Miracle-Gro AeroGarden 6 - User Manual

Add
Nutrients
Replace
Bulbs
™
For more details on planting, growing and
harvesting your AeroGarden, please turn the page
➠
Insert Lamp Arm
into Base
1
Welcome to the world of indoor gardening!
The AeroGarden 6 is one of the most advanced countertop gardens in the
world, and it’s also really easy to use. In fact, the AeroGarden 6 is ready to
grow in less than five minutes with just five easy steps that anyone can do!
This handy Quick Setup Guide shows you how to get started and provides
all you need to know about the AeroGarden 6, and also offers tending
and harvesting tips for your new garden.
™
Quick Setup Guide
Simple Steps to Get Your AeroGarden Up and Growing (No tools required)
Start Here!
Keep This Guide!
Lamp Arm
(back view)
Push Grow Lights straight into
sockets in Lamp Hood
For optimal growth, replace Grow Lights every 6 months.
DO NOT
TWIST
LIGHTS!
Install Grow Lights
2
Lamp Hood
(bottom view)
Lamp
Hood
Push Lamp Arm straight
down until you hear a
“click.”
Plug Lamp Cord
into Lamp Hood
3
Push Lamp Cord
firmly into socket
in Lamp Hood
Lamp
Cord
Power Cord
Set Bowl into
Base
CONGRATULATIONS!
Your garden is ready to grow.
It really is that easy!
5
(front view)
Check to be sure that Bowl
is securely seated on
Air Coupling in Base.
Place Lamp Hood
on Lamp Arm
4
Center hands over Lamp Arm
and push Lamp Hood down
until you hear a “click.”
…click
Air
Coupling
5 Easy Steps
To Get Your AeroGarden Ready to Plant
Place Your Garden...
• On a sturdy, water-tolerant surface
(metal surfaces may cause noise due to vibration)
• Under a space that allows 22" (56cm) clearance
for the full height of raised lamp
• Near a standard electrical outlet, per local regulations
• In a 65-75°F (16-23°C) environment (optimal)
• Away from reach of children or pets
• Away from direct sources of heat
(e.g., stove, furnace vents) or cold
(e.g., window drafts, A/C vents)
• AeroGardens do not need additional light or a sunny
window. In fact, too much direct sunlight can
overheat your plants
• For optimal tending & harvesting, also consider
placement with easy access to un-softened water
Add
Nutrients
Replace
Bulbs
(back view)
Date Code:
AeroGarden 6 Model #: 100602-BLK
Electrical rating: 120V~60Hz, 1A
Add
Nutrients
Replace
Bulbs
Advanced
Features
Vegetables
Flowers
Herbs
Salad
Greens
™
Lamp Hood (front view)
Lamp Arm
(front view)
Grow Lights (2)
Model #100340
Seed Kit
Included in Package
} Order replacement Grow Lights, extra Seed Kits and Accessories at www.AeroGarden.com
Bowl & Base Assembly
(front view)
Add
Nutrients
Replace
Bulbs
™
Base
(back view)
click
Base
(front view)
Bowl
(front view)
Lamp Arm
Lamp Hood
(front view)
When using this AeroGarden electrical furnishing, basic precautions should always be followed, including the following:
Read all instructions before using this AeroGarden furnishing.
1. To reduce the risk of electric shock, the AeroGarden has a specific plug. Do not change the plug in any way.
DANGER – to reduce risk of electric shock:
2. Always unplug the AeroGarden from electrical outlet before cleaning or changing Grow Lights (light bulbs).
WARNING – to reduce risk of burns, fire, electric shock, or injury to persons:
3. Unplug AeroGarden from outlet before putting on or taking off parts.
4. Close supervision is necessary when an AeroGarden is used by or near children, invalids, or disabled persons.
5. Use AeroGarden only for its intended use as described in the instructions. Do not use attachments not recommended by manufacturer.
6. Never operate AeroGarden if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working properly, if it has been dropped and damaged, or if it has been dropped in water.
If any of these conditions occur/exist, contact www.AeroGardenSupport.com or your country’s local distributor for instructions.
7. Keep cord away from heated surfaces.
8. Never operate furnishing with air openings blocked. Keep air openings free of lint, hair, and the like.
9. Never drop or insert any object into any electrical openings.
10. Do not use outdoors.
11. Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxygen is being administered.
12. Do not touch moving parts or hot parts such as pumps, bulbs, reflective surfaces, and the like.
13. To disconnect, remove plug from outlet.
14. Do not place or submerse base, cord, plug, or lamp hood in water or other liquid to clean it.
15. Do not allow water to contact hot light bulbs.
16. Use only approved and supplied parts and accessories. Use only AeroGarden brand Grow Lights with this AeroGarden model. Use of any other kind of accessory is not
recommended. Replacement parts can be ordered from www.AeroGarden.com
17. Do not use AeroGarden for other than intended purpose.
18. This product is intended for household and residential use only. This product is not approved for commercial applications.
19. If supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by manufacturer, its service agent, or similarly qualified technician in order to avoid a hazard.
20. Electrical wiring must be in accordance with local regulations.
21. This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge,
unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of appliance by a person responsible for their safety.
22. Children should be supervised to ensure they do not play with the appliance.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Note: Do not place beneath
under-cabinet lights.
AG6QSG_8.31.indd 1 8/31/13 12:55 PM

Summary

Quick Setup Guide

5 Easy Steps to Get Your AeroGarden Ready

Follow five simple steps to prepare your AeroGarden for planting.

