Tag: aerogarden

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When the pandemic started, we were desperate to find ways to be around nature, and we couldn’t do that as much when the lockdown happened in Chicago. It became our option for stretching our green thumbs and growing indoor food and veggies.

But there are many indoor garden units out there (with various prices and features), so how do you know which one to pick? Let’s review the ins and out of this hydroponics system so you can decide if it makes sense for you. If you’re just looking for detailed reviews of specific models, you can start here:

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• AeroGarden Farm
• AeroGarden Bounty
• AeroGarden Harvest 360
• AeroGarden Sprout

A Comparison Of AeroGarden Models

There are four garden families available from Aerogarden, including the Sprout, the Harvest Family, the Bounty Family, and the Farm family. Each family has one or more models. The main difference between families is the number of seed pods that can be grown at a time, with the Sprout having the fewest and the Farm having the most.

Different Aerogarden Models

The Aerogarden families are identified by the number of seed pods they grow at a single time. Here’s an overview of the four families:

AeroGarden Farm Family

This is the largest indoor system, and while it can fit on a large countertop, floor placement may be a better option. Each Farm unit holds 12-24 plants and utilizes motorized grow lights, so you are able to easily adjust the grow height of your light for the needs of your plants. Here are the different models of the Farm:

• Farm 12
• Farm 12XL
• Farm 24Basic
• Farm 24Plus
• Farm 24XL

AeroGarden Bounty Family

The AeroGarden Bounty is the second-largest in the family. It comes with 9 holes for growing seed pods, and a 40-50W LED light. Here are the Bounty models:

• Bounty Basic
• Bounty
• Bounty Elite
• Bounty Elite Artisan

AeroGarden Harvest Family

The Harvest family is one of the smaller indoor units provided by AeroGarden. It has 6 pods for growing:

• Harvest
• AeroGarden Harvest Elite
• Harvest 360
• Harvest Elite Slim
• Harvest Elite 360

The Sprout

The last model is in a category all by itself. The AeroGarden Sprout is the smallest indoor gardening system with space for only three seed pods. It’s a good choice for hobbyists or children learning how plants growl

• Sprout

How Does AeroGarden Compare to Other Indoor Gardens?

There are countless indoor garden systems, and while AeroGarden has many convenient bells and whistles, its hydroponic system is similar to that of several brands such as IDOO, Ivation, GrowLED. One of our new favorites is the iHarvest (we scored a $50 off discount with the code “TwoPeas“), which can grow $1,000 worth of produce in a year.

Read our guide: Click and Grow Vs. AeroGarden: Which Hydroponic Unit Is Best?

You can get $50 off the iHarvest when you use the Coupon Code “TwoPeas” at Checkout.

The Best AeroGarden Growing System

What’s the best AeroGarden for you? It depends on your goals. If you just want an affordable indoor hobby or some nice herbs to use with your dinner, you should consider models within the Harvest or Bounty Family. But for serious gardeners who want to supplement their grocery budget, we recommend the Farm 24Basic or Farm 24XL, which can each grow up to 24 plants at a time.

Purchase And Costs

Where To Buy AeroGarden?

You can buy Aerogarden from online retailers, such as Amazon or Aerogarden.com, or purchase these indoor gardens from brick and mortar retailers like Kohl’s, Bed Bath & Beyond, Walmart, and Best Buy.

How Much Does AeroGarden Cost?

AeroGarden has several models, each with different prices between $99.97 and $895. The smallest model, the Sprout, is less than $100. The biggest model, the Farm 24XL, retails for $895. Fortunately, they regularly provides discounts, especially during the holiday season. It’s not uncommon to save $200 or more on Farm models between November and January.

How Much Does AeroGarden Cost To Run?

When calculating the cost to run the AeroGarden, we used $.13 as our cost per kWh. We based this cost on the electricity rates average in the United States in 2020.

How Much Electricity Does An AeroGarden Use?

The amount of electricity used by your AeroGarden varies by model type. Larger gardening systems, such as units within the AeroGarden Farm family, use about 48 watts per month. In contrast, the smallest unit – the AeroGarden Sprout – only uses an average of 13 watts of electricity a month. The AeroGarden Harvest and AeroGarden Bounty families use 23 watts and 48 watts, respectfully.

Does AeroGarden Save Money?

Most AeroGarden models are too small to grow enough food to outweigh the initial cost, as well as the cost of nutrients, electricity, and additional seed pods. The exceptions to this are the AeroGarden Farm 24 models. You can grow up to 24 plants at a time with these indoor gardening systems. So you could potentially save money on herbs or greens if you compared them to organic herbs and greens at a store.

And, of course, certain plants, such as marijuana, can potentially produce a higher profit per plant than something like cherry tomatoes.

Pros And Cons of AeroGarden

Like all indoor gardens, Aerogarden gets high marks in certain areas and less favorable reviews in others. Here are the most relevant pros and cons of the different hydroponics models.

Setup Time

We’re going to say this a lot – the AeroGarden does a great job of simplifying some pretty complicated technology. Most models will only take a few minutes to set up, while the largest models (Farm 24Basic, Farm 24XL) could take you up to 30 minutes. If you read the directions carefully, you shouldn’t have any problem getting your garden set up quickly!

The Digital Display – Touchscreen Control Panel

The larger models have an incredibly sleek touchscreen LCD that helps you take the guesswork out of the gardening process. All you need to do is input the type of plant you’re growing – herbs, tomatoes, etc. – and it will help you set the light timer and nutrient reminder, and it will alert you when water levels in the bowl are lower than they should be.

Yields

For the larger models, you can generate a lot of plants to feed your family. Some of the Farm models can grow up to 24 plants at a time. To optimize yields, you should consider growing on a rotation. You likely don’t need 24 salad green plants growing at the same time. So start 12 at once and then wait a week or two before starting the other 12. This should allow you to have 2-3 side salads a week.

Hydroponic Benefits

Aerogarden uses hydroponics to grow fresh herbs, veggies, flowers, and more. This means that your plants don’t rely on soil but instead grow in nutrient-rich water that’s suspended in plastic grow nets. The benefit of doing this is that that your plants grow faster and bigger than they would using traditional methods, and it’s less messy than working with soil.

Smart Device

Larger AeroGarden models are smart devices, meaning they can connect to the AeroGarden app or other supported devices, such as Amazon Alexa, and can connect to wi-fi. This gives you one more way to receive alerts about your plants’ progress, as well as reminders to refill the water bowl or add liquid plant food.

Longer Growing Seasons

Live in the icy tundra? No problem. AeroGarden is an indoor gardening system, so you’re growing season is all year round. We live in Chicago, and most of our plants can only be grown eight months of the year on our balcony. But with Aero Garden, we can grow 12 months without even putting our shoes on.

No Pesticides Or GMOs

With AeroGarden, you can feel confident that your plants are grown without harmful herbicides or pesticides. The plant food used contains iron, calcium, magnesium, and other vitamins that plants need to flourish. What’s more, Aero Garden never uses GMO seeds for their seed pods.

The Aesthetic

If you’ve had a chance to look at the indoor garden market, you’ve probably noticed that most of them are downright ugly. They usually have cords and weirdly-colored lights – they look like a hybrid between a disco and Frankenstein’s laboratory. AeroGarden has mastered the art of making classy products. All of the models are sleek. They look both sophisticated and minimalistic, meaning they’re the perfect addition for any kitchen countertop.

Benefits Of Indoor Plants

Gardening has been shown to improve mood and reduce anxiety. Similarly, having plants in your home can improve air quality, and watching something grow can do wonders for your mind. It’s important that people are constantly caring for and supporting things other than themselves. It’s in our wiring.

AeroGarden allows you and your family to take part in growing plants without having to leave your home. It’s an excellent option for those of us who live in urban areas.

Guaranteed Germination

AeroGarden offers a germination guarantee. So if your seeds don’t germinate after three weeks of planting, you can call AeroGrow customer service, and they will send you a replacement pod. Devri and I have done three different plantings with our AeroGarden Bounty so far, and all of our seeds have germinated each time. But, according to some of the reviews I’ve read, it does happen occasionally.

Cons

Brightness

If you have light-sensitive eyes, you may need to take measures to protect yourself from the blazing rays of the Aerogarden. Smaller models like the Sprout are usually okay, but the Farm is near blinding with its 60W light. It can feel like you have a small sun inside your home. If you don’t want to deal with the light, place the unit in a garage, shed, or basement. Better yet, set the light timer to only be on when you’re either at work or asleep.

