Happy
AGA Bounty
Posts: 506
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Post by Happy on Sept 19, 2018 21:21:12 GMT -5
I've used Park Seed sponges in the past and liked them. But they're out of stock until December. |
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Shawn
Administrator
Posts: 16,266 
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Post by Shawn on Sept 28, 2018 17:52:40 GMT -5
As an FYI: Park Seed has the 60-Cell Sponges back in stock. Th 60-Cell is equivalent to AG Sponge in size. |
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Shawn
Administrator
Posts: 16,266
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Post by Shawn on Oct 5, 2018 3:13:56 GMT -5
@
progenito, ever figure out anything? Have you made anything or are you still in the design phase?
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Post by serri588 on Oct 9, 2018 19:16:44 GMT -5
I haven't tried the Park sponges yet, but I doubt I'll be buying AG nutes again. I have so much that came with my machines that they will last a long time- all I use them for is for seedlings when I don't feel like measuring things out.
For most things, I use the 3 part GH nutes, and I'm very happy with them. I invested in 1 gal bottles a while back, and it feels like those too will last a long time. According to GH, as long as you keep them in a stable temp and don't let them get much light, they should last pretty much forever.
I've started working with the powdered MaxiGro for lettuce. They seem to be thriving on just that without having to balance in the second, Maxibloom part. It's MUCH cheaper than the liquid but is also more unstable PH-wise. I use empty soda bottles to mix the powder and a few shakes seem to dissolve the powder quite well.
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Post by clumsythumbs on Jan 13, 2019 2:01:13 GMT -5
I was wondering if there was some kind of reference here for alternatives to the Aerogrow products used in the gardens. This forum states that it is unofficial and not supported by Aerogrow so I assume discussion of this should not be a problem. The Aerogarden line is a well-designed and convenient line of machines, but for all of the features and capabilities, if you don't have Aerogarden's proprietary plugs ("growth sponges"), nutrient solution or CFL lighting, any unit is only worth about as much as a paperweight. I'll start with the nutrient solution as an example. It contains micronutrients and a very effective pH buffer so that you don't have to mess around with pH adjustments. Has anybody personally tried to use a different nutrient solution and balanced the pH themselves? I'm going to try the standard General Hydroponics stuff. And yes I'm aware that Monsanto owns them and Aerogarden, but it's more of a proof of concept. For the plugs, has anyone tried rockwool cubes for example? They would probably fit in the incredibly narrow seed pod holders. I've had success with 3D printing caps and even some seed pod holders. I'm not sure how durable they're going to be long term, and how much of a variety of growth media I can use in them. As for the lighting, this is more of an issue with older units that still use the proprietary CFL bulbs instead of the newer LED panels. I never thought this would be an issue for new users until I picked up an old Aerogarden second hand that was using CFLs. There are third party adapters available to allow you to use your own bulbs, and a lot of people seem to be happy with them, but they're a bit tricky to find. Some handier folks have outright just removed the proprietary sockets and spliced the electrical wires to work with regular sockets. I guess the only thing left would be pumps, but they're pretty much the core of the unit and I can't see how they could be replaced as a cheaper alternative to just getting a whole other unit, or ordering the proprietary ones from Aerogrow. I just wanted to respond/query the part of your OP about AG/MiracleGro and Monsanto... I often see this statement -- that AG is somehow sullied because it is owned by Monsanto. I have researched this and Monsanto does not own AG or MiracleGro. Monsanto and Scott's (who merged with MiarcleGro back in the early 90s) have had a long standing partnership to develop and distribute Round Up. They have intensified this partnership over the years and in 2015, Scott's paid them around $300 million to be the exclusive marketer and proprietor of Round Up. Scott's/Miracle does own General Hydroponics. I know this thread is about DIY-ing your own system; which I would argue that using AG, one could learn the basics of hydro/aero-ponics and then start experimenting and designing it on their own (as this robust thread demonstrates). Sorry just my 2-cents worth. |
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Shawn
Administrator
Posts: 16,266
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Post by Shawn on Jan 13, 2019 5:05:28 GMT -5
Yes Monsanto does not own AG, Miracle-Gro or General Hydroponics. Monsanto own the following Brands. Aerogarden is under the umbrella of Miracle-Gro but does not operate with them. I have spoken to them on numerous occasions and have asked this question. I even contact Miracle Gro to inquire about AG's and they do not cross. Also MiracleGro is coming out with their own Hydro System call the Twelve which is not out in stores yet. It leans towards Leafy greens: leaf lettuce, kale, swiss chard, arugula, mustard greens, and more. Herbs: basil, mint, thyme, cilantro, parsley, sage, dill, oregano, and more. This unit will start at $299 and the dimensions will be Height: 28” Footprint: 16.5”x16.5” Here is a picture:  |
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Post by clumsythumbs on Jan 13, 2019 19:58:27 GMT -5
Wow-- that looks really gorgeous! Thanks for corroborating the info Shawn!
