AeroGarden Sprout LED Garden 1: Week 11 – 12 Update

After 12 weeks of growing herbs in my first AeroGarden Sprout LED, I have added a new step: Trimming the roots of the Genovese basil.

Now, let’s just hop right into this week’s update.

Today’s maintenance involved trimming the roots of the basil because they had also started to destroy the curly parsley’s roots and weren’t giving room for the new dill roots, adding a cap-full of nutrients and refilling the reservoir, harvesting and lowering the lights. Once again, even with the added maintenance, this took less that five minutes.

AeroGarden Sprout LED Garden #1 Week 11 Condition Before Harvesting Herbs

As shown in the picture, just like at week 9 and 10 in this Sprout LED (fourth week in a row), the lights are extended to the maximum height and it’s still not tall enough for the Genovese basil. The problem with now many weeks in a row of having to extend the lights to maximum is that the parsley and newly planted dill are not getting enough light and heat.

The solution I came up with was risky. I decided to trim down more than one leaf set and just over the magic rule of never removing more than 1/3 of the entire plant. It was the only way to be able to lower the lights enough so that the newly planted dill and curly parsley would get enough light.

AeroGarden Sprout LED Garden #1 Week 11 Maintenance Details

Maintenance remained the same as ever: feed, water and harvest. The only special thing was that I broke the magic 1/3 rule. As you’re about to see, the risk paid off. But, I’m not sure I’d recommend doing what I did just yet. We will have to see what happens in the next two weeks as I did something extra with the basil again today.

AeroGarden Sprout LED Garden #1 Week 12 Condition Before Harvesting Herbs

This is the first time in over a month that the lights didn’t need to be extended to its full height, which was excellent news for the curly parsley and dill. Also, despite taking my Genovese basil down to almost nothing last week, it still grew a substantial amount.

But, with the new step this week and yet another shock to the basil’s system, we’ll see if it continues to thrive.

AeroGarden Sprout LED Garden #1 Week 12 Maintenance Details

I added yet another new step this week that I thought about the day after the update from two weeks ago and was suggested by Elizabeth in the comments: Trim the root system. After all, it’s safe when moving trees and other plants, so why wouldn’t it be safe here?

It’s really difficult to tell from this picture, but not only is the basil not allowing any room for the dill’s root system, it’s also killing the curley parsley’s root system. I took out my garden sheers and trimmed away, leaving a good-sized root bulb for the Genovese basil.

The neighbouring plants in this AeroGarden Sprout LED now have the room they need for their root systems to grow and thrive.

After I trimmed the roots, I added the nutrients and water. Doing it in this order is important so that the trimmed roots get a full dose of nutrients after being cut. Next, I harvested the basil and parsley. Finally, I lowered the lights.

I’m now expecting the parsley and dill to really thrive. And if this is the end of the basil — which I doubt because it’s such a hearty herb but you never know — I’m okay with that. I have an entire small freezer bag over-packed with basil that will take months to use because I cook more frequently with Thai basil than Genovese basil. I also have seven Genovese basil pods which is enough to last me for years, so it won’t be any added expense.

How I Used The Last Two Week’s Maintenance of the AeroGarden Sprout LED Garden 1 for Mental Health Gains

If you follow me on my personal Twitter account, then you know I’ve been having a really difficult time recently when it comes to chronic pain. As a result, I’ve been very accident prone which has been leading to some big injuries, some of which have required trips to the ED.

Last Thursday was another one of those days after I had an accident and gave myself a concussion. A couple of days ago, my GP and I came up with a care plan to see what exactly is going on in my body. Today, the Radiologist who has never examined me decided he knew better than my GP and denied an important test needed to figure out the next steps in my pain management plan and ordered different tests which will significantly delay proper treatment.

Needless to say, I’m very angry. I’m fed up with an ableist medical system.

Today is not only taking care of my first AeroGarden Sprout LED day, but I also have to do a lengthy Week 7 maintenance and journal update for my AeroGarden Farm Plus. I think it can go without saying, just sitting and enjoying my gardens, spending time adsorbed in my journaling is a much needed mental health break after yet another unnecessary setback caused by doctors who have never laid eyes upon me.

Days like today, I’m incredibly thankful for my AeroGardens and my dedicated garden room.

Until Monday when there will be an update about my second AeroGarden Sprout LED!

Let me know if you have any questions, please. Answering those also is always great for my mental health because it allows me to share something I love so deeply.

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