Cost

Most personal hydroponic systems are expensive, so it’s not unusual that the price of AeroGarden is so high. But you’ll likely spend between $100 and $800 on one of these indoor gardens, depending on the model you choose. You could build your own hydroponic system for less than that, but it wouldn’t look as nice or have all the fancy features.

You’re paying for convenience when you buy one of these units, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Fresh veggies are tasty, whether you toiled in soil to grow them or not. You can buy the AeroGarden models here.

Customer Service

We are die-hard fans of AeroGarden, but that doesn’t mean they’re without fault. There are several comments online that mention AeroGarden’s lousy customer service. People have trouble getting them to respond, and when they do respond, they’re notoriously unhelpful. And sure, all companies get the occasional bad review, but we’ve sifted through hundreds of reviews, and person after person mentions their poor experience with customer service.

Disclaimer – While there are many reviews about AeroGarden customer service issues, I’ve never worked with their customer service personally. All of the products I’ve purchased work well and have produced amazing plants, so there hasn’t been a need to contact customer service for support. If this ever changes, I will write about the experience here.

How To Use AeroGarden

To set up your AeroGarden, attach the LED grow light and grow deck to the water bowl. Insert the seed pods, add water to the fill line, pour in the liquid nutrients, and put the grow domes on each of the seed pods. Plug in your AeroGarden and set the light (most models have a control panel). Then you’re ready to grow! Your smart garden system will do the rest! Follow directions for cleaning, adding nutrients, and removing the grow domes.

Note: Some models have slightly different setups, such a the Sprout and the larger Farm models. For these, follow the directions as described.

What Can You Grow In AeroGarden?

You can grow almost anything in an Aerogarden, including veggies, salad greens, herbs, tomatoes, flowers, bell peppers, eggplants, chilis, cucumbers, snap peas, strawberries, and even marijuana. AeroGarden offers over 70 seed pod types, and a grow anything kit, which allows you to grow your own herbs and other plants.

But you can’t grow everything in AeroGarden. We don’t recommend you grow root plants like potatoes and carrots in this hydroponic system. Here are our favorite seed pod kits currently available from AeroGarden:

Where To Buy AeroGarden Pods

AeroGarden pods are available at many online and brick and mortar stores, including Amazon, AeroGarden.com, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Bed Bath & Beyond. For the best deals, start by looking on Amazon.

• AeroGarden Gourmet Herb Seed Pod Kit
• AeroGarden Gourmet Herb Seed Pod Kit
• AeroGarden Grow Anything Seed Pod Kit
• AeroGarden Salsa Garden Seed Pod Kit
• AeroGarden Assorted Italian Herb Seed Pod Kit

How To Make Seed Pods For AeroGarden

The plastic grow basket that comes with your AeroGarden can be reused, but you’ll need to replace the grow plug. You can purchase grow plugs either through Amazon or AeroGarden, or you can try to make them. But this is easier said than done. Some savvy growers say that weatherstripping seals can be dried and used as a seed plug. If you do this successfully, please let us know!

How To Plant AeroGarden Seeds

AeroGarden seed pods arrive pre-seeded and have a germination guarantee. If you’re using the grow anything pods, insert two of your own seeds, place the seed pod into the grow deck slot, and cover the pod with the grow dome. Make sure your bowl has water up to the fill line, and add your plant food. Once you set your light, sprouting should typically happen within 1-2 weeks.

How To Start Seeds In AeroGarden

You can use the AeroGarden seed-starting systems to grow between 15-85 seedlings indoors. Remove the grow deck, fill the bowl with water to the fill line, and add the plastic seed starter tray with the biodegradable grow sponges in each of the seed holes. Let the sponges sit for at least 30 minutes before adding your seeds. Add two seeds per hole, and add the recommended plant nutrients. Set the light and watch your seedlings grow!

What Grows Best In AeroGarden?

Almost anything that grows above the surface can be grown in an AeroGarden. Still, some plants do better than others, such as Thai basil, curly parsley, Genovese basil, cilantro, chives, cherry tomatoes, petunias, and salad greens. Here’s the full list of our favorite AeroGarden seeds to grow:

How Long Do AeroGarden Plants Last

The length of time AeroGarden Plants last varies depending on what you grow. Plant life ranges from 2-9 months:

• Flowers: 2-4 months
• Fruiting Vegetables: 9 months
• Salad Greens: 2-3 months
• Herbs: 3-4 months

Can You Grow Cucumbers In An AeroGarden?

You can grow cucumbers in the AeroGarden, but you’ll need to bring your own seeds and use the Grow Anything Seed Pod kit. When growing cucumbers, use a cotton swab to pollinate the cucumber flowers, moving pollen from the male flower to the female flowers. You can tell a flower is female because it has small bumps just below the petals’ base. Do this daily. Be the bee!

Can You Grow Marijuana In An AeroGarden?

Marijuana can be grown in most AeroGarden models. You should consider growing a smaller plant strain, as there are growth height limitations with the light hood on each of the models. Some smaller strains we recommend include AK-47 (Hybrid), Northern Lights (Indica), and Lowryder (Hybrid). You will also need to use the grow anything seed pod kit to start your plants. Please be sure to follow all state and federal laws when growing this plant at home.

How To Store AeroGarden Herbs

For short-term storage, you can place your fresh herbs in the refrigerator. For basil, parsley, cilantro, chervil, and mint, place the stems in water (like a vase). For herbs like dill, oregano, and thyme, store them in an unsealed plastic baggy alongside a small paper towel to absorb water droplets. Your herbs will remain fresh for a few days like this. You can dry your herbs in the microwave or freeze them in herbal ice cubes for long-term solutions. See directions below for both options:

Microwave Herb Drying

• Place no more than 3-5 herb stems in the microwave between two paper towels
• Place a microwave-safe cup in the microwave with water. Don’t put the herbs in the cup. The water helps protect the herbs from damage by the microwave
• Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes
• Remove herbs
• Let herbs cool
• Store in a mason jar for later use

Herbal Ice Cubes

• Chop the fresh herbs
• Put them inside a silicone ice cube tray
• Fill the tray with water
• Freeze the tray for a minimum of 3 hours.
• Melt your herbs at a later date to use and enjoy!

Pruning And Plant Maintenance

How To Prune AeroGarden Herbs

3-4 weeks after planting, you should consider pruning your fresh herbs. Some plants are faster growers and need to be pruned to give your other plants access to light. For basil varieties, mint, parsley, and thyme, start at the top of the plant and follow the stem back to the previous leaf set. Make the cut with a pruning tool just above the new leaves. For parsley and dill, simply follow the top of the leaves back to the plant’s base and make your cut.

Balance is key. Make sure your herb plants aren’t shadowing their neighbors. Keep in mind that you should never take more than 1/3 of the plant in a pruning session. Over pruning can harm your herbs and make it difficult for them to take in enough light.

How To Prune Lettuce In AeroGarden

Three weeks after planting, you can begin harvesting your AeroGarden lettuce and other salad greens. Start by snipping the leaves with shears or scissors an inch above the plant’s crown. When pruning your lettuce, make sure you never harvest more than 1/3 of the plant, as this can cause it harm. You should harvest your AeroGarden Lettuce 2-3 times per week.

How To Prune Chives In AeroGarden

The cylindrical leaves of chives, called scapes, can be harvested with scissors or shears. You can remove up to one-third of the scapes in a single harvest or harvest a few scapes as you need them for meals.

How To Prune Dill In Aerogarden

To harvest dill, use shears or scissors and cut two inches from the top of the nearest leaf set. You can also remove an entire stem, as long as you don’t remove more than 1/3 of the dill plant.

When To Pick AeroGarden Tomatoes

If you’re growing tomatoes in your unit, you expect to harvest the fruits of your labor 8-9 weeks after planting your seeds. When you harvest, be careful that you’re not using too much force with the plants, which can cause them to break or drop fruit. Consider using a pruning tool to help this process.

How To Pollinate Tomatoes – AeroGarden

Tomatoes and other fruiting plants typically rely on insects and wind for pollination. Since you’re inside, you’ll need to pollinate your plants by hand by gently shaking or vibrating the plants daily (mimicking wind), and use a “Be the Bee” hand pollinator (mimicking bee pollination). You should hand pollinate your plants every day for the best results. Other options for fertilizing plants include a small artist brush or a cotton swab. But it won’t look nearly as cute as a pollinator.

