AeroGardens have come a long way since they were first introduced. AeroGrow built on its early success, continually innovating and improving hydroponic technology to make indoor gardening accessible to everyone regardless of space or skill level.
The all-new Bounty, upgraded with smart features for 2022, is the latest in countertop models that fit anywhere and produce generous harvests of herbs, vegetables, and flowers.
Enjoy fresh tomatoes in winter and spring greens in the fall — the weather is always perfect in an AeroGarden.
Let’s kick off our review of the AeroGarden Bounty family.
AeroGarden Bounty — Big Harvests & Great Features
AeroGarden’s Bounty line has three distinct models — the all-new Bounty, the Bounty Elite, and the Bounty Basic. Each offers slightly different features and price points for every need and budget.
Here is a closer look at how they work and why you should have one in your kitchen.
What Are AeroGardens, and How Do They Work?
AeroGardens are complete hydroponic growing systems that manage the needs of growing plants. Soil-free and self-contained, kits include a water reservoir, light, and water pump — all operated through an advanced digital control panel.
Everything you need is in the box, including a complementary set of seedpods and liquid nutrients to help get you started.
Seedpods and Nutrients
Seedpods are food-safe baskets packed with AeroGarden’s patented growth sponges and non-GMO seeds. Each comes with a label and a reusable grow dome to control the temperature and moisture during germination.
All Bounty models come with nine seedpods that are guaranteed to germinate or AeroGarden will replace them free.
You’ll also receive a bottle of liquid fertilizer made by the gardening pros at Miracle-Gro. It contains everything growing plants need to thrive.
LED Grow Lights
Plants require sunlight for photosynthesis, but light in indoor environments is limited. If you don’t have a sunny window, you’re out of luck.
But you can grow the most sun-hungry plants year-round with the AeroGarden Bounty. It’s equipped with automatic, full-spectrum lights. They cost only pennies per day to operate but keep plants well-nourished — adjust the height as they grow.
The lights on the Bounty and Bounty Elite models are dimmable.
Quick Set-up
AeroGardens are a breeze to set up and even easier to use. After washing the water bowl, you’ll assemble the base, secure the grow deck and connect the lights. There are no tools required — it all just comes together.
Just fill the bowl with water, drop in the pods, add nutrients, and plug it in. The control panel will guide you step by step through the rest of the planting process. It’s foolproof.
Easy Operation
The AeroGarden Bounty automates the entire growing process — it’s easier to operate than a television remote control. It cues you when to add water and nutrients, so you’ll never run dry. Vacation Mode conserves moisture when you’re away.
Wi-Fi-enabled and Alexa-compatible, the Bounty and Bounty Elite feature state-of-the-art touchscreen control panels.
Safe, Attractive and Durable Materials
AeroGardens are made with durable, food-safe materials for years of flawless service. Lights last 3-5 years, and budget-friendly replacement bulbs are available.
Fast Growth and High Yields
AeroGarden’s liquid fertilizer is the ideal blend of nutrients for indoor plants. It’s almost impossible to under- or over-fertilize.
The electronic water pump circulates water and nutrients to keep roots oxygenated and fed, so plants grow bigger and up to five times faster than in soil in a fraction of the space.
If you want even bigger harvests, check out our AeroGarden Farm Review.
AeroGarden Bounty Systems Reviewed
In this guide, we have reviewed all three AeroGarden Bounty models available in the market today. Choose according to your budget and needs!
Here is a comparison table of the different AeroGarden Bounty models:
| Model | Number of Plants | LED Light | WiFi & Touchscreen |
|---|---|---|---|
| AeroGarden Bounty | 9 | 40W | Yes |
| AeroGarden Bounty Elite | 9 | 50W | Yes |
| AeroGarden Bounty Basic | 9 | 30W | No |
AeroGarden Bounty Review
The all-new AeroGarden Bounty was recently upgraded with smart features that make it the best Bounty yet. Mid-priced, it comes in matte black and white finishes.
