah I definitely wouldn't cater to one person. That one might just be a complainer and crabs about anything. Also, may be a tad bit jealous of your success! Just a thought. If it takes her too long to load she can just skip your threads and let the rest of us enjoy your pictures!!!!
No, it was MiracleGrow Spagnum Peat Moss (from Canada I might add - that was posted on the bag :ha:) - no soil at all. I only watered deeply twice - using the finger in the mix method) The rest of the time just misted. The lettuce was first and just started wilting. They all kind of looked like the Wicked Witch of the West when Dorothy threw the water on her - in slow motion. The only thing I still have alive that I took out of the AG is the mint and purple basil.
The Hollyberry Lady
03-28-2011, 04:46 PM
When I took my stuff out of the A-G, I kept it covered for a week until it made the transition. Your stuff was covered though, wasn't it?
Hey, did your sister end up getting an A-G unit? What's she growing in hers?
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-28-2011, 05:38 PM
This shot shows a tiny "Amythest Beautyberry" shrub seedling emerging with my strawberry...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC03083.jpg
This pic shows the back of the Genovese basil. It's getting huge again, even after all my harvesting...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC03084.jpg
Here's the back of the Violetta...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC03077.jpg
: )
Oh don't worry. You know when fruits appear on the marble plant, I'll be posting shots galore. :2738:
: )
Shocking!:ha:
Jananas Bananas
03-29-2011, 09:22 PM
Bob you need to play catch up! :ha:
Sherry that back shot of the Violetta is really neat looking!
My sister hasn't found one yet.
Here are some shots from AG #2:
Already sprouts on the Purple Basil!
Purple Basil
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110329113.jpg
Marble Pepper
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110329027.jpg
Petunia
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110329024.jpg
Echinacea
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110329023.jpg
Pink Oleander
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110329022.jpg
Blue Bachelor Button
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110329020.jpg
AG # 1 new sprouts on the papaya seeds! :woohoonaner:
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110329029.jpg
Banana and Pepper seeds
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110329114.jpg
Banana and Pepper seeds
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n580/JaNan16/20110329117.jpg
~JaNan
The Hollyberry Lady
03-30-2011, 08:29 PM
This Bob, coming from someone who posts 3 shots per season! :ha:
Looking good, JaNan. :08:
You gotta label the seeds though because I like knowing what they are. I see you're not so anal about your labelling here! :ha: LoL.
I gotta go but thought I'd log on and check things out for a bit. ;)
: )
stevelau1911
03-30-2011, 10:59 PM
Just wondering, what's the advantage of an aero-garden as opposed to a regular seedling tray?
I've been able to germinate even some of the harder stuff like pitcher plants and bamboo seedlings in my trays with ease.
Do they grow faster in an aero-garden?
Here's a picture of results from a regular seed tray for hot peppers.
Right side is Bhut Jolokia, and the left side is Cayenne which was planted a few days later. They are only about 1 week old.
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/stevelau1911/DSC04177.jpg?t=1301543846
The Hollyberry Lady
03-31-2011, 02:18 PM
Steve...
I can sprout seeds in soil with ease also, but there's something about the aero-garden environment that is superior. It must be because the sponges containing the seeds, are partly submerged in water, so the constant supply of moisture never fluctuates, as it does in soil. Plus there are plastic lid covers, that prevent moisture from escaping.
Coupled with the steady moisture, is the warmth too...a huge factor in the seeds germinating so quickly and reliably. The system offers way more warmth than a heat mat does.
I've been sprouting seeds for years in soil and have had excellent success with even some of the toughest, but the aero-garden has impressed me like nothing else has. It's truly a seed's dream come true!
In the aero-garden environment too, you don't have to worry about soil bugs and damping off bacteria...it's just totally ideal. However, you do still have to keep things clean, as this could cause problems if not. I think they suggest the basin be scoured with bleach before starting a new garden cycle.
