IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Quick Setup Guide
Simple Steps to Get Your AeroGarden Up and Growing (No tools required)
Sprout
Welcome to the world of indoor gardening!
AeroGarden Sprout LED Model numbers: 100304-BLK/WHT/RED
Electrical Rating: 120V~60Hz, 0.14A
Keep this Guide!
LED
When using this AeroGarden electrical furnishing, basic precautions should always be followed, including the following:
Read all instructions before using this AeroGarden furnishing.
1. To reduce the risk of electric shock, the AeroGarden has a specific plug.
Do not change the plug in any way.
DANGER
2. Always unplug the AeroGarden from electrical outlet before cleaning or
changing Grow Lights.
WARNING
electric shock, or injury to persons:
3. Unplug AeroGarden from outlet before putting on or taking off parts.
4. Please take proper precautions when operating an AeroGarden near or by
individuals requiring close supervision, including children.
5. Use AeroGarden only for its intended use as described in the instructions. Do
not use attachments not recommended by manufacturer.
6. Never operate AeroGarden if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not
working properly, if it has been dropped and damaged, or if it has been
dropped in water. If any of these conditions occur/exist, contact www.
AeroGardenSupport.com or your country’s local distributor for instructions.
7. Keep cord away from heated surfaces.
8. Never operate furnishing with air openings blocked. Keep air openings free
of lint, hair, and the like.
9. Never drop or insert any object into any electrical openings.
10. Do not use outdoors.
Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
—Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. —Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
—Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. —Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
– to reduce risk of electric shock:
– to reduce risk of burns, re,
11. Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where
oxygen is being administered.
12. Do not touch moving parts or hot parts such as pumps, lights, reflective
surfaces, and the like.
13. To disconnect, remove plug from outlet.
14. Do not place or submerge base, cord, plug, or Light Hood in water or other
liquid to clean it.
15. Do not allow water to contact hot Grow Lights.
16. Use only approved and supplied parts and accessories. Use only AeroGarden
Grow Lights with this AeroGarden model. Use of any other kind of accessory
is not recommended. Replacement parts can be ordered from www.
AeroGarden.com
17. Do not use AeroGarden for other than intended purpose.
18. This product is intended for household and residential use only. This product
is not approved for commercial applications.
19. If supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by manufacturer, its service
agent, or similarly qualified technician in order to avoid a hazard.
20. Electrical wiring must be in accordance with local regulations.
21. This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with
reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience
and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction
concerning use of appliance by a person responsible for their safety.
22. Children should be supervised to ensure they do not play with the appliance.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
2 Easy Steps
To Get Your AeroGarden Up and Growing
Adjust Light Hood
1
The Light Hood should be set
to the lowest position before
planting a new Seed Pod Kit.
Included in Package
Reset Nutrient Timer
When Nutrient Light is On,
Press & Hold 2 seconds
Sprout
On/O
Press & Release to Temporarily
Turn Light On/O
LED Hood & Base Seed Pod Kit
} Order replacement Seed Pod Kits and Accessories at www.aerogarden.com
Bowl & Grow Deck
Set Bowl
2
into Base
Check to be sure that Bowl
is securely seated on
Air Coupling in Base.
Air
Coupling
Reset Nutrient Timer
When Nutrient Light is On,
Press & Hold 2 seconds
On/O
Press & Release to Temporarily
Turn Light On/O
Light Post
LED Light
Hood
Light Post
Water Port Cover
Grow Deck
CONGRATULATIONS!
Your garden is ready to grow.
It really is that easy!
For more details on planting, growing and
harvesting your AeroGarden, please turn the page
➠
How to Raise and Lower
the Light Hood
To raise and lower the Light Hood, wrap one hand around the bottom
of the Light Post just above the Grow Deck. Grasp the upper part of
the Light Post with your other hand and push up to raise the Light
Hood or push down to lower
the Light Hood. The Light Post
will move up or down a notch
at a time with a little pressure,
or you can move it up or down
several notches at a time with
more pressure.
