June 2025 Farm Report
- garysjordan
- May 31
- 10 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Rev A 2025-06-01 08:10 - Raised Sprouts 1 through 3 by 0.5 inches to adjust water level (which was too high). Noted Patio Fire and Ice Peppers in Katemcy have germinated overnight. Found "missing" light covers, rolled eyes.
Rev B 2025-06-02 11:20 - The Tomato, World's Smallest (Tomberry). (planted 2025-05-01) Seeds from Seed Therapy [2025-05-05 germinated] Now over 11" tall has exceeded a Sprout's height capacity, so I have exchanged it for the Salad Greens, seed pod from AeroGarden planted 2025-05-01 from Teresa. Pictures are updated.
Rev C 2025-06-03 06:35 - Both plants in Crusie (the Harvest Elite) are flowering.
Rev D 2025-06-03 18:45 - Added a discussion of seed pods at the end.
Rev E 2025-06-05 16:35 - I added 5 square pods to Alice containing the newest seeds, Rainbow Lunchbox Peppers from Survival Garden Seeds. That made me order additional square pod covers from SimplyAquaponics at Etsy.
I have eight AeroGarden Sprouts,
I have four AeroGarden Harvests named Harvey, Harvey Too, Seble, and Teresa.
I have one stainless Harvest Elite. named Crusie.
I have three 12-pod iDOOs named Lillian, Liam, Justice, and one in dry lay-up. Only Liam is planted as of June 1.
I have three 12-pod Lykos named Cecile, Alice, Faith, and one in dry lay-up. Only Faith is planted as of June 1.
I have two cute little 3-pod units named Cutie Patootie and Shirley.
I have one narrow-mouth one-quart amber mason jar named Katemcy.
I have one wide-mouth one-quart amber Mason jar named Vidalia.
I have one wide-mouth one-pint clear Mason jar named Darla with a sweater.
I have an assortment of clear and amber mason jars in dry lay-up with irrelevant names.
There are six Click & Grow Smart Garden-3s in dry lay-up. They will be renamed if returned to service.
2025-04-24 update
What follows is the planting 'schedule'. If a numbered position is not shown, it is empty and covered.
Working from Left to Right
Main Unit First/Top Shelf
Sprout 1
1 Orange Hat Tomato. Seeds from SeedsofMindsGarden (planted 2025-05-01) germinated 2025-05-24
2 Salad Greens, seed pod from AeroGarden [Planted 2025-05-15]
3 Salad Greens, seed pod from AeroGarden (planted 2025-05-01)
Sprout 2
1 Salad Greens, seed pod from AeroGarden (planted 2025-05-01)
2 Salad Greens, seed pod from AeroGarden [Planted 2025-05-15]
3 Orange Hat Tomato. Seeds from SeedsofMindsGarden (planted 2025-05-01)
Sprout 3
1 Orange Hat Tomato. Seeds from SeedsofMindsGarden (planted 2025-05-01)
2 Salad Greens, seed pod from AeroGarden [Planted 2025-05-16]
3 Salad Greens, seed pod from AeroGarden (planted 2025-05-01)
Sprout 4
1 Tiny Tim Dwarf Tomato. Seeds from ZuluSeeds (planted 2025-05-01) [2025-05-05 germinated]
3 Salad Greens, seed pod from AeroGarden (planted 2025-05-01) [2025-05-08 germinated]
Sprout 5
1 Salad Greens, seed pod from AeroGarden (planted 2025-05-01) [2025-05-05 germinated]
3 Tiny Tim Dwarf Tomato. Seeds from ZuluSeeds (planted 2025-05-01) [2025-05-08 germinated]
Sprout 6
1 Salad Greens, seed pod from AeroGarden planted 2025-05-01
3 Salad Greens, seed pod from AeroGarden (planted 2025-05-01) [2025-05-05 germinated]
Main Unit Second Shelf
Harvey (Harvest 1)
3 Orange Hat Tomato. Seeds from SeedsofMindsGarden planted 2025-05-01
5 Salad Greens, seed pod from AeroGarden [Planted 2025-05-16] Germinated 2025-05-28
6 Salad Greens, seed pod from AeroGarden planted 2025-05-01
Harvey Too (Harvest 2)
1 Tiny Tim Dwarf Tomato. Seeds from ZuluSeeds planted 2025-05-01 [2025-05-05 germinated]
6 Patio Fire and Ice Peppers. Seeds from Pepper Joe's planted 2025-05-30
- A Tiny Tim Dwarf Tomato planted in hole 6, Seeds from ZuluSeeds, died without germinating.
