Earlier this winter I was considering starting an indoor herb garden. For various reasons I didn't, but it's something I will definitely consider next fall. Growing indoor herbs throughout the winter months extends the garden season and provides fresh herbs year around. Good standard herbs for indoor kitchen gardens include (but not limited to) basil, oregano, parsley, sage and rosemary.
Although I didn't grow any indoor herbs this winter I did spend a little time researching the subject. The biggest disadvantage of growing anything indoors, especially herbs, is light. It's hard to replace bright outdoor sunlight. A bright window seal works best for growing indoors. Unfortunately that may not be an option for some, and not a good one for me either. Another option I was looking into was indoor LED (light-emitting diode) grow lights. LED lighting seems to be quickly becoming the latest trend to indoor gardening, especially in hydroponic gardening. LED grow lights have many advantages, such as energy savings, low heat output, better light spectrum, and incredibly long life span. The biggest disadvantage, especially for me, is the expense. LED grow lights are very expensive, especially when compared to the alternative fluorescent light bulbs.
In my research I did come across something that looked promising. And that is the AeroGarden indoor garden planter. AeroGarden is a small hydroponic system that requires no dirt. The AeroGarden system claims to be the most advanced and simple indoor garden out there, bringing home hydroponics into a easy to use, "anyone can do it" device that fits just about anywhere. The cost starts at $80 and goes up from there depending on the size. This may be something to consider next winter.
I would love to hear from anyone who may be familiar with AeroGarden products; or if anybody has any experience with growing under LED lights - would love to here your comments…
5 comments:
That'd be a great thing to do in winter, where outdoor gardening is a no-no, but I don't have the patience for it. Moreover plants here do great even during winters so Nature made us lethargies!
I too have considered doing some winter herb gardening but have never been successful in the past.
I have no personal experience with the Aero Garden, but a friend of mine loves hers and uses it year round (condo dweller). I thought the price was a little steep.
Hey Chandramouli,
You must have very mild winters there. Lucky you!
Kallen,
They can be a little tricky to grow indoors. The main thing is to give them lots of light if you can.
Les,
It's nice to here of someone has had success with it. I agree with you, they are expensive. The design doesn't look that complicated so I'm not sure why the high price tag.
I am intrigued by the Aero Garden but not sure I want to be committed to the plugs they sell. Am interested to know if you can use it without their seeds/plants.
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