Here was the Marble hot pepper yesterday and as you can see, there's a blossom that looks like it will open soon...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC03115.jpg
More shots soon...
: )
stevelau1911
03-31-2011, 02:49 PM
cool, sounds like it can be useful if you need to germinate things quickly, especially seeds that take a while.
Jananas Bananas
03-31-2011, 03:13 PM
Sherrry, post comparison pictures of the Marble peppers in the soil and the one still in the AeroGarden that were born at the same time. If anything is convincing that surely would be!
I edited the pictures below so you know what they are! :ha:
~JaNan
The Hollyberry Lady
03-31-2011, 03:15 PM
An excellent idea JaNan! :goteam:
I'll be back in awhile...
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-31-2011, 05:31 PM
Ok here are the Marble hot pepper plants in my south window, just now setting buds but barely. They were raised in the aero-garden but then taken out later...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC03134.jpg
They're nice but much taller and more spindly looking. The one in the back is not a marble plant though...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC03135.jpg
The one in my aero garden in much more dense and full...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC03116.jpg
Here's the one bud today, that's about to open...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC03127.jpg
Strawberry...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC03131.jpg
Genovese Basil is getting huge after all my harvesting...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC03132.jpg
Micro-Tom...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC03126.jpg
: )
The Hollyberry Lady
03-31-2011, 05:41 PM
Woops I forgot these ones too! :eek:
Violetta Basil...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC03120.jpg
"Thumbelina" Zinnia...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC03122.jpg
Here's the "Little Blue" hot pepper plant, growing nicely again and developing lots of buds. As the new leaves age, they will become more 'blue'...
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/hollyberrylady08/2nd%20album/DSC03125.jpg
: )
stevelau1911
03-31-2011, 05:42 PM
Wow, there is a difference. I guess if you have rare plants that you want to propogate, you might be able to use something like this. I guess I might think about it the next time I need to grow something fast.
Jananas Bananas
03-31-2011, 05:48 PM
Steve I need to add also - I have put "old" seeds (over two years old) in the AeroGarden and have had successful germination. The same seeds in seed starter soil have not done anything.
~JaNan
Jananas Bananas
03-31-2011, 06:16 PM
Sherry, everything looks sooooooo GREAT!!!!!
The Marble Pepper in the AG looks like it is several plants instead of just one! And a blossom to boot! And loaded with BUDS. You didn't prune it or anything either. The Little Blue looks great too!!!
I am trying to get some shots of my old seeds right now that are popping. It has taken them longer than fresh, but they are DOING something! :woohoonaner:
~J
The Hollyberry Lady
03-31-2011, 06:30 PM
Nope, no pruning of the Marble pepper plant at all.
Here's a little trick I learned about growing pepper plants under lights...
When you keep the lights nice and close and don't raise them, the pepper plant tends to grow wider and way more bushy, instead of tall and spindly, reaching & stretching for the lights.
I haven't raised my aero-garden lights since I bought the system and started it up! Some people would likely tell me to raise them higher, and I will soon, but now is not the time. I know when plants don't like the closeness of the lights, but this marble plant is loving it, and so is my tall Genovese Basil. ;)
Thanks so much JaNan, for your post and compliments. I am shocked myself at how great things look in there! It's amazing. The strawberry plant is developing a root system but once it really gets going, it will grow quite quickly.
Too cool that I'll be harvesting hot peppers, basil, strawberries, and cherry tomatoes out of my system in a very short time!!! :08: Not to mention, looking a colorful flowers!
Oh by the way JaNan, in the picture of the zinnia...at the base you can see a small little pepper seedling that's come up. It's a ZigZag!!! :goteam:
: )
Jananas Bananas
03-31-2011, 06:50 PM
Do you mean "Jigsaw"? I don't know of a ZigZag, is it something we have talked about?
Hey, is that a teeny little yellow blossom on your MicroTom? Sure looks like it! :woohoonaner: ~J
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