AeroGarden Space Saver 6 with Gourmet Herb Seed Kit
Overflowing with vibrant flowers or fresh garden greens, the space-saving AeroGarden 6 offers all the amazing benefits of year-round growing in 30% less space than the classic version. Limited warranty. Model 901013-1200.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Love this!
My husband gave me one of these for Christmas. It’s easy to use, fairly compact, and produces great results. I’m going to buy another so I can grow tomatoes and peppers. My only complaint is that the basil grows too quickly for me to keep up with it.
4 Stars The AeroGarden ROCKS!
I remember the first time I saw an AeroGarden (Classic model) - about eight months ago - and I thought “How cool!” Then I saw the price. I couldn’t believe how expensive they were! I walked away and did not purchase one but thought the idea was an amazing one.
Then x-mas came and I got a $50 gift card to Bed, Bath and Beyond. And, as luck would have it, I got a 20% off coupon in the mail. Suddenly, the temptation returned. I went to BBB with gift card and coupon in hand and saw that the Space Saver 6s were marked down to $130 from $150. I picked one up for $60 after all discounts, coupons and gift cards were applied and proudly walked out of the store with my new purchase. I felt $60 was a fair price, but there was no way I was going to spend $150 on that biz!
It is worth noting that many of the systems have come down in price and there are often sales on the different models both on AeroGrow’s site and in certain retail stores (Younkers, Bed, Bath and Beyond, etc.). While my model was $150 at the time, it can now be had for as low as $100 on Amazon.com. There are several different models of AeroGardens ranging in price from $70 - $200. Do your homework and find out which one is right for you.
The AeroGarden Space Saver 6 (from here forward referred to as the ‘AG SS6′) is a pretty simple little machine and sets up in about 5 mins. It’s a wonder why they cost so much, really. There’s the base, a light timer, the pod bowl itself, a small pump with an airstone attached at the end, a hood with adjustable arm and one light. The system is pretty ingenious and pretty to look at, but far overpriced, IMO. The item is made almost entirely out of plastic.
As mentioned, the system is easy to setup and maintain. Put in your seed pods, add water and nutrient tablets and within a week, you’ll see growth! I was so amazed at how fast the stuff grows. Before you know it, you’ll have herbs for harvesting, lettuce for salads or flowers for cutting, depending on what kit you choose. As of this review, I’m about 2.5 months into my herb kit and things are growing well. I don’t care for all the herbs I’m growing, but I’ve harvested several batches of basil and dill. 
The light that the AG SS6 puts off takes a little getting used to, but after a week or so, you don’t really notice it. I’d opt for the kitchen or a family room, as the lights on the AeroGarden are quite bright. Same goes for the motor. Depending on the model you get, you may notice a hum from the pump. I can hear mine from two rooms over, but I have a very small house (720SF). Again, place in a common area and try not to focus on it so much. I kind-of obsessed about mine for the first week or so, but like most ambient noise, you’ll get used to it and won’t notice it anymore.
Tips for super OCD/power users like myself:
*^_^* Join a forum. That’s where you get all the scoop on how to save $$$ with the AeroGarden. There are compatible nutrients and pods to be had for cheap, you just need to know where to look. Tips from other users about water, nutrients, problems and bargains on products are invaluable. I joined the AeroGarden Growers forum, which is not run by AeroGarden.
*^_^* Pick up the Master Gardener’s kit and grow yer own stuff! The herb kit is cool, but most people don’t like all the herbs that come with that kit. With the Master Gardener’s kit you can put your own seeds in the pods and grow whatever you want (within reason).
*^_^* Read that guide that comes with each kit. Pruning is important!
*^_^* Check AeroGarden’s outlet store on their website for deals and discounted items. Also, Bed, Bath and Beyond always has 20% off coupons, so get one there.
These things are addictive and I’ve already picked up another AeroGarden - the 3-pod version with the English Cottage flower kit. I’d have a house full of these things if I had the space! They are so much fun to use and neat to showoff to friends and family. They are really more of a novelty item than anything else, as the costs of maintaining one of these systems is far more expensive than what you’d pay each year for a few fresh herbs/lettuce/flowers at the grocery store. But, these systems work and work well. I bought mine for entertainment, indoor gardening and because I’m someone who likes gadgets and I’m very happy with my purchase.
