Been doing a bit of research on Aerogardens ever since a friend of mine got one and started posting photos on his Facebook page. Seems like a novelty more than anything else, but with the price of fresh herbs in NYC bordering on absurd, I figured it was worth a shot. Anyway, I saw a post on Twitter earlier that the Aerogarden outlet is running a special on the 3 Mini edition for $29.95 (originally $59.95, was $39.95 last week) +S&H. Unlike their daily outlet deals, this one comes with a seed kit (Mediterranean Herb - marjoram, mint and Thyme - on sale for $7.95 by itself). Only place I've been able to find info on the mini is the product page on the Aerogarden site, but it sounds a lot like the current model 3, which I haven't been able to find for less than $50 or so (Amazon has the best prices at the moment).
From their site: The AeroGarden Mini is the 1st generation of what is now our popular AeroGarden 3 model. The Mini is now discontinued but comes with our standard warranty and is fully compatible with all AeroGarden 3 seed kits, grow bulbs and accessories. The primary difference between the Mini and the AeroGarden 3 is the placement of the air hose that connects the base of the unit to the bowl. In the Mini this hose is external, while the hose in the AeroGarden 3 is built-in. We have just a few of these Minis left and have made them available at a very special price. These Mini's won't last long at this price... so act now!
They have some seed kits on sale as well, $7.95, down from $14.95 for the 3-pod kits here
If anyone was looking for one of the larger systems (I wanted one of these, but my apartment is too small), the best price I've been able to find is @ Drugstore.com - $119.99 for the Classic - 7 pod (link). Go through Bing for 25% CashBack (still active at the time of this post with sample keywords "gillette" and "mach 3," but I'm sure others work too - be sure to click the "sponsored link" on the right hand side for the 25%) and it drops to $89.99 with free shipping.
Anyway, hope this helps someone. Doesn't hold a candle to the target clearance systems from a while back, but I missed out and these are the best deals I've seen in quite a while.
The business model is loosely based on Printers/Ink. Although not as cheap as most printers for Start-up, they still get you with the seeds/kits. Guess it depends on how absurd NYC prices for herbs really are, and how expensive is the "real-estate" in your kitchen.
I just ordered the Classic 7 in silver today on Amazon today for $108
I have turkeys in the area and don't want to plant anything outside, plus winter is coming up....If you are worried about space in your apartment, buy a cheapo shelf kit from HD, target, WalMart or where ever and drill it into your wall. $20.... I plan on doing this because I have no counter space. Make sure you also pick a spot near an electrical outlet.
what's the bonus in Classic 7 for $89.99 @Drugstore.com ? Seeds ?
bauten
New Member
posted: Oct. 3, 2009 @ 9:48a
I have a Mini and a "current" AeroGarden 3 Elite. There is virtually no difference except the hose that comes out the back of the bowl. These things rock and $29 is killer price!
klapper said: what's the bonus in Classic 7 for $89.99 @Drugstore.com ? Seeds ?
I was thinking free shipping...tried adding it to my cart and it said it shipped for free, but I really don't know. Was going to email them to find out, but when I went with the mini instead, I figured it didn't matter. IMO, the real deal is the mini for $29, but I included the Drugstore piece in case someone was looking for the bigger system.
One other thing to note, the ~$50 3s at Amazon that I mentioned in the OP come with the English Garden (flowers) seed kit (the ones with the herb kit appear to be $99). Since I wanted this for herbs rather than flowers, the Amazon purchase would have required an extra seed kit purchase right away.
I was at Jcpenneys tonight, they had the 7 pod system for $99 -$40=$59 plus u could use a $15% survey coupon on it bringing the total down to $51 they also had probably 50 pod kits for $9.99 each minus 40%. They were out of something and they called another store for me so I saw these at 2 seperate stores! I asked someone they said these will be like this at all there stores due to new models coming out. This is YMMV but if ur interested in one of these is a great deal.
greekie said: I was at Jcpenneys tonight, they had the 7 pod system for $99 -$40=$59 plus u could use a $15% survey coupon on it bringing the total down to $51 they also had probably 50 pod kits for $9.99 each minus 40%. They were out of something and they called another store for me so I saw these at 2 seperate stores! I asked someone they said these will be like this at all there stores due to new models coming out. This is YMMV but if ur interested in one of these is a great deal.