Transplanting AeroGarden Plants

Can I Transplant my Aerogarden Plants?

To transplant plants, start by removing the pod from the grow deck. Use scissors to cut the seed pod in half, allowing you to remove the plant pod and the roots. Plant the pods in a pot at least four inches deep. Carefully pour soil around the roots and gently press the soil with your fingertips. Place the pot in a sunny spot and keep the soil evenly moist. Start the plant in a window or under a grow light for 1-2 weeks before moving it outside. Bring the plant inside regularly, which will help it toughen up without putting too much stress on your plant.

Can You Plant AeroGarden Pods In Soil?

Yes, you can plant Aerogarden grow sponges in the garden. Before you do, remove the plastic grow basket with scissors and separate the sponge and the roots. Plant the seed pod in the soil and lightly press the soil around the edges.

Cleaning Your Aero Garden

When To Clean AeroGarden

You should regularly clean your Aero Garden unit to keep roots and other debris from clogging the water pump and keep pathogens from hurting your salad greens, fresh herbs, veggies, or flowers. You should also clean between plantings.

How To Clean AeroGarden

To clean your AeroGarden, remove the grow deck and put the water bowl in the dishwasher for cleaning. If you don’t have a dishwasher, use the following steps to clean your smart garden:

• Remove the water from the bowl
• Add new water to the fill line
• Add 1/4 cup of chlorine bleach (5 cups of distilled white vinegar will also work!)
• Turn the AeroGarden on, so the Pump circulates water
• Empty the mix in the sink
• Rinse your water bowl

How To Change AeroGarden Water

It’s recommended that you keep the water to the fill line at all times, add nutrient solution every two weeks, and replace all the water in the system every month. To replace the water, you can either use a Rinse and Refill Siphon or remove the grow deck and empty the water down a sink drain. Once you drain the water, clean and sanitize your AeroGarden with bleach, white vinegar, or by mixing the Hydroponic No-Rinse Cleanser into the basin.

What Comes In An AeroGarden?

Your AeroGarden comes with all the essentials for growing, including an LED grow light, a light hood, a water bowl with a water pump or aerator, a grow deck, seed pods, grow domes, liquid plant food, instructions, and recipes for you to use with your herbs, veggies, or other plants. Most models only take a few minutes to set up, and you don’t have to mess with soil. Just add water and nutrients, and turn on the indoor light.

LED Grow Light

Depending on the model of AeroGarden you purchase, the LED grow light wattage will differ. For instance, the Sprout model has only a 10W LED light, while the AeroGarden Bounty Elite has a 50W LED light. The main reason for these differences is to accommodate for the amount of plants growing. Smaller models have fewer plants and need less light. According to their site, the grow lights use a “proprietary blend of phosphors to deliver the proper balance of white, red, and blue light for healthy compact vegetative growth.”

We should point out that these lights are very bright and can be a little overwhelming if you’re light sensitive. Especially for larger models – such as the Farm 24Basic – consider putting them in a garage or basement. Another option would be to only have them on during the sleeping hours, so you don’t have to see them.

Where To Buy AeroGarden Bulbs

For best results, you should replace your bulbs every six months. You can purchase replacements for most models. Make sure you check the bulb model number, so you find the right match. Here are LED grow light replacement options. If you need a different model for your unit, contact their support team here.

How Long Do AeoGarden LED Lights Last?

An AeroGarden LED light will last 2-4 years, but it will start dimming bit by bit after six months. Still, these grow lights should continue to meet your plants’ light needs for at least a few years.

How To Replace AeroGarden LED Lights

New AeroGarden Models have an LED light hood, meaning you don’t need to replace your LED grow lights until the individual diodes start to fail. These diodes typically have a 2-4 year lifespan. For best results, you should consider replacing your light after six months of use. To return an AeroGarden LED grow light, contact AeroGarden for pricing.

How To Replace Bulbs In An AeroGarden

To replace an LED grow light on an AeroGarden, lightly pull the light toward you with one hand while holding the other hand on the base. The bulb will then pop out of the indoor garden. Insert the new bulb and gently pop it into place.

How Long Does the AeroGarden Light Stay On?

The LED grow light stays on between 15.5 and 17 hours a day, depending on what you’re growing. On models with a control panel, you can set the light timer using the quick plant functionality and selecting the plants you’re growing. Here are the light times by plant category. Flowers – 15.5 hours a day Veggies – 16 hours a day Salad Mix – 16.5 hours a day Herbs – 17 hours a day

AeroGarden Nutrients

What Is In AeroGarden Liquid Nutrients?

The liquid nutrients or “plant food” provided with your Aerogarden is a liquid fertilizer with Potassium Nitrate, Potassium Phosphate, Ammonium Nitrate, Magnesium Sulphate, Calcium Nitrate, and water. This “all-in-one” plant food provides your plants with 13 macro and micronutrients and works well with herbs, veggies, salad greens, and flowers grown hydroponically.

Can I Use Miracle-Gro In My AeroGarden?

While AeroGarden is a Miracle-Gro partner, it’s not recommended that you use Miracle-Gro Plant Food in your indoor gardening unit. This plant food is meant for growing in soil and doesn’t have the micronutrients or pH balance your hydroponic plants need. If you’re looking for proper nutrients for your hydroponics plants, here are you best options:

AeroGarden Pump

How To Turn On AeroGarden Pump

The AeroGarden Pump should start automatically when you plug in your unit. You may not hear it because it cycles on and off on a timer. Also, be sure that roots are not growing into your pump, which can cause problems. If the pump still isn’t working, you can replace it in most models with this affordable pump.

Facts And Miscellaneous 

What Is An AeroGarden?

AeroGardens are hydroponic gardens that are dirt-free and foolproof. These units are easy to set up. It includes plants that are simple to manage, and you can keep harvesting throughout the entire year. Every AeroGarden comes with a water bowl, liquid plant food for nutrients, water pump or aerator, a grow deck, seed pods, and a full-spectrum LED lamp, giving the plant the light they require.

Many models also have an LCD control panel, which gives you reminders to add water and plant food, and it provides updates and tips for your plants. AeroGarden is owned by a company called AeroGrow International – a leader in the household hydroponic indoor gardening space.

They introduced the first AeroGarden in 2006 and soon released other AeroGarden models and over 70 seed pods (for a variety of plants, veggies, herbs, and flowers). These units have been especially popular with city dwellers who don’t have access to much outdoor space, plant lovers, and the elderly, who may find it increasingly difficult to get outside to garden.

As Chicagoans, we were thrilled to have an herb garden sitting on our countertop. It was easy to access, and we were able to keep it going during the six months of winter in our condo by Lake Michigan. Growers see these indoor gardens as a little slice of nature for their homes. In the year 2013, Miracle-Gro invested over $4 million into Aerogarden and accounted for more than 30% in the company’s shares. Funding from this gardening behemoth has no doubt been at least partially responsible for Miracle-Gro AeroGarden’s popularity in the space.

Several new indoor gardening systems have entered the space in the last few years, such as the high-producing iHarvest. Time will only tell if AeroGarden can maintain its hold on the market. One thing that they could do to improve its position is to beef up its customer service. Time and time again we’ve seen reviews about the low quality of customer service from this company. As budding companies continue to compete for the spotlight, good customer service will soon become the ante to play. Aero Garden Hydroponics needs to improve in this area or get out of the way for someone else.

Does AeroGarden Work?

Yes, AeroGarden works, and no green thumb is required. With very little maintenance, you can grow herbs, veggies, salad greens, or flowers from the comfort of your home. And with its hydroponic system, plants will grow 5x faster and larger than if you used traditional methods. You can see the reviews for these products on Amazon:

Is AeroGarden Hydroponics?

AeroGarden relies on a category of hydroponics called aeroponics. Their site calls it “advanced hydroponics,” but it’s a pretty simple set up. The water pump or aerator moves nutrient-rich water so that it drips across the roots. This mix of air and nutrient-rich waters means your plants can grow up to 5x faster. A few models, such as the Herbie and the Sprout, rely on a sub-category of Aeroponics called Deep Water Culture (DWC), which means that the plants are suspended in nutrient-rich, oxygenated water instead of using a drip method. You could build something similar, but it wouldn’t look as sharp or have all the bells and whistles as an AeroGarden.

Is AeroGarden Safe?

AeroGarden is a safe and straightforward hydroponic system, assuming you follow THE directions correctly. The plants and veggies grown are also safe to eat, as the liquid nutrients don’t contain any harmful pesticides or herbicides. 

