In 2020, the world was in lockdown and many people turned to slow pursuits like sourdough baking, Animal Crossing, and jigsaw puzzles. As a result, a tech company’s indoor gardening products, specifically AeroGarden’s soil-free hydroponic plant-growing devices, became a hot commodity. I was introduced to these gardening gadgets by my brother and after searching through multiple sold-out sites, I finally secured one from Kohl’s. In the years that followed, I became a huge fan of the concept and ended up owning three AeroGardens, using them to grow a variety of plants and even giving them as gifts to friends and family.
However, in early October, AeroGarden’s parent company, ScottsMiracle-Gro, announced that they would be closing operations at the end of the year. This news left many questions unanswered, especially for those who own the more expensive app-enabled models. While the company has stated that they will continue to support customers through the holiday season and beyond, it’s hard not to be concerned about the future of these devices.
If you currently own an AeroGarden, your next steps will depend on which model you have and when you purchased it. If you bought it this year, you will still be covered by a one-year warranty, but for purchases after November 1, 2024, the warranty period will be reduced to 90 days. After that, it’s uncertain if any customer support will be available. However, AeroGardens are known to be modular and easy to repair, as long as the electronic parts and lights continue to work.
In conclusion, the end of the AeroGarden era is a sad development for those who have come to love these gardening gadgets. While there are still some uncertainties about the future of the devices, it’s important to enjoy them while they last and make the most of the remaining growing season.