When planting a new Seed
Pod Kit, the Light Hood should
be set to the lowest possible
position. For instructions and
tips about when to raise (or
not to raise) the Light Hood,
refer to Gardening Tips (on ip
side) and/or to Seed Pod Kit
Instruction booklet included in
each seed kit.
Push up to raise
Light Hood,
push down to
lower Light Hood.
Reset Nutrient Timer
When Nutrient Light is On,
Press & Hold
2 seconds
LIGHT
Sprout
On/O
Press & Release to Temporarily
Turn Light On/O
Bowl
-
-
Note: Do not place beneath
under-cabinet lights.
Fill To Here
Add Water
View
Window
Add Nutrient
Base
- Front View -- Side View -
Place Your Garden...
• On a sturdy, water-tolerant surface
• Under a space that allows 16" (41cm) clearance
for the full height of raised Light Hood
• Near a standard electrical outlet, per local
regulations
• In a 65-76°F (16-26°C) environment (optimal)
• Away from reach of children or pets
• Away from direct sources of heat (e.g., stove,
furnace vents) or cold (e.g., window drafts, A/C vents)
• AeroGardens do not need additional light or a
sunny window. In fact, too much direct sunlight
can overheat your plants.
NEXT: Planting Your Garden
Reset Nutrient Timer
When Nutrient Light is On,
On/O
Press & Release to Temporarily
Turn Light On/O
On/O
Press & Release to Temporarily
Turn Light On/O
Reset Nutrient Timer
When Nutrient Light is On,
Reset Nutrient Timer
When Nutrient Light is On,
Record the planting date on
a calendar or in a notebook.
Control
1. Add Water
Lift up
Water Port
Cover
• Add water to Bowl to “Fill To Here” line on View Window.
• Use room temperature tap water or bottled distilled
water.
• Do not use well water which can upset the nutrient
balance, or softened water, which contains levels of
sodium often harmful to plants.
Fill with water to “Fill To Here” line
located on the View Window
(
)
2. Add Seed Pods
• Insert Seed Pods into openings in Grow Deck.
• Seed Pod Labels often identify plant height to assist
with placement. Look for height noted on Labels.
• Plants grow best and look best if medium or tall plants
are in back opening, and short plants are in front
opening (see diagram).
• Seed Pod Kits for Tomatoes and Peppers often include
both Seed Pods and Plant Spacers. Plant Spacers allow
your Tomato/Pepper plants ample room to grow.
• Do not remove Labels from Seed Pods. The labels
identify the plant type and plant height, show the
germination time, and inhibit algae growth.
Use height information on
Grow Deck
(Top view)
Seed Pod Label
Seed Pod Label to decide
where to place each
Seed Pod in Grow Deck
Back
Med
or
Tall
Med
or
Short
Short
Front
Med
or
Short
3. Add Grow Domes
• Place a Grow Dome over each Seed Pod.
• Grow Domes rest on Seed Pods and may not ‘snap’ into
place. It is not necessary for Grow Domes to cover any
Plant Spacers in your AeroGarden.
• Leave Grow Domes on the Seed Pods until plants have
sprouted and their leaves nearly touch the Domes.
• Once removed, Grow Domes may be reused/recycled.
Place
Grow Domes
On/O
Press & Release to Temporarily
Turn Light On/O
Press & Hold 2 seconds
4. Add Nutrients
• Nutrient instructions are printed on the packaging, as well as in the Seed Pod Kit
Instructions booklet. Read and follow the instructions carefully!
• Use only the recommended amount of Liquid Nutrient.
• Add nutrient directly into Bowl when rst planting your Seed Pod Kit, and when the
‘Add Nutrient’ reminder activates (every 2 weeks).
• Do not overfeed! More isn’t better. Too much nutrient may be harmful to your plants.
• Always top o water level when adding Liquid Nutrients. For best results, top o
the water level in your garden regularly.