What To Do With AeroGarden On Vacation?

Most models of AeroGarden have a vacation mode, which changes the light to only run eight hours a day and lowers the water usage. This keeps your plants alive but slows down their growth, so you can enjoy a no-stress vacay without worrying about your plant babies at home.

Aerogarden Warranty

All AeroGarden models come with a limited warranty covering any flaws in the components or workmanship. After the initial buy, it lasts one year. This does not cover any wear and tear issues, misuse, inappropriate use, unintentional or consequential injury, and is not usable in any situation outside AeroGarden’s control.

You need to call them if your hydroponics device arrives damaged. Once they give you clearance, they will either patch or replace the defective device. Make sure not to send the indoor garden back without proper permission.

What Happens If I Unplug My AeroGarden?

If you unplug your AeroGarden or have a power outage, you can reset most models using the control panel. Add the time, and it will set the nutrient and light timers correctly.

How To Reset AeroGarden

The AeroGarden models have slightly different methods for resetting the timers and lights. If your model has a digital screen, touch the “Quick Plant” button and then go through the steps required. Older models will require you to press the “Ok/Menu” button, which can help you reset your unit. If you don’t have an LCD, you can set the start time on the light by pressing and holding the light button for 10 seconds. When the control panel lights blink, you can release. This resets the light and the nutrient notification timer.

How To Reset Nutrient Timer On AeroGarden Harvest

For the AeroGarden Harvest, press and hold the “Light” button for 10 seconds or until the “Add Nutrients” light blinks, and then release it. Then press the “Lights” button again to set the new timer. Once you’ve set the timer, the nutrient reminder will flash in two weeks.

How To Set And Reset The Light Timer On AeroGarden

For smaller models, use the “Lights” button to set the light timer. Press and hold the button for 10 seconds until the lights blink, and then you should release. For larger models with an LCD, select the quick-start button and follow the instructions to set the light timer. You can adjust the light later if you want a different time.

Final Thoughts On AeroGarden

AeroGarden is one of the best, if not the best, indoor garden brands on the market. Between its sleek design, simple setup, and healthy harvests, it’s easy to see why people rave about the different AeroGarden models. When you buy your smart garden, let us know how you like it!  

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

All opinions however are our own and we do not accept payments for positive reviews.

The pandemic has turned many of us into gardeners, with over 80 million new growers trying out this new hobby for the first time. With the AeroGarden Farm, you can grow all your favorite outdoor plants from the comfort of your home. This means that you can keep up your new hobby even in the cold winter months. AeroGarden hydroponics allows gardeners of all levels to give their green thumbs some practice.

The AeroGarden Farm is the biggest family of products from AeroGarden, and their mother company AeroGrow. And bigger means more veggies, salad greens, fresh herbs, and everything in between that you can grow without stepping a foot outdoors. 

Let’s take a look at the AeroGarden Farm. We will start with the basics, review the pros and cons of this indoor garden, compare it with other hydroponic systems and then finish off with yields and costs. By the end, we hope to make you experts in this flashy unit, so you can decide if it’s right for you.

Where To Buy The AeroGarden Farm

If you’re ready to purchase the AeroGarden Farm, you can do so through our Amazon affiliate link. The AeroGarden Farm is the largest family of products from AeroGarden, and there are many models and families to fit any budget or need. Take a look at these other reviews on the AeroGarden Bounty, The AeroGarden Sprout, and the AeroGarden Harvest 360. 

AeroGarden Farm: Overview

The AeroGarden Farm family is not a single product, but several different hydroponic units under the AeroGarden Farm umbrella. The difference between these indoor gardens mainly comes down to the amount of seed pods that can be grown at a time. In the chart below, we point out the differences and “grow height” of each model. A larger grow height is useful if you’re growing taller vegetables or plants, such as cherry tomatoes. 

Note: Prices may vary due to sales and discounts.

Since the AeroGarden Farm Family is the largest of the AeroGarden models, it likely won’t fit your average countertop. Like other AeroGarden hydroponic units, it is still easy to set up and grow – no green thumb required.

For most Farm indoor gardeners, I recommend growing fresh herbs, smaller veggies, or salad greens. For most of these plants, you could make do with the Farm 24Basic. You could also do the Farm 12, but I wouldn’t recommend it. The Farm 12 is $200 more expensive than the AeroGarden Bounty and only has three more seed slots. That’s a hefty price for something that will only generate three additional plants.

What’s Included With Your AeroGarden Farm?

When you receive your AeroGarden Farm in the mail, it arrives in a 48 lb box from AeroGrow International, Inc. As you unbox your indoor garden, here’s what you’ll find inside:

• 60W LED Light System – Two LED Grow Lights/light panels for Farm 24 models
• Water Basin – Two Water Basins for Farm 24 models
• Seed Tray – 12-24 seed pod holes, depending on model
• Light Hood with control panel (Amazon Alexa integrated)
• Liquid Plant Food
• Power Adapter
• Trellis
• Your choice of two seed pod kits (salad bar herbs and lettuces, salad bar tomatoes or heirloom salad greens)
• Metal wire strands (for raising and lowering your lights)
• Metal rods (for the base and support of the indoor garden)
• Hi-Resolution Touch-Screen Control Panel

AeroGarden Farm Details

• Nutrient reminder: Yes
• Automated Lights: Yes
• Dimmable Lights: Yes
• Vacation Mode: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Material Finish: Matt or Stainless Steel
• Light Wattage: 60W LED Grow Lights
• These indoor gardens are stackable, which is a significant space saver.
• You can grow up to 24 plants at a time.

AeroGarden	Farm Model	Height	Width	Depth
Farm 12		34”	18”	14”
Farm 12XL		46”	18”	14”
Farm 24Basic		24”	36”	14”
Farm 24Plus		34”	36”	14”
Farm 24XL		46”	36”	14”

LED Grow Light Used For AeroGarden Farm

The 60 W LED light panels on the Farm are tailored to give your plants the light they need. These full-spectrum – white, blue, and red LED lights provide optimal growth. What’s more, the two independently adjustable light panels can be raised and lowered with the touch of a button. This means you can grow plants that are at different heights.

The control panel features the ability to dim grow lights and set a sunrise/sunset feature, which gradually dims and brightens the grow lights so you can slowly wake up and put your plants to bed at night.

Review for the AeroGarden Farm

Check the price of the AeroGarden Farm on Amazon.

The AeroGarden Farm is the supreme growing machine with up to 24 pods for plants and veggies. While results across the internet vary slightly, many AeroGarden growers report yields larger than they can eat. Others mention that they can grow enough greens for three side salads every 3-5 days. Is that enough to feed your family during an apocalypse? Probably not. But it can certainly put a dent in your veggie and salad bar budget! 

The AeroGarden Farm models also come with some bells and whistles, such as smart Wi-Fi connectivity (Amazon Alexa), a digital touchscreen with controls, and the ability to stack farms. And stacking farms means your growing space can now be vertical instead of horizontal. What’s more, you can connect everything to the AeroGarden app, which helps you know when to feed, water, and harvest your plants and veggies.

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this hydroponic garden, so you can decide if it makes sense for your indoor gardening needs.

AeroGarden Farm Pros

Setup Time

The AeroGarden Farm instructions are straightforward, and you can expect to put yours together within 30 minutes to an hour if you read the directions carefully.

The Digital Display – Touchscreen Control Panel

The digital display on the Farm takes all the guesswork out of gardening. You input what you want to grow, it tells you when to feed your plant with nutrients, and it reminds you when your water levels are too low. This touchscreen control panel is also where you set your automatic light timer. This allows you to decide when you want the 60W LED shining on your plants.

Yields

While the actual yields will vary depending on the type of seeds you start with, you can grow up to 24 plants in the Farm Models – far more than the other families from AeroGarden. The Bounty and Harvest families are wonderful, but they are more of a hobby or an accent piece. The Farm Model can be a source of plants and veggies for you and your family to eat and enjoy. So if you’re strictly looking for large yields, the AeroGarden Farm is better than other AeroGarden units.

Hydroponic Benefits

Like all AeroGarden Models, the Farm grows using hydroponics. In other words, it doesn’t grow in soil. So there’s next to no mess involved. Another benefit of hydroponics is that your plants will grow 2-5x faster than traditional methods.

Smart Device

The Farm family is pretty smart! You can connect the AeroGarden Farm to WiFi and Amazon Alexa. You can also control your AeroGarden and get updates on your phone with the AeroGarden app for IOS and Android.

