Brown spotting and leaves dropping

Indeed it is what the AG instructions say to do.  I’ve always done it this way, just because they said to, and never had a problem (but once). However, and I don’t know if this makes the difference, I’ve never used the port to add the nutes. I’ve always lifted the deck, dropped the nutes where I can see them and immediately chased it with a big chug of fresh water.  I don’t know why that would be very different than through the port, but FWIW.

I’ve also been very lazy about doing monthly rinse and refills. More often than not I skip it. I don’t mean to, I just forget. Plus since I have to use distilled water, it’s a total pain.

So everyone has their way, I suppose.🤷‍♀️  I’ve never changed my way (the AG way) because it’s never caused much of a problem, if any.

I don't use two water because we are on well water which goes through a water softener - a big no no according to aerogarden. What you say about the small seedlings makes sense though, I will drain and refill until they get more established. Thanks.

I think Corinne’s method makes far more sense. I just had already been in the habit of doing it AG’s way when I first heard her method.  It was hard to break the habit absent a problem nudging me to do so.

I've more or less committed to doing r&r’s every time. I feel better knowing exactly how much Nutes etc are in there. 

it also gives me a chance to control roots and make sure the pump is okay. 

Then again, my tap water is good for the plants. I don’t know what I’d do if I had to source better water for them. 

I do think I’d be better about it if I could use my tap water. (I could be wrong though...excuses, excuses, lol.)

I am glad your plant is doing better.

I never tried the lavender but Corinne has.   Check her these Here