Growing fresh tomatoes and herbs the hydroponic way

[pz]

For the past 6 or 7 years we've been growing herbs (mainly 7 different kinds of basil) and tomatoes indoors during winter using an Aerogarden

Our babies have just hatched, and we'll have tomatoes some time this winter, and fresh basil for our pizzas by Christmas

[bbqchef]

I've used an AeroGarden without much success...

Now I have LED grow lamps.

[sliding_billy]

Can't wait to see the results.

[pz]

It's been 10 days since the last photo, so here are a few update photos.  Everything has germinated now.  When I posted the first pic in this thread, only they (tomatoes) had germinated enough to be seen.  We're planted 4 Aerogardens, which will keep us in fresh ingredients for much of the bad weather ahead.
All different basil species - we use these for fresh basil on our pizzas all winter.  The good thing is that it grows like a weed, and we carefully harvest so it keeps on growing

Cilantro, chives, parsley, dill, and a couple different basils

These are red heirloom tomatoes

Here are the same tomatoes seen in the first post of this thread - now 10 days older.

[Wingman]

Pz, I envy those who can have vine-ripened tomatoes in midwinter.  One of my favorite sandwiches is fresh from the garden sliced cucumber and tomato on mayo slathered bread with a little S&P.  It is so simple and so dripping good.  Can't wait to see the progress.

I have a neighbor that grows plants indoors too.  He doesn't cook with them though; I think he makes rope or something with them.

[drholly]

Pz, I envy those who can have vine-ripened tomatoes in midwinter.  One of my favorite sandwiches is fresh from the garden sliced cucumber and tomato on mayo slathered bread with a little S&P.  It is so simple and so dripping good.  Can't wait to see the progress.

I have a neighbor that grows plants indoors too.  He doesn't cook with them though; I think he makes rope or something with them.

 

[pz]

Here's the four-week mark for out babies

... and my sweetie just received her new Aerogarden Ultra in the mail today
This unit uses LED instead of the typical grow lights, and has a digital control unit.  The company claims that there are 10o improvements over prior units.  We'll soon see if it pans out as the company claims

These are the LED grow lights

[CDN Smoker]

So you have 4 units?

What is the hydro consumption?

[pz]

5 units now with the addition of the new one.  We use a Brita water filter container and fill once every two weeks or so, but as the plants grow and become bushy, the consumption increases proportionally.  Large tomato plants can consume a pitcher of water every few days or so.

[pz]

We just finished setting up the new LED unit, and I must say that I'm impressed with the improvements they made to their product.  The pump is now quiet again, like it was a couple of models ago, and the LED lights seem to put out as much if not more than the old fluorescents.
The pods are in place, and the LCD screen prompts you through all the steps necessary to get the garden going

The LEDs are interesting - different colors - I had not expected that, but it makes perfect sense if you take wavelength into account

All ready to go!

[Pam Gould]

I am in Ohio and have fresh herbs all winter..well some of them, I have sage, parsley, and thyme all winter..go figure for the parsley. I just knock the snow off them and use them. I really like your aero garden tho. Have to check into it. Nice pics. I have a huge East window in my living room. Not sure I need it, but maybe it helps.  Pam .☆´¯`•.¸¸. ི♥ྀ

[smokendevo]

Wow very nice. I priced those things out a few years ago and it was crazy what they wanted, way over 250 bucks. Thought about it but sadly I said no. Tomatoes are not worth that much to me 

[pz]

The LED units are still pricey because they are new technology, however the classic 7 spot units are down to $139.

I set the unit to come on at 5am which is when I go down to make coffee.  It was cool - when I went into the kitchen the unit was on and I didn't even need to turn on the kitchen lights.  The light is pleasing to my eye - maybe because it is a grow light; don't really know.  We've a classic in our bedroom that also comes on at 5am - it's my "alarm clock" that wakes me with the light, and without the obnoxious noise of a standard clock 

You wouldn't need the window for light, Pam, but it sure wouldn't hurt it any!