Important Safety Instructions

Essential safety precautions for using your AeroGarden to prevent hazards.

Included in Package

Lists all components included in the AeroGarden package for setup.

Garden Placement Recommendations

Advice on optimal location and environmental conditions for your AeroGarden.

Planting Your AeroGarden

Step-by-Step Planting Process

Detailed instructions for adding water, pods, nutrients, and bio-domes.

Control Panel Operations

Guide to understanding and using the AeroGarden control panel settings.

Personalizing Light Timer

Instructions on how to customize the lighting schedule for your garden.

Gardening Tips for Maximum Harvests

Pruning Techniques

Guidance on pruning plants for optimal growth and yield.

Lighting Considerations

Advice on using the AeroGarden lights for healthy plant development.

Water and Nutrient Management

Tips on water quality, levels, and nutrient application for plant health.

Harvesting Advice

Guidance on when and how to harvest your grown plants.

Important Safety Precautions

Critical warnings regarding electrical shock and water submersion.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Setup and Planting
4. Garden Placement
5. Adding Water and Nutrients
6. Planting Seed Pods
7. Control Panel Settings
8. Personalizing Light Timer
9. Planting and Tending Tips
10. Seed Pods
11. Pruning
12. Lights
13. Water
14. Nutrients
15. Germination
16. Harvesting
17. Maintenance Features
18. Cleaning
19. Grow Light Replacement
20. Troubleshooting
21. Safety Instructions

The AeroGarden 6 is an advanced countertop garden designed for indoor gardening, making it easy for anyone to grow plants at home. This Quick Setup Guide provides all the necessary information to get started, including planting, growing, and harvesting tips.

Function Description:

The AeroGarden 6 is an indoor gardening system that allows users to grow plants without soil. It utilizes a hydroponic system where plants are grown in water enriched with nutrients, and a built-in LED grow light system provides the necessary light spectrum for optimal plant growth. The device is designed to be user-friendly, with a simple setup process that can be completed in less than five minutes. It includes a lamp arm and hood assembly, a bowl and base assembly, and two grow lights. The system also comes with a Gourmet Herb Seed Kit to help users get started immediately.

Usage Features:

Setup and Planting:

1. Insert Lamp Arm into Base: The lamp arm is pushed straight down into the base until a "click" is heard, securing it in place.
2. Install Grow Lights: The two grow lights are pushed straight into the sockets in the lamp hood. It is important not to twist the lights. For optimal growth, grow lights should be replaced every 6 months.
3. Plug Lamp Cord into Lamp Hood: The lamp cord is firmly pushed into the socket in the lamp hood.
4. Place Lamp Hood on Lamp Arm: The lamp hood is centered over the lamp arm and pushed down until a "click" is heard.
5. Set Bowl into Base: The bowl is securely seated on the air coupling in the base.

Garden Placement:

The AeroGarden 6 should be placed on a sturdy, water-tolerant surface. Metal surfaces may cause noise due to vibration. It requires a space that allows 22 inches (56 cm) clearance for the full height of the raised lamp. It should be near a standard electrical outlet, per local regulations, and in an environment with an optimal temperature range of 65-75°F (16-23°C). It should be kept away from the reach of children or pets, and away from direct sources of heat (e.g., stove, furnace vents) or cold (e.g., window drafts, A/C vents). AeroGardens do not need additional light or a sunny window; in fact, too much direct sunlight can overheat the plants. For optimal tending and harvesting, placement with easy access to un-softened water is recommended.

Adding Water and Nutrients:

The AeroGarden 6 features a "Water Level Indicator" that shows when water needs to be added. The indicator floats on the water surface and drops as the water level decreases. When the indicator drops to the "Add Water" line, water should be added. The system also has an "Add Nutrients" indicator that reminds users when to add liquid nutrients. The nutrients are added directly into the bowl. The "Add Nutrients" indicator will turn off automatically after nutrients are added.

Planting Seed Pods:

The "Grow Pod Labels" help identify plant height to assist with placement. Taller plants should be placed in the back and front center openings, while shorter plants go in the side openings. Seed kits for tomatoes and peppers often include plant spacers to ensure proper spacing and light distribution. It is important not to remove labels from grow pods. The labels prevent algae growth and help identify the plant type.

