AeroGardens are complete indoor growing systems. You may have seen them advertised on TV, lush with greens and cherry tomatoes, and wondered — are they too good to be true?
Since 2005, AeroGardens have turned millions of brown thumbs green with satisfied customers from beginners to pros.
Growing food is a thrill everyone deserves, so let’s take a closer look how at these innovative systems work and find the best AeroGarden for you.
Our recommendations for Best AeroGarden System:
- Big Harvest & Great Features: AeroGarden Bounty
- Great for Beginners: AeroGarden Harvest
- Largest and Most Advanced: AeroGarden Farm 24XL
- Small & Affordable: AeroGarden Sprout
Why AeroGardens Are So Popular?
Not all people have the space, talent, and time for gardening. But AeroGardens make the process so simple that anyone can grow fresh food without expensive equipment or know-how.
Geared for everyone from beginners to more advanced growers, setting up your own hydroponic herb garden has never been this easy.
It’s foolproof fun with practical benefits!
Here are a few things you should know about AeroGarden products:
What Are AeroGarden Products and How Do They Work?
AeroGardens are self-contained, hydroponic growing systems. Soil-free, each contains a base, water pump, light source, and digital control panel.
There’s no additional equipment to purchase — everything you need to get started is in the box.
Grow 3-24 plants, depending on the model, using only water and liquid nutrients. Place the prepackaged seed pods into the reservoir cover, plug it in, and you’re days away from a delicious and nutritious indoor garden. It’s that simple.
Growing Your Own Herbs, Salad and Veggies Has Many Advantages
Growing herbs and greens at home has unique advantages:
- Fun and Safe: It’s rewarding — there’s a special satisfaction in producing fresh food. You control the process from start to finish, so you know it’s chemical-free. All AeroGarden seeds are non-GMO.
- Fresh Herbs Around the Year: Produce is available at your fingertips and tastes fresher than store-bought because it never sits on a shelf. Grow the varieties you want without depending on the supermarket.
- Save Money: The long-term savings of growing your own vegetables and salad greens can be significant. A pint of cherry tomatoes can cost five dollars at the farmer’s market, but you can raise your own for a fraction of the price. Grow and dry herbs for even more savings.
Seed Pods and Nutrients
AeroGarden seed pods are food-safe plastic baskets with soilless growth sponges, a label, and grow dome. They also have a transparent cover that optimizes germination conditions.
Choose from kits with complementary plants — we especially like the Italian Herb, Gourmet Herb, and Salad Mix sets.
You can also create a custom blend using the Grow Anything Kit and seeds of your choice.
Pods are guaranteed to germinate or AeroGarden will replace them for free.
Baskets and grow domes are recyclable, or you can reuse them with grow sponges and labels ordered separately.
Each AeroGarden comes with liquid nutrients for vibrant growth — these are high-quality fertilizers that contain no synthetic chemicals. When you run out, just order some more — refills are competitively priced.
Grow Lights
Plants need sunlight to turn carbon dioxide and water into energy.
Light is limited in most homes, but AeroGarden systems let you grow sun-hungry plants year-round with built-in, energy-efficient LED grow lights. Full-spectrum panels range from 20 to 60 watts and cost pennies per day to operate.
The weather forecast never matters with an AeroGarden!
Easy to Use
AeroGarden products are a cinch to set up and even easier to operate. Once the unit is sanitized and assembled, you’ll fill the reservoir with water, add nutrients, drop in the seed pods and turn it on. The rest of the process is automated.
The AeroGarden will cue you when it’s time to refill the reservoir and add fertilizer — it’s error-proof. Additional features include a light timer, vacation setting, and helpful tips to help you cultivate your gardening knowledge. We cover the details in our reviews below.
Fast Growth — High Yields
AeroGarden’s liquid fertilizer contains time-released nutrients and oxygen generators. Patented Adaptive Growth Technology makes it almost impossible to over or under-fertilize plants.
The pump circulates water intermittently, providing the needed oxygen. Plants grow bigger and up to five times faster than conventional methods in less space.
No Mess — No Pests
Potting soil is not only messy, but it can contain pests from fungi to gnats. AeroGarden users never have to clean up spills or worry about bugs.
The truth is that any indoor plant can attract insects. But with a clean slate, problems are few and far between.
Durable, High-quality Materials
AeroGardens are built to last using durable but lightweight food-safe plastic in black, white, and stainless finishes. They’re wipe-down clean and make an attractive addition to any home.
LED bulbs should last 2-5 years depending on usage, and replacements are economical.
Educational Value
No one is born with a green thumb. Every gardener begins somewhere, and there’s no better way to learn about growing than with an AeroGarden. It eliminates the frustration of choosing the right soil, fertilizer, and seeds.
You’ll watch plants grow from seedlings to harvest, learning through observation. Success is the best inspiration.
Best AeroGarden Products Reviewed
We have picked the 4 best AeroGarden hydroponic grow systems to be reviewed in this guide. Choose one that fits your budget and needs!
