It's decision time, I need opinions, please

[daisybelle]

I started my Aerogarden journey last winter with a used Aerogarden Ultra.  It was fine for a couple of months and then it bit the dust.  I also purchased the Harvest Elite 360 and my lettuce thrives in it.

I want to replace the Ultra with the Bounty, I don't know whether to get the Basic or the Elite.  Do I need to 50 watt bulbs if I grow tomatoes or peppers or is the 30 watt Basic sufficient?  Are 50 watts going to be blindingly bright?  Will that speed up production?  I'm confused about that wattage.

I only want to do this once, should I just go for it and get the Elite?  You have all been so helpful with my Aerogarden journey, I appreciate all of you so much.

[mike]

The 30w units are good for greens and herbs. You can get peppers and tomatoes to grow on them, but not as well. They also have a 40w Bounty that works pretty well. I have 2 of them. If you want to grow fruit bearing plants, get the more powerful light.

[scarfguy]

I agree with Mike.   I use the bounty basic frequently BUT I remove the 30W light hood and suspend more powerful LED lighting above it.  I use both 100W and 250W panels.  If you are going to stick with the bounty as configured, I'd definitely go for the bounty elite. It will be more versatile for you. The 50W light can be dimmed if you find it too bright at times.

[lynnee]

Bounty Elite is my recommendation, too. All plants grow faster with the stronger light. I've grown everything (herbs, flowers, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes) in a Bounty Elite.

The light can only be dimmed temporarily. I've forgotten the reason, but it's explained in the garden tips. However, you can decrease the light to the plants somewhat by just raising the light higher than the recommended 4-5 inches.

Be warned that the wireless app isn't working consistently now because of AG server problems. The wireless AGs perform just fine without the app, though.

[swimmom500]

Don’t be too quick to throw out the Ultra. My led lights went out on mine. My son is handy and was able to fix it. The part was less than $20. I would hang onto it as you may be able to find a relative or friend who can repair it. You didn’t say what was wrong with yours but if it’s the lights you can always use the garden with a different light source. Several people on here do that.
I purchased a Bounty while I was waiting for my Ultra to get fixed.

[slw]

I agree with Swimmom; if the base of your Ultra still works (pump), just use a grow light with it.  

As for the Bounty, I will be the voice of dissent.  I am not an "app" person and I've never had anything that didn't grow in a regular Bounty just fine.  I'm sure the 50W lights give better results but I have a couple of AG 45W panels I can use if I need more light.  So for me, I'd choose a regular Bounty and not the Elite. 

One other factor is the price.  Since AG has sales that are all over the place, you might find a better deal some days on the Elite.  At regular prices, the Elite is not worth the difference to me.   (That said, I'm a person who likes the Harvests best of all for their simplicity.  )

[mike]

In 2014, I put 2 Ultras back-to-back and hung a 300w Apollo UFO light overhead. This light only had red and blue LEDs. This shot was at 35 days. Man, those Ultras sure kicked out a lot of Jalapeno M's.

[gingercat]

This is a super helpful thread for anyone looking to expand their aerogarden collection. I thought the Bounty family was the only model where you could detach the light from the base. Good to know you can do that with the Ultra too.

Thanks for all of your expertise!

[mike]

The Extra, too. The Extra and Ultra basins are identical. The original Bounty has the same basin with a different grow deck. I like the 7-hole grow deck for the old Bounties when growing peppers. Less to clean and fewer hole covers needed.

[scarfguy]

Jul 24, 2023 15:09:42 GMT -5 gingercat said:

This is a super helpful thread for anyone looking to expand their aerogarden collection. I thought the Bounty family was the only model where you could detach the light from the base. Good to know you can do that with the Ultra too.

Thanks for all of your expertise!

You can also detach the light hood from the new Harvest XL.  There is a little square tab at the back of the hood where it attaches to the stem. Just push it in and the hood comes off and reveals a USB connector just like the bounties.

[lynnee]

So that's the secret to removing the hood from the Harvests! Thanks, scarfguy!

[scarfguy]

Jul 24, 2023 16:55:39 GMT -5 lynnee said:

So that's the secret to removing the hood from the Harvests! Thanks, scarfguy !

 Only the harvest XL is removable.  The various other harvest models are on with screws and the wires are soldered to the board I think.

[slw]

Jul 24, 2023 18:13:44 GMT -5 scarfguy said:

Jul 24, 2023 16:55:39 GMT -5 lynnee said:

So that's the secret to removing the hood from the Harvests! Thanks, scarfguy !

 Only the harvest XL is removable.  The various other harvest models are on with screws and the wires are soldered to the board I think.

That's correct.  There's a screw holding the "head" on.  If you remove the screw the head comes off but is still attached with wires.   The pole stays in place.

[slw]

daisybelle -- I'm not sure if you're still considering your purchase, but I found a $20 coupon for Aerogarden.com... it is LTG20.   Let us know if you decide on a new AG!!