Which AeroGarden is best? My review of each model in comparison to buy
This post follows our research editorial guidelines.
Are you interested in kicking your meals up a notch? – Of course, you are!
There is nothing quite like the quality fresh-cut herbs like Genovese basil to take your cooking to the next level. The only trouble here is that store bought herbs only last a few days in the fridge before they wilt and loose their substance.
If you’re like me you keep your summer garden well stocked with all sorts of fresh herbs and vegetables, what about the cold season? This is where your AeroGarden picks up the slack.
But where to start?
With so many different models finding the AeroGarden that is best for you in your home can be a daunting task for any person.
Here we take the guessing work away and critically review the 7 most popular AeroGardens for your indoor garden system.
Not only is the AeroGarden great for creating an herb garden full of fresh herbs like curly parsley and Thai basil, the larger AeroGarden models work great for growing popular garden vegetables like cherry tomatoes or peppers.
Before we take a closer look at the best AeroGarden models here is a quick review comparison chart. this should save time for those looking at specific specs in design. Here is how we have ranked the 7 most popular AeroGarden models. Already have an idea of what your looking for? Skip the guide and check here for the best price.
Attention Garden Lovers: This post contains handpicked links to recommended gardening products. If you buy something through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Attention Garden Lovers: This post contains handpicked links to recommended gardening products. If you buy something through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Table of Contents
Guide:
Hopefully now you have a better idea of what the best AeroGarden system for you is. If not, don’t fret! We will dig in further to each AeroGarden model that will best suit your needs.
AeroGarden Reviews:
Starting off with our mass appeal options these 3 AeroGarden models are the top pick for most families due to the options and space available.
AeroGarden Harvest Elite
If you are looking for the best AeroGarden the Harvest Elite features an upgraded aesthetic from the former Harvest model. With a stainless steel design and sleek finish, the AeroGarden Harvest Elite is perfect for those not willing to compromise designs for function.
Pros: Cons:The AeroGarden Harvest Elite is ideal for a bounty of herbs and lettuce
If you are looking for the best AeroGarden the Harvest Elite features an upgraded aesthetic from the former Harvest model. With a stainless steel design and sleek finish, the AeroGarden Harvest Elite is perfect for those not willing to compromise designs for function.
The AeroGarden Harvest Elite grow light hood contains 20 watts of white, red and blue LED lights. This allows for full spectrum exposure that your plants will need to properly grow.
Since you will be growing under controlled conditions you can expect to see herbs and vegetables grow 5x faster than outdoor garden varieties.
With an easy to use control panel and automatic timer you won’t have to worry about when to turn the lights on or when to water or feed your plants.
Simply drop your seed pods in the garden, fill your water reservoir and watch your garden grow. The AeroGarden Harvest Elite even comes with a vacation mode, so you can soak up the sun while your garden stays healthy.
Benefits & Features
AeroGarden Harvest Elite
- Multiple finish options
- Best AeroGarden for design
- Real stainless steel
- Automatic reminders to add water and plant food
- Easy to fill and remove water bowl
- At this higher price point we would expect more plants space or a stronger light.
AeroGarden Bounty Basic
The AeroGarden bounty is all about maximizing space while increasing plant production. If your interested in growing more vegetables like peppers tomatoes or bushy lettuce then the AeroGarden bounty model is best suited for you.
Pros: Cons:The AeroGarden bounty model offers a 24 inch grow height that allows for taller crops to thrive. Since the arm that holds the LED’s is expandable you will be able to maximize the distance from the plant canopy right from the beginning.
Tall plants like tomatoes are know to be heavy drinkers. This is why the AeroGarden Bounty features the largest water reserve out of all other counter top AeroGarden units.
If you’re looking for help check out the care, tips and tricks section found within the high-resolution display.
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Benefits & Features
AeroGarden Bounty Basic
- Plenty of space per plant
- High resolution black and white display
- Large water bowl for max capacity
- Accommodates tall vegetables
- Easy to fill and remove water bowl
- Not as visually appealing as the elite model
AeroGarden Sprout
The AeroGarden Sprout offers a sleek design that is ideal for the beginner gardener. With a much smaller design than the previously reviewed models, the AeroGarden Sprout can accommodate 3 seed pods. This makes it a perfect addition to your kitchen in need of a few select herbs or lettuce.
Pros: Cons:Improve the quality of your cooking by always have your key herbs like Genovese basil, curly parsley and thyme on hand. This model features a grow light hood with 60 LED grow light on a 10-inch track that will give enough room for your herbs to flourish.