5. Plug In Cord
• Plug in your AeroGarden. Aerator will produce air bubbles in water bowl and Grow
Light will illuminate.
• Lower Light Hood to its lowest position to give Seed Pods optimum light.
On/O
Press & Release to Temporarily
Turn Light On/O
Reset Nutrient Timer
When Nutrient Light is On,
Press & Hold 2 seconds
Seed
Pod
Removing Grow Domes
When plants sprout
through hole in Seed
Pod Labels, and are
almost touching Grow
Domes, remove domes
and reuse or recycle.
Reminder: Do not remove
Grow Domes until seeds
have sprouted.
NEVER REMOVE SEED POD LABELS
Add 5 cups
(1 Liter) water
Plant
Spacer
Insert a Seed Pod
or Plant Spacer
into every opening
in Grow Deck
♻♳
Lift up
Water Port Cover
Add nutrients directly
into Bowl
On/O
Press & Release to Temporarily
Turn Light On/O
Press & Hold 2 seconds
Read and follow Seed Pod Kit
Instructions booklet carefully!
Congratulations!
You’re on your way
to a beautiful garden.
Panel
Settings
Add Nutrients
•
When ‘Add Nutrient’ light comes on
(every 2 weeks), add Liquid Nutrients
into the Bowl per directions on the
nutrient packaging, and top up the
water level to “Fill To Here.” Press and
hold the ‘Light’ button for 2 seconds to
turn o the blinking reminder light and
reset the nutrient timer.
The ‘Add Nutrient’ reminder is the small
red light on the base, just above this
control panel.
Light On/O
•
Use to occasionally override built-in light timer. Once pressed, Grow
Lights will stay On/O until the next time built-in light timer is set to go
On/O. This will not aect the timing of your light cycle and occasional
use of this feature will not harm your plants.
When planting a new Seed Pod Kit, press and hold the ‘Light’ button for
10 seconds to reset all timers. The Grow Light will turn O then back On to
conrm that the garden has been reset. Your Grow Lights will come on at
this time each day and the Nutrient timer will activate every 14 days.
Note: In case of an electrical power outage, your AeroGarden has a backup memory
system that stores timers for nutrient reminder. You will need to reset your Grow Light
timer by following the “Personalize Your Light timer” instructions.
How to Personalize Your
Light Timer (Optional)
When you plug in your AeroGarden for the rst time
the Grow Light will come on, and will continue to
come on at this same time every day.
If you would like to change the time of day when
the light comes on, simply unplug/replug the
power cord at the time of day you want the Grow
Light to come On.
Your Grow Light will now come on at this time each
day, will stay on for 16 hours, and will shut o
automatically.
Reset Nutrient Timer
When Nutrient Light is On,
Press & Hold
Add Nutrient
Sprout
LIGHT
2 seconds
An Important Note About Light
Your AeroGarden Sprout has a built-in
timer for the Grow Light that automatically
provides your plants with “sunlight” (16
hours a day). As long as your plants get
this amount of light, it does not matter
what time the lights are o. Many people
nd it most convenient to have the light go
on in the morning and o at night, to
match their own personal wake and sleep
schedule.
On/O
Press & Release to Temporarily
Turn Light On/O
Gardening Tips for
Maximum Harvests
planting
} Many Seed Pods are labeled for height. Gardens grow and look
their best when tall plants are placed in back openings, and
short plants in front openings. If plants are all the same size,
like Salad Greens, they can be planted anywhere.
} Do not remove Labels from Seed Pods. The labels identify the
plant type and plant height, show the germination time, and
inhibit algae growth.
} Grow Domes help regulate moisture and temperature for
optimal germination. Leave them on until plants are nearly
touching the domes.
} Seed Pod Kits for large plants like Tomatoes and Peppers often
receive fewer Seed Pods to compensate for the large plant size.
germination
} Some seeds germinate in less than 24 hours. Some take
24 days or more. Most labels give an estimate of how long
your seeds will take to germinate but many factors impact
germination.