Sprout 7
3 Salad Greens, seed pod from AeroGarden [2025-05-16 planted]
1 Tomato, World's Smallest (Tomberry). Seeds from Seed Therapy (planted 2025-05-01)
Sprout 8 (acquired 2025-05-07)
1 Lettuce. Seeds from Sereniseed planted 2025-05-08 [2025-05-08 germinated]
3 Lettuce. Seeds from Sereniseed planted 2025-05-08 [2025-05-12 germinated]
Note the special seed pods. The pods in 1 & 3 have light covers that allow the plant to grow through. The pod in 2 has a completely light blocking cover.
Crusie (Harvest Elite)
1 Orange Hat Tomato. Seeds from SeedsofMindsGarden planted 2025-05-01 [2025-05-05 germinated]
6 Tiny Tim Dwarf Tomato. Seeds from ZuluSeeds planted 2025-05-01 [2025-05-05 germinated]
Seble (Harvest 3)
2 Tomato, World's Smallest (Tomberry). Seeds from Seed Therapy planted 2025-05-01 [2025-05-05 germinated]
5 Tomato, World's Smallest (Tomberry). Seeds from Seed Therapy planted 2025-05-01 [2025-05-05 germinated]
Teresa (Harvest 4)
1 Tomato, World's Smallest (Tomberry). (planted 2025-05-01) Seeds from Seed Therapy [2025-05-05 germinated] Now over 11" tall.
6 Tomato, World's Smallest (Tomberry). Seeds from Seed Therapy planted 2025-05-01 [2025-05-05 germinated]
5 Greenhouse Level Indicator from VINTORKY via Amazon
Second Unit Top Shelf
Shirley [Cute Little 3-pod Unit 1 (Changshou through Walmart)] (planted 2025-05-10)
1 Patio Fire and Ice Peppers. Seeds from Pepper Joe's GERMINATED 2025-05-22
Cutey Patootie (Cute Little 3-pod Unit 2 (Changshou through Walmart)) (planted 2025-05-01)
1 Lettuce. Seeds from Sereniseed [2025-05-05 germinated]
Faith (Lyko 3)
1 Orange Hat Tomato. Seeds from SeedsofMindsGarden planted 2025-05-01 [2025-05-12 germinated]
2 Orange Hat Tomato. Seeds from SeedsofMindsGarden planted 2025-05-01 and still not germinated.
3 Rainbow Lunchbox Peppers from SURVIVAL GARDEN SEEDS planted 2025-06-05.
4 Rainbow Lunchbox Peppers from SURVIVAL GARDEN SEEDS planted 2025-06-05.
8 Rainbow Lunchbox Peppers from SURVIVAL GARDEN SEEDS planted 2025-06-05.
9 Orange Hat Tomato. Seeds from SeedsofMindsGarden planted 2025-05-01 and still not germinated.
11 Rainbow Lunchbox Peppers from SURVIVAL GARDEN SEEDS planted 2025-06-05.
12 Rainbow Lunchbox Peppers from SURVIVAL GARDEN SEEDS planted 2025-06-05.
Third Unit Top Shelf
Katemcy (narrow-mouth amber Mason jar) (planted 2025-05-20 [Germinated 2025-06-01]
Patio Fire and Ice Peppers. Seeds from Pepper Joe's
Vidalia (wide-mouth amber Mason jar) (planted 2025-05-25
Shown is a green onion replanter in the wide-mouth jar with nine green onions. Also visible below are two varieties of single onion or scallion replanters. These are used in Liam.
Darla (wide-mouth clear Mason jar) (planted 2025-05-28
Shown is another green onion replanter in the wide-mouth jar with seven green onions. To block light and inhibit algae growth, Darla is wearing a "sweater."