The AeroGarden sprout will have you growing in no-time and comes equipped with 10 watts of growing lights. It also comes with one touch control for stress free maintenance and an easy-to-follow reminder system. All this takes the guessing work out of feeding and watering your plants.
Benefits & Features
AeroGarden Sprout
- Sleek design small enough for any countertop
- Touch-sensitive, one-button control
- Low energy consumption
- Improved water level indicator
- Silent pump for better oxygenation
- Best AeroGarden for small spaces
- Cost per plant production is high compared to the Bounty Basic.
- Vegetable growth is limited to herb gardens and salad greens.
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Beginner
AeroGarden Bounty
Features:
- 40-Watt LED grow lights
- Grows up to 9 plants
- 24” Extendable led lights
- Improved grow deck design
- WIFI enabled and Alexa compatible
- Vacation mode
- Instant ambiance experience
- LCD screen control panel
The AeroGarden Bounty takes a step above the AeroGarden Bounty basic model by upgrading the light and display module. This model features 40-watts of LED grow lights. Compare this to the AeroGarden Bounty Basic which only puts out 30-Watts of light.
This 25% increase in light output will result in bigger yields no matter what you choose to grow.
The other key difference in the AeroGarden Bounty vs. the AeroGarden Bounty Basic is the improved system controls panel. The Bounty model includes an extra light setting that allows for instant ambiance. This reduces the light output to 30%, there is also an easy to use vacation mode that keeps you plants alive and well while no one is home.
Finally, the AeroGarden Bounty is wi fi enabled and can be monitored or controlled from your AeroGarden app or Amazon Echo device. Just say “Hey Alexa! Turn off my grow lights” for easy access anywhere in your home.
Benefits & Features
AeroGarden Bounty
- App and wi fi Voice control functions
- Bigger Harvests from newly designed grow tray
- Vacation mode
- Instant ambiance light setting
- Large water reservoir
- High resolution touch screen
- Greater light output than the basic model
- Uses more energy per plant than the basic model in order to grow faster.
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Intermediate
AeroGarden Farm 24 XL With Wi Fi Control
Features:
- 2X 60-Watt LED light
- Grows up to 24 plants
- 36” Extendable led lights
- Stackable for vertical gardening
- Wi fi enabled and Alexa compatible
- Completely customizable lighting options
- Sunrise/Sunset Auto Light Dimming feature
- Stainless steel finish
- Year round vegetables
By far the most advanced option in the AeroGarden family, the Farm 24XL is the biggest and brightest garden you can buy.
Similar to the Basic model, the AeroGarden Farm 24XL features 2 60-Watt LED boards and will accommodate up to 24 plants growing at the same time.
The AeroGarden Farm 24XL is a fully contained micro-garden with an extendable grow light height of 36”. This added height allows for more control over which tomato and pepper varieties you able to grow.
What we really like about the AeroGarden Farm 24XL over the basic model is the independent height control over each of the 2 60-Watt led lights.
This means you can give your pepper and tomato plants plenty of time to mature while simultaneously growing lettuce, herbs or other small-scale vegetables that don’t need the height.
Finally, there is enough room to feed the whole family from your AeroGarden Farm at home. If you don’t have a large family or don’t need a full abundance of vegetables to harvest you can split control light positions in the AeroGarden Farm 24XL. This feature also allows for the practice of bumper crops.
Having a bumper crop means you have staggered the growth so that there is always (or almost always) something ready to harvest. A bumper crop is achieved by keeping some plants in your garden at the seedling or vegetative stage while the other half is in full bloom.
Benefits & Features
AeroGarden Farm24 XL
- Independent light control for tall and small vegetable growth at the same time
- Stacking option for a full AeroGarden farm setup
- Realistic light control to gently “wake up” you plant each morning
- 3 level water sensor (full, medium, low)
- At a glace view of number of days since planted and growth stage
- Touch screen control panel with App and wi fi connections
- Not for your average gardener
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Advanced
AeroGarden Harvest Elite Slim
Features:
- 20-Watt LED light
- Grows up to 6 plants
- 12” Extendable led lights
- Thin base and lighting system
- Automatic reminders to add water and nutrients
- Digital display with heat sensor buttons
- Vacation mode for worry-free care
The AeroGarden Harvest Elite Slim aims to help you reclaim some lost counterspace taken over by previous AeroGarden Harvest models. The new slim design come equipped with all the features previously enjoyed in the AeroGarden Harvest. This includes enough room to grow 6 plants under a 20-Watt light that is able to extend 12”.
