Cleaning your AeroGarden regularly is essential for successful plant growth. So why is it necessary?
And what is the most effective approach to cleaning each part without causing any damage to it? In this article, we’ll answer some of these questions and others.
A plant’s roots can eventually penetrate the filter. Slime, algae, and other forms of organic waste can also accumulate and clog it. When it occurs, the water will not circulate effectively.
Even if the pump works, if algae grows on it or something blocks it on one side, it won’t work as well. Your plant’s roots will be unable to absorb as much nutrients and oxygen.
Make sure all of the plant’s roots get the water and nutrients they need by cleaning out your aerogarden and making sure the pump and filter are working. This results in plants that are both larger and healthier.
Materials Needed
- A clean towel for drying
- In the case of brown patches or extreme grime, use the little brush
- New paper towels or sponge
- Vinegar or bleach for cleaning
Steps you can use to take care of your Aeroarden
Follow these guidelines to ensure the continued proper functioning of your unit.
- Unplug the AeroGarden
Before doing anything else, turn off the power to your Aerogarden. Disconnect the reservoir from the base and from the wall.
Place the AeroGarden in the sink.
- Remove the plants
Pull up the grow deck and get the plants out. Untangle the plant roots. With time, your plants may invade the filter or the deck if you’ve been growing them indoors. Then, set the deck on a tray or other flat surface.
As you clean, you may keep the roots from drying out by setting the pods in a glass of water.
- Remove all the water from the reservoir.
Empty the reservoir into your sink. Remove any traces of residue or slime from the bowl by rinsing it well with water.
- Clean the filter
The roots of your plants will lengthen as they mature. While this is desirable, it frequently causes the filter to become clogged. This will result in less than optimal water circulation.
Get the filter and thoroughly clean it.
Check the plant’s roots if you can’t find them anywhere else. When you pull out the plants, you might also pull out the filter the roots have grown into.
To clean the filter of any plant matter, remove it and run clean water through it. Put the filter back in its slot after use.
- Make a cleaning solution out of bleach or white vinegar.
Aerogarden suggests the following two varieties of disinfectants:
- 5 cups of white vinegar, distilled OR
- A mixture of one-fourth cup of chlorine bleach and one liter of water
In the water tank, dissolve 1/4 cup of bleach. The alternative to bleach is vinegar.
Connect the power cord and let the pump run for five minutes. Use this to disinfect your aerogarden’s interior area.
- Use plenty of water to rinse it
If you want to be sure that no vinegar or bleach residue is left behind, you should rinse the parts three times.
Let the filter operate for five minutes while you fill the bowl with water. With a clean towel or rag, wipe down the entire area.
- Clean the growing deck
Use the sprayer to clean the growing deck in the sink. You can loosen and get rid of any organic material using a sponge or small brush. In order to get it completely clean, you need to keep rinsing it with water.
If you have tough stains, try using a Q-tip dipped in vinegar. Repeat the rinsing process and use a clean towel to pat dry.
- Reassemble Your AeroGarden
Reconnect the deck to the reservoir now that it is clean. After that, re-insert it into the base. You can now transplant it or store it aside until needed again.
Why is my aerogarden not working?
Your plants could die if the pump in the fertilizer reservoir fails. If this happens, it’s either because you haven’t provided enough water or it’s entirely dried up.
Inadequate humidity and light can hinder plant growth if not monitored frequently. Another risk is missing the correct moment to add nutrients and water.
It’s important to do preliminary research before deciding what plants you wish to grow. This is because certain plants can get rather large, which could present issues if you have a limited-space gardening setup.
If you wish to grow taller plants, the LED lamp’s height could be a problem. The stand’s maximum height is restricted. Those who want illumination at a greater height can add an extra auxiliary grow light to the system.
How to prevent algae growing in my aerogarden kit
Turning off the lights in your aerogarden kit is a good way of hindering algae growth. You can achieve this by putting a light shield around the plant’s stem or base. This can be as basic as a piece of cardboard or paper with a hole cut out of the center.
Maintaining a clean unit is also an important step in preventing algae growth. The time between harvests and planting is ideal for this. You can wash the water reservoir with warm water and soap.
But if there is a severe algal bloom, it is also best to use isopropyl alcohol. Remember to rinse it all out before starting your garden again.
How to get rid of mold growing in my aerogarden kit
- Cleaning the water container
With time, the water in the container becomes contaminated. The sodium, chemicals, and dirt that are present in the water supply may contaminate the container’s metal body.
The water within the container will become contaminated from the buildup over time. Put the bleach to good use and disinfect the container.
The microbes flowing through the water have an impact on its quality. Mold may grow due to the contaminated water.
As it reaches the solids, it begins to grow mold just below the surface. To maintain the aerogarden system functional, frequent maintenance is necessary.
If mold spores cover a small area, you can use a stick to get rid of them. The area has a cotton-like substance covering it. Keep mold or mildew from growing back by keeping the aerogarden clean thus grow plants that are safe to consume.
- Blow air
The wind’s ability to carry away microscopic germs is what causes mold. You can get natural ventilation by simply blowing air around your garden.
Place the fan in a convenient location to ensure adequate airflow reaches the Aerogarden. If the plant’s roots have already reached the soil, maintain a moderate airflow. The fungi will disappear on their own soon.
- Decrease the level of humidity
Only in damp conditions can mold flourish. Mold needs humidity in the air to grow; thus, this is a crucial ingredient.
Mold will perish in high temperatures. Mold will leave if the room’s humidity drops below 50%.
They can’t survive without a constant supply of water and humidity. Mold decomposes when the humidity level drops, causing the water droplets to evaporate.
Removing mold from an aerogarden in this way is an efficient method. Not only does it restore the aerogarden’s mold-free status without harming the plant, but it also has no negative effects.
- Use the cotton ball
Soak the cotton ball in the oil to remove the fungus and wipe it off. The oily material will create a sticky surface. The only way to keep the fungi from reappearing in the garden is to eradicate them.
Why Aerogarden maintenance?
The aerogarden makes growing your own fresh plants and herbs indoors a breeze. However, while the plants grow mostly independently of human intervention, a minimal level of care is still needed.
The cleaning time is well worth it, taking only about half an hour. You may cultivate fresh herbs right in your home, and the results will be healthy and nutritious.
