Aerogarden pods rose to fame by simplifying the gardening experience, eliminating traditional tasks like soil preparation. But Aerogarden pods may not be sprouting occasionally.
Following the manufacturer’s instructions for care and a little mindfulness help you get the best out of the Aerogardening pods.
So, follow along to learn in detail about how to correct Aerogarden pods not sprouting.
Table of Contents Show
What are Aerogarden Pods?
An Aerogarden pod is a small pre-seeded capsule made of coco coir or peat for an Aeroponic garden, a type of indoor hydroponic gardening system.
The pods have everything you need to start growing a plant immediately, a plus point for indoor gardening.
Seeds are evenly distributed in the growing medium to ensure proper spacing for optimal germination.
However, you have to watch the Aerogarden pods carefully to provide suitable conditions else, they make not end up sprouting.
Meanwhile, the compact size of approximately 1 to 2 inches in height and an inch in diameter makes them easy to handle and insert into the Aerogarden system.
3+ Most Common Reasons Why Aerogarden Pods Are Not Sprouting
The purpose of Aerogarden pods is to make germination easy and efficient. But, unfortunately, issues of Aerogaden pods not sprouting are quite common.
Most of this concerns external or environmental factors like lighting and temperature.
Besides, the seed and its viability do play a vital role.
Reason 1: Old & Expired Seed
First things first, not all seeds are viable and ready to germinate. Seeds that have a mechanical injury or pest and are disease-infected do not germinate.
Further, if the seeds are stored for a long time, they lose their viability, leading to a lower germination rate.
And sometimes, the seeds inside the pods can be in their dormant stage, due to which they fail to sprout.
How to Fix?
- Make sure to check the label for the expiry date before you purchase the pods. This helps you avoid seeds past their viable period.
- Get the pods from reputable sources like Aerogarden and Miracle-Gro.
- Look for reviews and recommendations from other gardeners to ensure a good germination rate.
- Avoid getting a bulk of pods initially, and start with a small quantity to verify the best-sprouting potential.
Reason 2: Improper Planting Depth
Incorrect planting depth of the Aerogarden pods can lead to no sprouting, as you’ll either over-drench the seed, suffocating them or fail to provide sufficient moisture.
Also, when you insert the pods too deep, the seed will not be able to get ample light, an important factor for germination.
While seeds need a moist condition to germinate, drenching them consistently causes them to rot.
How to Fix?
- Insert the pods at a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 depth into the Aerogarden system.
- For the best result, follow the instruction provided by the manufacturer for the correct planting depth.
- In case you think you have inserted the pods too deep, gently lift the top layer to expose the seeds to more light.
Reason 3: Contaminated Growing Medium
The Aerogarden system is less susceptible to soil-borne disease, but there are chances of contamination that affect seeds’ sprouting in the pods.
Moreover, sometimes it’s you carrying the contaminants like dust, dirt, and pests through your hands and clothes to the growing medium.
How to Fix?
- Sterilize the growing medium for each planting cycle or use a new growing medium.
- Make sure not to use normal garden soil in the system.
- Before you begin the regular care regime in the Aerogarden, wash your hands to avoid contamination in the medium that may result in no sprouting of the pods.
- Only use clean, filtered, or distilled water for the Aerogarden’s reservoir to prevent pest and fungal growth.
Reson 4: Temperature and Light Issues
Every seeds have a specific temperature and light requirement for germination.
The Persian Shield seeds need a constant temperature of 55 to 65°F and bright indirect light for sprouting. While Gardenia seeds demand a little more warmth i.e., 70-75°F.
So, too cold or too hot environment with insufficient light inhibits the sprouting of the Aerogarden pods.
How to Fix?
- Check if the Aerogarden’s LED grow light properly functions and provides appropriate light intensity.
- You may have to adjust the light duration as per the seed’s requirement.
- If the surrounding temperature is high and affects the seeds, insulate the Aerogarden to protect them from extreme heat.
- In case of low temperatures, use a heating mat to provide consistent warmth to encourage germination.
From Editorial Team
Be Patient and Observe!
You cannot be rigid about germination if the seeds, as some may sprout quickly, but some do take time.
Despite checking all the Aerogarden basics, your seed might take some time to germinate, depending on its nature.
So, instead of being restless and giving up, sometimes you must be patient and wait for growth.