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Post by aerobob on Jan 15, 2019 10:33:19 GMT -5
.... Also MiracleGro is coming out with their own Hydro System call the Twelve which is not out in stores yet. It leans towards Leafy greens: leaf lettuce, kale, swiss chard, arugula, mustard greens, and more. Herbs: basil, mint, thyme, cilantro, parsley, sage, dill, oregano, and more. This unit will start at $299 and the dimensions will be Height: 28” Footprint: 16.5”x16.5” Here is a picture: Seems pretty neat - albeit pricey and too easy to replicate via diy/copies - (From the video and information on the site) it looks to be an extension of the idea of the competing Click and Grow product line. Starters are a cup of soil with seed (ala Click and Grow) or use their partner/subsidary? Bonnie's starter plants from the local big box store. The light looks fixed, and the spacing looks very generous compared to the AGs - so it wouldn't look like it could compete (productivity wise) on greens/herbs - but maybe would really shine for things that need more space (tomatoes & peppers?) and things that like to be drier (strawberries, maybe spinach?) |
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Post by kihokiho on Dec 3, 2020 12:12:31 GMT -5
I'm new to AG and to this forum. I read somewhere on here where someone used preplanted sponges from an extra kit to grow their own seed. They said they just killed the preplanted seed, but didn't say how. Would I just start the preplanted pod and then pull the seedling out once sprouted, and replace with my own seeds?
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2020 12:21:52 GMT -5
I didn't post that, but that is certainly 1 way of doing that if the roots have not taken hold. However you may get a surprise down the road if there are other seeds in there that are late to germinate.The Aerogarden seeds are glued into the pods with some kind of vegetable glue so they don;t shake loose in the box, so a late surprise is not out of the question. If fresh sponges are not available, that is certainly one way to start a project. Good question.
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Shawn
Administrator
Posts: 16,266
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Post by Shawn on Dec 3, 2020 12:43:05 GMT -5
I'm new to AG and to this forum. I read somewhere on here where someone used preplanted sponges from an extra kit to grow their own seed. They said they just killed the preplanted seed, but didn't say how. Would I just start the preplanted pod and then pull the seedling out once sprouted, and replace with my own seeds?
Welcome! I personally have never done that. But as Corinne said, it is one way to start. The only other thing I can think of is to slice the pod CAREFULLY halfway to pull out the glued seeds. Maybe even boil them to kill them off 
I honestly do not know but you can certainly grow and pull out anything that grows and then try to plant your own.
Keep us posted on what you do.
PS.. PArk Seed 60-Ce3ll Sponges or the Urban Leaf from Amazon are cheaper then AG sponges.
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Post by kihokiho on Dec 3, 2020 13:28:15 GMT -5
Thanks for your feedback Shawn &
Corrine. I'm not good at how forums work!I thought I was directing my question to the poster by the name of
Maryl Empress of Herbs...her post shows on the previous page and says" "I’ve got a bunch of old AG seed kits that I swipe cages and sponges from, and just kill the AG seed that comes up with whatever I’m planting."
Your suggestions are good though...if I I will let you know how it works.
Also thanks for the other pod suggestions. I knew of both but since I live in Canada, the cost to ship kills any savings.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2020 14:13:03 GMT -5
Thanks for your feedback Shawn & Corrine. I'm not good at how forums work!I thought I was directing my question to the poster by the name of Maryl Empress of Herbs...her post shows on the previous page and says" "I’ve got a bunch of old AG seed kits that I swipe cages and sponges from, and just kill the AG seed that comes up with whatever I’m planting." Your suggestions are good though...if I I will let you know how it works. Also thanks for the other pod suggestions. I knew of both but since I live in Canada, the cost to ship kills any savings. I miss maryL. She has not been active for quite a while. |
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Post by fldave on Dec 3, 2020 14:28:27 GMT -5
I found this in a post from MaryL dated April 25, 2019 - “I use a lot of my oldest AG kit pods as grow anything pods because the seeds are so old. I just use tweezers and try to remove what’s in there and then put in my own seed.”
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Post by kihokiho on Dec 19, 2020 10:30:31 GMT -5
Thought I'd give an update about planting my own seeds in pre-seeded pods. I took 2 pre-seeded pods and picked out all the glued seeds and planted some lettuce seeds that I had. It worked out great...I cannot take credit for this idea and I thank those who gave me the suggestion. The funny thing was I regretted using my dill pod for this, but as luck would have it, it seems I missed a seed,and I now have a pod with a small lettuce AND a dill plant! I'm just going to leave it and see what transpires. I took a pic, but I can't figure out how to post it.
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Shawn
Administrator
Posts: 16,266
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Post by Shawn on Dec 19, 2020 10:52:01 GMT -5
Thought I'd give an update about planting my own seeds in pre-seeded pods. I took 2 pre-seeded pods and picked out all the glued seeds and planted some lettuce seeds that I had. It worked out great...I cannot take credit for this idea and I thank those who gave me the suggestion. The funny thing was I regretted using my dill pod for this, but as luck would have it, it seems I missed a seed,and I now have a pod with a small lettuce AND a dill plant! I'm just going to leave it and see what transpires. I took a pic, but I can't figure out how to post it.
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Post by kihokiho on Dec 19, 2020 11:11:28 GMT -5
I will now! (thanks)
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