Here is a comparison table of the different AeroGarden models:
| Model | Number of Plants | LED Light | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| AeroGarden Bounty | 9 | 40W | $$$ |
| AeroGarden Harvest | 24 | 2 x 60W | $$ |
| AeroGarden Farm 24XL | 6 | 20W | $$$$ |
| AeroGarden Sprout | 3 | 10 | $ |
Big Harvest & Great Features: AeroGarden Bounty
The Bounty is AeroGarden’s top-selling mid-sized model and combines excellent usability and great value. Packed with features, it measures 17 ×11 × 34 inches and fits conveniently on most counters.
Grow up to 9 varieties of herbs, greens, or vegetables. Aptly named, the Bounty delivers generous harvests.
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)
The base of this hydroponic system holds a gallon of water, and unit is light enough to carry but heavy enough to stay put on the counter. The 40-watt extendable lamp arm accommodates plants up to 24 inches tall — you’ll adjust it to match their height as they grow.
Use the complimentary 6-inch trellis to support heavy pepper and cherry tomato plants. Recently redesigned with an easy-access fill port, refilling the reservoir is mess-free.
The push-button control panel is user-friendly and commands key functions from the water level indicator to vacation mode. Lights on are a customizable timer and turn on and off automatically. The Quick Plant button guides you through the initial setup process.
Intuitive enough for beginners with access to 140-plus useful growing tips, the Bounty includes the features advanced users want most in a compact garden — the new model is also WiFi-enabled and Alexa compatible. A gourmet seed kit and liquid fertilizer are included. AeroGarden’s Bounty is a thoughtfully engineered product and a superb value.
There are also two additional models available in the Bounty Family — the advanced Bounty Elite and the more affordable Bounty Basic. Read the full review of AeroGarden Bounty family for more information.
Pros
- Packed with great features
- Easy to use and maintain
- Big harvests in a small space
- Stylish design
- WiFi and Alexa compatible
- Includes a gourmet herb seed kit
- Vacation mode allows you to leave home for longer times
- Includes a 6 inch tall trellis
Cons
- A bit pricey
Great for Beginners: AeroGarden Harvest
If you’re new to hydroponic gardening, AeroGarden’s Harvest is their popular entry-level model. Measuring 11× 6 × 17 inches, it holds up to six seed pods.
Create mixed salads or custom dried herb blends. It’s an exciting growing experience for the first-time gardener!
Specifications:
- Number of Pods: 6
- Grow Height: 12″
- LED Wattage: 20
- Seeds Included: Gourmet herb seed kit
- Dimensions: 10.5″ x 6″ x 17.4″ (L x W x H)
The simplified control panel is a breeze to use. Indicators tell you when to add water and food. Turn the light on in the morning, and it turns off automatically after 15 hours — the sweet spot most plants thrive on. There are no complex functions or confusing labels.
The 20-watt LED lamp extends to height of 12 inches. Bright enough to support vigorous growth but too short for tall plants, you’ll need to harvest some varieties before they reach their maximum potential. It’s a drawback but not a deal-breaker.
Best-suited for smaller plants including herbs, microgreens, and flowers, this model may be confining for committed gardeners, but it takes the guesswork out of growing for beginners. With AeroGarden, it’s like you have a friend in the business. If you’ve always wanted to grow fresh greens indoors but don’t want to struggle with complicated equipment or spend a lot to get started, the Harvest is the right garden at the right price.
Read the full review of AeroGarden Harvest family for more details.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Compact and smart design
- Easy and simple to use
- Comes with a gourmet herb seed kit
Cons
- Lights can not be dimmed
- Taller plants can’t fit in
Largest and Most Advanced: AeroGarden Farm 24XL
The family-sized AeroGarden Farm 24XL measures 36 x 14 × 46 inches and grows up to 24 varieties of seeds. This is the largest model in the AeroGarden Farm family.
Modular and stackable, you can connect multiple gardens for an abundance of fresh produce.
Specifications:
- Number of Pods: 24
- Grow Height: 36″
- LED Wattage: 120 (2 x 60)
- Seeds Included: Heirloom greens, herbs, and cherry tomatoes
- Dimensions: 36″ x 14″ x 46″ (L x W x H)
Two independent 60-watt light panels extend 36 inches, accommodating the tallest plants from peppers to plum tomatoes. Motorized, they’re adjustable for different stages of growth.
Raise full-sized plants on one side and seedlings for transplant on the other. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
Manage smart features from the touchscreen control panel or a handheld device. Farms are Apple- and Android-compatible and Alexa-enabled for convenience.
Full-spectrum light output is customizable based on the amount of sunlight in the room, saving bulb hours. The new Sunrise/Sunset feature brightens and dims the lights to mimic a natural daylight cycle that benefits young plants.
There are more economical options for indoor gardening than the Farm 24XL, but you get what you pay for. Few offer the flexibility, energy efficiency, and performance of an AeroGarden.
Plants grow up to five times faster for heavy yields, so you can raise fresh vegetables for four or more year-round. It’s an all-in-one solution for small-space gardeners with big dreams.
Pros
- Grow enough for the whole family
- Sturdy construction
- Great control options
- Powerful and energy efficient LED lights
- Comes with variety of seeds: herbs, greens, and tomatoes
- Includes a trellis
Cons
- Quite expensive
Small & Affordable: AeroGarden Sprout
Everyone needs a touch of green in their home. But why settle for ordinary potted plants when you can grow three varieties of herbs and more in the sleek AeroGarden Sprout?