Specifications:
- Number of Pods: 9
- Grow Height: 24″
- LED Wattage: 40
- Seeds Included: Gourmet herb seed kit
- Dimensions: 17.25″ x 11.25″ x 34″ (L x W x H)
- Type of Finish: Matte (Black or White)
Size & Yield
AeroGarden kept the Bounty lean and mean, preserving its compact 17 x 11-inch footprint and 24-inch maximum hood height. The size of the bowl was increased to go longer between refills — it’s the largest among their many countertop models.
The re-imagined grow deck still fits nine seedpods but gives bushy plants more room to grow — plus it includes a 6-inch trellis to stabilize taller plants. You can comfortably grow more varieties of herbs, flowers, or vegetables and expect larger yields.
Lights & Power Consumption
Equipped with a powerful, energy-efficient 40W LED lighting system, the Bounty supports plants in all growth stages.
The automated timer turns them on in the morning and off in the evening, ensuring they get the right amount of full-spectrum light for vigorous growth. Dim them to 30-percent of their maximum brightness with the touch of a button. The hood is fully adjustable for plants of all heights.
Use & Maintenance
The re-engineered Bounty has a high-resolution color touchscreen control panel that’s more intuitive than ever. It’s like it knows what you’re thinking. You’ll know at a glance what growth stage your plants are in and when a refill is due. One of our favorite new features is the larger, mess-free port for adding water and nutrients.
The Quick Plant function guides you step-by-step through the planting process. You’ll also enjoy more than 140 helpful gardening tips to make the most of every planting. The system cues you to add water and fertilizer when needed.
Virtually maintenance-free, AeroGarden recommends handwashing and refilling the reservoir every 4-6 weeks to prevent the growth of mold or other organic matter. The exterior of the unit is wipe-down clean.
Special Features
The AeroGarden Bounty is Wi-Fi-enabled and compatible with Amazon’s Echo devices. Monitor your garden’s status or turn the lights on and off from wherever you are with the AeroGardens app.
But don’t worry if you can’t because the Bounty’s Vacation Mode conserves water and nutrients while you’re away. Plants will still grow, and you’ll never come home to brown or wilted greens again.
Worth noting is that the app is not currently iOS/Android-compatible, but it should be sometime in 2022.
AeroGarden Bounty Elite Review
The AeroGarden Bounty Elite represents the cutting-edge technology in the Bounty line and comes with many advanced features. Available in sophisticated platinum and stainless steel finishes, it’s their most advanced countertop garden yet.
Specifications:
- Number of Pods: 9
- Grow Height: 24″
- LED Wattage: 50
- Seeds Included: Gourmet herb seed kit
- Dimensions: 17.25″ x 11.25″ x 34″ (L x W x H)
- Type of Finish: Stainless Steel
Size & Yield
The Bounty Elite mirrors the Bounty in size, configuration and expected yield — both are 9-seedpod gardens. The most significant difference is the Elite’s modern aesthetics — the bowls have sleeker lines and contrasting metallic trim.
Lights & Power Consumption
Sun-hungry plants will appreciate the Bounty Elite’s upgraded 50W LED lights. Infinitely dimmable to mimic natural sunrise and sunset lighting, it’s ideal for growing cherry tomatoes in cold winter weather. Larger, it will cost more to operate, but the difference is negligible and may be offset by heavier yields.
Use & Maintenance
The Elite’s high-resolution control panel is similar to the standard Bounty but with streamlined lighting controls. It includes the same Quick Start and Garden Tips functions.
Special Features
If app compatibility is a must-have feature, the Bounty Elite is iOS and Android-ready and works with all Amazon devices.
AeroGarden Bounty Basic Review
AeroGarden’s Bounty Basic remains a top seller for its simplicity and value. If you want a garden with high yield potential but fewer bells and whistles, the Basic is for you.
Specifications:
- Number of Pods: 9
- Grow Height: 24″
- LED Wattage: 30
- Seeds Included: Gourmet herb seed kit
- Dimensions: 17.25″ x 11.25″ x 34″ (L x W x H)
- Type of Finish: Matte Black
Size & Yield
The Bounty Basic has the same compact footprint as the Bounty and Bounty Elite. Also redesigned for 2022, it features the same generous bowl, updated grow deck and trellis — but it’s available only in a matte black finish.
Lights & Power Consumption
AeroGrow kept the Bounty Basic affordable with 30W grow lights that use slightly less energy yet still provide full-spectrum light suitable for all seedpods. They operate on a timer but are not dimmable.