The AeroGarden Harvest Elite Slim is available in 3 color options that include classic black, crisp white or an elegant stainless steel finish. The new design of the AeroGarden Harvest Elite Slim does not sacrifice substance for size with it’s easy to use digital display and toggle buttons to control.
Growing your own herbs will be effortless with the AeroGarden Customized light settings. This setting can increase or decrease your light output depending on the needs of the plants you are growing.
Going away on vacation? No need to hand off they keys to family or friends to water your plants. The AeroGarden Harvest Elite Slim has a pre-built vacation mode that keeps your plants healthy while you are away.
Benefits & Features
AeroGarden Harvest Elite Slim
- Space saving design with a low-profile lighting system
- Customized control panel for optimal growth
- High efficient LED grow light running at only 20-Watts
- Automatic reminders to add water and nutrients
- 3 finishes to choose form (more color options)
- Digital display and illuminated push buttons
- Less control over light settings than higher end models
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Space Saving
AeroGarden Harvest Elite 360
Features:
- 20-Watt LED grow lights
- Grows up to 6 plants
- 12” Extendable lamp arm
- Thin lamp hood
- Automatic reminders for plant food and water maintenance
- Round compact base to fit any space
- Real stainless steel finish available in 3 color options
The AeroGarden Harvest Elite 360 solves the problem that many home growers run into -space! By re-designing the base of the AeroGarden and the lamp above to be round the AeroGarden 360 makes it easier to accommodate any kitchen counter shape or layout.
This new design features 6 growing pods under a 12” extendable arm that is perfect for growing your favorite fresh herbs and vegetables.
Along with the new design the AeroGarden Harvest Elite 360 features a customize setting control panel that includes automatic feeding and water reminders. The AeroGarden Harvest Elite 360 features illuminated heat sensitive buttons to control light output and the popular vacation mode setting to keep your garden growing even while your away.
The AeroGarden Harvest Elite 360 encompasses an elegant stainless steel finish from the light to the base. Each base is available in 3 different stainless steel finishes, near black, near white and silver stainless steel.
Keeping up with the space saving design this model also includes an ultra thin grow light hood equipped with 20-Watts of LED full spectrum light.
Benefits & Features
AeroGarden Harvest Elite 360
- Improved compact design
- New color options for stainless steel
- Thin LED hood light
- Customize your growing experience
- Vacation mode for no-maintenance days
- No full dim control or ambient lighting options
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Compact
The AeroGarden Buying Guide
Not sure if the AeroGarden is right for you? We’ve put together an overview that aims to answer the most common pressing questions when building an indoor gardening system.
What is and AeroGarden and how does it work?
An AeroGarden is hydroponic system that is used to grow vegetables, herbs and flowers in a soil free medium. These systems use a constant flow of oxygen rich water which take the guessing work out of when to water your plants. Since there is no soil for the plant food to bind to, the nutrients are always readily available.
This means your vegetables, herbs or flowers will grow 5 times quicker than the same seed grown in soil. One of the hardest parts of gardening is waiting for your crop to mature. The AeroGarden solves this problem so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor much sooner.
How does it do this?
Let’s start by taking a closer look at what makes this machine so unique:
AeroGarden Seed Pod Kits
Consider pods to be bed you lay your seeds in to sprout. AeroGarden offers over 170 different seed pod kits for you to choose from. These range from the common herbs like basil, parsley and thyme to rare varieties like Fairy Tale Eggplant or golden cherry tomatoes.
Which ever your fancy the AeroGarden system will have you covered. The Seeds used in these pods are all non-GMO and were taken from plants free of herbicides and pesticides.
Looking to grow your own seeds?
Not to worry, AeroGarden offers seed free pods that allow you to use your own seeds from any number of cultivars. That being said make sure your AeroGarden model is tall enough to accommodate the plants you would like to grow. Some taller verities of AeroGarden tomatoes will need to have an LED light that extends above 12”.
Grow Lights
If the pods you use are the beds they lay in then the led lights can be considered to be your garden sun. The AeroGarden system uses a set of full spectrum LED lights to closely simulate sunlight.
If you look closely (quickly) you can see that each individual light is a color ranging from white to red and blue. These colors blend together to create a full spectrum that your plant will need to thrive regardless of any outside light that is present.