Longer Growing Season

Since you’re growing indoors, you don’t have to worry about cold conditions. Your plants will be as warm as you are during the brisk winter months. You can grow fresh plants all year round.

Fresh and Non-GMO

With AeroGarden Farm, you don’t need to worry about pesticides, herbicides, or anything else added to your plants. AeroGarden also provides seed kits that are non-GMO, which some growers appreciate.

Sleek Design

AeroGarden does a fantastic job of making products that look good. The majority of hydroponic gardens on the market look like they’ve been Frankenstein’d together – with bits of plastic, tubes, and multi-colored lights popping out in all directions. The makers of the AeroGarden have found a balance between practical and aesthetically pleasing. The Farm gives your home a splash of color.

Silence

The Farm’s pump hardly makes a sound. It’s quiet for such a large hydroponic system. I have worked with loud indoor garden units in the past, and trust me – a noisy pump humming all day and night is enough to make anyone feel crazy.

Indoor Plant Benefits

Growing anything indoors has been shown to improve air quality and mood. And as many people have found during the pandemic, growing or taking care of anything can be a nice distraction from other stressors. 

Stackable

AeroGarden is known for making the most of small spaces. While the AeroGarden Farm models are larger than other models, they still make use of small square footage. And if you purchase multiple Farms, you can stack them together with a handy stacking system.

Germination Guarantee

If your seeds don’t germinate, have no fear. AeroGarden has a germination guarantee, meaning you can request replacements if any of your seeds don’t produce. All of my seeds have germinated since owning AeroGarden products, but there are some growers who’ve experienced issues. They were able to request replacements successfully.

Cons

Brightness

The AeroGarden Farm comes with a powerful light that’s blinding. This 60W LED can light up a room and then some, and for those with sensitive eyes, it could easily give you a headache. I recommend one of the following options: First, you can put the Farm in a garage, basement, shed, or anywhere with little foot traffic. Another option is to set the automatic light to be on when everyone else is asleep. This is a good choice if you want to place the Farm in your living room or kitchen. It’s pretty distracting. 

Cost

Most models from AeroGarden are on the expensive side. And the Farm gardens, which can support the most plants at a single time, are most costly by far. They’re also the most practical, producing greater yields than other models. See pricing for the AeroGarden Farm models on Amazon.

Customer Service

AeroGarden makes objectively good products. But there are several comments across the internet about AeroGarden’s poor customer service. These comments mention that it’s challenging to get help when seeds don’t germinate or a manufacturing error. I’ve never had to contact customer service for our AeroGarden, but that’s because we haven’t had any issues. Therefore, I cannot give first-hand experience on their customer service.

Reviews From Across the Internet

The response to the AeroGarden Farm has been mostly positive. Here is a comprehensive look at what people are saying about these indoor garden models.

AeroGarden.com Reviews of Farm 24Plus: 4/5 Stars

• Value: 3.8/5
• Appearance: 4.6/5
• Ease of Use: 4.3/5

Highlighted Favorable Review: Easy To Set Up And Use

“I got the AeroGarden as a Christmas gift, and it took us 20 minutes to build it and 10 minutes to set it up and start the growing process! So easy to use, and two days later, I had sprouts! So excited to have fresh veggies and herbs! I live in an apartment, so I was bummed when I couldn’t have a garden, but thanks to AeroGarden, I can!! And I can have fresh veggies and herbs year-round!!”

Highlighted Critical Review:

“We’ve had our Farm Plus for about three years. The first crop did great. Then the next year or so didn’t go so well. Plants wouldn’t grow, pods wouldn’t sprout, harvested more gnats than plants. Called support, they said to use hydrogen peroxide in water to kill gnats – just killed plants. Trellis won’t stay on supports unless taped. This year has gone better. I’m at 240 days of growth on one side and 45 days on the other, growing lettuce. Still get fungus gnats, use Apple Cider Vinegar solution. Now the left side lights don’t work. The light set works, but the control won’t turn on the lights. See the photo of how I’ve had to rig the system, so all plants get light. Customer service has not helped get me the parts I need to have it fully functional. I would still love to finish taking care of my needs as the last contact was one month ago.”

Disclaimer: There is a limited warranty for this product, covering manufacturing issues up until the first year of purchase.

Amazon.com Reviews of Farm 24XL 4.2/5 Stars

Highlighted Favorable Review: New Farm 24XL Sturdy and Nice Quality

“I have many different models of AeroGarden and saw the New Farm 24 XL and bought one. Here is my full review and pictures of what I am explaining (Edited to add: Pictures do not show in the order I counted them)

The package arrived by UPS and in decent condition. The side shows what the unit is. It weighs approximately 55lbs (give or take a couple).

Upon opening the top of the box, you will see two pod kits (one Salad Bar Tomatoes and one Salad Bar & Herbs), a planting guide, assembly instructions (both of which have nice quality on thick glossy paper), recipes, white box. This white box contains two cords, a trellis system, cord holders, screws, washers, and a nice easy to use tool.

Once you remove the above items, you will find a box that reads “Remove This Box First.” In that box, you will find the two side panels. Next to that, you will see the left and right LED hoods. Under those hoods are the basins and decks. Lastly, there are two support rods. You will also notice a small black box with an L and R on it. This is for the pump and water level. Under all this will be the last item, the Top Panel. Each side of the top panel has a small cubby that is hidden with a door. In the right rise, you will find a drain pump.

The packaging of the Farm 24 XL is well done. No complaints on this at all.

The Assembly Booklet is very easy to understand. You will find several sets of pictures showing me putting it together. Without writing a Step by Step guide here (since the booklet is well done), I will explain the pictures’ sets.

You will see the beginning of set up placing the side panels to the AeroGarden Farm’s top. (I will say that all the screws are of excellent quality).

Next, you will see some cords plugged into the top panel’s underside and the support rods at the bottom and turned right side up.

I decided to place it on a stand (personal decision and not included with the unit). Next, I put the water basins and decks on the frame. They fit nicely into the support rods. Once these are in place, you connect the water level and pump adapter.

Then you install the LED Hoods. You will need something to assist in taking out the small round plugs.

Lastly, you have the magnetic trellis system. Easy to set up. These are magnetic, so they can be moved very easily or taken off when not in use.

Total assembly time was under an hour.

Pros: Sturdy and quality parts. Nice tool given.

Cons: A Few pictures may seem a tad confusing at first, but as long as you take your time, you will do fine. The trellis system falls off easily but is just as easy to put back on without using the three centerpieces. As long as these are attached, it stays in place.

Final Thought: “I am pleased with my purchase.”

Highlighted Critical Review: the ultimate

“This aero garden is the ultimate in indoor growing, I am sure.

It is fairly high and wide, it has the same size as one of my bookcases, so you need to find the appropriate space, which also has an outlet to plug everything in.

The fact that you don’t use any dirt is a big pro for me – no messes and no constant picking up of dirt on the floor.

A word about the installation – we counted 40 various screws and pieces, etc. That’s a lot and discouraging. It does assemble fairly easily, but it still took us 30 minutes – which I think is a bit much. I know that sending them in pieces is better on price and less risk of breaking in transport, but assembling was a bit much on this one.

The lamps are relatively easy to install and are quite bright. After reading the manual, we set up the “growing” portion of this AeroGarden. I love how easy and clean it is. Insert the pods, and the system will inform you when you need to add water and/or feed the plants.

This system is designed to accommodate taller plants as well.

The whole thing is like a garden all in one.”

What Can You Grow In the AeroGarden Farm?

You can grow most fruits, fresh veggies, and flowers in AeroGarden garden systems, whether you try one of AeroGrow’s 70+ seed pods or use your own seeds with the Grow Anything Seed Pod Kit. And for those of you wondering – yes, you can grow weed in the AeroGarden. It’s not an option in their traditional seed pod kits, but there are enough message boards and reports to confirm that it’s a viable way to grow marijuana. That said, we have not been able to confirm the quality or yields of marijuana harvests.

 We don’t recommend growing everything in the AeroGarden Farm. Tuberous plants, such as carrots, potatoes, onions, or peanuts would be challenging – if not impossible – to grow in these systems. 

For first-time growers, consider growing heirloom salad greens or fresh herbs in your garden. They’re easy to grow, and they look aesthetically pleasing. My wife and I didn’t have as much luck when we tried heirloom cherry tomatoes – they were tasteless – and the plants looked pretty bad before we started the harvest. If you’re set on tomatoes, feel free to give it a try. But it wasn’t our favorite harvest with the AeroGarden.

