Our Aerogarden Update: How our 3SL is Doing

UPDATE: Since I first wrote this post, my Aerogarden had stopped "bubbling." Upon checking the documentation, it appears that it's pretty easy for the machine to become clogged with debris and plant material.  To remedy this issue (and keep the pump from burning out), you'll want to open the lid to the water tank, and look for the round cover for the air pump. Screw the cover with the three holes off, and you'll find a little plastic part with one hold underneath.  Take a toothpick and push into the hole until you see air start coming out again.  You may have to do this once or twice every month or so -- especially if you have hard water.  If the cover with the 3 holes becomes plugged, you might want to soak it in a solution of vinegar and water overnight, and rinse thoroughly before replacing. Do NOT let it go too long without a cleaning... letting it run clogged will cause your Aerogarden to have a short lifespan.  Put a "cleaning" on your calendar, or do it every time you put in nutrients.

The winter isn't as harsh as we had thought it would be here in Nebraska -- and that's a good thing.  We're still not California, however, and so growing things indoors is our only choice for putting fresh stuff we raise ourselves on the table.

I had started the herb pods that came with my Aerogarden 3SL a couple of weeks back, and since that time, I've added a little water and nutrients 2 times.  As you can see from the photos below, my herbs are still alive!

This is kind of a big deal, since they started out like this:

They are a bit slow going, but they are putting down nice thick roots (which you can see growing in balls under the water within the Aerogarden.)  The important thing is that all of my seed pods sprouted!  I even had enough of the dill to put a few tiny sprigs on my Danish tea sandwiches earlier today:

I'm a big fan of the Aerogarden growing systems.  I am confident that I'll have as much good luck with this slimmer 3SL model than I do with my early model Aerogarden that I still use after 3 years.  As you can see from the photo of the lettuce I'm growing below, it's possible to grow seeds anywhere in your home with these.

 I have one on top of my piano, and one by my daughter's bedroom.  If you can find a stable place to plug one in, you can put an Aerogarden there!

Remember that the Aerogarden 3SL comes with everything you need to get started growing indoors right away. You just supply the electrical outlet and fresh water!  When the plants need more nutrients, the red light will come on.  The growing light will cycle on and off as needed, but if you need to turn the light off early (perhaps if you don't want it shining into a guest bedroom during the day while someone is in there napping), you can.  Shutting the light off manually once in awhile will not harm the plant.  The machine itself produces a very low humming and bubbling sound, similar to a fish tank.  I find it to be a bit soothing at this point!

Snag the Aerogarden 3SL at your Walmart store or online and get growing today!  It takes a couple of weeks to really get going, so the sooner you start, the sooner you'll have fresh goodies to put on your table!

Don't take my word for it! See other moms' experiences with their 3SL.  They share their before and after photos in these links:

• Green Your Decor
• Modern Mami
• Classy Mommy
• Well-Connected Mom
• Hoosier Homemade
• Domestic Diva
• Growing Up Blackxican
• Lynnae McCoy
• Unsophisticook

As a participant in the Walmart Moms Program, I've received samples and compensation for my time and efforts in creating this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.  Links to shopping sites may be referral links.