FILL THE LARDER

There's something about spring that makes home cooks toss the dried, packaged seasonings they've endured all winter and rediscover the flavor of fresh herbs and spices.

For cooks with a fetish for fresh, AeroGarden makes it easy to grow spices, chili peppers, cherry tomatoes and flowers right in your own kitchen.

AeroGarden uses aeroponic technology to grow vegetables, herbs and flowers from seeds year-round, without dirt, weeds or the need to endure hot Southern Nevada temperatures.

Seed pods are enclosed in a minigreenhouse for fast germination. A built-in lighting system means the unit can be placed anywhere, and a smart garden micro-processor automatically adjusts for optimum nutrient delivery, light and water flow.

The kit retails for $149.95 and includes everything needed for a full season's harvest, including pre-seeded grow pods, organic-based nutrients and a Gourmet Herb Seed Kit.

Other seed kits, available in Sur La Table stores or online ($19.95 each), include seeds for cherry tomatoes, chili peppers, salad greens, petunias and Italian, French and Japanese herbs.

Available at Sur Le Table at Desert Passage mall, 3663 Las Vegas Blvd. South, or online (www.surlatable.com).

Story by John Przybys. What's New is a weekly column about new products on the market.