Not sure what to grow? Take a look at some of the most popular seed kits from AeroGarden.

Seed Kit Name	Kit Category	Kit Includes	Number of Pods	Rating	Purchase
Gourmet Herbs Seed Pod Kit (7-Pod)	Fresh Herbs	Genovese Basil, Thai Basil, Curly Parsley, Thyme, Chive, Mint, and Dill	7 Pods	⅗ stars	See Pricing
International Basil Seed Pod Kit (7-Pod)	Fresh Herbs	Genovese, Napolitano, Marseille, Lemon, Thai, Globe, and Purple	7 Pods	⅘ stars	See Pricing
Italian Herbs Seed Pod Kit (7-Pod)	Fresh Herbs	Genovese Basil, Italian Parsley, Oregano, Savory, Thyme, Chives, and Mint	7 Pods	⅗ stars	See Pricing
Pesto Basil Seed Pod Kit (7-Pod)	Fresh Herbs	7 Genovese Basil	7 Pods	⅘ stars	See Pricing
Fresh Tea Seed Kit (3-Pod)	Fresh Herbs	Lavender, Chamomile, and Mint	3 Pods	⅗ stars	See Pricing
Pesto Basil Seed Pod Kit (3-Pod)	Fresh Herbs	3 Genovese Basil	3 Pods	⅗ stars	See Pricing
Salsa Garden Seed Pod Kit (7-Pod)	Fresh Veggies	4 Red Heirloom Cherry Tomato, 3 Jalapeno Peppers	7 Pods	⅘ stars	See Pricing
Thai Pepper Seed Pod Kit (7-Pod)	Fresh Veggies	7 Thai Peppers	7 Pods	5/5 stars	See Pricing
Cayenne Pepper Seed Pod Kit (Tall Garden Kit)	Fresh Veggies	3 Cayenne Peppers and 10 spacers	3 Pods	5/5 stars	See Pricing
Banana Pepper Seed Pod Kit (Tall Garden Kit)	Fresh Veggies	3 Banana Peppers and 10 Spacers	3 Pods	N/A	See Pricing
Fairy Tale Eggplant (Tall Garden Kit)	Fresh Veggies	3 Fairy Tale Eggplant Seed Pods and 10 spacers	3 Pods	⅘ stars	See Pricing
Custom Tomato/Pepper Seed Pod Kit for 6-Pod AeroGardens	Fresh Veggies	Your choice of 3 tomatoes and 3 peppers	6 Pods	⅗ stars	See Pricing
Custom Tomato/Pepper Seed Pod Kit for 9-Pod AeroGardens	Fresh Veggies	Your choice of 9 peppers or tomatoes	9 Pods	⅘ stars	See Pricing
Mixed Romaine Seed Pod Kit (7-Pod)	Salad Greens	7 Green and Red Romaine Lettuces	7 Pods	⅘ stars	See Pricing
Heirloom Salad Greens Seed Pod Kit (9-Pod)	Salad Greens	Your choice of 3 pre-seeded pods – 18 varieties to choose from!	9 Pods	⅘ stars	See Pricing
Custom Salad Seed Pod Kit (3-Pod)	Salad Greens	Your choice of 3 pre-seeded pods – 18 varieties to choose from!	3 Pods	⅘ stars	See Pricing
Custom Salad Seed Pod Kit (6-Pod)	Salad Greens	Your choice of 6 pre-seeded pods – 18 varieties to choose from!	6 Pods	⅘ stars	See Pricing
Custom Salad Seed Pod Kit (9-Pod)	Salad Greens	Your choice of 9 pre-seeded pods – 18 varieties to choose from!	9 Pods	⅗ stars	See Pricing
Custom Salad Seed Pod Kit (12-Pod)	Salad Greens	Your choice of 12 pre-seeded pods – 18 varieties to choose from!	12 Pods	⅘ stars	See Pricing
Cascading Petunias Seed Pod Kit (9-Pod)	Flower Kit	9 pre-seeded Grow Pods with a mix of pink, purple and white petunias	9 Pods	⅗ stars	See Pricing
Lots of Lavender Seed Pod Kit (6-Pod)	Flower Kit	6 pre-seeded Purple Elegance Lavender Grow Pods	6 Pods	⅘ stars	See Pricing
Lots of Dots Seed Pod Kit (3-Pod)	Flower Kit	3 pre-seeded Polka Dot Plant Grow Pods	3 Pods	⅗ stars	See Pricing
Custom Flower Seed Pod Kit (3-Pod)	Flower Kit	Your choice of 3 pre-seeded Custom Flower pods – 12 varieties to choose from!	3 Pods	⅗ stars	See Pricing
Custom Flower Seed Pod Kit (6-Pod)	Flower Kit	Your choice of 6 pre-seeded Custom Flower pods – 12 varieties to choose from!	6 Pods	⅘ stars	See Pricing
Custom Flower Seed Pod Kit (12-Pod)	Flower Kit	Your choice of 12 pre-seeded Custom Flower pods – 12 varieties to choose from!	12 Pods	⅘ stars	See Pricing

How Does AeroGarden Work?

All AeroGarden indoor gardens work using the same three components: an LED light, a water bowl with a grow deck, and a pump that regularly moves water and nutrients across the plants’ roots. This gardening system, called hydroponics, doesn’t use soil or other mediums to grow plants. The AeroGarden LED grow light is set on a timer, giving your plants the necessary sunshine they need throughout the day. This hands-off approach is perfect for new and seasoned gardeners alike. The only maintenance required is to semi-regularly clean out the basin and the pump, becoming clogged with roots and other debris.

What Is AeroGarden?

AeroGarden is a countertop hydroponics company that specializes in sleek indoor gardens. Its mother company AeroGrow International is one of the leaders in the space, allowing gardeners with a wide range of talents to grow plants indoors. The first AeroGarden model was released in March 2006, and their line of products has expanded to include many models, including the AeroGarden Farm. In 2013, Miracle-Gro invested $4.5+ million into AeroGrow and AeroGarden products, which has allowed AeroGarden to become the leading line of products in the indoor gardening space.

AeroGarden Farm Limited Warranty

The AeroGarden Farm includes a limited warranty for one year after the original purchase. This limited warranty covers any quality or material defects. It doesn’t cover any damage caused by the owner or other incidental or consequential damages, and AeroGarden will only cover defects within their control. 

If you notice that your AeroGarden Farm has arrived damaged, contact AeroGarden and request authorization of return. Once they’ve given this, you can send the defective unit back for repairs or replacement.

Other AeroGarden Models

There are several AeroGarden models, with the main differences between them being the number of seed pod holes, the indoor garden’s height, and the price. Here is a quick guide to the different AeroGarden Families besides the AeroGarden Farm. You can also view reviews of the AeroGarden Bounty, the AeroGarden Harvest 360, and the AeroGarden Sprout.

AeroGarden Model	Family	Max Number Of Seed Pods	Grow Height Max	Price
Bounty Basic	Bounty	9	24”	$343.00
Bounty	Bounty	9	24”	$399.95
Bounty Elite	Bounty	9	24”	$429.95
Bounty Elite Artisan	Bounty	9	24”	Out of Stock
Harvest	Harvest	6	12”	$149.95
Harvest Elite	Harvest	6	12”	$177.25
Harvest 360	Harvest	6	12”	$149.95
Harvest Elite Slim	Harvest	6	12”	Out of Stock
Harvest Elite 360	Harvest	6	12”	$179.95

Where To Buy The AeroGarden Farm?

You can purchase the AeroGarden Farm models on Amazon. Each indoor garden’s price varies by size, with the Farm models ranging from $695-$895 before discounts. Smaller models, including the AeroGarden Bounty, AeroGarden Harvest, and AeroGarden Sprout, cost anywhere from $99-$429.95 before discounts. We specifically mention discounts because AeroGarden is known to offer specials and deals regularly.

Final Thoughts On The AeroGarden Farm

The AeroGarden Farm models are high-performing indoor gardens, perfect for the gardener who wants to grow large yields without leaving their living room. If you’re looking to get the most from your gardening system, we recommend getting the larger models like the Farm 24Basic, the AeroGarden Farm Plus, or the Farm 24XL. You can grow twice as many plants at a single time than the smaller Farm models. And if you’re already paying the hefty price tag for the AeroGarden Farm, you likely expect to grow large amounts of salad greens and veggies for your family. 