} As a rule of thumb, if you are comfortable, so are your
plants. However, plants are impacted by temperature. Cold
weather plants like Salad Greens germinate better in cooler
temperatures. Heat lovers like Tomatoes and Peppers will
germinate faster in warmer temperatures (above 70°F). But
don’t sweat it! While some may take a bit more time, your
seeds will germinate.
} If you are growing your own seeds, plant 5-6 seeds per pod and
check the seed packet for information regarding temperature
and days to germination.
pruning
} Prune your plants, don’t raise your lights! You will achieve more
compact, beautiful growth and bigger harvests if you prune to
keep the lights closer to all plants in your garden.
} Fast growing plants (like Basil) make gardeners want to raise
the lights too soon. Resist! Pruning the plants just above a
new leaf set (Diagram A) and leaving the lights down low will
ensure that slow- growing and
low-growing plants get all the
light they need to ourish.
} Prune often to maintain a healthy
garden, but never take more than
1/3 of each individual plant at a
time.
} Plants compete for light. Left
untended, more aggressive
growers can actually block
enough light to suppress growth
of their slower growing neighbors,
which eventually can die o
due to lack of light. Spreading
leaves must be trimmed (Diagram
B) to make sure that all plants
get enough light to thrive and
produce big yields.
} Not pruning is the number one
gardening mistake made by new
AeroGardeners! Prune early and prune often — and enjoy your
rst small harvests! There will be plenty more to come.
} Finally, pruning = harvesting. Each time you prune you get
to enjoy fresh-picked herbs in a salad, soup, on pizza or a
sandwich. And a full, bushy garden looks much better than
one spindly, giant plant surrounded by straggly, light-starved
neighbors. Pruning also releases a wonderful scent. So prune!
Too High
Cut Here
Diagram A
Diagram B
Starter
Leaves
water
} Plants grown in the AeroGarden are designed to thrive with
most municipal tap water. If your water is especially hard,
improved results can be seen with distilled water or reverse
osmosis water, but this is not needed in most cases.
} Do not use well water or softened water. Most well water
contains a high amount of dissolved solids that upset the
balance of our nutrients, and softened water adds sodium.
This can result in plants suddenly browning, or just not
growing well.
} For best results, keep water level near the "Fill to Here" line.
} The aerator creates air bubbles in the water and runs only
when the Grow Light is on.
lights
} Plants love light! Always keep your Grow Lights as close to your
plants as possible. As they mature, plants should be 1–2 inches
below Grow Lights.
} Always check to see if you can prune plants instead of raising
the lights. After pruning, lower your lights back down if
possible.
} You do not need to replace your LED lights unless individual
diodes start to fail. Diodes have a 3-5 year life span.
nutrients
} Typically, your plants will need nutrients every 2 weeks.
} Follow instructions for feeding
amounts printed on the Liquid
Nutrient packaging. Add nutrients
directly into water bowl.
} More isn’t better. Resist the
temptation to add “just a little extra.”
Too much nutrient can hurt your
plants.
} Nutrient requirements for Tomatoes
and Peppers may change as plants
Add Nutrient
reminder blinks
every 2 weeks
grow. Please refer to the Liquid Nutrient packaging for specic
details.
} For best results, try a “Rinse and Rell” once a month when it’s
time to add nutrients. Simply empty all water from the bowl,
add fresh water and nutrients and reset the nutrient timer. This
balances the nutrients, delivering an instant ‘pick up’ to plants.
pollinating
Because most people don’t have bees in their home, you will
need to start pollinating your fruiting plants (tomatoes, peppers,
etc.) once they begin to ower (approximately 4 – 6 weeks
after planting). To pollinate, use one or more of the following
methods:
} Use our “Be the Bee Pollinator” to spread the pollen.
} Place an open hand inside plant branches and gently move
your hand back and forth to shake the plant and spread the
pollen.
