Accessories...what do I need

[buzz_lightyear]

So I just got an AG7 w/gourmet kit + 1 packet of seeds from HD.

Do I need some sort of PH meter or PH strip? Foam growing inserts for batch 2, extra bulbs, tablets, nutrients, etc...

I am new to this whole growing process in general. No dirt growing experience either.

[shane arthur]

A freshwater PH test kit from the aquarium section of walmart is plenty, a meter isnt required.

You can go with aerofall sponges (found on amazon.com) or park seed bio dome refills (park seed company), ive used them both many times. i favor the refills over the sponges but its just my personal preference.

as for nutrients, i use GH products flora series liquid nutrients (general hydroponics) i mix up a batch and just top off as needed. i bought a one gallon water bottle from walmart. that way i can have a watering vessel handy with the nutrients already in there.

recycle the domes and baskets, save the label if you can. it keeps out light.

OR

buy a "master gardener kit for ag7". i do not care for their basket design at all but some use them. it comes with baskets,nutrients, peat pods and labels.

[bab43]

LOL - You changed threads so we're forgetting that you wanted to take the seeds out of your herb kit and replace them with Thai basil seeds. 

Most people coming to the forum with their own seeds want to keep their herb kit intact and so would follow the route that Shane described.  You can do that or still go with your original plan of replacing the kit seeds and using the nutrients that came with the kit.  These nutrients look after the pH balancing but it doesn't hurt to check it now and then in case your water is different from the norm.

Since you have a Classic, you would want a backup pump, a replacement filter pack and at least one extra set of bulbs.  You can find all of those on "http://www.aerogardenstore.com/promotion/index.php?promoName=catalog&pageName=accessories".

[Melissa in Michigan]

Hello, Everyone!   

I wanted to share something that isn't necessarily an AeroGarden accessory, but I find it very useful in maintaining a nice clean environment around your gardens.

I recently purchased a tiny hand-held Shark brand vacuum cleaner, that has come so incredibly handy in my "garden room"!  It is a model Euro-Pro X, EP033TN, is INCREDIBLY powerful, weighs less than 3 pounds, and is just under $20!   

I think this is a definite "must have" for AeroGardeners!   

[buzz_lightyear]

I like the vacuum idea. I haven't cleaned the area around my AG  I don't have a regular vacuum, just a Roomba.

[Melissa in Michigan]

Hey, Everyone!  I hope you're having a really nice day!   

I was wondering something!  Yesterday, I had to empty out my VeggiePro, as the air pump was clogged...     It wasn't the air stone, but the little weight within the unit was stuck in the "closed" position...     The VeggiePro is my first experience with an air pump.  I like it... but, I think I am partial to the Pro 200 unit!   

Anyways, I had purchased a better air stone than the one that AG provides, and wanted to replace it with that, and now I am thinking about something else that I wanted to see if anyone has tried?  Shane, I know that you have experience with aquariums, so maybe you have tried this.  I was thinking of getting one of those little right-angle splitters, and attaching a longer air stone to cover more of the bowl of the AG.  The way it is now, the way that it came, with the little round air stone, the bubbles just come right up to the surface.

Any comments, anyone?  Your input would be greatly appreciated!   

[shane arthur]

In theory it would work, I just wonder if the air pump is strong enough for one of those long air stone bars. the air stones are low cost, worth a shot if your willing to experiment.


The major problem i had with the water pump models was cleaning the buildup inside the drip tubes. I couldnt find the correct tool for the job, so some of my pods would barely drip after a few plantings. that and the dang contacts 

[Melissa in Michigan]

I am going to get a few different kinds of air stones, and do some experimenting!  I will let you know how it goes!   

[shane arthur]

Try one of those bar type or the flexible one walmart carries.. If the pump is strong enough for them, then the plants should react favorably.