Use & Maintenance
Straightforward to use and the same to maintain, the Bounty Basic is less advanced than the Bounty or Bounty Elite. The black-and-white standard control panel lacks the pizzazz of the full-color touchscreen version, but it’s no less thoughtfully designed and user-friendly.
The layout is similar with a status readout in the center, Quick Plant and Garden Tips functions to the left and a directional button to navigate the menu on the right. Functions from lighting to enabling Vacation Mode require an extra step or two, but overall, the Basic still has the same user-friendly features that make all AeroGardens a pleasure to grow with.
Special Features
The Bounty Basic is neither Wi-Fi-enabled nor Alexa-compatible, but it still features Vacation Mode. Short on tech, the Basic’s best special feature is its modest price. It’s the least expensive of the three models.
AeroGarden Bounty Elite Artisan
We are not going to include a review of the Bounty Elite Artisan model because according to AeroGarden this model is discontinued.
The only difference to the Bounty Elite model was that it had a ceramic body.
AeroGarden Bounty Comparisons
AeroGarden Bounty vs Bounty Elite
The most notable difference between these AeroGarden units is that the Bounty Elite has a stainless steel finish, while the Bounty has a black or white matte finish. The Bounty Elite also has 50 watts of light power compared to 40 watts on Bounty.
When it comes to features, both have dimmable lights but Bounty Elite has more dimming options plus a sunrise/sunset lighting option. In addition, Bounty Elite is compatible with iOS and Android apps, while the Bounty is not.
AeroGarden Bounty vs Bounty Basic
The differences between these two models are in the grow light power and advanced features. The Bounty Basic has 30 watt LED lights while the Bounty has 10 watts more. The Bounty Basic also lacks features like touchscreen, Wi-Fi connectivity, and light dimming.
Of course, the Bounty Basic also has a lower price tag.
AeroGarden Bounty Elite vs Bounty Elite Artisan
The only difference between these models is that the main body of AeroGarden Bounty Elite is made of stainless steel while the Bounty Elite Artisan is made of ceramics. However, as mentioned earlier, it seems like the Bounty Elite Artisan is not available anymore.
How to Use the AeroGarden Bounty — A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Unbox and Assemble the System
AeroGardens come complete with everything you need to get started:
- AeroGarden Bounty grow system
- 9-Pod seed kit
- Liquid nutrients
- LED grow light
- Light post
- Power dapter
- Trellis system
Choose a level and well lit spot near a power outlet for assembly and installation. Review the official assembly guide that comes with system.
Watch this helpful YouTube video from AeroGarden for additional instructions:
If you have any problems or missing or broken parts, call the AeroGarden customer service team.
2. Fill the Water Tank and Plant the Seedpods
Fill the water tank with pH neutral or slightly acidic water (pH 5.5-7). Usually tap water will do just fine. Add liquid nutrients as directed.
Add the seedpod kits and cover the them with grow domes. The domes can be removed when plants reach the top.
Its best to place taller plant in the back and shorter ones in the front to make pruning easier.
3. Plug- In and Program the System
Plug in the power adapter and turn the system on. Programmin an AeroGarden Bounty is very easy, just select the “Quick Plant” option and follow the step-by-step instructions.
If you have the Bounty or Bounty Elite model, download the app and connect the system to your home Wi-Fi for easy control.
4. Grow Your Garden
Growing with AeroGarden is easy and fun!
Add water and nutrients when a light blinks as a reminder. Prune your plants to prevent them from shading each other too much.
You can use the vacation mode to save water if you’re away for a longer time.
5. Harvest
Follow the harvesting guide in the instructions. Some plants, like lettuce, can be harvested continuously while others are havested only at the end of the plants life cycle.
6. Start Again
When you have harvested all plants, it’s time to clean the system and start growing new plants. Experiment with different varieties to find bew favorites!
Final Thoughts
AeroGrow is committed to offering a wide range of evolving products for the budget gardener and tech lover alike.
Every garden they make is manufactured to the highest quality standards to bring you the best possible indoor gardening experience — no green thumb required.
If you are looking for something more affordable, check out our reviews of the AeroGarden Harvest models.
