Who hasn't dreamed of having fresh tomatoes and peppers year round? Now you can - with the AeroGarden. To get you off to a good start, here is a summary of the secrets for success:
- Print a copy of the "Tending and Harvesting Guide". (If you are growing the Cherry Tomato Seed Kit, the Salsa Garden Seed Kit, or the Chili Pepper Seed Kit, click here for your Tending and Harvesting Guide. If you are growing the Mega Cherry Tomato Seed Kit or the Bell Pepper Seed kit, click here for your Tending and Harvesting Guide) Read it through, and keep it near your AeroGarden for reference.
- Tomatoes and peppers need eight hours of darkness to flower and fruit; be sure the grow lights are off at night, and that the plants are away from ambient light sources.
- The ideal temperature range for flowering and fruiting is 70-76 degrees.
- Be sure to follow the pruning instructions in the Guide! They are critical for success. And visit the other chapters here on the CS portal for lots of information about pruning.
- Tomatoes – like all fruiting and flowering plants – need a lot of light. If your grow lights have been in use for six months (or more), replace them.
- Do a rinse and refill every other feeding. This will ensure a proper nutrient balance for best plant growth and fruit production. When your plants are so big that emptying the bowl is difficult, consider using a siphon pump for emptying the water without having to move the bowl or disturb the plants.