Which JCP store was this?
Just wondering if it might be a regional thing....
arendskatiem
Senior Member
posted: Oct. 8, 2009 @ 12:34a
Thanks, I've been looking for a good deal on these!
Just an FYI in case anyone else got in on the mini deal in the OP, it seems like there are some delays in shipping. My status changed this morning from pending to N/A and I emailed customer service and got a pretty quick reply...
Hello FW'er,
Thank you for your email.
We do apologize for the delay in the shipping of your order.
Our records show this order is temporarily on backorder pending some rebuilding of seed pods that have been requested. We are advised further the warehouse is repacking or replacing Seed Kit nutrients that appear to be breaking down due to high-humidity and high-temperature conditions. We are not given an exact ship date but these orders are being shipped out daily.
Nutrients – The nutrients sometimes breakdown resulting in moisture on the inside of the plastic bags. When adding nutrients, please rinse out the inside of the bag in a cup of water and add that cup to your bowl of water.
Nutrients can be stored in the freezer to prevent the breakdown.
However, the cleaning of the inside of the bag stills needs to be done so all the residue will be added to the bowl of water.
Please don’t hesitate to call customer care at 1-800-476-9669 if we can provide further assistance. Our hours are: 7:00am-6:00pm, M-F, MDT.
Thank you.
Disappointed in the fact that I have to wait, but the responsive, courteous customer service was a nice surprise...
Oh geez...I bought an AG this week on Amazon. This is what the problem looks like with the nutrient tablets. It leaked over my instruction manual....It must have leaked inside of the seed pods as well since the tablet packet was inside the box holding the seed pods. Instruction manual was outside of the box. I haven't planted yet...
ninjaman said: Oh geez...I bought an AG this week on Amazon. This is what the problem looks like with the nutrient tablets. It leaked over my instruction manual....It must have leaked inside of the seed pods as well since the tablet packet was inside the box holding the seed pods. Instruction manual was outside of the box. I haven't planted yet...
You may want to try calling AG customer service - from what I've read / heard, this is a problem other people have had too and they sometimes send out new seed kits and nutrient packs to replaced the "damaged" ones. Not sure if they'd do this for a garden purchased through Amazon, but it could be worth a shot as the pods may not grow properly if they've been leaked on.
greekie said: I was at Jcpenneys tonight, they had the 7 pod system for $99 -$40=$59 plus u could use a $15% survey coupon on it bringing the total down to $51 they also had probably 50 pod kits for $9.99 each minus 40%. They were out of something and they called another store for me so I saw these at 2 seperate stores! I asked someone they said these will be like this at all there stores due to new models coming out. This is YMMV but if ur interested in one of these is a great deal.
I went to the Tigard, OR store and they had no Aerogardens of any kind in stock. None in a 50 mile radius of the store either. They had two models available per the in-store online system, but the prices are not discounted. So the JCP deal referenced is very YMMV.
Just received my Mini from AG Outlet (Fast shipping!). They included a Poultry/Seafood Seasoning six-pack, perhaps to address the leaky nutrient packet issue. Thanks OP!
exbat said: Just received my Mini from AG Outlet (Fast shipping!). They included a Poultry/Seafood Seasoning six-pack, perhaps to address the leaky nutrient packet issue. Thanks OP!
Mine just shipped yesterday. I had ordered the dressing and marinade seed kit with my garden, which was apparently one of the ones impacted by the nutrient issues. I tried to cancel the seed kit, but they said it wouldn't make a difference in the shipping time, but they finally contacted me to say that they couldn't do the kit, so they'd be shipping the garden alone. It seems as though the orders are shipping with a somewhat random included seed kit. The deal said it would ship with the Mediterranean Herbs (I didn't really like that one, which was why I ordered the other kit) but people seem to be getting others. Some are getting the Mediterranean, while others are getting the Italian / Tuscan, others are getting basil, etc. Seems like kind of a crap shoot. I was going to go pick up a new seed kit so I'd have something good immediately, but I'm thinking I should hold off to see which one I get.
