AeroGarden Models Compared: Find Your Perfect Indoor Garden
For most households, the AeroGarden Harvest is the top pick. It is compact, easy to use, and grows up to six plants, making it ideal for beginners and small kitchens. Its main advantage is the simple one-button setup and automatic reminders. The main limitation is its height, which restricts tall plants like tomatoes or peppers.
Indoor hydroponic gardening has become increasingly popular, and AeroGarden leads the market with a range of systems. These countertop gardens use water and nutrient solutions to grow herbs, vegetables, and flowers without soil. They are perfect for apartments, offices, or anyone wanting fresh produce year-round.
But with many models available, selecting the right one can be overwhelming. We compared the most popular AeroGarden systems on Amazon, focusing on capacity, size, and features. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced gardener, this guide will help you find the best fit.
The shortlist, ranked
AeroGarden Harvest 6 Pod Indoor Hydroponic Garden
The AeroGarden Harvest is our top recommendation. It grows six plants in a compact footprint, perfect for countertops. Owners praise its simple setup and reliable performance. The LED light automatically adjusts, and the garden reminds you when to add water and nutrients. It is ideal for herbs and lettuce, but its 12-inch grow height limits taller crops.
Pros
- Easy to set up and maintain
- Compact design fits most countertops
- Automatic light timer and nutrient reminders
Cons
- Not tall enough for large plants
- Requires regular water refills
AeroGarden Bounty Basic Indoor Hydroponic Garden
The Bounty Basic offers a larger grow area and a taller 24-inch height, allowing you to grow bigger plants like cherry tomatoes and peppers. It holds nine pods and features a 50W LED light. Owners appreciate the digital display and vacation mode. The system is sturdier and more expensive, but it pays off for serious gardeners.
Pros
- Tall enough for vining vegetables
- Vacation mode keeps plants watered while away
- High-output LED for abundant growth
Cons
- Takes up more counter space
- Higher price point
AeroGarden Sprout with Seed Pod Kit
The AeroGarden Sprout is the smallest model, holding three pods. Perfect for a windowsill or tiny kitchen, it grows herbs like basil, dill, and mint. Its low-profile design fits under cabinets, but the grow height is only 10 inches. Owners find it ideal for beginners or those who just want a few fresh herbs.
Pros
- Very compact and light
- Great for small spaces
- Simple one-button operation
Cons
- Limited plant capacity
- Not suitable for taller plants
AeroGarden Farm Plus with Gourmet Herbs Seed Pod Kit
The Farm Plus is a premium system that holds 24 pods and features two adjustable LED lights. It can grow a wide range of plants, from herbs to vegetables, with a grow height of 36 inches. Owners love the ability to lower and raise the lights. It is large and pricey, but delivers high yields. The system includes a gourmet herb seed kit to start.
Pros
- Huge capacity for many plants
- Adjustable lights for different stages
- Sturdy construction
Cons
- Requires significant counter space
- Expensive investment
AeroGarden Harvest Elite with Gourmet Herbs Seed Pod Kit
The Harvest Elite is a stylish upgrade to the Harvest, with brushed metal accents and a digital control panel. It offers the same 6-pod capacity but adds a vacation mode and a more attractive appearance. Owners appreciate the aesthetic appeal and the included gourmet herb kit. Performance is identical to the Harvest, but you pay a bit more for the looks.
Pros
- Elegant design that fits any decor
- Vacation mode included
- Same reliable performance as Harvest
Cons
- Higher cost than standard Harvest
- Still limited height
AeroGarden Bounty Elite with Gourmet Herbs Seed Pod Kit
The Bounty Elite takes the Bounty Basic and adds Wi-Fi connectivity and voice control. You can monitor and control your garden from your smartphone via the AeroGarden app. It also includes a control panel with more information. Owners find the smart features convenient, though the app can be finicky at times. The grow capacity matches the Bounty Basic: 9 pods and 24 inches tall.
Pros
- Wi-Fi and app control
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Same strong performance as Bounty Basic
Cons
- App setup can be complex
- Premium price
AeroGarden Harvest 6 Pod with Salad Greens Seed Pod Kit
This version of the Harvest is bundled with a salad greens seed kit, including lettuce and spinach varieties. It is perfect for those who want fresh salads year-round. The system itself is the same as the standard Harvest, but the included seeds save you time. Owners enjoy the convenience of having a ready-made garden kit.
