How to Change the Water in an Aerogarden?

9 min readJan 30, 2024

If you’re a proud owner of an Aerogarden, you may be wondering about the process of changing the water. Or perhaps you’re simply curious about the importance of this task and how often it should be done. In this article, we’ll provide you with all the necessary information about changing the water in an Aerogarden.
From the tools you’ll need to a step-by-step guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know. We’ll also discuss the benefits of changing the water and the potential risks of neglecting this task. Additionally, we’ll explore alternative methods for changing the water. So keep reading to learn how to properly maintain your Aerogarden.

The Aerogarden makes it easy for gardening enthusiasts to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce without the need for a traditional outdoor garden space. With its compact design, it’s perfect for urban dwellers or anyone looking to add greenery to their indoor space.

Why is it Important to Change the Water in an Aerogarden?

Regularly changing the water in an Aerogarden is essential to maintain optimal growing conditions for the plants and prevent the buildup of algae and bacteria.
Water in the Aerogarden serves as the primary medium for delivering nutrients to the plants. As plants absorb nutrients from the water, it is crucial to ensure that the water is fresh and free from contamination.
Without regular changes, the water can become stagnant, leading to a decrease in nutrient absorption and potentially causing harm to the plants. Stagnant water can become a breeding ground for algae and harmful bacteria, which can negatively impact the health of the plants and the overall cleanliness of the Aerogarden system.
Regular water changes help to prevent the accumulation of these unwanted elements, promoting a healthier and more productive growing environment for the plants.

How Often Should You Change the Water in an Aerogarden?

The frequency of water change in an Aerogarden depends on factors such as plant growth stage, water quality, and environmental conditions, typically ranging from every 1 to 2 weeks.
Plant growth stage plays a crucial role in determining the water change frequency. Younger plants may require more frequent changes as they are actively growing, while mature plants have a more stable water consumption rate.

Additionally, water quality is a significant factor. If the water becomes murky or starts to develop an odor, it is essential to change it promptly, regardless of the regular schedule. Poor water quality can harm plants and disrupt their growth.

Furthermore, environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity can influence the rate of water evaporation and uptake by the plants, consequently affecting the frequency of water change.

What Tools Do You Need to Change the Water in an Aerogarden?

Changing the water in an Aerogarden requires basic tools such as a pitcher, measuring cup, and cleaning brush to facilitate the process and maintain system cleanliness.
These tools are essential for simplifying the water change process.
The pitcher allows for easy pouring of fresh water into the system without spilling, while the measuring cup ensures accurate water levels, crucial for the plants’ growth.
The cleaning brush comes in handy for removing any debris or algae buildup, preventing clogs in the system and maintaining water circulation.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Change the Water in an Aerogarden

Changing the water in an Aerogarden involves a systematic process to ensure proper maintenance and optimal plant growth, encompassing various steps from preparation to refilling.
To begin, carefully unplug the Aerogarden from the power source and move it to a suitable work surface. Next, remove the grow deck and set it aside.
Drain the water by gently tipping the unit over a sink or container. Clean the garden’s base and pump to remove any debris or residue, ensuring the system stays hygienic. Refill the tank with fresh water, ensuring it reaches the ‘Fill to Here’ line.

Replace the grow deck, plug the unit back in, and monitor the water levels regularly for healthy, flourishing plants.

Step 1: Prepare the New Water

The first step in changing the water in an Aerogarden is to prepare a fresh batch of nutrient-enriched water, ensuring that it meets the recommended specifications for hydroponic cultivation.
For a successful hydroponic system, the water’s nutrient levels should be carefully balanced. Start by using a quality hydroponic nutrient solution designed for optimal plant growth.
Measure the required amount of the nutrient solution according to the instructions provided, ensuring its proper dilution and pH levels. It’s essential to use distilled water or purified tap water to minimize the risk of impurities, as ordinary tap water may contain chlorine and other chemicals that can harm the plants.
Once the new batch of nutrient-enriched water is ready, carefully pour it into the Aerogarden, maintaining the right water level for healthy plant growth.

Step 2: Remove the Old Water

The next crucial step is tothoroughly remove the old water from the Aerogarden reservoir, ensuring complete drainage to prevent the accumulation of residual impurities or contaminants.
This process of water removal is vital for the overall health and maintenance of your hydroponic system. Residual water can harbor unwanted organisms and bacteria that can negatively impact the growth of your plants.
It’s important to make sure that the reservoir is completely empty, and then it’s a good practice to clean the entire system with a mild cleaning solution to ensure all surfaces are free from any potential build-up.
By >thoroughly removing the old water and maintaining a clean reservoir, you’ll be providing a healthy environment for your plants to thrive in. This also helps in maintaining the optimal nutrient balance and prevents any blockages or clogging in the system, ensuring consistent growth and better yields.

Step 3: Clean the Aerogarden

Properly cleaning the Aerogarden components, including the reservoir and pump, is essential to ensure a hygienic environment for the plants and maintain the system’s efficiency.
When performing a water change, it’s crucial to start by unplugging the pump and removing it from the reservoir.
Thoroughly clean the reservoir with a gentle detergent or a mixture of water and vinegar, ensuring that no residue or mineral deposits are left behind.
It’s advisable to inspect the pump for any debris and clean it carefully.
Regular maintenance of the components not only prevents clogging but also promotes healthy root growth and nutrient absorption for your hydroponic plants.

Step 4: Refill with New Water

Refill the Aerogarden reservoir with the freshly prepared nutrient-enriched water, ensuring that the water level and nutrient balance align with the requirements for healthy plant growth and development.
When refilling the Aerogarden, start by preparing the nutrient solution according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Measure the recommended amount of hydroponic nutrient for your model and mix it thoroughly with the appropriate volume of water.

