Do plants really grow faster in an Aerogarden?

I'll be honest with you. I've seen plenty of ads for hydroponic systems that claim your pants will grow 5 times faster than they do in soil, but I really didn't believe it.  My daughter gave me an Aerogarden for my birthday and although I can't say for certain the plants grow 5 times faster in the hydroponic unit compared to soil, I can tell you that I am impressed with their growth.

For my first attempt, I decided to start two Early Girl tomatoes, two Takii's Ace pepper plants and two strawberry plants. As you can see above, the tomatoes and peppers are doing great. The strawberries were slow to germinate and only one has survived.

I can literally see growth every day. I intend to pot the tomato and pepper seedlings as soon as they outgrow the Aerogarden. In fact, the tomato plants are crowding out the peppers and strawberry already and will need to be moved soon.

I'm not sure, yet, what I will start next. I'm thinking of trying some flowers for the flowerbed this summer, but then herbs would be nice, too.

If you are limited on growing space or would like to grow flowers or herbs all year long, an Aerogarden or other hydroponic unit may be right for you. You can find them at your local home improvement or gardening center.

Thanks for stopping by. Until next time . . .  Happy Gardening!

Areogarden Update!

It has only been three days since my last photos, but the plants are growing so quickly I felt I had to document it. The biggest tomato plant is getting so big that it is beginning to block the light for my other plants. I am considering potting it in soil and taking a cutting from it to start another plant or two in the Aerogarden. 

I intended to pot the tomato plants for the garden this summer anyway, but I had no idea they would outgrow the Aerogarden this quickly.