The AeroGarden is a small, indoor growing system that works similarly to a hydroponics system. AeroGardens work well for starting herb seeds. As the plants grow larger, they can be removed from the AeroGarden and transplanted into containers. Leaving the plastic growing basket intact around the roots increases success with transplanting and won't affect plant growth. Attempting to remove the basket may damage the root system and kill the plant.
Moisten a well-draining soilless potting mix with water until it feels like a damp sponge. Fill planting containers that are at least 3 inches wider than the herb root mass to about two-thirds full with the damp soil.
Pull the growing baskets out of the AeroGarden carefully to prevent root damage. Cut any roots that are preventing the removal of the basket with clean scissors.
Set the plastic growing basket in the planting container with the roots spread out. Fill the remaining area of the container with soil and gently pack it around the roots.
Place the growing containers in a sunny, protected area outside or sunny south-facing window inside.
Water the plants daily for the first two or three days after transplanting to keep the soil wet and similar to the AeroGarden environment.
Monitor the moisture level in the growing container several times a week to prevent the soil from drying out after the first three days of constant watering. Water the plants when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, or the herbs will wilt and become stressed.
Things You Will Need
- Soilless potting mix
- Planting containers
- Use containers that have bottom drainage holes or drill three to four 1/4-inch-diameter holes in the bottom of the containers before adding soil.
- Transplant one plant at a time from the AeroGarden to limit root damage.
- Transplant AeroGarden herbs into an outside garden bed after they have become adapted to the container and have developed stronger root systems and stems.
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