Ensure that the nutrient balance is accurate as per the specific plants you are growing, as different plants may require different nutrient proportions. After preparing the nutrient-enriched water, carefully pour it into the reservoir, avoiding spills or air gaps that could disrupt the water level and nutrient distribution.

What Should You Do with the Old Water?

The old water from an Aerogarden can be utilized to water outdoor plants or disposed of safely, ensuring that it does not contain any harmful residues that could affect other vegetation.
Reusing the water from an Aerogarden for outdoor plant irrigation can save resources and promote sustainable gardening practices.
By incorporating this water into your gardening routine, you are demonstrating environmental stewardship and minimizing waste.
It is important to prioritize the responsible disposal or alternative use of the Aerogarden water to limit any potential negative impact on the environment.
Consider composting the nutrients from the Aerogarden water to enrich the soil for future plant growth.

What Are the Benefits of Changing the Water in an Aerogarden?

Regularly changing the water in an Aerogarden promotes healthier plant growth, optimizes nutrient uptake, and creates an environment that discourages the growth of harmful microorganisms, contributing to overall system productivity.
Regularly changing the water in your Aerogarden is crucial for preventing the buildup of excess minerals and salt. These can hinder the absorption of nutrients by your plants, resulting in stunted growth. By maintaining clean water, you can ensure optimal nutrient uptake and utilization, leading to healthier and stronger plants.
Moreover, clean water also reduces the risk of algae, mold, and bacterial growth, creating a hygienic environment for your plants to thrive. This not only supports their vitality but also promotes overall system cleanliness.

What Are the Risks of Not Changing the Water in an Aerogarden?

Neglecting to change the water in an Aerogarden can lead to nutrient imbalances, reduced oxygen availability, and the proliferation of algae and harmful pathogens, compromising plant health and system functionality.
Plant health is greatly dependent on a balanced nutrient supply. When water is not changed regularly, existing nutrients can become imbalanced, resulting in deficiencies or toxicities that hinder plant growth.
The lack of oxygen in stagnant water can hamper essential aerobic processes for robust root development and nutrient uptake, impeding overall plant development. Additionally, the buildup of algae and pathogens in the water can jeopardize the cleanliness of the hydroponic system, potentially causing clogs and leading to system malfunctions.

Are There Any Alternative Methods for Changing the Water in an Aerogarden?

Along with conventional water change procedures, alternative methods such as using a siphon, water pump, or hydroponic system can offer efficient approaches for maintaining water quality and system cleanliness in an Aerogarden.
Utilizing a siphon for water changes involves creating a vacuum in the tubing to draw out the water, making it a simple and manual method.
On the other hand, integrating a water pump can automate the process, circulating and aerating water while removing impurities. In a hydroponic system, implementing a recirculating solution can facilitate continuous filtration and nutrient distribution, optimizing plant growth and overall system health.

Using a Siphon

Using a siphon to change the water in an Aerogarden offers a convenient and effective method for extracting old water and facilitating the introduction of fresh, nutrient-enriched water into the system.
Utilizing a siphon for water change in an Aerogarden simplifies the process of maintaining a healthy hydroponic environment. The siphon efficiently removes debris and accumulated minerals, preventing potential blockages and ensuring optimal water circulation.
This method also reduces the risk of disturbing the plant roots, promoting stable growth and nutrient uptake. With its user-friendly design, employing a siphon for water change enhances the overall efficiency of the hydroponic system, contributing to sustained plant vigor and prolific yields.

Using a Water Pump

Employing a water pump can streamline the process of changing the water in an Aerogarden by facilitating rapid and thorough drainage, as well as controlled refilling with fresh, nutrient-rich water to support plant growth.
The use of a water pump in an Aerogarden offers numerous advantages, such as saving time and effort by automating the water change process.

With its efficiency, the pump ensures that the drainage is complete, removing stagnant water and potential contaminants.
Controlled refilling through the pump helps maintain optimal water levels, maximizing the growth potential of the plants.
This method minimizes disruptions to the hydroponic system, leading to better overall plant health and reduced maintenance requirements.

Using a Hydroponic System

“Integrating a dedicated hydroponic system can offer a comprehensive approach to water change in an Aerogarden, ensuring automated nutrient delivery, water circulation, and system monitoring for optimal plant care. This innovative system brings the advantages of hydroponic technology by providing precise control over the nutrient solution and oxygen levels, contributing to healthier and faster plant growth. With this level of automation, gardening enthusiasts can enjoy the convenience of minimal maintenance while experiencing improved plant yields and vitality. The seamless integration of hydroponics in the Aerogarden simplifies the cultivation process and supports the creation of thriving indoor gardens.” Integrating a dedicated hydroponic system can offer a comprehensive approach to water change in an Aerogarden. This ensures automated nutrient delivery, water circulation, and system monitoring for optimal plant care.

Water and Nutrient Management

Always ensure your AeroGarden has adequate water and nutrients for your plants. The water level should be kept at the fill line, and pH levels need to be in the optimal range for plant absorption, usually between 5.5 and 6.5. Replace water every 4–6 weeks to maintain nutrient balance. When adding nutrients, use the Aerogarden’s recommended liquid plant food. Make sure to follow the feeding schedule, usually every two weeks, to avoid over or under-feeding your plants.

Conclusion

This innovative system brings the advantages of hydroponic technology by providing precise control over the nutrient solution and oxygen levels. This contributes to healthier and faster plant growth. With this level of automation, gardening enthusiasts can enjoy the convenience of minimal maintenance while experiencing improved plant yields and vitality.
The seamless integration of hydroponics in the Aerogarden simplifies the cultivation process and supports the creation of thriving indoor gardens.