How to save money on AeroGarden sponges

[@onna-lisakyom]

I know ts been a while since you posted this video, but I wanted to say thank you for sharing this information. Saved me quite the headache when Aerogarden ran out of sponges on their site

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks for watching! I'm glad it was helpful. You can also use Root Riot and Rapid Rooter type plugs, but will need to cut them lengthwise to fit.

[@KitchenLivinwithShay]

*SIX YEARS LATER* and this video is still blessing people. Thank you for this! Btw, please update your Amazon link. 🙏🏾

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks! I updated the link.

[@jphili]

Wow you've basically given everyone a 50% off coupon for life. Thank you so much!

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks for watching! You can sometimes find better deals on the AG sponges too. It pays to shop around. Also, the rapid rooter/root riot sponges work well. You have to cut them down, but sometimes can get 3 or 4 per, depending on basket size.

[@baopham3248]

Go direct to aliexpress price 5x 10x cheaper, that's most Amazon seller do. Shipping took 10 to 15 days direct to usps

[@rabbittales8893]

Thank you so much! I can't tell you how excited I was to see the tip for cuttings toward the end. I love using cuttings to make plants. I cannot wait to try this! Thank you, thank you. Have a blessed day!

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks for watching! I'm glad it was helpful.

[@randyman8984]

@Rabbit Tales I just got a new aerogarden and I am like you, I rather do cuttings than do the seeds. Whats are some of your favorite plant cuttings you utilize in aerogarden?

[@MattGarver]

Great comparison and product detail. One bag goes a long ways. However, once I started using the 50-site seed starting deck on my AeroGarden, it became too easy to use gobs of those sponges.

[@cynthiamegyola3033]

Matt Garver Where do you get bulk peat pods for the aerogarden seed starting. I don't think anything else will fit the seed starting tray.

[@ravensnow2931]

Just joining the others to thank you for this tip. I just ran out of sponges the other day and didn't know the Aerogarden ones were unavailable everywhere until I tried finding some in stock anywhere.

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks for watching! I I've seen a version that Urban Leaf sells now too, on Amazon, but I haven't tried them. Just search for AeroGarden sponges and they're on there.

[@susangarza7818]

Looks like a good way to go.. I like how easy it is to cut for propagating a cutting! Thanks for sharing Peter =)

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks Susan! Yes, I literally use these all the time. They are great for propagating, and seed starting too.

[@MikeBaustian]

Very helpful video! Thanks. I also enjoyed hearing your clock chime :-)

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks for watching!

[@syd1982]

Very helpful now that aerogarden is going out of business !! They sell on amazon but i hate buying on amazon

[@balford2112]

Thank you. I will look them up. I wonder if they biodegrade. They probably do. Thanks again.

[@plantadventure1882]

I just set up my new Aerogarden Bounty today. Thanks for the tip.

[@pepperdactyl]

Awesome!

[@snooooopycomehome]

NEW SUBBIE . So happy to have found your channel tonight. I just started my aerogarden back up. I was thinking about buying another. I see you have so many! Lol That has inspired me go get a second one

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks for subscribing! Yes, AeroGardens are like rabbits. I'm up to five now.

[@elizabethj4564]

Thanks for the money saving tips! I just got my Aerogarden and this video really inspired me to use your method.

[@pepperdactyl]

Thank you for watching! I'm glad it was helpful. I learned later you can also quarter lengthwise the thick Rapid Rooter plugs, and they work great.

[@gunnarholmes1546]

Thanks, liked the tip about root cuttings, too! Will try that soon.

[@lisamuryn9750]

Excellent info. Thank you !I appreciate the links as well.One very big issue with Park Seed.The Agents are unable to answer barely any questions. And the horticulturist is never available. I am waiting days now. My questions are this :1) can i mix mix sphagnum peat moss and perlite for a soil less mix2) if so, can i grow strawberries, tomatoes or peppers in the above soil less mix3) can i grow any dwarf tomato or pepper in these sponges in the Aerogarden 4) in the sponges, how many dwarf tomato plants These are advanced questions probably

[@pepperdactyl]

Peat moss is a little acidic by itself so you might want to mix some dolomite lime with it. I don't have the ratios handy. I like using coco coir, it's inert and mixes fine with perlite. You can grow the dwarf tomato plants using the Aerogarden or the Biodome sponges. I would only do one per sponge. You could start with more, and thin out the one smaller ones after they sprout. The number of plants per AeroGarden would depend on the model. Hope that helps!