} Place a fan near your plants and the moving air will pollinate
your plants.
} Touch the main stem of the plants with an electric toothbrush
and allow the vibration to spread the pollen.
harvesting
} Many rst-time growers are hesitant to harvest. Don’t be! Most
gardens will produce more, for a longer period, with frequent
harvests. You almost can’t begin to harvest (prune) early enough.
} AeroGardens work best with a harvesting method called
“cut and come again.” Simply put, you enjoy frequent small
harvests and then watch as the plants rapidly regrow - ready
for harvest again and again.
} Enjoy smaller harvests for the rst month or two until plants
mature and larger harvests are available.
} Harvest often to maintain a healthy garden, but never take
more than 1/3 of each individual plant at a time.
} For Salad Greens, cut the top 2 inches o the entire garden, or
harvest large leaves individually by cutting o at the base of
the plant.
CAUTION –
User Maintenance:
You are cautioned that any changes or modications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.
Any servicing is to be performed by an authorized service representative.
Use original packaging for storage when the appliance is not used.
Disconnect power before servicing or replacing lights. Use only AeroGarden LED Light Hood replacement.
DO NOT SUBMERGE HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY
Do not immerse cord in water or other liquid, and unplug cord from outlet when not in use.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, this furnishing has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). This
plug will t in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not t fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it
still does not t, contact a qualied electrician to install the proper outlet. Do not change the plug in any way.
DO NOT PLUG POWER SUPPLY CORD INTO OUTLET
CAUTION!
NE PAS BRANCHER LE FIL ÉLECTRIQUE DANS LA PRISE AVANT DE LE BRANCHER AU FIL DE L’AEROGARDEN.
Environment Friendly Disposal
You can help protect the environment! Please remember to respect the local regulations: hand in the non-working electrical
equipment to an appropriate waste disposal centre. The packaging material is recyclable. Dispose of the packaging in an
environmentally friendly manner and make it available for the recyclable material collection-service.
BEFORE ATTACHING TO AEROGARDEN POWER CORD.
LIMITED WARRANTY
WHAT IS COVERED – This warranty covers any defects in materials or workmanship, with the exceptions stated below.
HOW LONG COVERAGE LASTS – This warranty runs for one (1) year on this AeroGarden and LED Grow Lights, from the date of original purchase, for the original
purchaser/user.
WHAT IS NOT COVERED – The warranty shall not apply to problems arising from: normal wear; failure to adhere to enclosed operating instructions; serial numbered
products if the serial number has been removed or defaced; products subject to negligence, accident, improper use, maintenance or storage; products damaged by
circumstances beyond AeroGrow International Inc.’s control; loss or damage to removable parts; or products modied (including, but not limited to, modications
through the use of unauthorized parts or attachments) or repaired by anyone other than AeroGrow International, Inc., or its designee. This warranty excludes all
incidental or consequential damages.
WHAT AEROGROW WILL DO – AeroGrow International, Inc., at its option, will repair any defects in materials or workmanship or will replace these products with ones
of similar features and price. AeroGrow International, Inc.’s sole obligation and your exclusive remedy under this warranty shall be limited to such repair or replacement.
TO RETURN THIS PRODUCT – If you have questions or concerns regarding your AeroGarden, please contact Customer Service at customerservice@aerogrow.com.
Please do not return any product without contacting AeroGrow for return authorization. Unauthorized returns, as well as C.O.D. shipments, will be refused. For more
information regarding returns, please see the Returns section at www.AeroGarden.com
Due to continuing improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our customer service representatives at customerservice@aerogrow.com
NEED SUPPLIES? Visit our website: www.aerogarden.info
We also have an active Facebook Community that loves to answer questions
at facebook.com/aerogarden. “Like” us for special offers and community fun!
AeroGrow International, Inc., P.O. Box 18450, Boulder, CO 80308-1450
©2018 AeroGrow International, Inc.
020618 AA