One final note: These do NOT increase your monthly electric bill by much. When I was first researching AGs, I read several reviews where people complained about their electric bill going through the roof. This is not the case. At best, one AeroGarden will increase your bill about $2 a month. I actually haven’t seen mine increase at all really.
Pros:
* Good customer support, though slow due to recent boom in sales. I had one pod that didn’t do well and they sent me out a replacement pod for free.
* Novelty and fun factor are high with this item! Very usable, too. I’ve used my herbs in cooking several times.
* Very easy to setup, use and maintain. Almost idiot-proof.
* Master Gardener’s kits allow for using your own seeds and growing what you like.
* Space Saver 6 is a nice design for the kitchen and fits nicely on countertop.
* Stuff grows FAST in the AeroGarden. Results in less than a month.
* No dirt, no mess.
Cons:
* Proprietary bulbs - expensive!
* Pod kits are expensive, too!
* Overall system is expensive to purchase and can be costly to maintain.
3 Stars Be forewarned!
Instead of the actual Aerogarden Spacesaver model that I actually ordered, I received the Ultimate Kitchen Gardener model. When I called to inquire about this, I was informed that Aerogarden had assured Ace Photo that these products were interchangeable. And in fact, you can use the same replacements parts and pods as the Aerogarden SpaceSaver 6. However, there are two key differences I noted between the models. First, the SpaceSaver model has specific settings for different products - herbs, tomatoes, flowers, etc. The Kitchen Gardener does not. Second, the light cycle is much easier to reprogram on the SpaceSaver model, because there is an actual button for it. The Kitchen Gardener involves unplugging and replugging in the unit. I’m not sure if the reminder to put in nutrient tablets every two weeks gets messed up if you have to change your light cycle.
I ended up returning the unit to Ace Photo and got my SpaceSaver model through a deal at Bed Bath and Beyond. I would like to emphasize that my dealings with Ace Photo were great. They were very willing to take back the product and I had no problems with the return process. This company was misinformed by Aerogarden that the two units were identical.
Moral of the story: even if you order a Space Saver 6 model from Ace Photo, be prepared to receive an Ultimate Kitchen Gardener in its place!
3 Stars noisy
I just recieved the Ultimate Kitchen Gardener a few days ago. I am very pleased with the design- fits nicely in a small corner spot on my kitchen counter. It was super easy to put together and I was so excited when I got to the final step of the instruction booklet; “plug in your machine”.
Yowza! This little thing is so noisy and BRIGHT! I’ve been living with the constant noise for 3 days now and it’s time to put the thing in the pantry (thank goodness I have an electrical outlet in there!). If you live in an open plan house like me, you may want to consider the noise value, too. You can temporarily turn off the light when you need to, but not the pump. If your dining room is near your kitchen, the pump may be a distraction- it is for me. Now, you can program the unit to run on a 17 hour cycle convenient for you. I make sure mine is off for dinner, but my breakfast is now far from relaxing.
The included booklet suggests that the pump should not run constantly, but mine sure seems to. I think I have to call and make sure it’s actually working properly.
5 Stars Fantastic- Better than expected
UPDATE: March 25, 2009:
Started Cherry Tomato kit about 5 days ago. Saw seedlings after 2 days flat!! Now they are nice sized 1-2 inch high plants. Couldn’t believe how fast they grew.
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Main Review:
We were hoping it would work, but we couldn’t believe how well it did!
The kit comes with seed pods of dill, basil, chives, mint, oregano, and thyme.
In just one month, the dill has grown 6 inches tall, the basil has grown 4 inches tall, and the chives have grown 8 inches tall! All the herbs we have are a beautiful green and have no signs of slowing down. The mint is so huge it is spilling out of its grow pod! The basil leaves are very fragrant and are very healthy and leafy.
The system itself is very well designed. It tells you when to add water and nutrients (which it comes with.) It is very efficient at using water.
We can’t wait to try the tomatoes, and are considering buying another one of these just for tomatoes. This is a product I would definitely recommend.