Water Pump
Providing the clean water your garden will need is the water pump that keeps everything moving so that the water does not go stagnant. Without this movement the water in your AeroGarden will product bad bacteria or algae. This can be harmful to your plants and potentially your health.
Control Panel:
Here is where you will be able to set your led light preferences and track your growth. Each AeroGarden will differ in the number of settings offered in your control panel. Smaller models like the AeroGarden Sprout only include basic light settings like off and on. More complex systems like the AeroGarden Bounty come well equipped with ambient light settings or vacation mode for those no maintenance days.
Frequently asked questions:
What type of plants can AeroGarden grow?
The types of plants you are able to grow will depend on the AeroGarden unit you choose. The biggest limitation to what you are able to grow will be space available.
The smaller units are best equipped to grow compact herb seed like Thai basil, curly parsley, cilantro and leaf lettuce. Larger units are able to accommodate many different herbs including a wide range of vegetables like tomatoes, eggplant, or peppers.
For more information on the height limitations of each AeroGarden check out our comparison chart.
Each AeroGarden model includes a starter seed pod kit of select herbs or vegetables provided by the popular seed company miracle gro. These Miracle Gro AeroGarden seeds are free from harmful chemicals like pesticides or herbicides, and are also Non-GMO.
For traditionally larger plants like tomatoes the Miracle Gro AeroGarden seed kits utilize dwarf varieties that are compact in size and will fit under a 12” LED
If you would like to experiment with your own seed varieties then you can buy empty seed pods which only contain the growing medium for you to get started.
Does an AeroGarden use much electricity?
The AeroGarden is able to efficiently use only a small amount of electricity each day. The actual cost of electricity will depend on a few variables like your local rates, on and off-peak times you choose to run the machine and the size of the AeroGarden you choose.
Bigger models like the Farm12 use more light which will increase the electricity used. In most cases you can run an AeroGarden for only pennies a day. A small price to pay for fresh herbs and vegetables!
Does the AeroGarden Attract Bugs?
Like most other Hydroponic systems, the AeroGarden does not naturally attract bugs. This is due to the lack of soil or “breeding grounds” that bugs need to thrive.
Stale water is a great place for mosquitoes to thrive.
This is why the AeroGarden system uses a water pump which keeps everything circulating. Not only does this produce oxygen it will prevent these insects from appearing.
Can you re-use AeroGarden Pods?
It’s not recommended to re-use AeroGarden pods after your vegetables or herbs has been harvested. This is because plants sometimes leave behind viruses that can harm the plants that follow.
Certain diseases are easily transferable among plants that share the same bed. This is why crop rotation is so effective in reducing disease.
If you’re really itching to save some cash the growing medium in the AeroGarden seed pod can be scooped out and replaced with fresh peat moss which should do the trick. Otherwise try purchasing the empty seed pods to use your own seeds at a lower cost.
Can you use tap water in your AeroGarden system?
In most cases tap water will work just fine in your AeroGarden, there are exceptions to this rule. Depending on where you are located in the world some tap water may be harder than the recommended amount.
The hardness of the tap water refers to how many minerals have been dissolved. For example, some tap water comes from man made wells which result in hard tap water exceeding 600 parts per million of total dissolved solvents (PPM).
In this case your water will be unacceptable for your plants to flourish in the AeroGarden.
If you are unsure of the quality of your water a PPM meter can be purchased for under $10. This device will tell you straight away if your water is high in total dissolved solvents (over 400 PPM).
If you are certain that you do not use well water and are receiving tap water from your municipality then there is a good chance your water is below this cap for total dissolved solvents. Some municipalities even publish this information online for resident’s that are keen to know more.
Is the AeroGarden cost effective?
While the initial buy of an AeroGarden unit is not cheap, you will be able to save money by consistently growing your favorite vegetables and herbs year-round in your personal garden system.
As a full-time gardener, you will be able to enjoy seasonality while others are forced to pay more during the cold winter months.
The fact that farmers are able to grow less locally during the winter months means the cost of produce will start to rise. The later in winter we get the higher your produce cost become.
Knowing this, the smart gardeners plan their AeroGarden crops ahead of time to have these varieties ready to harvest in the deepest days of winter.
Need more details and visual aid. Yes you have good info but for someone this leaves them lost. It’s like buying something that requires assemble but the instruction are in a foreign language.
Sorry to see your having troubles Jerome, is there anything about the AeroGarden or Hydroponic kits that I can help you with?