[@rosewood513]

I get the ones on Amazon look and work just about the same. Thanks for sharing

[@pepperdactyl]

That's awesome! I have seen them listed but not tried them yet. Thanks for sharing that!

[@mariannerapp411]

Thanks for sharing this. I have a thought. Since they are larger than the aerogarden sponges, could you get away with slicing them in half lengthwise, through the hole in the center, to make two sponges?. Then you could just poke a new hole in each half. I hope that wasn't a silly question.

[@pepperdactyl]

Yes, you can ones like the Rapid Rooter and Root Riot, and cut those in thirds, maybe fourths. I have used them before, they work fine.

[@mariannerapp411]

@@pepperdactyl Thanks, Peter! I'll check them out. Do you have a link to them for Amazon? Might as well follow your link and have you benefit. Tks.

[@markz3450]

Thanx for sharing the info. and video Peter. I will definitely be getting my sponges from Park Seed.

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks Mark. Yes, they work very well.

[@elizabethbriel]

Very helpful video, thorough advice. Thanks!

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks for watching!

[@pepperdactyl]

These sponges are really handy, and it's easy to go through them if you're starting a lot of seed this way, or propagating plants.

[@jenniferressmannwriter]

Thanks for this info and the links!

[@oblivisci]

are they reusable the sponges or do you have to toss them each use? If not how many uses or what signs to look for if reusing... the rules of reusing....

[@pepperdactyl]

They are single use.

[@oblivisci]

@@pepperdactyl thanks!

[@aholegardener6191]

I ❤️❤️❤️❤️park seed !!! Thanks for sharing

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks for watching!

[@jenthang]

Thank you for the tip!

[@janetfillion731]

Great suggestions - thanks for sharing.

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks, Janet!

[@davescheer5038]

Hi Pete, I just picked up a new aero garden sprout for $9.00 at a goodwill store first thing came to mind was is there a cheap way to replace the growing media ,I'm going to experiment and see what will work , wondered how it would work to start juniper cuttings .

[@pepperdactyl]

I've never tried Juniper cuttings, but that's an awesome deal on the Sprout! For sponges, I go for whichever is cheapest at the time. Sometimes I can find the AG ones cheaper, but usually, the BioDome sponges are less. Check prices on both Walmart and Amazon. Surprisingly, sometimes Walmart has hydroponic supplies very cheap, and for most things, they'll deliver site to store for free.

[@pepperdactyl]

Also, the respective AeroGarden and Park seed sites are good to check prices too. Sometimes they have great discounts.

[@02076246]

TY SO MUCH..SAVED ME A LOT OF MONEY..

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks, for watching.

[@jenvonnegut5766]

thank you so much. this will save me a lot of $$. new subscriber

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks for the sub! I'm glad it was helpful.

[@navaerick86]

I want to bypass the plastic part and plug the hole with rockwool that way transplanting wouldn't damage the roots.

[@pepperdactyl]

If you have the recirculating type AeroGarden, it might cause the nutrients to flow over the deck. Rockwool is pretty porous though so it might work fine. Just need to experiment with it. It's a great idea.

[@PepperBear]

Thanks for the share Peter!

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks Aaron!

[@Dandymoments]

thank you your videos are very helpful

[@pepperdactyl]

Thank you!

[@LucasLabute]

Great tips! Thanks

[@gforcekaras]

So I've had these for awhile and have nothing but problems with these. Either with mold or algae and with seeds not germinating. I've tried presoaking and also microwaving them but they don't produce the same results as the originals. They're kept in a plastic bag in a closet so they're in a cool, dark environment.

[@jrmint2]

Nice to see a comparison, but it seems the Aerogarden sponges are not that much more expensive right now. $15 for 50 on amazon for the Aerogarden sponges

[@pepperdactyl]

Yes, it pays to shop around before you buy. When buying mine I get whichever is cheapest. Sometimes I've found the AG sponges on clearance for as cheap as 5.00/50. But I can usually always get the biodome ones for around 15.00 for a pack of 120.

[@pepperdactyl]

Here's a 70 pack of AG sponges and a bottle of nutrients at Walmart online for 18.70. www.walmart.com/ip/AeroGarden-Refill-Kit/36855652

[@jrmint2]

Wow, 50 for $5 is a bargain. I feel challenged to search for a deal like that!

[@pepperdactyl]

I hardly come across deals like that myself. One of my friends told me about it, so I picked up two bags. I think it was through Walmart. They have good deals from time to time online, and you can usually get stuff shipped to your local store for free.

