Apartment Therapy Unplugged

AeroGarden

A garden appliance? That is what AeroGarden claims it is, that is, an appliance that lets you grow a garden in your kitchen. It's a virtual earth-in-a-box with a green thumb computer to help you out. We think you would have to try pretty hard to kill something, as it comes with a bunch of foolproof features. Aerogarden has built-in sunlight and a computerized system that tells you when to feed it, as well as settings for the type of plant.

The plants grow in water, rather than dirt, using "NASA-tested" aeroponic technology. They claim things will grow five times faster, but you're tied to their seedpod kits. That means you're limited to growing what they offer, but perhaps there is a way to hack your own pod.

We're curious if it would work to grow some herbs and fresh veggies in the winter. Anyone a fan?

Available here for $149.95.

Comments (4)

A little expensive: how many pounds of tomatoes could you get for $149? It is very attractive when the plants are mature, but less so in the early stages. I'll take the clay pot, bag of dirt, and window sill for my herbs.

posted by Francesca on March 27th 2007 at 2:50pm
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That's some bad Photoshopping there.

posted by Anne in Chicago on March 27th 2007 at 3:57pm
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I saw this about a year ago, where someone posted a detailed log of using one of these and it looked interesting. They had some success with it. I have been tempted, if I wasn't tied into buying their seed pods. I'd love to know if there is a DIY pod maker or if it's possible to re-use with my own seeds.

posted by ap on March 27th 2007 at 6:18pm
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My friend has one and loves it. She claims to cut the herbs often and they just keep growing and growing. I don't think she uses it as much as I would so I will have to find out for myself. I'm really want to get one but it's low on the list of priorities right now. The thing I like about it most is the light, so I can put it anywhere in my dark condo, unlike potted herbs which would only survive in my living room.

I think $149 is totally reasonable. I think I would save money those times when I just need a little bit of chives/thyme/mint/etc and have to buy (then throw away) a whole bunch from the store.

posted by jenniejen on March 28th 2007 at 11:04am
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