Sort of an April Farm Report

2026-04-04

In a post on Argh Ink, I mentioned, "there’s a company that makes knockoffs of the AeroGarden Sprout called Elevon. The Elevon Sprout. They sell for $28 ‘Mericun. I ordered two from Walmart because I’ve misplaced my mind. Just what I need – more hydroponic gardening gear. I’ll mention next week if they are worth it." Patrick M. replied, "Gary, From your photos and descriptions, there seem to be underutilized parts of the basement outside of the Owner’s Suite, so why not add a branch garden, so to speak? I suppose the constraint is the power supply, but LEDs must help keep consumption down."

I replied, "As observed, the main constraint is power supply. Not just wattage, but physical electrical outlets. I’m going to prepare a blog post that shows just how many extension cords and power strips are already in use.

"The garden corner of the basement has two outlets, one on the north wall and one under the stairs from the first floor. The north wall outlet is supplied through Breaker 6, which also supplies the three outlets in the Owner’s Suite and the five overhead lights, two of which are also ceiling fans. Breaker six also serves the microwave, toaster oven, Keurig, hotplate, and blender, any two of which trip the breaker when operated simultaneously. It also supplies a dehumidifier.

"The outlet under the stairs supplies my refrigerator, four to six gardens, and a space heater. So far, I haven’t tripped whatever breaker serves that outlet, so I don’t know which it is.

"There is an outlet in the northwest corner that serves the washing machine and a sump pump and the second dehumidifier. There is no outlet in the Southwest corner of the basement."

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Outlet 1 of 7

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Outlet 2 of 7

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Fed from Outlet 2 of 7

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Fed ultimately from outlet 2 of 7

Fed ultimately from outlet 2 of 7

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Outlet 3 of 7

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The remaining four outlets are all located in the Owner's Suite as shown on the floor plan.

Outlet 4 of 7. Located on the wall between the Owner's Suite and the Garden Room

It also powers overhead LED lights

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Outlet 5 of 7. Originally intended to supply a sump pump that eventually died, it now supplies the power strip (shown) which supplies a dehumidifier and a portable sump pump plus the 23" television/DVD player. It also supplies a light in the plumbing chase.

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Outlet 6 of 7. Supplies my Heart Monitor, alarm clock, room heater, bed lamps (rarely used), recharger for my bug zapper (Tennis racquet-looking thing), and the electrically raised and lowered bed.

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Outlet 7 of 7. Powers two power strips. They power all my appliances and more LED lights.

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It should be little wonder that operating two appliances trips breaker #6. The wonder may well be that the basement is not engulfed in flames.