| Before making an informed purchase decision, one naturally has questions about the product. We have put together a list of frequently voiced concerns, questions and their answers. You should find a response to your inquiry here. If not, we welcome your questions and comments at info@klimagro.com. |
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Is Klima-Gro easy to work on? |
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Klima-Gro has eight sliding glass panels to allow very easy access. These panels also remove instantly for cleaning, and the entire greenhouse enclosure can be lifted off the growing tub if necessary. When on the custom base cabinet or on a coffee table, the greenhouse is at an excellent height for gardening without kneeling.
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| Where would you put Klima-Gro? |
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Depending on the size, Klima-Gro could be placed on a kitchen countertop or in a window for raising vegetables, herbs and spices and in a child's bedroom on a student desk or nightstand to do butterfly gardening. Each model is finished all the way around so it makes a beautiful room divider in a greatroom, entry foyer, or office reception area. It could be placed in an interior wall to be used as a "see-through greenhouse". In addition to these numerous options, Klima-Gro can also be put on a lab table for science classrooms, in activity areas for horticultural therapy for nursing homes, and zoo or museum exhibition halls for display of habitat. The choices are endless.
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What cabinet styles are available? |
| The majority of people appreciate the scuff-resistant properties and the cost savings the laminate cabinet offers. However, you also have the option of
purchasing the all-wood cabinet for a more decorative effect.
The style has been developed in conjunction with interior designers and is geared toward the tastes of the majority of consumers. It is neutral in styling, and will mix well with almost all types of furniture. Klima-Gro can also be placed on furniture you may already have.
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| Can you mix plants and flowers? |
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There is no reason why you can't mix a variety of foliage, plants and flowering plants to fashion a stunning floral display. There is only one requirement, all plants sharing the same Klima-Gro unit must be compatible as to temperature, moisture and light requirements. You couldn't, for example, raise ferns and cacti in the same bed.
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It's too small for all my plants. |
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The greenhouse is not intended for all of your plants, but it can be a display case for your prettiest ones, a 'hospital' for your sick plants, or
a controlled environment for difficult to grow plants, such as
orchids.
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| How often do you replace the soil? |
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The soil will eventually wear out because of soil breakdown, leaching, etc. Accordingly, the soil should be changed in its entirety every 2-3 years.
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Where are the drainage holes? |
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The base is molded in one piece so there are no seams
for potential leakage. There is no need for
drainage because of the large growing bed and the water
reservoirs. The only reason for drainage holes in small flower
pots is so that plant roots are not left sitting in water,
which is accomplished by our water runoff system. The reservoirs are not just water holding tanks. They are filled with soil as well and do not need to be
drained. Any excess will slowly feed the roots through
capillary action, which makes Klima-Gro an excellent 'plant
sitter' during extended absences.
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How much energy does Klima-Gro use? |
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Klima-Gro is plugged into any standard wall
outlet, and will consume no more energy than a 100 watt light
bulb when all components are operating. If the heater is not
heating because of a similar room temperature, the power
consumption would be 80 watts when the lights are on. If the lights are off and soil bed heater has reached its desired temperature, no current
will be used at all. It actually takes far less energy to heat
the greenhouse than it would to leave the home or building
temperature up a few extra degrees. Klima-Gro is actually
energy saving, since it can maintain an ideal temperature for
fuel conservation. Costs to operate Klima-Gro range from approximately 2.7 cents a day for smallest model (KG-1000 "The Discovery") to 3.4 cents a day for largest model (KG-5000 "The Majestic").
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Why aren't grow lights used? |
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Research at Cornell and other universities
has proven that most special "grow lights" do not affect plant
growth appreciably. This type of lamp usually costs two or
three times more, yet lasts
about half as long, making them considerably more expensive.
Each Klima-Gro is equipped with GE's most advanced lighting technology. SP30 fluorescent lamps produce excellent color, outstanding lumen maintenance, unsurpassed light output and GE's longest lamp life.
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| What if the electronics malfunction? |
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The electronics are 100% solid state and will give years of trouble-free service. Klima-Gro carries a full one year parts and labor guarantee against defects in manufacture, and should anything ever malfunction, the control panel is modular, removable by four screws, so there is no need to
send in the entire greenhouse. Just remove these screws, unplug the component
connections, send to manufacturer and it should be back within one week. Loaner control panels are also available from the factory for emergency use. So your Klima-Gro is never without a control panel.
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Can I accidentally sever an electrical wire? |
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There is an aluminum heat grid covering the wires which disperses heat from the heating element wires, eliminating hot spots and preventing plant
roots from becoming entangled in them. It also serves to protect the wires from being severed by garden tools while working in the soil.
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Can the glass break or scratch easily? |
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The glass is automotive-type, tempered safety
glass. It does not have the scratching problem that plexiglas
has, nor the distortion, because it is 'float' glass, produced
in a special way on molten tin so that there is no distortion.
There is no finer glass available!
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| Is a humidistat or fan necessary? |
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Since humidity is generally not as critical a growth factor as light or heat,
it is not measured directly, but it can be regulated by the
aperature(s) left in the glass. For those who wish, a
humidistat can be added. We suggest the use of a small auxiliary bladed fan (
KG-Fan) to enhance the propogation of blooming plants and provide sufficient ventilation. You won't need a high-volume fan, just enough to keep the air moving.
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