Use code TWOPEAS to get $150 off a Gardyn and membership here.

Aerogarden Sprout Review: The Small But Mighty Hydroponic System

Help us grow! This post contains affiliate links, which means we receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended.

As we prepare to hunker down for the winter months (we have about six of them in Chicago), it’s a great time to start an in-home garden. Indoor gardening is a fun pastime. It gives you access to fresh veggies and herbs, it brightens up your home, and you get a chance to exercise your green thumb.

The Aerogarden Sprout is the smallest model from Aerogarden and Aerogrow. It’s a great and reasonably inexpensive way to try an in-home hydroponic system. We purchased an Aerogarden Sprout as a gift for my parents a few months ago. They are both expert outdoor growers, and Devri and I thought they’d enjoy the challenge of growing fresh herbs from their countertop. In this Aerogarden review, let’s take a look at the ins and outs of this hassle-free vegetable and herb garden so that you too can have DIY greens year-round.

Aerogarden Sprout Review

Like all Aerogarden units, the Aerogarden Sprout is built for growing your favorite plants throughout the year. It doesn’t require soil or sunlight, and you don’t need to be a talented gardener to have a successful yield. The Aerogarden Sprout model grows up to three plants at a time.

Herb Kit Recommendation

I would recommend growing herbs for your first go-round. They’re easy to grow, aesthetically pleasing, and you can easily add them to recipes. In the herb kit, you will receive Genovese basil, curly parsley, and dill. When you’re cooking, it’s easy to snip off a few leaves that will give your dinner a delightful kick.

This high-performance indoor garden is lit with automated 10W grow lights, has a quick setup, and has an automated timer that alerts you when it’s time to feed your plants, as well as a water line to show when your water level is low. In no time at all, you’ll be able to grow your own greens, herbs, or flowers without pesticides or herbicides. Plus, there’s a germination guarantee, so you can feel confident that your herbs, flowers, or veggies will be sprouting in no time.

I wouldn’t say that this is the best Aerogarden model, but it’s undoubtedly the cheapest. You might not have all the bells and whistles of models like the Aerogarden Bounty – or the ability to grow as many plants at a time – but It’s a great way to dip your toes into the world of hydroponics.

Hydroponic Perks

Hydroponic systems, whether they’re from Aerogarden or not, have some great perks. You don’t have to worry about growing mediums (soil, potting mix, etc.), you use less water than traditional growing systems, and plant growth is typically 30-60% faster. A good hydroponic system can provide your plants with optimal conditions to grow. 

You can also grow in small spaces and during cold months, making it the perfect option for those of us who live in small spaces and/or urban areas. It’s typically an energy-efficient way of growing, as well. Aerogarden units, for instance, only cost a few pennies a day to run. In my home, we even use the Aerogarden as a kitchen and living room nightlight, meaning it serves multiple purposes.

Aerogarden Sprout Price

The Aergogarden is priced to sell, currently listing at $99.95. Aerogarden regularly has deals and discounts, though, offering a price as low as $69.99 around the holidays.

Aerogarden Sprout Details

  • Garden size: Compact
  • Number of planting pods: Three pods
  • Light Wattage: 10 Watts LED
  • Countertop Footprint: Yes
  • Wi-fi: None
  • Touchscreen: None
  • App: None
  • Low Water Reminder: Yes
  • Nutrient Reminder: Yes
  • Automated Lights: Yes
  • Dimmable Lights: None
  • Vacation Mode: None

Aerogarden Sprout Pros

The Aerogarden Sprout has a wide variety of benefits. Here are some of our favorites:

Ease of use

The instruction manual is clear and concise.

Seed Pods Included

The Aerogarden Sprout comes with a side kit that includes basil, curly parsley, and dill.

Clean Greens And Veggies

AeroGarden’s seed pods have no pesticides, no herbicides, and are non-GMO!

Seed Germination Guarantee

The seeds have a warranty covering the seeds for one year from the date of purchase. You can call or email AeroGrow customer service after three weeks of planting the seeds to request a replacement.