[@jrmint2]

FYI. I started using pieces of rock wool. It works!

[@sweetness6048]

You can use the foam from sofas and you can reuse them

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks for the tip.

[@citlalie9791]

the product is currently unavailable I was wondering if you could give another link for the sponges

[@pepperdactyl]

Since publishing this I’ve recently switched to 3rd party sponges that are very similar to the ones aerogarden sells. You can search them on Amazon or use this affiliate link. amzn.to/3S5TR3b I used them for all my seed starting this past year with no issues.

[@ter8330]

Hi sir! Can those long white containers be made at home or can they be purchased somewhere else, cheaper? Thanks!

[@pepperdactyl]

I don't know if there are any alternatives for purchase. If you have a 3D printer, something might could be done with that. I don't have one to test, or I would. I just did a search, or one came up on Amazon, but looks unavailable. www.amazon.com/Think-Crucial-Replacement-Baskets-AeroGardens/dp/B07J2SY98P

[@ter8330]

@@pepperdactyl Thank you kindly! I love your videos!!

[@shelleydeck7881]

Thank you for the very helpful tip!

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks for watching, Shelley!

[@catlo7486]

I bought the other sponges just to have extra sponges at less cost. they came damp in the bag. I don't want them to mold while they are just waiting to be used so I laid them out to dry out. any thoughts about that?

[@pepperdactyl]

I think they just come that way, mine have always been damp. I haven't had any problems with mine.

[@caissa6187]

thank you! just ordered some :-)

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks for watching!

[@janetbrooks9203]

When I start how many seeds do you put in each pod?

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks for your question. For peppers, I'll use 3-4 per pod. It's good to have some extra in case some don't germinate. For smaller herb seeds I might use a few more. The extra pepper sprouts will need to be clipped or transplanted out later. I have a video on that here kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGrSgZlne82irs0

[@TheJenifer430]

Great tip! Thanks so much!

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks for watching!

[@MrZakamon]

Hi, Peter. I am new to hydroponics and have found your videos really helpful. I just received my order of sponges from Park Seeds. The sponges are moist in a plastic bag. How do I store these before I get to use them all? Will they get moldy? Thanks for your videos!

[@pepperdactyl]

You can leave the bag open and they'll dry out.

[@chrispowell3785]

Thanks brother, very useful video! New subscriber.

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks, Chris!

[@melissawahl2167]

Thanks so much for your advice! Quick question: the instructions on the Park Seed Bio-Sponges suggest soaking the sponges and then squeezing the water out of them before using. For use in my Areograden, do I need to do that? Or can i use them just straight out of the bag (without soaking)? Thanks!

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks, for watching! It wouldn't hurt to soak them. I have just put them in dry, and let them wick up.

[@melissawahl2167]

@@pepperdactyl Thanks! I'm so eager to start my seeds, I may skip the soaking! :-)

[@mmmitchell9781]

Thank you for your information. Unfortunately I'm having trouble finding a Canadian supplier. The ones on Amazon for 120 pack is about $140. for me. Are there any other avenues to look for? Park Seed does not ship to Canada. I can't understand the price difference.

[@pepperdactyl]

Are you able to get the Aerogarden brand sponges to Canada? That might be a cheaper option. These off brand ones might be good too, depending if you can get them. www.amazon.com/Aerogarden-Compatible-Sponges-Eco-Friendly-Hydroponic/dp/B07SGB52DT

[@CaroleMorin]

I have an AeroGarden and I sure would like some of your sponges. My problem is that I live in Canada. Would it be possible to buy them from you directly?

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks for watching. Sorry I can't ship them to you. Can you find anything along the lines of Rapid Rooter or Root Riot plugs? Those are thicker but can be cut down to fit. If you can find a grow store, they might have a store brand too.

[@MichelleShaeffer]

Helpful - thank you! :)

[@pepperdactyl]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bronzkhrome4024]

Thank you for such a useful video

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks for watching!

[@chelseaphuangthong2486]

thank you for sharing!

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks for watching!

[@Hayder.J.H]

Big thanks 💝

[@lll-w3w]

Thanks buddy!nUseful, just subscribed

[@pepperdactyl]

Glad it helped!

[@nicodemus-dean7020]

Peter, you have a great channel my friend.

[@pepperdactyl]

Thank you!

[@katerik6025]

will these work with the idoo 12 plant system?