Liam (iDOO 12-pod Unit 1)
2 Patio Fire and Ice Peppers. Seeds from Pepper Joe's planted 2025-05-01
3 Green Onion, leftovers replanted 2025-05-20
4 Green Onion, leftovers replanted 2025-05-20
7 Green Onion, leftovers replanted 2025-05-20
8 Green Onion, leftovers replanted 2025-05-20
9 Patio Fire and Ice Peppers. Seeds from Pepper Joe's planted 2025-05-01
11 Patio Fire and Ice Peppers. Seeds from Pepper Joe's planted 2025-05-01
12 Green Onion, leftovers replanted 2025-05-20
Second Unit Bottom Shelf
Ranch Five (Smart Garden 3)
1 Yellow Sweet Pepper. Seeds from Amazon
2025-05-03 - The peppers ripened and were harvested.
The Smart Garden 3 was emptied, cleaned,
disassembled, and stowed.
Useful Videos
Etsy Hydroponics
QYO 12 Pod Hydroponic Grow System | Unboxing and Assembly | EverCrest
Lyko 12 pod indoor herb garden with grow light hydroponic system usage instructions
Avoid These AeroGarden Rookie Mistakes – Essential Tips for New Users!
Green Thumb Starter Kit: 5 Easy Plants for AeroGarden Beginners! | The Indoor Gardener
Hydroponic Rematch: Click & Grow 3 vs. AeroGarden Sprout – Who Reigns Supreme?
39 Dwarf Cherry Tomato Varieties for Small Space Gardening
A Few Useful Notes
In many of the proffered videos, the originator will point out that light + fertilizer + water -> green slime or white algae. Usually, the simplest remedy is to cover any place that light can reach water. AeroGarden seed pods come with a paper covering with a small hole to minimize exposure. Such covers are also sold separately or bundled with other parts, like baskets and sponges. Another alternative is a plastic barrier. Its advantage is that it can be installed or removed without adhesives. I linked to an example.
Looking at the first picture above, you will note the twelve AeroGarden Aerovoir reservoirs behind the seven Sprouts and five Harvests. If you are more attentive to water levels than I've managed to be, reservoirs aren't necessary. Also, if you examine some older posts, you'd find the reservoir side-by-side with its garden, instead of behind it. I find the current arrangement more esthetically pleasing. It makes access to the plants easier. Also, I can walk behind the shelving where access to the reservoirs is much easier, too. I filled them all up today, 2025-04-03 14:30:00.
I did more research before the May 1 planting than any previous planting. Because the Sprouts only rise to 10" (ten inches) and Harvests only rise to 12" (twelve inches) of room between lights and plant deck, I read articles about tiny plants. It isn't enough that it says "Dwarf" on the seed packet. Dwarf just means it will only grow to 36" or so. "Micro" or "patio" are words to live by. Of all the seeds listed in my planting schedule, none grow taller than a foot, and those get planted in my modified taller units. iDOOs only have 11.2" and Lykos have 19". The cute little units have 12.5". Micro plants are the way to go.
Happy World Naked Gardening Day, May 3, 2025. I gardened naked in the plant room, if only for a brief period and with a robe readily available. The basement is often chilly.
2025-05-05. Germination. Sprouts. little two-leafed shoots rising beneath their domes. The surprising thing to me is that five shoot I observed are from a tomato plant of some variety! I'd expect all those AeroGarden Salad Greens seed pods to be faster and firster, but only two were. The lettuce seeds from Sereniseed are the only other non-tomato sprouting.
2025-05-07. I purchased Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Tomato Plant Food. It may have been a mistake. It appears I misread the description - it seems to be something you dissolve in water and spray on your tomatoes outdoors. We'll see what we see.
2025-05-07. I also purchased EZ-GRO 4-18-38 Hydroponic Nutrients for Tomatoes, Peppers & Leafy Greens. This will supplement the regular liquid plant food.
2025-05-08. I finally succumbed to the suggestion that AeroGarden makes the best watering jug.