The Sprout is AeroGarden’s smallest and simplest model. Measuring just 12 × 3.5 × 14 inches, it brightens spaces from the kitchen to the office. Available in black and white, its modern design complements any décor.
It takes minutes to assemble and is nearly effortless to operate.
Specifications:
- Number of Pods: 3
- Grow Height: 10″
- LED Wattage: 10
- Seeds Included: Genovese basil, curly parsley, and dill
- Dimensions: 12″ x 3.5″ x 14″ (L x W x H)
Equipped with an extendable, 10-watt LED grow light, it accommodates plants up to ten inches tall. Turn it on in the morning, and it shuts off automatically after 16 hours.
A silent pump circulates water and plant food continuously when the light is on. Convenience features include water and fertilizer reminders.
The Sprout is ideal for the budget-conscious buyer or the first-time gardener not ready to invest in a larger unit. For the price of three potted herbs from the nursery, you get the garden, seed pods, and a bottle of liquid nutrients.
Grow chemical-free, recipe-ready herbs and salad greens for less than the supermarket price while enjoying the sights and smells of a beautiful green garden. It’s a money-saver and an easy way to have fun while cultivating your green thumb.
Pros
- Affordable
- Compact and stylish design
- Very easy to set up and use
- Automatic shut-off function
Cons
- Fits only 3 plants
- No reminder for adding water
How to Choose the Best AeroGarden for Your Home
We picked the best AeroGardens for their performance, versatility, and value to be reviewed in this guide. Ask yourself these questions to find the perfect fit for your needs.
Which Plants Do You Want to Grow?
You can plant anything in an AeroGarden, but growth is limited by the size of the bowl and the height of the light.
Plant Height
Larger models encourage maximum yields. A 20-inch cherry tomato can grow in the Sprout but will need pruning before it’s ten inches tall to avoid contact with the grow light, minimizing your harvest.
The same plant in the Bounty with its 24-inch extendable lamp will grow to full size, maximizing the yield with less pruning.
Plant Selection
You can grow different plants in the same garden, but large leaves on one may starve others of light, so it’s best to choose compatible plants with similar growth rates and sizes. AeroGarden seed pod kits are designed to do just that.
Alternatively, you can grow a single variety — recommended for tomatoes — or use fewer seed pods than fit into your AeroGarden to give plants more space.
Herb gardeners will be delighted with the Sprout. For growing greens and tomatoes, we recommend upgrading to the Harvest or Bounty.
The Farm 24XL is a significant investment and more than the casual gardener needs, but it can grow almost any plant short of corn and is ideal for starting seedlings.
How Big Do You Want to Go?
Choose an AeroGarden based on your available space and the amount of food you want to grow. The most efficient models will be large enough to produce a bountiful harvest without waste.
Can it Fit in Your Kitchen?
AeroGardens fit comfortably in most indoor areas, requiring as little as 12 square inches of space.
If you’re setting it up on the kitchen counter, the typical 18-inches between the countertop and the bottom of a wall cabinet isn’t enough space to fully extend a 24-inch grow light. So plan ahead.
The Sprout and Harvest are ideal for singles — the Bounty is perfect for two. The Farm 24XL grows enough for 4 or more.
If you have the space, upsizing lets you grow as a home gardener. Surplus produce can be frozen or dried.
Use one of our recommended food dehydrators for drying the herbs conveniently. Then store them in airtight loose leaf tea containers to be used later.
How Much Do You Want to Spend?
The total cost of an AeroGarden includes its initial price plus operating costs.
The prices of models range from about $50 up to $800.
After the initial investment, the main operating cost comes from electricity. Equipped with energy-efficient LEDs and high-efficiency pumps, AeroGardens are inexpensive but not free to use.
At $0.10 per kilowatt-hour, electricity costs average $.60 per month for the Sprout up to $6.00 monthly for the Farm 24 XL.
Estimates may increase or decrease based on energy rates in your area and the number of hours the lights are on. With the rising prices of produce, most users agree — they’re a good value.
Useful AeroGarden Tips for Beginners
When you buy a new AeroGarden you will probably be excited to start using it right away.
Here are a few useful tips to get you going:
- You don’t always need to fill all the seed pods in your AeroGarden. If you are planting bigger plants like tomatoes or paprice, you should only fill about half of the pods.
- When a light on your AwroGarden is blinking, it means that you should add water or nutrients. There is a separate light for each reminder.
- Don’t plant taller plants next to short ones so that the small ones don’t get neough light.
- In addition to the pre-packaged seed pods, you can grow your own seeds of almost any kind. Just get an AeroGarden Grow Anything Seed Pod Kit.
- If you are going away for a longer time, put your system into a vacation mode. You can also get an AeroGarden AeroVoir Garden Watering System to keep the plants watered for several weeks without refilling.
I hope this guide has helped you with choosing the most suitable AeroGarden model and getting you started.
Enjoy growing your own healthy herbs and veggies!
