Growing Rates in Australia of Produce Grown In The Airgarden
Growing your own herbs, leafy greens and vegetables in an Airgarden using aeroponic technology is a game-changer for home gardeners, due to the huge yields you can grow in such a small space, in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way.
Plants grown aeroponically typically grow three times faster than those grown in soil due to their increased access to oxygen, which boosts plant health. This means that, under the same conditions, you can get the same yield in a third of time when using a hydroponic system.
These expedited growth rates mean you'll be harvesting your first crops in as little as 2 weeks, but of course not all plants grow at the same rate! Below we break down the average time it takes until you'll be harvesting your own home-grown produce for some of the most popular herbs, leafy greens and vegetables grown in the Airgarden
Growing herbs in the Airgarden
The amount of time it takes to grow herbs depends on the type of herb and the desired use. Fast growing herbs like parsley, mint, dill, basil will be ready for first harvest in 2-3 weeks, whereas slower growing herbs like thyme, rosemary, chives oregano and tarragon will take 3-4 weeks.
In general, herbs can be harvested when they have enough leaves to be useful. For example, mint and basil can be harvested when they have at least six leaves, while rosemary and thyme can be harvested when they have at least eight leaves. It is also important to consider the time of day when harvesting herbs. Herbs are typically at their most flavourful and fragrant in the morning, before the sun has fully risen and the essential oils in the leaves have started to evaporate. For the best flavour and aroma, it is best to harvest herbs in the morning, when they are at their peak.
Growing lettuce in the Airgarden
Lettuce is the Airgarden's BFF, and will typically be your first crops ready to harvest in just 2 weeks. Lettuce leaves can be harvested as soon as they are large enough to use. By harvesting the outer leaves first using the 'cut and come again' harvesting method, this will allow the inner leaves to continue producing new leaves, and you can continue to harvest them as they grow. You can check out our full guide on growing lettuce in your Airgarden here.
Growing leafy greens in the Airgarden
There are an abundance of leafy greens that you can grow all year round in the Airgarden, the most popular being kale, spinach, bok choy, and silverbeet. These plants will be ready to harvest in 3-4 weeks.
Growing zucchini in the Airgarden
The time it takes for a zucchini plant to grow and produce fruit depends on several factors, including the variety, growing conditions, and climate. On average, it takes 4-6 weeks for a zucchini plant to mature and produce fruit. Zucchinis are typically harvested when they are between 15 - 20cm long. It is best to harvest zucchini when they are young and tender for the best flavour and texture.
Growing tomatoes in the Airgarden
On average, it takes about 6-7 weeks for a tomato plant grown in the Airgarden to mature and produce fruit.
The best time to harvest tomatoes depends on the variety and growing conditions. In general, tomatoes are ready to be harvested when they are deep red in colour and feel firm to the touch. However, some varieties may be ready to harvest when they are still green or yellow. It is best to check the ripeness of the fruit by gently squeezing it to see if it is ready to be picked. If the fruit gives slightly but still feels firm, it is ready to be harvested. You can also check the stem of the tomato plant to see if the fruit is ready to be picked. If the stem of the tomato plant is green and pliable, the fruit is not yet ready to be harvested. If the stem is dry and brittle, the fruit is ready to be picked.
Growing capsicum in the Airgarden
You've never tasted sweeter, more delicious capsicum that that which you've grown with aeroponics in an Airgarden! On average, it takes about 5-7 weeks for a capsicum plant grown in the Airgarden to mature and produce fruit. Start harvesting your capsicum when they have reached the desired size and colour and are firm to the touch.
Growing cucumber in the Airgarden
The time it takes for a cucumber plant to grow and produce fruit depends on several factors, including the variety, growing conditions, and climate. On average, it takes about 5-7 weeks for a cucumber plant to mature and produce fruit in the Airgarden.
You can harvest when your cucumber fruits have reached the desired size and are firm to the touch. Harvest the cucumber fruits regularly, as this will encourage the plant to continue producing new fruits. If the fruits are allowed to over-ripen on the vine, the plant may stop producing new fruits.
For a breakdown of all the plants you can grow in the Airgarden using aeroponics check out our guide, or for a full and personalised guide for what to grow in your Airgarden based on your location and season, take our growing quiz.