Enjoy the flavor and aroma of summer year-round with a hydroponic indoor herb garden kit. Clean, compact, and convenient to use, these self-contained growing systems put the power of freshness at your fingertips.
Grow your own herbs and vegetables and use them in cooking, salads, or prepare healthy herbal teas. Fresh herbs also enhance your living space with their beautiful green presence and refreshing aromas.
Whether you want a large or smaller system, one for your window board, or just the most affordable option, one of our top picks will be a great fit for you.
Our recommendations for the Best Hydroponic Herb Garden Kit:
- Best Overall: AeroGarden Bounty Indoor Hydroponic Herb Garden
- Best Large Option: AeroGarden Farm 24XL
- Great for Beginners: iDOO Hydroponics Growing System
- Budget Pick: AeroGarden Harvest Indoor Hydroponic Garden
- Most Compact: Click and Grow Smart Garden
- Best for a Window Board: Homend Indoor Hydroponic Grow Kit
Advantages of Indoor Hydroponic Growing Kits
Hydroponics is a hassle-free way to grow plants indoors. These growing systems require no soil — only light, water, and liquid nutrients.
The advantages of growing your own herbs with one of these hydroponic kits include:
Simple to Use: The best hydroponic gardens come complete with everything you need to grow your first batch of plants. Drop specially designed seedpods into the base, or bowl, add water and fertilizer and turn on the light. Seeds germinate in days, and your harvest is ready in weeks. It’s the ultimate choice for easy gardening.
Year-round: Grow fresh herbs and vegetables year-round without worrying about the weather forecast — it’s always the right season indoors.
Safe: Cultivate healthy, plant-to-plate greens without dangerous chemical pesticides. Choose gardens that come with non-GMO seeds and all-natural fertilizers.
Fast-growing: Hydroponic plants mature fast because conditions are ideal. Light, nutrients, and moisture are perfectly balanced for up to five times faster growth and greater yields.
Space-saving: The best hydroponic herb garden kits can produce twice as many plants in a square foot of space compared to soil-based pots. Why settle for less when you can enjoy a full range of inspiring flavors?
Mood-enhancing: Green spaces are natural mood-boosters, reducing the impact of stress with color and fragrance. Aromatic herbs, such as basil and rosemary, smell as good as they grow as they do in your favorite dishes.
Best Hydroponic Herb Garden Kits for Indoors Reviewed
We picked the 6 best indoor hydroponic grow systems in the market so that you can find the most suitable one for your needs.
The different types of garden kits included in this guide are all made with safe and durable materials and using them is easy and intuitive. All of the products, except the Homend Indoor Hydroponic Grow Kit, include energy-saving LED lights.
Below is a comparison table of our recommended Hydroponic Herb Garden Kits:
Model | Number of Plants | LED Light | Price |
---|---|---|---|
AeroGarden Bounty | 9 | 40W | $$$ |
AeroGarden Farm 24XL | 24 | 2 x 60W | $$$$ |
iDOO Herb Starter Kit | 7 | 24W | $$ |
AeroGarden Harvest | 6 | 20W | $$ |
Click and Grow Smart Garden | 3 | 6W | $$ |
Homend Hydroponic Grow Kit | 11 | Not Included | $ |
Here are a few more product guides that you might also find interesting:
Best Overall: AeroGarden Bounty Indoor Hydroponic Herb Garden
Your dinner table awaits the delicious creations you’ll make with the AeroGarden Bounty Hydroponic Herb Garden.
Ample enough for lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, and more, it accommodates up to nine seed pods for plenty of variety and flavor — the starter kit includes non-GMO basil, parsley, dill, chives, and mint. Seeds sprout in days and continue producing for months.
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)
Expertly crafted and built to last, the Bounty features a high-capacity, easy-to-fill bowl with curved ends ideal for full plants like leaf lettuce. An extendable 40-watt LED lamp provides the growing power for plants up to 24 inches tall and a bonus trellis keeps them contained.
Operate your garden from a single, high-resolution touchscreen. Functions include a three-stage water indicator, light dimmer, and vacation mode. You can monitor your system at a glance from anywhere with the voice-enabled WiFi app. Growing your herbs couldn’t get any easier than this!
The “Quick Plant” function gives you step-by-step set-up instructions, plus you can access 140 useful garden tips for making the most out of your investment. Available in white and black, the mid-sized Bounty is the best hydroponic herb garden for both beginners and experienced growers.
Pros
- Easy to use and clean
- WiFi control features
- Nice and sleek design
- Provides big harvests but fits in a small space
- Comes with a gourmet herb seed kit
- Vacation mode allows you to leave home for longer times
- Includes 6 inch tall trellis
Cons
- Quality doesn’t come cheap
Best Large Option: AeroGarden Farm 24XL
Grow enough for a family with the AeroGarden Farm 24XL. Based on commercial vertical growing systems, it’s two gardens in one with dual bowls and 36 inches of growing height on a lightweight adjustable trellis frame.
