PRODUCT: Microgarden
TESTED: Winter 2009
OVERALL SCORE: 89%
ZACHARY’S SCORE: 75%

FEEDBACK

Was the system easy to set up and install?
The system was initially very annoying when trying to shove the drip lines in but other than that it was a breeze. After the first few drip lines, I got the hang of it, but my fingers were hating me afterwards.

Do you think the operating instructions are clear for all levels of grower?
Yes. This was my first attempt at a drip system, and it was very easy to understand.

What growth media did you use?
I used the soilless mix provided mixed with perlite at a 3:2 soil-less to perlite ratio.

What plants did you grow in the system?
Cleomes.

How often were they dripped/flooded?
I started them once a day, and was able to work with that through the whole cycle.

Did you use natural light or artificial?
Artificial. A Hortilux Blue 400 watt MH bulb for a one week vegetative cycle, and switched to a Hortilux 600 watt HPS for flowering.

Were the growth rates satisfactory?
Yes, the system seemed to perform on par to my usual ebb and flow design. I think if I had added more perlite I could have watered twice a day, and achieved faster growth rates. But I wanted to try the once a day drip.

Did the system become overcrowded?
I did end up taking 2 of the 8 pots out after vegetative growth. I found that 6 plants in this small footprint was plenty cozy. I wouldn’t say over crowded but without pruning I could see things getting bunchy.

Was it an easy system to maintain? pH, nutrient changes, etc?
I completely flushed the soil-less mix before mixing into pots, and I think this made it a lot easier to maintain uniform pH. I changed the reservoir after the first week, due to curiosity, but everything seemed to run fairly effortlessly. I really only checked the pH every other day, and it was usually the same.

SUMMARY

Any tweaks you would suggest to the design?
Always add some form of aeration! I don’t know why so many companies are still selling units without aeration kits.

How was the harvest?
The flowers were beautiful!

Would you use it to grow again?
Sure. I think it is perfect to create a uniform canopy of any smaller crop. It makes a great display for flowers in a window.

Did you use the supplied nutrients with the system? If so, what did you think?
No, I didn’t want to throw too many new variables into the picture, so I stuck with my Dutch Master Gold. I used them at 1/4 strength in the first week, and 50% strength all the way through.

What do you think the ideal application is for this system?
Flowers, or small herb gardens. I think chives and rosemary would be great in this setup all year long.

ZACHARY RATES THE MICROGARDEN: 75% (”Only because of such a simple design, and no aeration kit.”)

For additional grow reports on this product, click here.