Happy
AGA Bounty
Posts: 506
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Post by Happy on Jul 21, 2018 14:17:57 GMT -5
Edit: I like the Harvest now. See my updates below.
I've owned no fewer than 21 (I'm not kidding) Classic 7s over the years, and was always happy with them.
Here are my reactions to my new "Premium Platinum" Harvest:
1. I was expecting it to be similar in size to my Classic 7s. But I failed to check the dimensions before I ordered.
It's much, much smaller.
(When I saw it, I felt like "Spinal Tap" when they got the wrong sized Stonehenge for their set:
)
Well, it IS a whole lot smaller than the Classic 7s.
2. Accordingly, the grow deck is too small -- the pods are too close together. I don't want to need to use spacers to grow lettuce!
But it's nice for getting my broader plants started. Then I transfer the pods to a larger AG.
3. The "Premium Platinum" finish is a dull gray. Not pretty.
While I was initially disappointed in the finish, it's not too bad.
4. The grow deck is black, which will just make the water even warmer.
And it shows all of the dried nutes. I'd prefer a white deck.
5. From what I understand, the pump only works for minutes out of each hour? If that's the case, then there's less opportunity for the roots to get more oxygen?
6. It certainly is easier to handle than the larger bowls when it's time for a dump-and-refill.
7. As Mary pointed out, the finish on the white Harvests is shiny. Very attractive.
It's not defective, so I can't honestly return it.
Maybe it really is better than the Classic 7?
Your thoughts?
PS. Thanks for letting me rant.
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Shawn
Administrator
Posts: 16,232 
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Post by Shawn on Jul 21, 2018 14:59:22 GMT -5
Happy, You can express your opinions. I know some here own or have owned the Classics and like them better or equal. Not every machine is for every person and I guess that is why they have so many models.
I do not own the Classics but have several Harvests and I personally like them. I grow herbs and flowers in mine. I may have to move the plants around from time to time but it works well for me. All my unit are black. I do not have colors but the black goes with where they are all placed.
As for the pump, yes the Harvest runs 5 minutes per hour. Mary recently posted about AG recommending that other machines only run for 5 minutes per hour as well. Look for her post here on page 1. And like the other machines the water can get hot especially if the light is lower. Add ice cubes to cool it down. I will add them for my herbs and it helps the from bolting.
I have not grown lettuce in the Harvest only the Sprout and now the Ultra. I can see where it may be crowded. As I said for me I like it for my herbs.
I am sorry you are unhappy with it. I would email them and let them know. They take all suggestions and make note of them and maybe can incorporate into future models or updated units.
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Happy
AGA Bounty
Posts: 506
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Post by Happy on Jul 21, 2018 15:18:37 GMT -5
Thanks, Shawn, for your kind words.
I'm glad that you're happy with your Harvests.
1. May I ask what herbs you grow and how you cook/prepare them in your meals?
2. Also, do you have the Bounty model? Are you happy with it?
3. You grew lettuce in your Sprouts! Did you find that there was adequate room for 3 pods of lettuce?
Regards,
Your friendly AG addict.
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Shawn
Administrator
Posts: 16,232
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Post by Shawn on Jul 21, 2018 15:38:09 GMT -5
Happy, To answer each of your questions ...
I grow several types of Basil, Oregano, Thyme, Cilantro, Parsley and Rosemary (there may be others I am not thinking of). I grow a ton of Thyme around Thanksgiving and as I pluck it I place it in a container I keep in the freezer. I use it in my stuffing, on my turkey and in different meals. As for Basils, I use them in my sauce, italian meals and in salads. I always have basil growing as I use it a lot. I also harvest and place them in containers that are label and keep them in the freezer. Easy all year access and I have plenty that I do not have to trim my plants bald and wait to grow more. Same for the Oregano, mostly in sauces a lot of my dishes and in salads. Again I freeze them I actually Freeze ALL my herbs that I harvest for future use. It is better then dried and when it hits whatever I am cooking it is just like fresh. Now if I need basil leaves on top of pizza or a lasagna then I use fresh off the plant. Rosemary I grow and just freeze. I use this on my Rosemary Potatoes.
I use Bernardin Freezer Jars that are plastic. I also have the Ball Plastic Freezer Containers.
I have two Bounty Elites. I won one and the other I wanted the regular but they did not have any and upgraded me to the Elite. I do not have wi-fi. I love them. I grow all my peppers in them.
You grew lettuce in your Sprouts! Did you find that there was adequate room for 3 pods of lettuce?
It was tight and it was enough for one salad at a time for one. Here are two pictures of when I grew them in the Sprout. I am now growing in the Ultra. Nothing much to show yet as they are just cresting over the labels. And Welcome to world of AG Addicts  |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2018 19:58:46 GMT -5
I found the Harvest to be ideal for herbs and those who want a small space machine for small projects, the 2 tom kit being the largest I was ever able to grow in them. I liken it to the small space Sprout. Both for Herb Growing.
I have had several Harvests and gave them away to those who wanted to explore what AG-ing was all about. Now I have just 1 'sink-side' Sprout for the basil.
My favorite machine is the SS6 LED, and I only wish it had a taller height.I have NEVER had trouble with any of my SS6 lights and they grow great projects even when they were CFL.
As for Classics, I have had many and I loved the CFL Classics. I never had them fail before warranty was up..just wore them into the ground with constant year round use..But then out came the LED Bounty, Ultra and Extra and the growing was much faster! BUT...the LED's fail after a while. I guess you could say I prefer the old CFL hoods, but opt for the current tall 7 and 9 pod machines with all the unnecessary bells and whistles..ONLY because the LED grows faster, even though they are short lived.
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