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)
Separate smart controls for each side let you customize lamp height for different plants with the touch of a button on the control panel or via the app — they’re fully motorized.
Full-spectrum 60-watt LEDs maximize photosynthesis for lush growth. Infinitely dimmable, you can control lumen output manually for delicate plants or use the new automatic Sunrise/Sunset function to mimic natural outdoor light cycles.
Each kit comes complete with everything you need to install it in minutes, including 24 non-GMO seed pods plus two bottles of AeroGarden’s all-natural liquid plant fertilizer.
The Farm 24XL is the largest model of the AeroGarden Farm product line. It may be more than beginners need, and some gardening know-how is required to make the most of its many features.
Yet, learning how to use it is fast and experienced gardeners will appreciate its capabilities and advanced functions.
The modular design allows you to connect two or more AeroGarden Farm systems for unlimited production. The sky’s the limit.
Pros
- Large growing capacity
- Sturdy construction
- Great control options
- Comes with a herb, greens, and tomatoes seed kit
- Includes a trellis
Cons
- Quite expensive
Great for Beginners: iDOO Hydroponics Growing System Indoor Herb Garden Starter Kit
Novice gardeners will enjoy iDOO’s Hydroponics Growing System — it’s the ideal starter kit. Simple to use but remarkably well-equipped, it features an adjustable 24-watt full-spectrum LED light.
Specifications:
- Number of Pods: 7
- Grow Height: 13.4″
- LED Wattage: 24
- Seeds Included: None
- Dimensions: 13.7″ x 5.5″ x 19.8″ (L x W x H)
Choose from 12-, 14-, or 16-hour illumination cycles for different growth stages and the lights turn on and off automatically. Unlike similar models, the electronic pump has a 12-hour sleep mode, so if it won’t disturb your rest if you live in a small space.
This model fits seven growing pods with sponges, included with the kit, but you’ll need to add your own seeds. Its square shape and small footprint are best-suited for herbs versus salad greens and vegetables.
Compared to the AeroGarden Bounty, the iDOO lacks refinement. Still, the basic functions are sound and missing features, such as WiFi control and a low-water indicator, are offset by the significantly lower price.
Serious indoor gardeners may quickly grow out of using this system, but it’s a quality kit for beginners who don’t want to spend a lot and the perfect gift for aspiring pint-sized botanists.
Pros
- Easy to set up and use
- Affordable
- Compact size
- Has all the necessary basic features
Cons
- Seeds are not included
- No dimming function
Budget Pick: AeroGarden Harvest Indoor Hydroponic Garden
The AeroGarden Harvest is small enough to fit in even the tiniest spaces. With just six pods, it’s still roomy enough for bushy plants and varieties up to 12 inches tall to grow your choice of herbs, vegetables, or greens.
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)
Non-GMO seeds come with the kit and include basil, parsley, thyme, dill, and mint — perennial favorites in any kitchen.
The low-profile, 20-watt LED lamp packs a punch — it’s adjustable and finely tuned to plants’ growing needs. Expect a bountiful harvest with just water and liquid fertilizer — the fill port is in the front for easy access.
A simple three-function control panel makes growing foolproof, reminding you when to add food and water.
AeroGarden Harvest is made of the same attractive, durable materials as the Bounty but is less advanced without the smart features we’ve grown to love. Yet, it’s quietly intelligent despite being low-tech.
If you’re a first-time hydroponic gardener who wants to grow both herbs and greens for one to two people, the Harvest is a top performer and an outstanding value.
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
Most Compact: Click and Grow Smart Garden 3-Herb Indoor Garden
The Click and Grow Smart Garden holds three seed pods — basil included — in a compact frame that takes less counter space than a loaf of bread. It won’t feed a family, but it will grow plenty of your preferred herbs year-round.
Specifications:
- Number of Pods: 3
- Grow Height: 13″
- LED Wattage: 6
- Seeds Included: Basil seeds
- Dimensions: 12″ x 5″ x 18″ (L x W x H)
Click and Grow systems are made of the sturdiest materials and click together with ease for quick assembly. Engineered to work without pumps and electronic controls, they’re straightforward to operate and energy-efficient.
The 6-watt light is surprisingly bright but costs just $6 annually to run — that’s a bargain.
The design is unique — the lamp extends from the end of the bowl with a maximum height of 18 inches, so it tucks easily under counters. Light timers work automatically on a 16 hours on-8 hours off cycle so there’s nothing to turn on or off ever. A floating indicator tells you when to add water.
Aesthetically, it has a more futuristic than furniture look and complements modern decors. Available in black, white, and beige, it complements modern decors and makes an easy-grow garden for people who want a touch of green in a limited space.
Pros
- Fits in a small space
- Simple futuristic design
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to use and maintain
Cons
- Only 3 growing pods
Best For a Window Board/Sill: Homend Indoor Hydroponic Grow Kit
If you have a sunny spot on a window sill, why pay for an herb garden with a built-in light when the Homend will do the trick for less?