One-Year Warranty

The AeroGarden Sprout has a one-year warranty on any defects. See their full warranty information here.

10 inches Of Grow Height

The light can adjust up and down, allowing your plants plenty of room to grow.

A Powerful LED Grow Light

The AeroGarden Sprout has a 10 W LED light, which is more than enough light to meet the needs of your three plants.

A Simple One-Touch Control Panel

The control panel on AeroGarden Sprout is foolproof! It turns on with the simple switch of a button. 

Plant Food Indicator

This system includes a sensor that sets off an indicator light, telling you when to feed your plants

You’ll likely cook more with access to fresh herbs and veggies.

Elegant Design

The hydroponic system looks great on a kitchen counter. Aerogarden is ahead of the curve on making aesthetically pleasing units. In most modern kitchens, an Aerogarden unit makes a great accent and even conversation piece. Like all plants, your veggies and herbs will brighten the room and improve everyone’s mood.

Low Price

The Aerogarden typically sells for $99.95, which is an excellent price for a hydroponic system. Aerogarden will regularly offer discounts and deals (such as during holiday sales), which will often lower the cost by $20 or more.

Compact Design

The Aerogarden Sprout is 10.5″ high, 3.5″ wide, and 12″ deep. If you don’t have room for an outdoor garden, this is a great alternative!

Purchase The New AeroGarden Sprout 3-Pod

Aerogarden Sprout Cons

While I’m a fan of the Aerogarden Sprout, it has a few downsides, especially compared to the more expensive hydroponic systems Aerogarden offers. As part of our Aerogarden Sprout review, here are some of the cons to consider.

Space

If you don’t have much space readily available, it can be tricky to know where to put it.

Clogging

The Aerogarden Sprout is known to clog occasionally with the roots of the plants you’re growing. There are, however, instructions for how to clean the system. 

Water pump

There have also been reports of the pump being louder than other Aerogarden models. In some situations, it’s a high-pitched sound, and at other times, it’s a dull white noise. While some noise is common with hydroponic systems, Aerogarden typically does a good job of having a quiet pump. For instance, in comparison, the Aerogarden Bounty has a silent water pump, which may be a better option for you.

Light

If you have sensitivities to bright lights, the 10 Watt grow light could irritate you. My parents set the lights only to come on when they were in bed or when they weren’t going to be there during the day.

Aerogarden Sprout Setup 

Like all Aerogarden products, the Aerogarden Sprout is simple to unbox and set up. Let’s take a look at what’s in the Aerogarden Sprout box, as well as the steps required to start growing your plants.

What Comes In Your Aerogarden Sprout?

When you first open up your Aerogarden Box, you should see the following:

Setup Guide

This will be the holy grail of instructions. It will walk you through setting up, and it will give instructions for setting up the light and cleaning the hydroponic system.

Recipe Booklet

This is one of my favorite parts of Aerogarden’s products. They include recipes that require the plants you’re growing. Having this around the house gives you a reason to use your herbs or vegetables in new and exciting ways.

Water Reservoir

The water reservoir is a simple basin with a line that shows when your water levels are too low. The basin is where you will add your liquid plant food. In the front part of the reservoir, you’ll also see a white tube facing upward. This is the aerator or water pump, which is the part of the unit that will keep water moving across your plants’ roots.

Base and 10 Watt LED Grow Light

For the Sprout, the base and LED lights (light hood) are a single piece. The full spectrum Aerogarden Sprout LED is energy efficient, and it will simulate the sun for your plants, allowing them to complete photosynthesis even in the darkest of homes. The light is also adjustable so it can grow with the plants. In the front-most part of the base, you will see a black knob. When attached, this is what will send electricity to the water pump or aerator.

The AeroGarden Sprout LED includes blue lights, red lights, and white lights. Plants need all the spectrum of light to grow well. 

Cleaning Tool

 This small metal tool cleans the aerator’s nozzle from roots and other debris that could become stuck.

Liquid Plant Food

 Their patented nutrients will help your sprouts grow quickly.