But whatever you decide, the AeroGarden Farm models are great options for gardeners – no green thumb required!

Help us grow! This post contains affiliate links, which means we receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something recommended. All opinions on AeroGarden Harvest however are our own and we do not accept payments for positive reviews.

My wife and I live in a tiny Chicago condo, and we’re always looking for ways to stretch our green thumbs during the cold winter months. AeroGarden has been a godsend on this front. We use their hydroponic countertop units as a way to grow veggies, fresh herbs, and greens year-round. The AeroGarden Harvest 360 is one of Aerogrow’s more affordable models, and we like that it still has enough room to grow several plants at the same time. Let’s take an honest look at the pros and cons of this indoor garden – from its warranty and cost to its yields and aesthetics – so you can decide if the AeroGarden Harvest 360 is right for you.

Where To Buy The AeroGarden Harvest 360

If you’re ready to purchase the AeroGarden Harvest 360, you can do so through our Amazon affiliate link. Other AeroGarden models include the larger AeroGarden Bounty and the smaller AeroGarden Sprout.

AeroGarden Harvest 360: Overview

Like all indoor gardens within the AeroGarden Harvest Family, you can grow up to six different plants at a time, including fresh herbs, salad greens, veggies, and over 70 other plants, including flowers.  And the best part is that you can set up this home garden system in less than 10 minutes. Here’s what is inside the box when you get your new AeroGarden Harvest 360:

• 20Watt LED grow lights and light hood
  • These high-performance red and blue lights will give your plants the full spectrum of sunlight they need. AeroGarden boasts that plants grown in their hydroponic units grow 5x faster than outdoor plants. That’s not too shabby at all!
• An extendable lamp arm
  • The lamp arm adjusts up and down, allowing for up to 12″ of height for your plants to grow. 
• A basin and control panel
  • On the AeroGarden Harvest 360, the easy-to-use control panel includes only three touch-sensor buttons, which allow you to turn your light on and off, and they alert you to when you need to add plant food or water.
• Plant food liquid nutrients
• Soil-free, non-GMO pre-seeded pods 
  • When purchasing your AeroGarden Harvest 360, you’ll have the option to choose between one of the following seed pod kits: fresh gourmet herbs, salad greens, and tomatoes. 
• Power adapter

AeroGarden Harvest 360 Details

Here’s the nitty-gritty breakdown of the AeroGarden Harvest 360:

• Family: Harvest
• Material Finish: Matte Plastic
• Light Wattage: 20 Watts LED
• Height: 17.4″
• Width: 9″
• Depth: 9″
• Touchscreen: None
• Low Water Reminder: Heck Yes
• Nutrient Reminder: Heck Yes
• Automated Light: Heck Yes
• Dimmable Lights: None
• Vacation Mode: None

AeroGarden Harvest 360 Warranty

All AeroGarden products come with a limited warranty that covers any defects in the materials or workmanship. It lasts one year after the original purchase. It does not cover any problems associated with wear and tear, negligence, improper use, incidental or consequential damages, and is not viable in any situation outside of AeroGarden’s control.

If your hydroponics unit arrives damaged, you need first to contact AeroGarden. Once they authorize you, they will either fix the broken unit or replace it. Make sure you don’t send the indoor garden back to them without proper authorization! 

Review for the AeroGarden Harvest 360

The AeroGarden Harvest 360 is a medium-sized hydroponic unit that’s easy to use. It’s not as large as the Bounty or Farm models from AeroGarden, but with six seed pods, the Harvest 360 is excellent for harvesting plants occasionally. It’s also a sleek design that looks beautiful on a kitchen counter design. The “360” aspect of this garden refers to the roundness of this indoor garden. That’s more of an aesthetic choice than a practical one, but the shape makes it smaller than the other Harvest AeroGarden models. 

AeroGarden Harvest 360 Pros

Winter Harvests

As someone who lives in a cold-climate area, I can’t say this enough. You can grow plants and veggies in your AeroGarden Harvest 360 even in the dead of winter from the comfort of your home.

Quick-Growing Plants

When you grow with hydroponics, your plants reach maturity faster and often grow larger than they would in the soil. This, mixed with the full spectrum LED light, means you’ll be harvesting your plants sooner than you’d expect.

An Accent Piece For Your Home

The AeroGarden Harvest 360 provides a pop of color for your home. It’s a gift to have a living thing growing around you.

Simple Control Panel

This indoor garden doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles. It has three buttons/sensors that show you when to feed and water your plants, as well as a button for turning the light on and off. 

Access to fresh plants

AeroGarden and Aerogrow produce over 70 seed pods that work with your Harvest 360. And they even have empty pods that you can fill with your own seeds. 

Germination Warranty

These Non-GMO seeds even come with a warranty, so you’re able to replace your pods if germination doesn’t take place.

Plant Provenance

It’s so difficult to know where your food is coming from these days. Just because the lettuce in the grocery store looks fresh doesn’t necessarily mean that it is. And then you have to think about things like pesticides and GMO seeds. It becomes a guessing game when making a simple purchase. With the Harvest 360, you can feel confident that the seeds and plant food are not harmful to you or your family. And honestly, sometimes it’s just nice to know where your food comes from. 

AeroGarden Harvest 360 Cons

Pricing

AeroGarden models are more expensive than growing indoor houseplants or even most outdoor gardens. And while the Harvest 360 is a good piece of technology, the high price appears to be for convenience mainly. Essentially, a Harvest 360 is an LED light (which you could get for $25-50 on the low end), a basin, and a pump ( which you could get for under $25). So, could you build your own hydroponic garden for $50-60? Definitely. Would it look as nice or send you alerts when your water levels are low? Probably not. So when you buy an AeroGarden Harvest 360, you’re really paying for a simple, effective unit that looks nice in your home. Personally, I think that’s worth the price.

Mid-Harvest Slump

When AeroGarden provides pictures of the Harvest 360, it’s always with plants before they’ve been harvested. So it looks like something out of a home and gardens magazine. But when you start to harvest your plants, you’ll soon have a much less beautiful garden on your kitchen counter. This is especially true for the leafy greens. As you harvest them, the leaves will grow back, but there will be bare stalks from where leaves were removed. This means that they eventually look scraggly and limp, even though the plants are still healthy.

The cherry tomatoes are rough toward the end, as well. Many of the leaves begin to die, and your picturesque garden ends up looking pretty spooky. There are some ways to mitigate this, but it’s not always going to look like the pretty marketing materials you see on the AeroGarden website.

The fresh herbs kit is the only one that we’ve seen that looks good throughout the season. When you clip off the dill, the basil, or any of the other plants from the gourmet herb seed pods,  they still look classy on your countertop. 

Small Harvests

AeroGarden markets its indoor gardens as an alternative to shopping at a grocery store. With some of their larger models in the Farm category, you might be able to supplement your food budget. But even then, you’d need multiple units to feed a small family. The AeroGarden Harvest 360 only has six pods, so you’re not going to fill anyone’s bellies with harvests from these units. So it loses points in our book for being a little impractical. The one caveat to this is the fresh herbs seed kit. When my wife and I grew these in our AeroGarden, we could add herbs to almost every meal. It tasted better than dry herbs, and you didn’t have to make regular trips for fresh herb clippings from the store.

Occasional Fruit Flies

I was surprised to see that other people across the internet also had this problem. When we were growing in our AeroGarden, we had a handful of fruit flies buzzing around the plants. This is a small criticism, though, as most outdoor plants are teeming with bugs and other life.

Reviews From Across the Internet

Overall, the response to the AeroGarden Harvest 360 has been positive. Here is a comprehensive look at what people are saying about this indoor garden.

AeroGarden.com Reviews: 4.4/5 Stars

• Value: 4.3/5
• Appearance: 4.7/5
• Ease of Use: 4.7/5

Highlighted Favorable Review: It Actually Works!

“I love this AeroGarden. It was easy to set up. Very low maintenance and does not take up much space. I cannot wait to watch the seedlings grow into delicious herbs. The water pump is very quiet. You even have a timer on the light set up or turn off/on whenever you like with the easy touch button. The system tells you when to add water and plant food. Growing herbs has never been so simple. Put together the system, add water, turn on, and you are growing in minutes!! It’s GREAT!”

