PRODUCT: Microgarden
TESTED: Winter 2009
OVERALL SCORE: 89%
JEFF’S SCORE: 90%

FEEDBACK

Was the system easy to set up and install?
Yes, everything was included and easy to locate and set up.

Do you think the operating instructions are clear for all levels of grower?
Absolutely. Anyone who can put together a cardboard box shouldn’t have any trouble.

What growth media did you use?
Rockwool. I would have used the soil-less mix, but I haven’t used that particular media before and I wanted to use something familiar so that I could see the results as they pertained to my growing style.

What plants did you grow in the system?
I’m vegging 6 cuttings of Bhut Jolokia (ghost pepper) in them as we speak. This is a difficult plant to grow, so ANY success is a great sign.

How often were they dripped/flooded?
Only once per day; they simply didn’t need more.

Did you use natural light or artificial?
Artificial. I’m using daylight T8s with heating mats on the sides of the cabinet because the ghost pepper likes high heat.

Were the growth rates satisfactory?
Yes, they were substantial.

Did the system become overcrowded?
Using only 6 cuttings, no. I’m sure 8 would have fit fine, too.

Was it an easy system to maintain? pH, nutrient changes, etc?
Very easy. The pH adjusters are quite strong and it takes very little to get the job done.

SUMMARY

Any tweaks you would suggest to the design?
This thing fits PERFECTLY into the cab I’m using. The bottom half of the cab I use for food storage and the top for growing food!

How was the harvest?
No harvest yet.

Would you use it to grow again?
Yes, I’m going to use it until the plastic breaks down and collapses! (Possibly in 100+ years!)

Did you use the supplied nutrients with the system? If so, what did you think?
The nutrients worked great. No deficiencies to speak of … but this is what I’ve come to expect from Botanicare.

What do you think the ideal application is for this system?
Probably good for spices and small food crops from start to finish. Works great for vegging out larger plants before flower phase. For a grower looking for a great micro grow system, this is probably the product to get!

JEFF RATES THE MICROGARDEN: 90%

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