If you have an Aerogarden, it’s important to test your pump periodically to ensure it’s working properly. If the pump gets clogged and water can’t flow, your plants might wither.
Luckily, testing the pump is easy. Press down the Add Plant Food or Select button, holding it for three seconds. Next, lift up a pod slightly; you should see water flowing around the pod.
You can also put your hand on the side of the Aerogarden (I keep mine in the window and it’s easy to access) (I keep mine in the window and it’s easy to access). If the pump is running properly, you should feel a slight vibration.
Here’s a video that I made to demonstrate the process:
Once the test is complete, the pump will return to its normal cycle. This is a quick and easy way to test your Aerogarden pump and ensure it’s working properly.
I like to run a test every few weeks, just to have the peace of mind that my pump is still supplying nutrients to my plants.
It’s also a good idea to test the pump if you start a new garden.
What if the Pump Doesn’t Run?
If your Aerogarden’s pump doesn’t run properly, it’s probably clogged. Aerogarden has a simple list of steps to complete in order to clean it out.
Basically, you’ll want to:
- Unplug your garden and remove plants
- Open the grow deck
- Take the pump out
- Clean it with vinegar and a toothbrush
- Place it back in, replace the grow deck, and switch your Aerogarden back on
Aerogarden pumps are surprisingly robust and reliable. I’ve used Aerogardens for years, and I’ve never had a pump fail, even if my grow deck gets a lot of algae growth, or plant roots try to wrap themselves in the pump.