I started writing this post several weeks ago when I first received my AeroGarden Harvest 2.0. But, then life happened, and I honestly forgot that I even started drafting this! But, it is still new enough to talk about. And now that I have spent several weeks watching it grow, I can definitely give a full review.
As you have probably noticed by now… I am addicted to my AeroGardens! I have “a few”. HA! I was happy to be asked to test out on the new AeroGarden Harvest 2.0 that was just launched earlier this year.
There were a few major changes addressed in this model. These changes both streamline the design, and simplify usage. However, some changes came with questions. I address those below.
Check out my unboxing and setup video…
Specs:
- Grow up to 6 plants 5X faster than soil
- New features include a dark grow deck to help prevent algae growth and one-button control nutrient reminder
- 15W LED grow light for full spectrum, optimal lighting – now detachable and dimmer to be gentle on the eyes
- Up to 12″ of grow height for herbs, lettuces, tomatoes & more
- Simple, design-forward garden that integrates into any home setting
- Includes a lettuce seed packet and growing starter kit so you can start growing immediately
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My Initial Thoughts
As I unboxed my unit there were a few things that I noticed right away… things that differed from the current Harvest model.
Simplified Grow Deck – The grow deck no longer has 2 parts. There is only one piece. And yes, this means…
Simplified Pump – The pump no longer flows water to each pod. Yes, I know… this is something we all love and rave about on AeroGardens. However, if you have any other brands, you know that this configuration works just fine and plants grow well.
Black Grow Deck – This is great news for those of us that dealt with algae on our white Harvests in the past. Now, no matter which color unit you get, the grow deck is black. And, it also fits on the outside of the bowl, not the inside. So.. No more algae issues!
Completely Removal Light – This is really nice. The light is modular and comes completely off the bowl. This means it should be easy to replace. And the bowl can still be put in your dishwasher. If you choose to do this I recommend that you turn off heated dry.
Lower Wattage Light – Right away I wondered why the light is only 15w, versus the 20w on the current Harvest models. More on that below.
Lack of Buttons on the Front panel – This has also been simplified and moved to keep the bowl wash-friendly. There is now one multipurpose button on top of the light panel. There is also a light that blinks to notify you when nutrients are due. This also means if you accidentally spill water on the unit while filling there is no risk of accidentally ruining electronics in the base.
No More Removable Float – I’m betting the float getting clogged with roots was a constant point of contention with users. Now, the float is integrated into the bowl. A red float will make itself visible when it is time to add water.
No Pre-seeded pods – For this model, AeroGarden has moved to a model of including a pack of lettuce seeds along with Grow Anything pods. This means we get more seeds that can be used across different systems, or even outside. More bang for your buck. Most other brands do not come with seeds. So far, it seems to be a change that they are making only for this model.
Same Great Quality – The materials still have the same nice, strong feeling that we love in our AeroGardens. The plastic is not thin. It feels very sturdy on all parts. The light is very well made.
Seed Starter Compatible – The existing Harvest seed starter tray fits! I have not tried it yet, since I’m still growing out my lettuce, but this is great to know. I have multiple seed starter trays.
OAN… someone asked in my Facebook group, so I tried it out. The microgreens tray is not compatible as is. However, a clever person can make it work with a minor pump tube modification. The deck fits, but the tube is slightly over to the left, so the included pump tube does not line up.
I planted it up with the included Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce Seeds on Feb 14. They all made an appearance in only 4 days. Now, 6 weeks later, it is still looking good. I may harvest all of this soon and try something else in this unit.
Answers Direct from AeroGarden
After I poked around a bit, I had many questions! And it was no surprise that many of you had the same questions. I reached out to my AeroGarden contacts for some answers to the most common questions.
Q: Is this intended to be a replacement for the current Harvest? Or is this an additional product that will be nestled in the current product line-up? It seems to be a product to fall in line between the Sprout and current Harvest. Is that correct?
The intention of the Harvest 2.0 is to eventually replace the existing AeroGarden Harvest. The features in this model differ from the existing Harvest, but provide the same growing experience that AeroGarden consumers know and love.
Q: Can you provide any more details on the lower wattage more targeted lights? This one is really bothering people. Maybe some tech mumbo jumbo on how it is more efficient? 🙂
AeroGarden has been working on improving LED performance on plant growth by reducing the wattage, while improving the optics of the LED’s itself, and this model delivers on that goal. The LED diodes are now recessed into the panel and using a reflector panel to help direct the lighting onto the plants, rather than wasting energy by cascading light out into the surrounding room. In short, reducing wattage does not mean sacrificing the light quality provided to the plants, simply that our design is using energy more efficiently.
Q: Also, why the decision to eliminate flowing water to each pod? (Again, is this because of #1?) I know it works just fine on the Sprout and other brands, but people are asking. 🙂
This design change enables us to make strides in using less plastic. Rest assured that the new design delivers the same growing experience as the AeroGarden Harvest.
Q: Someone mentioned the term “Includes a Bonus Lettuce Seed Packet” kind of indicates that it comes with one and this one is an additional packet. But, it appears that it only comes with one. So, no option for folks to choose right? Do we all get the same thing?
All Harvest 2.0 units will come with (1) lettuce packet.
Q: Someone pointed out that the site also says “Domes – we’re reducing plastic while providing the same great growing experience!” – Would also love a bit of details into this decision.
We’ve found domes do not impact on germination by and large, so eliminating them provides us a good opportunity to drive sustainability through decreased use of plastics while ensuring successful, and simplified growing experiences.
Is it Worth It?
Now, of course some of us diehard AeroGardens users will disagree with some of these changes, and may be scratching our heads. But, AeroGarden is still at the top of the countertop Hydroponics food chain. And they make changes to change with the times, technology, and keep up with the constant barrage of off-brand hydroponics units being released what seems like weekly! One look at Amazon and you may get overwhelmed with the options. My advice is still to stick with known brands with proven support.
Personally, I am very much enjoying my Harvest 2.0! I have had zero issues, and my 6-week old lettuce is fantastic! It’s beautiful and delicious!
Want one? The MSRP price at launch is $89.95. And you can use code LTG15 to save 15% which brings it down to $76.46. Please shop my AeroGarden affiliate link.
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