Three Seed Pods – When you purchase your Aerogarden Sprout, you can choose between one of four different seed kits. These kits include a Gourmet Herbs Seed Pod, a Mighty-Mini Cherry Tomato Kit, an Heirloom Salads Kit, and a Cascading Petunia Seed Pod Kit. I suggest that you start with either the herbs or the salad greens. The tomatoes are fun, but they tend to look a little ugly as the tomatoes fully ripen. If you’re trying to combine aesthetics with practical growing, I would definitely start with the salad greens or herbs

Setting Up Your Aerogarden Sprout

When you open your box from Aerogarden Sprout, you’ll want first to take out the different components and set them out on the counter. Be sure to remove the cleaning tool from the base. It’s a small piece of metal with a hook on the end of it.

  • Review the setup guide.
  • I recommend cleaning out the basin with water to remove any dust that built up during shipping. I don’t suggest that you use soap on the basin, which could potentially irritate the roots as they start to grow.
  • Snap the water basin into the base, so that the black knob connects with the aerator.
  • Fill your basin up with water to the fill line on the side of the basin.
  • Unbox your three seed pods and snap them into the holes.
  • Add the liquid plant food into the water basin. Ensure that you put in exactly as much plant food as required in the bottle and in your setup guide. Adding too much can damage your plants. 
  • Set up the light. The light automatically turns on with older Aerogarden Sprout models when you plug in the unit. On the newer model, there’s a button on the top of the light that turns the light on and off. The light is on an automated timer and should only stay on about 16 hours a day. If the brightness of the light bothers you, consider having it turn on in the evening when you go to bed – or when you are at work.
  • Watch and wait. Except for semi-regular cleaning and plant feeding, you won’t need to do much except harvest your veggies and plants.

Troubleshooting Your Aerogarden Sprout

It seems that the main concern with the Aerogaren Sprout is the pump clogging caused by the roots growing where they shouldn’t be. There are also a few reports of the Aerogarden sprout making loud noises throughout the day.

For both of these issues, the best way to move forward is by regularly cleaning your hydroponic system with the tool provided. If you have an older model that doesn’t have the cleaning tool, a simple toothbrush can help you clean the debris from around the pump.

If a defect causes serious issues with your Aerogarden Sprout, Aerogarden and Aerogrow have a limited warranty that can cover you. This warranty lasts one year for the unit, and the LED grow light from the day of (original) purchase.

If you need to return your Aerogarden Sprout, you should first start by contacting AeroGrow. If they agree that your issues are caused by a defect, Aerogrow will provide authorization for you to return your hydroponic system. Do not send it back unless Aerogrow authorizes it. 

If the seeds in your Aerogarden Sprout do not germinate, have no fear. Aerogarden has a germination guarantee. So, if you aren’t seeing sprouts after three weeks, you can contact Aerogarden, and they will send you a replacement.

How Does The Aerogarden Sprout Compare To Other Aerogarden Models?

The Aerogarden Sprout is a no-frills hydroponic system that gets the job done. The best part about this unit is the ease of use and price point. Most hydroponic systems cost significantly more than $99.95. Among the different Aerogarden models, the Aerogarden Sprout is the smallest and simplest of indoor planting units. It can only grow three seed pods at a time, and it doesn’t have a wi-fi connection to a smart device, vacation mode, an app, or a touch screen. All that said, it’s a sharp-looking piece of garden tech that can help you quickly start growing hydroponically.

Are you going to meet your family’s veggie needs with the Sprout? Absolutely not. But you will have a fun project that looks good on a countertop. This product would also be an excellent option for teaching kids about how to grow plants. They can see the seeds germinate, follow the plants through the sprouting process, and then harvest them when they’re ready. It’s also a great learning moment to discuss photosynthesis and the water and nutrient needs of plants. And, as a bonus, you can pull out the seed pods at any time to show off the roots in the water.

Other Types of Aerogarden Models

If you’re looking for a hydroponic unit that’s a little more advanced, we recommend one of the following hydroponic systems from Aerogarden. There are four “families” of Aerogarden models, categorized by the number of pods each unit can hold.