My modified taller units mentioned above are two Harvests with height extenders, giving them five extra inches. (17") I had another, but used it too close to a heater, and it melted.
I planted my remaining free range AeroGarden Salad Greens Seed Pods in Sprouts 1 & 2. Free range means in this case that they were not carefully stored nor in the original packaging. Any seeds might have been bounced out. Half of the seed pods from that group have not germinated 15 days after planting. I'll give these a week, then begin systematic replacement with other salad greens still in their original packaging. Alternately, I have an unopened box of Mixed Romaine Seed Pods.
2025-05-16 AeroGarden Seed Pod Inventory
AeroGarden Seed Pod Kits all contain pre-assembled seed pods with domes and 1 three-ounce (88mL) bottle of Miracle Gro Liquid Plant Food 4-3-6 with measuring cup.
Eight Gourmet Herb Seed 3-Pod Kit containing Genovese Basil, Curley Parsley, and Dill. The seeds are in the sponges, the sponges are in the baskets, and the covers are on the baskets as shown. Each seed pod comes with a dome. (One kit opened, liquid food removed.)
One Gourmet Herb Seed 6-Pod Kit containing Banquet Curly Parsley, Genovese Basil, German Winter Thyme, Peppermint Mint, Superdukat Dill, and Thai Basil. The seeds are in the sponges, the sponges are in the baskets, and the covers are on the baskets as shown. Each seed pod comes with a dome.
Two Salad Greens Seed 9-Pod Kit with Red, Green, Romaine and Butter Leaf Lettuce. The seeds are in the sponges, the sponges are in the baskets, and the covers are on the baskets as shown. Each seed pod comes with a dome. 20% Lettuce, Galactic, 20% Lettuce, Red Sails, 20% Lettuce, Marvel of the 4 Seasons, 20% Lettuce, Romaine Parris Island, 20% Lettuce, Dear Tongue
One Mixed Romain 6-Pod Kit containing 6 Romaine Lettuce. The seeds are in the sponges, the sponges are in the baskets, and the covers are on the baskets as shown. Each seed pod comes with a dome.
Other Seeds
Pepper Joe's Patio Fire and Ice Pepper Seeds – Pack of 10+ Mild Hot Chili Seeds – USA Grown – Ornamental Pepper Seeds for Planting. Comes in a brown envelope, for planting in seed pods provided by user.
Snack Mix Patio Pepper Seeds for Planting - 1 Packet with Instructions to Plant and Grow Rainbow Lunchbox Peppers in Your Vegetable Garden - Non-GMO Heirloom Variety - Survival Garden Seeds
Received from Amazon 2025-06-03
Leafy Greens seeds.
Lettuce. Seeds from Sereniseed
These lettuces might be superior to AeroGarden's seeds.
Seed Pods
The gardens I have chosen use three distinct and mostly incompatible seed pod designs, namely the round AeroGarden compatible seed pods, the square iDOO/QYO/Lyko compatible seed pods, and the Click & Grow seed buckets.
Round
The so-called "compatibility" of these pods is one of those "grain-of-salt" issues. The width varies very slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer, plus some baskets have "wings" that make the basket ride higher in the hole.
The basket shown at left is an IDOO short basket. The sponge sticks all the way through a hole at the bottom.
The kit at right shows everything. Baskets, sponges, domes, and light-blocking labels. Some vendors sell what you see here plus seeds, ergo "some assembly required."
Typically, AeroGarden sells kits with all the parts shown and the seeds in the sponges and the labels affixed atop the baskets. Insert the pre-assembled pod in a hole in the grow deck of your hydroponic unit, pop on a dome, and grow something. I like to use a vendor on Etsy, https://www.etsy.com/shop/GH3DLabs , for an adapt=a-pod basket.
The iris cap takes the place of a label or the round light cover shown at left.
Square
The original iDOO hydroponic units appear to have used square baskets and then switched to round for AeroGarden compatibility. Now, QYO and Lyko and a few others own the square pod market. Lyko sells kits which include the labels and seeds, but the seed pods are not preassembled. You have to put the seeds in the sponges, the sponges in the baskets, the labels or covers on the baskets, and so forth.
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