[@pepperdactyl]

I don't know, I haven't used one. If it uses the same size sponges, should work fine.

[@leahmilne]

Just FYI your affiliate link is out of stock.

[@joketsu100]

Thank you so much for this useful information

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks for watching!

[@materialgirl338]

So I bought the cheap one like you said the seed never germinates and the tops grow mold stay with aero garden products

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks for dropping by. Sorry to hear you had a bad experience. I've used these, the AeroGarden brand, and third party ones that look like AeroGarden sponges. I haven't had any problems with them. I do shop around, and will get whichever ones are on sale/cheapest.

[@mikemcdonald3670]

Amazon was $45 for 60. Park Seed was $10 plus shipping. I bought 120, huge savings over Amazon.

[@MajorIllustration]

Wow, now Park seeds is $21. plus shipping AND they are out.

[@wonderland9870]

Does rockwool work in aerogarden after cutting it to small pieces?

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks for watching. I've heard of people trying it with success, but I have not tried it.

[@workoutsin2012]

I had two aero sponges left so decided to buy sponges from park seed to try. All the sponges from park seed started getting Algae around them and not the aero sponges. Has anyone else experienced this? I rather spend more money if I’m going to get these results.

[@carmeloscaffidi1453]

Where can I buy these in Canada?

[@pepperdactyl]

I don't know. Sorry. I checked Park Seed's website and they don't ship a lot of things to Canada. You could check Amazon, but might run into the same problem.

[@pepperdactyl]

If you can find a source for Root Riot , Rapid Rooter plugs, or similar, you could cut those lengthwise and use the same way.

[@mark-tam]

Your park seed affiliate link may need updating?

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks for letting me know. I checked, and it appears they are out of that size. Since I made that video, I started using some other third party sponges that are actually just like the original AeroGarden ones, and cheaper than the park seed (unless you find a great sale). This is an affiliate link to the type of sponges I buy now. amzn.to/429JmS3

[@saraningmiller192]

im very new to this, how do you feel about switching out the sponges with clay pebbles after they grow a strong root?

[@pepperdactyl]

Since I published this video, some other companies have come out with sponges that are mostly identical to AeroGarden sponges for fairly cheap. If you search Amazon for AeroGarden sponges, you'll see the off brand ones. They work really well too. Yes, you can move these to clay pebbles easily. Just remove the plant and sponge with everything intact, and move it to the clay pebbles. You can leave the roots in the sponge, just put the clay pebbles around it. It'll be fine.

[@gladysverge6365]

what is the name of the sponges and where can i buy them? ty

[@gladysverge6365]

sorry i don't see the links

[@pepperdactyl]

Here's the parkseed sponges - parkseed.com/bio-dome-refill-sponges/p/v1597/. And the Aerogarden ones. www.amazon.com/AeroGrow-970293-0000-Miracle-Gro-AeroGarden-Sponges/dp/B008DY2U8K. Sometimes you can get a better deal on one or the other, pays to shop around before buying. Thanks for watching!

[@cristalfortine2691]

I just bough 3 packs I hope they work well

[@pepperdactyl]

They will. I think they work better than the AeroGarden ones, and cheaper too.

[@cristalfortine2691]

Peter Stanley I know they are way cheaper I really do not like the Aerogarden ones

[@chulitaDominicanita]

I want to buy one of these systems, once you get the sponges do you order seeds or do the sponges already come with the seeds? Can someone explain this to me please?

[@pepperdactyl]

If you buy a new AeroGarden it will come with baskets and sponges with seeds already in them. You can also buy seed pod kits separately, that you just drop in and grow. Alternately you could buy your own sponges and seeds, put the seeds in yourself.

[@mariewannagame1313]

What are these made out of?

[@pepperdactyl]

I think the AeroGarden ones are peat based, but not 100% sure. I asked Park Seed about theirs, but they wouldn't tell me.

[@mariewannagame1313]

Peter Stanley I know for a fact the aerogarden is peat based and I can’t find anything at all about park seed... Amazon has some on their I bought before that are coco coir but sold out atm.

[@jules2713]

I get moss on every one of these sponges. It that ok?? Currently trying cilantro and nothing bit basil came up as usual. Not sure if the moss is bad. Thanks!

[@pepperdactyl]

It's not bad, but I would scrape it off.