Pros
- Comes with salad green seed pods
- Ideal for leafy greens
- Same easy-to-use interface
Cons
- Not suited for tall crops
- Seed kit only includes greens
Before you buy
The lineup, side by side
| # | Model | Plant Capacity | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AeroGarden Harvest 6 Pod Indoor Hydroponic Garden | 6 pods | Best overall for beginners and small spaces | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | AeroGarden Bounty Basic Indoor Hydroponic Garden | 9 pods | Best for families wanting larger harvests | 9.2 | Check price |
| 3 | AeroGarden Sprout with Seed Pod Kit | 3 pods | Best for herbs and small spaces | 8.8 | Check price |
| 4 | AeroGarden Farm Plus with Gourmet Herbs Seed Pod Kit | 24 pods | Best for serious gardeners with ample space | 9.0 | Check price |
| 5 | AeroGarden Harvest Elite with Gourmet Herbs Seed Pod Kit | 6 pods | Best for those who want a sleek look | 9.1 | Check price |
| 6 | AeroGarden Bounty Elite with Gourmet Herbs Seed Pod Kit | 9 pods | Best for smart features and connectivity | 9.3 | Check price |
| 7 | AeroGarden Harvest 6 Pod with Salad Greens Seed Pod Kit | 6 pods | Best for growing salad greens | 8.7 | Check price |
Questions worth asking
How often do I need to add water to an AeroGarden?
You typically need to add water every two to three weeks, but it depends on the plant size and environmental conditions. The AeroGarden will alert you when the water level is low. Check the water level indicator regularly to ensure your plants stay hydrated.
Can I grow tomatoes in an AeroGarden?
Yes, you can grow cherry tomatoes and other small tomato varieties in AeroGarden models with a grow height of at least 24 inches, such as the Bounty or Farm. Taller models are necessary because tomato plants can grow quite tall. Use the appropriate seed pods and provide support if needed.
Do AeroGarden systems require soil?
No, AeroGarden systems are hydroponic, so they use water and liquid nutrients instead of soil. The seed pods contain a growing medium and the seeds are pre-seeded. You simply place the pods in the garden, add water and nutrients, and the pump circulates the solution to the roots.
How long do the LED lights last in an AeroGarden?
AeroGarden LED lights are rated to last for many years, typically around 50,000 hours. That means you can use the system daily for over a decade without needing to replace the lights. The lights are integrated into the hood and not user-replaceable.
Are AeroGarden systems noisy?
AeroGarden systems are relatively quiet. The pump that circulates water makes a soft hum, which is barely noticeable in a quiet room. Some users report a gentle bubbling sound. If you are sensitive to noise, you can place the garden on a solid surface to minimize vibrations.
What is the best AeroGarden for a beginner?
The AeroGarden Harvest is often recommended for beginners because it is easy to set up, has a simple interface, and offers a good balance of capacity and size. It comes with pre-seeded pods and provides clear instructions. The Sprout is even simpler but has less capacity.
Can I use my own seeds in an AeroGarden?
Yes, you can use your own seeds with AeroGarden grow baskets and sponges. You can purchase empty grow baskets and replacement sponges. Simply insert your own seeds into the sponge and place them in the system. This allows you to grow any plant that fits the system’s height and spacing requirements.
How much electricity does an AeroGarden use?
The energy consumption varies by model. The Sprout uses about 10 watts, the Harvest uses 20 watts, the Bounty uses 50 watts, and the Farm uses 60 watts. Running the light for 15 hours a day, the Harvest will consume about 0.3 kWh per day, which is quite low. Annual costs are typically less than a standard light bulb.
What can I grow in an AeroGarden Sprout?
The Sprout is best for herbs and small plants like basil, dill, mint, and lettuce. Its short grow height of 10 inches means you cannot grow tall vegetables. It is perfect for a windowsill or a small countertop, providing fresh herbs for cooking.
How do I clean an AeroGarden?
To clean your AeroGarden, unplug it and disassemble the parts. Wash the tank, deck, and other components with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly. Use a soft brush to remove any algae or mineral deposits. Avoid using harsh chemicals. Clean the system every few months or between growing cycles.
Final word
If you are new to indoor gardening or have limited space, choose the AeroGarden Harvest. It is user-friendly, compact, and grows a good variety of herbs and leafy greens. For those who want to grow larger plants or feed a family, the AeroGarden Bounty Basic offers a taller grow height and more pods. And if you have the room and budget, the AeroGarden Farm Plus is the ultimate system for serious gardeners, providing ample capacity and flexibility. Avoid the Sprout if you plan to grow anything beyond small herbs, and skip the smart features of the Bounty Elite unless you value app control.