Control Panel Settings:

The AeroGarden 6 features a control panel with various settings and indicators:

• Select Button: Used to reach the type of plants being grown (herbs, flowers, tomatoes, or peppers). Pressing the button cycles through the options. Once the desired plant type is selected, the AeroGarden will automatically program the grow lights to turn on and off at pre-programmed intervals according to the plant's specific needs.
• Reset Button: Used to reset the "Add Nutrients" and "Replace Grow Lights" indicators.
• Grow Light Timer and Dimming: The grow lights turn on and off automatically. The "Light Cycles" table provides information on the duration of light for different plant types. The lights can be dimmed by holding down the "Select" button for three seconds.
• "Add Nutrients" Indicator: This indicator blinks every two weeks, reminding users to add liquid nutrients. After adding nutrients, the "Reset" button should be pressed to turn off the blinking light.
• "Replace Grow Lights" Indicator: This indicator blinks every 6 months, reminding users to replace the grow lights. After replacing, the "Reset" button should be pressed to turn off the blinking light.
• "On/Off" Button: This button manually turns the grow lights on or off. Holding it down for three seconds will put the AeroGarden into "Vacation Mode," which keeps the lights on for 10 hours a day. Holding it down again for three seconds will return it to normal operation.

Personalizing Light Timer:

The AeroGarden 6 allows users to personalize when the grow lights turn on. The lights are programmed to turn on at the same time every day. To change the "on" time, the user needs to unplug the AeroGarden, wait 10 seconds, and then plug it back in at the desired "on" time. The lights will then turn on and off according to this new schedule.

Planting and Tending Tips:

Seed Pods:

• Ensure seed pods are fresh and stored in a cool, dark place.
• Place seed pods in the AeroGarden with enough space for growth.
• Use plant spacers for larger plants like tomatoes and peppers.
• Do not remove labels from grow pods.

Pruning:

• Prune plants regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent them from growing into the lights.
• Remove yellowing or dead leaves.
• Harvest frequently to encourage new growth.

Lights:

• Ensure grow lights are clean and free of debris.
• Replace grow lights every 6 months for optimal growth.
• Adjust the lamp height as plants grow to maintain a consistent distance between the lights and the plant canopy.

Water:

• Use fresh, unsoftened water.
• Maintain the water level between the "Fill to Here" and "Add Water" lines.
• Change the water every 2-3 weeks for optimal plant health.

Nutrients:

• Add liquid nutrients every two weeks.
• Follow the recommended dosage for the specific plant type.
• Do not over-fertilize, as this can harm plants.

Germination:

• Most seeds germinate in 7-24 days.
• Maintain optimal temperature (65-75°F) for best germination.
• Some seeds may take longer to germinate; patience is key.

Harvesting:

• Harvest frequently to encourage continuous growth.
• Harvest outer leaves first, allowing inner leaves to continue growing.
• For herbs, harvest about one-third of the plant at a time.
• For fruiting plants, harvest when fruits are ripe.

Maintenance Features:

Cleaning:

The AeroGarden 6 should be unplugged from the electrical outlet before cleaning. The base, cord, plug, and lamp hood should not be submerged in water or other liquids. The grow lights should be cleaned regularly to ensure maximum light output.

Grow Light Replacement:

Grow lights should be replaced every 6 months for optimal plant growth. Replacement grow lights can be ordered from the AeroGarden website.

Troubleshooting:

The manual provides guidance for common issues, such as plants growing too tall, yellowing leaves, or slow growth. It emphasizes the importance of proper pruning, nutrient dosage, and light management.

Safety Instructions:

• Always read all instructions before using the AeroGarden.
• Do not modify the plug.
• Unplug the AeroGarden before cleaning or changing grow lights.
• Close supervision is necessary when used by or near children.
• Use only approved and supplied parts and accessories.
• Do not operate if the cord or plug is damaged.
• Keep the cord away from heated surfaces.
• Do not block air openings.
• Do not use outdoors.
• Do not operate where aerosol products are used or oxygen is administered.
• Do not touch moving parts or hot parts.
• Do not place or submerge the base, cord, plug, or lamp hood in water.
• Do not allow water to contact hot light bulbs.
• This product is intended for household and residential use only.
• If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer or a qualified technician.
• Electrical wiring must be in accordance with local regulations.
• This appliance is not intended for use by persons with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities unless supervised.
• Children should be supervised to ensure they do not play with the appliance.

The AeroGarden 6 is designed to provide a simple and effective way to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce year-round, making indoor gardening accessible to everyone.

Miracle-Gro AeroGarden 6 Specifications

General

Model	AeroGarden 6
Planting Capacity	6 plants
Light Type	LED
Weight	4.5 pounds
Water Capacity	1 gallon
Indoor/Outdoor	Indoor
Grow Height	12 inches
Light Timer	Yes
Nutrient Reminder	Yes
Power Source	Electric
Width	11 inches
Grow Light Duration	16 hours
Product Type	Hydroponic Garden
Height	15 inches