Aerogarden Farm Family – Holds 12-24 Pods

The Farm Family is the biggest and most expensive Aerogarden model. They include the following models:

Aerogarden Bounty Family – Holds 9 Pods

The Bounty Family is my personal favorite. It’s still a reasonable price point, and you can grow enough plants to help supplement your grocery budget.

  • Bounty Basic
  • Aerogarden Bounty Elite
  • BountyElite Artisan
  • Bounty
  • Bounty Elite With Sprout Bundle

Aerogarden Harvest Family – Holds 6 Pods

The Harvest family only holds six pods, but it’s still a great hydroponic unit that can grow fresh herbs and veggies in your kitchen.

  • Harvest
  • HarvestElite
  • HarvestElite Slim
  • Harvest 360
  • Harvest Elite 360
  • Farm 24Plus with Harvest Bundle
  • Aerogarden Ultra

See All of Our AeroGarden reviews here:

What Can You Grow In An AeroGarden Sprout?

There are 70+ varieties of plants that can be grown with the Aerogarden Sprout. While you only choose between four different seed pod kits( included seed pods free of charge) when you purchase this unit, you can buy other pods for an additional cost. There’s even an option to grow your own seeds! With so much variety, you can just about grow anything. Here are some of our favorite seed kits from Aerogarden.

Custom Salad Seed Pod Kit (pick three)

  • Arugula
  • Baby Greens
  • Beet Greens
  • Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce
  • Bok Choi
  • Chinse Cabbage
  • Collard Greens
  • Mixed Kale
  • Salad Greens
  • And a lot more!

Gourmet Herb Seed Pod for fresh herbs

  • Genovese basil
  • Curly parsley
  • Dill

Order the 3-pod gourmet herb seed kit today!

Other herb seed kits and plants:

  • Thai basil
  • Fresh tea 
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Pesto
  • Cascading petunias
  • Lavender 

Here’s a full list of everything you can buy from AeroGarden: 

Plant TypePlant Name

Where to Buy Aerogarden Sprout?

You can buy the Aerogarden Sprout, as well as other Aerogarden hydroponic units, through Amazon or any other Aerogarden seller.

What Is AeroGarden?

Miracle-Gro AeroGarden is a company that makes, markets, and distributes kitchen countertop hydroponic systems. Widely considered a high-performance personal hydroponics product, AeroGarden is known for offering a simple way to grow food indoors, such as flavorful herbs, greens, veggies, and more. 

AeroGarden relies on a soil-free indoor gardening system powered by hydroponics. This system not only allows you to grow inside without the mess – but it also makes bigger yields than traditional growing methods.

Customer Support

If you have questions about your AeroGarden Sprout, or a part is defective, start by reaching out to their customer support team here.

Aerogarden Sprout Review: Final Thoughts

We’ve looked at the ins and outs of the Aerogarden Sprout, and we think it’s a fine starter home garden system. With the seed germination guarantee and low price, it’s a low-risk, low-reward option for the new indoor farmer. If you want to supplement your grocery budget, I would recommend starting with a large unit that can grow a wider variety of vegetables and herbs, such as the Aerogarden Farm or Aerogarden Bounty. 

But, if you want a fun project for your kids or just want to experience the joys of having a few fresh flowers or herbs in your kitchen, then the Aerogarden Sprout is perfect for you. It’s easy to use and set up, and you don’t even need a green thumb to get started. With just a little bit of care, you can have your plants growing in no time.

Did you purchase the Aerogarden Sprout and want to give your feedback for this review? If so, email us at [email protected]. We love to hear from our readers, so let us know how the Sprout worked for you. And if you want us to review other hydroponic systems, let us know what’s on the top of your list! We’re about ready to try a new hydroponic unit or lighting system in our home. I think Devri is interested in growing potatoes next! 

Subscribe to our Pea Pod!

Receive top indoor gardening and hydroponics tips directly to your inbox.

    © 2023 Copyright Two Peas In A Condo