[@EricArbour-]

Hi, I hope I make myself understant (I'm french). My question is that I want to produce some white sage and I am looking to use the aerogarden system to make the seeds germ and grow and then transfer it to a soil pot. Do you think it will work with white sage seed as well ? and what about the technique to transfert them so it will survive in soil ?. Thanks so much in advance. PS. I didn't buy ma aerogarden yet so if you have the best suggestion I will be glad to hear it :-)

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks for your question. Yes, you can grow white sage in the AeroGarden and similar hydroponic systems. I'm actually growing some now in my Greenjoy system, but I have grown it in the AeroGarden as well. I love how white sage smells, fresh and when burning. For recommendations, any of them work fine for starting seeds. If you're going to keep something in there long term, I would look at the Bounty models, or an older Ultra/Extra if you can find one. They have bigger reservoirs, more power in the hood and the light can extend higher.

[@EricArbour-]

@@pepperdactyl Thanks so much for the information. Today I have a choice to buy a deal for a ROOT FARM system. Is it better comparing to Aerogarden and Greenjoy. Let me know please if I can do the some with my white sage project. www.rootfarm.ca/products/?cmp=kid/na/google/na/%2Bhydroponic+grow+system&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIn7jLyf2V5wIVipyzCh2k1QngEAAYAiAAEgLFS_D_BwE

[@hameedhaji6759]

Hi So when using these I need only to add water like the click and grow capsules for the whole life of the plant

[@pepperdactyl]

I haven't used the Click and Grow. Some products have the nutrients added to the growing media, like the Get Urban Leaf products. Not sure if Click and Grow is similar. With AeroGarden you'd use it the same as with their brand of sponges, adding nutrient solution as needed.

[@hameedhaji6759]

Peter Stanley thanks

[@Nicolejoanhz]

you angel! thank you!!

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks for watching! I'm glad it was helpful.

[@mamaells1]

How to you remove the white basket to reuse?

[@pepperdactyl]

If you have a massive plant in one, that's been going for months, you might not be able to. If it's young enough, you can just pull the plant/sponge out. You might have to cut the roots back, as they'll get tangled.

[@stevenshizzle]

$60.00 on Amazon, $11 through Park Seed as of 18 MAY 2020.

[@pepperdactyl]

Yeah, it's good to check prices when buying. Same with AeroGarden, sometimes it's cheaper to get their sponges from them too.

[@ter8330]

What kind of Aerogarden is that?

[@pepperdactyl]

It's one of the older AeroGarden Sprout models.

[@ter8330]

@@pepperdactyl Thanks!

[@DrTryloByte]

Great video!!!!!!!!!!!!!111

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks!

[@Indrajitkumar15]

I tried it few times so far but for some reason it led to fungal growth. Plants didn't do good either. Anyone with similar experience?

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks for sharing that. I haven't had any problems with them so far. I've used quite a few. I still like the AeroGarden sponges, and sometimes find great deals on those. I use them interchangeably. One thing I like about the AeroGarden ones is they are firmer, more compressed.

[@Indrajitkumar15]

Thanks Peter. Do you always use pod labels? I read that it prevents algae growth. I didn't use it. Could that be the reason?

[@pepperdactyl]

It could be the reason. The pod labels do help prevent algae. I use them when I have them, if not I'll use a piece of aluminum foil. The way I do that is trace around the top of a basket on some foil, then cut about 3/16" around that edge. The cut halfway in, just the radius of the circle and cut a tiny hole for the stem, or the area of the sponge. Then wrap that around the edge of the basket. Sometimes, if I'm doing something temporary or very short term I won't use anything.

[@debisusan4338]

Why, the AeroGarden aren't that expensive.

[@pepperdactyl]

You're right. At the time when I made this, they were more expensive on average. I always shop and get whatever is cheapest at the moment. There are also some off brand sponges that are identical to the AeroGarden type, which are generally cheaper. Sometimes you can find good deals on the AeroGraden brand.

[@patriciaur472]

I tried the links so you could take the credit none of them work. At least at this time.

[@pepperdactyl]

I updated the links. Thanks for letting me know.

[@baopham3248]

Amazon sponge expensive, actually researched Amazon seller bought it from Aliexpress app

[@pepperdactyl]

it's always good to shop around. Sometimes the AeroGarden brand are cheaper if you can find them on sale.

[@MissCookie8260]

Those are twice what I pay for mine. I pay $12 for 50 pieces. These are currently listed at $40 for 120 pieces.

[@04Ammy04]

Where?

[@realkushman]

1:24 Seed starting dick lol I do appreciate this video though. Good advice