I'll say this, Aerogarden's CS is really quite good as far as responsiveness and trying to make everything right.
It's easy to say that at the prices they charge, the CS better be good, but given the current climate, nothing is for granted. Quality should be recognized and appreciated.
can you grow koosh in this? just curious. i was wondering if this is some device folks are buying on the down low.
seems like alot of $$ to make a little bit of garden herbs.
PoohBah
Member
posted: Oct. 21, 2009 @ 6:38p
For those that receive "wet" nutrient packs - call AaroGrow customer service (800-476-9669) and they will send out a new seed kit.
I just did this today (after almost 3 months!) and they happily agreed to send out a kit to replace mine. My own 6 pod kit had 4 failed pods due to this issue.
rigor said: can you grow koosh in this? just curious. i was wondering if this is some device folks are buying on the down low.
seems like alot of $$ to make a little bit of garden herbs.
Believe it or not, you can (assuming koosh is what I think it is). The girl I'm dating (she who inspired my recent condom deal post) has a friend who's growing some northern lights in a 6-pod system. Apparently it's amazing.
Unrelated, but mine arrived today. Came with a 6-pod kit (soups and stews collection I believe) instead of the 3-pod Mediterranean that was supposed to be included. I didn't really like anything in the Mediterranean, so this was a nice little surprise upgrade for me as the soups and stews has parsley, dill, oregano and some other good ones.
karrun said: How do the seeds work? If I don't like what they ship, can I just use my own seeds? I really only want basil to make pesto in the winter.
You can use your own seeds, but you have to purchase a separate kit to do so. You may be able to pick the glued-in seeds out of the pods that are provided, but you'll have a tough time of it.
Basil does particularly well in Aerogardens. Ours shot up like a weed and easily provides more than we could ever use. Its growth is ridiculous compared to the other plants in ours (basil, mint, thyme, dill, chives, oregano). They have a kit that includes only pesto basil, if that's what you're after.
Anyone else's pretty noisy? Are the pumps really this loud?
PoohBah
Member
posted: Oct. 27, 2009 @ 12:02p
The pumps can be a little loud. They are simple aquarium pumps so you can hit an aquarium store and buy something quieter if you like. I have also found that the noise level can change a LOT by just moving the bubble-thingy around( wtf is it called?), or shifting the unit around. Resonating sounds might be what you are hearing, not the pump itself. The surface you set the unit can have an effect on the noise level. Experiment a little.
nukeler
Member
posted: Oct. 27, 2009 @ 12:15p
I saw these at Macys clearance for 59.99 so that might be a better deal.
Out of the two I got, one works and the other doesn't - I'll call CS tomorrow.
I just got an email from them with a promo code catalognov09 that's supposed to be good for an additional 10% off. But the code expires at midnight Monday Nov 16,
brsboarder
Member
posted: Nov. 15, 2009 @ 10:36p
how much energy do these things use? are they efficient?
AeroGarden Model Wattage Used During On Hours Cost to Run Per Month at 11¢ Per kw/hour Classic and Pro 100 (.042 kw) $2.43 Deluxe and Pro 200 62 (.062 kw) $3.59 3 and Mini 18 (.018 kw) $1.04 per month 6, 6 Elite, 6 Elite + and SpaceSaver 6 42 (.042 kw) $2.43 per month
kg429
New Member
posted: Nov. 17, 2009 @ 11:33p
People says Aerogarden 3 Mini and Aerogarden 3 are almost same except the hose is external in the Mini. How about the size? Is the Aerogarden 3 Mini smaller than the Aerogarden 3 Elite? It says the product dimension of Aerogarden 3 Mini is 14"H x 9.5"W x 11"D, and Aerogarden 3 is 20"H x 9.5"W x 11". If the height is 14", isn't it too short? Or is the Mini extend-able to 20"H?
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