It’s nothing fancy and looks more like a kid’s science experiment than a grow kit, but grow it does — up to 11 plants at a time, indoors or out.
Specifications:
- Number of Pods: 11
- Seeds Included: None
- Dimensions: 16″ x 10″ x 5.7″ (L x W x H)
This kit comes with a square, food-grade bowl, and cover, plus the parts required to put it together. Initially, you’ll use it as a sprouting tray, assembling the air pump and cover only after the seeds (not included) have sprouted. It takes effort, but it’s a great hands-on way to learn about gardening, and it’s priced 60-percent lower than our second least expensive pick. No matter your budget, it’s affordable.
With 11 slots spaced closely together, the Homend is ideal for herbs, lettuce, and seedlings destined for transplant — avoid plants like tomatoes that don’t tolerate crowding. You’ll want to choose varieties that grow well in the dim winter sun or pair the garden with a portable grow light for flexibility.
If you want to dabble in hydroponics on a dime, the Homend is a great spend.
Pros
- Super affordable
- Fits up to 11 plants
- Consumes very little electricity
Cons
- You need a separate light source
- No seeds or fertilizers included
Buying Guide For Indoor Hydroponic Herb Garden Kits
Hydroponic gardens aren’t complicated, but you won’t get the most for your money with models that are frustrating to use or maintain. If last year’s must-have kitchen gadgets are gathering dust in the closet, you know what we mean.
We want you to love your herb garden, so our top picks are among the finest engineered. But which one is right for you?
Consider these key features before buying one:
Size and Capacity
Hydroponic growing kits come in compact counter and floor sizes. Small gardens produce herbs for a family or vegetables for one. To raise lettuce, tomatoes or peppers in reasonable amounts for the whole family, select the largest model your space can accommodate or get several smaller ones to be placed around your home.
Measure carefully before you purchase — some models are taller than the standard 18-inches between countertops and upper kitchen cabinets. Gardens with built-in lights should be close to an outlet. Cords average 3–6 feet and permanent extension cords are not recommended.
Ease of Use
The best hydroponic herb garden kits have intuitive functions and an easy-to-access watering port. Smart models with apps offer handheld remote control — check the water level and turn lights off from anywhere. Your garden should also be simple to assemble and disassemble for occasional cleaning.
Materials and Durability
Early hydroponic gardens were made with brittle materials prone to cracking and leaks, but today’s food-grade, BPA-free plastics are leak-resistant and durable. Replaceable LED lights last an average of 2-5 years.
Design and Aesthetics
Your garden should be as beautiful as what it grows. Choose finishes that complement your décor. Dark colors show dust, and light colors show fingerprints, but bowls are wipe-down clean, so keeping them looking good is never a chore.
Energy Consumption
Hydroponic gardens use energy-efficient LED lights for photosynthesis and small electronic pumps to circulate water. Mid-sized models average $12 –$15 annually to operate.
You can also choose a model without light and place it on a sunny window board to save electricity.
Convenience Features
Convenience features like these make a hydroponic garden more lifestyle-friendly:
- Water and Fertilizer Indicators: Water and fertilizer indicators remind you when to tend your garden, eliminating guesswork for beginners. Models with a vacation mode conserve water while you’re away.
- Extendable Lamp Arms: Extendable lamps can be raised or lowered to give plants optimal light no matter their size.
- Programmable Lights: Programmable lights turn on and off automatically at a preset time every day. Models equipped with variable light cycles control the number of light hours plants receive, so they get what they need regardless of the growing phase.
- Dimmers: LED light isn’t harsh, but it’s bright. Dimmers allow you to tone it down without turning it off.
Hydroponic Herb Garden FAQ
What are the advantages of hydroponic herb gardens?
The main advantage of growing herbs in an indoor hydroponic growing system is that they are easy to use and allow you to grow herbs around the year. In addition, when you grow your own herbs you know they don’t contain any harmful pesticides and are grown from non-GMO seeds.
Hydroponic systems also enable the herbs to grow faster compared to soil. One great thing is that you can grow plenty of plants in a small space and save money in the long run.
Which hydroponic growing system is better iDOO or AeroGarden?
When comparing iDOO vs AeroGarden indoor hydroponic growing systems, it is a very tough battle between the two brands.
AeroGarden offers more variety — you can choose from several products and grow 3 to 24 plants depending on the size of the system. AeroGarden hydroponic kits also include the seed pods. For example, their affordable Harvest system comes with a Gourmet Herb Seed Kit.
iDOO hydroponic growing system is very easy to set up and use and costs less than most AeroGarden products, but you have to buy the seeds separately.
What is the best hydroponic garden kit for beginners?
We recommend either AeroGarden Harvest or iDOO Herb Garden Starter Kit for beginners. Both hydroponic systems are easy to use, include a grow light, and offer excellent value for money.
Conclusion
I hope this guide helped you with finding the kind of indoor hydroponic system that you were looking for.
After growing your own herbs you can enjoy them fresh or use one of our recommended herb dehydrators to store them and make your own healthy herbal tea blends.
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