Highlighted Critical Review:

“My Harvest 360 was very easy to set up and 5 out of 6 herbs are growing successfully (Thyme is a no-go). I can’t give this product 5 stars because while the “touch” buttons light up, they do not perform any function. My unit must have arrived broken because no matter the force – light touch or pushing – the light button does not turn on/off the lights, the plant food reminder doesn’t turn to green when touched after food is added, and I have kept an eye on water level so no need to touch that button. A little disappointing, but I unplug the unit if need be to turn off the (very bright) lights. However, if the product is unplugged, the timer is also inactivated and will pick up where it was in the light/dark cycle when the unit is plugged in again. Still pleased with the growth of the herbs so far, but a little sad the unit isn’t functioning properly straight out of the box.”

Disclaimer: There is a limited warranty for this product, which would cover the defects mentioned by this reviewer.

Amazon.com Reviews 4.6/5 Stars

• Easy to Use: 4.6/5
• Giftable: 4.5/5
• Easy to Grow: 4.4/5
• Value for Money: 4.1/5

Highlighted Favorable Review: It Actually Works

“I have a black thumb, which I think is important to add to this review. I planted everything photographed 1/3/19, and I took this photo this morning (2/5/19). It takes care of itself, and they grow a little bit more each day. It’s the most exciting part of my morning routine.. while my coffee brews I admire my plants! I used the basil and parsley from the packet that came with the kit. But I ordered my own seeds along with the “plant anything kit” to grow jalapeno + poblano peppers, Roma tomatoes, and marijuana.”

Highlighted Critical Review: Poor Customer Service

“You are supposed to call them for new pods if they don’t grow. So I had tried numerous times to call. Usually, the queue number was too large. I gave up! I had left them my call back number and no response from them. Today, my queue was 5. So I decided to wait it out. Three hours and 43 minutes later, I was queue #1. While I was waiting for someone to pick up, I had also written to customer support complaining about the wait time and my problem. So far, no one has responded. Of course, I hang up after close to 4 hours. It is to show what a lousy business AeroGarden is! Yesterday, I wrote Home Depot an email. Immediately, someone wrote back.

“I was just trying to reach AeroGarden for some new pods that weren’t growing. I think they should find an outsource to answer their phone and email. Looks like they will spend one hour answering one phone call. I wasted 4 hours of my time today!”

How To Set Up Your AeroGarden Harvest 360

Setting up your AeroGarden Harvest 360 is simple. Follow these steps, and you’ll be growing in no time.

• Remove the AeroGarden Harvest 360 from the box
  • This indoor garden arrives in one piece, so you don’t have to attach the light hood or arm to the basin.
• Remove tape from the basin and the tray
• Plugin the power cord 
• Unpackage the seed pods and place them in the designated slots
• Add water to the fill line
• Add plant food (follow directions on how many capfuls to include)
• Place the grow dome on top of each pod
• Turn your light on
• Sit back and watch your plants grow!

How Much Does It Cost To Run An AeroGarden Harvest 360?

Monthly, the AeroGarden Harvest 360 requires an average of 23 watts of electricity. Assuming 11 cents per kW/hour, it will cost you $1.33 a month to run your indoor garden. 

What Is An AeroGarden?

AeroGardens are dirt-free and foolproof hydroponic gardens. These units are simple to set up, the plants are easy to care for, and you can grow almost anything year-round. They each come with a basin that holds water, liquid plant food, a water pump, a tray, seed pods, and a full spectrum LED light that provides your plants with the simulated sunshine they need. Most units also include a control panel, allowing you to set a timer for the lights or connect to smart home devices.

AeroGarden is a set of products from the company Aerogrow International. They’re one of the leaders in the indoor gardening space, and they create products that allow people (of all gardening talents) to grow over 70 types of plants indoors. The first AeroGarden was released in March of 2006, and they have expanded their line to include indoor gardens that fit almost every need. In 2013 the gardening behemoth Miracle Grow (who created miracle-gro plant food) invested over $4.5 million into Aerogrow, resulting in 30% ownership interest in Aerogrow. And growers around the world rejoiced.

Fun AeroGarden Fact

The name “AeroGarden” includes the prefix “Aero,” which means air. This refers to air’s (and the aeration’s) role in hydroponics. 

What Are The Different AeroGarden Models?

The AeroGarden Harvest 360 is one of many models produced and sold by AeroGarden. These indoor gardens are split between four categories, called “Families.” The main difference between these families is the amount of seed pods that can be grown at a time. And within each of these categories, there are different AeroGarden models. The AeroGarden Harvest 360, for instance, lives in the Harvest Family. Here are the four families provided by AeroGarden:

Farm Family -12 to 24 Seed Pods

The Farm Family includes the most extensive and most expensive AeroGarden models. These hydroponic units 12-24 seed pods, meaning you can grow many plants in a fairly small space. The Farm Family Includes these massive indoor gardens:

• Farm 12XL
• Farm 24Basic
• Farm 23XL

There is also the option to stack these different gardens, allowing you to maximize your space.

Bounty Family – 9 Seed Pods

https://www.amazon.com/AeroGarden-Bounty-Black-Alexa-Enabled/dp/B07T8K4SX4/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=aerogarden+bounty&qid=1608480091&s=lawn-garden&sr=1-3

The Bounty Family includes the second-largest hydroponic systems:

• Bounty Elite
• Bounty
• Bounty Basic
• Bounty Elite Artisian

Harvest Family – 6 Seed Pods

The Harvest family, which includes the AeroGarden Harvest 360, is the perfect size for your home’s kitchen countertop. Here are the different models within the AeroGarden Harvest Family:

• Harvest
• Harvest Elite
• Harvest 360
• Harvest Elite Slim
• Harvest Elite 360

Sprout Family – 3 Seed Pods

With the Sprout Family, you can grow up to three plants at a time. This modern design has a silent pump for better oxygenation. This indoor garden is the smallest and cheapest of the AeroGarden models.

• Sprout

The Difference Between AeroGarden Harvest And Harvest 360?

The only real difference between the AeroGarden Harvest and the Harvest 360 is the indoor garden’s shape and size. While both AeroGarden Harvests hold six seed pods, the basins are a different shape. The Harvest has an almost rectangular-shaped basin with rounded edges, while the AeroGarden Harvest 360 is more oval-shaped or round, hence the “360.” The main benefit of this is theoretically space. The round shape of the 360 means it’s only 9″ wide and 9″ deep, while the traditional Harvest is 10.5″ wide and 7.5″ deep. Before you get excited, that means you’ll have less than 2.5 square inches of extra space with the AeroGarden Harvest 360. It’s nothing to write home about. Instead, the AeroGarden Harvest 360 is more aesthetically different than practically different than the other Harvest models. 

What Is The Difference Between AeroGarden Harvest and Harvest Elite?

The difference is cosmetic. Functionally, the Harvest and Harvest Elite are the same, each being the same size and holding six seed pods. The only difference between these two indoor gardens is the basin’s material and the unit’s color. The AeroGarden Harvest Elite has a stainless steel basin and comes in one of four colors, while the AeroGarden Harvest has a matte plastic finish and comes in black or white.  If you’re attempting to match your kitchen’s specific look and feel or just want a nicer-looking indoor garden, you may consider the AeroGarden Harvest Elite.

How Long Does An AeroGarden Last?

AeroGardens last an average of 3-5 years, assuming regular maintenance and care. This maintenance likely includes replacing the LED grow lights every six months, as the lumen count begins to drop and will impact the growth, and replacing the pump if it stops working. If you have plants in your AeroGarden for a long time, you’ll need to trim your roots regularly and keep the basin and pump clean.

You will also need to replenish your plant food supply every six months. All this said, the actual technology used with the AeroGarden is relatively simple, and it should last several years with the right care and attention. The main caveat to this would be the control panel, which, if it breaks, will not be a simple fix. 

What Can You Grow In An AeroGarden?

You can grow just about anything in an AeroGarden. But should you? Probably not. If you’re growing with an AeroGarden for the first time, start with something simple, like fresh herbs (I like the gourmet herb seed pod kit) or leafy greens. These are pretty hands-off and grow well under the LED grow light. I would recommend saving the cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for a more advanced AeroGarden grower. Also, there are several reports that thyme is a no-go with AeroGarden growers, so consider passing on that one, as well. Here are some of the top plants to try today.

• Curly parsley
• Genovese basil
• Dill
• Thai basil
• Chives
• Mint
• Romaine lettuce
• Arugula 
• Deer tongue 
• Mixed kale

Can I Move My AeroGarden Plants?

You can transplant your AeroGarden plants to soil or other hydroponic units. If you plan to move them outside, though, make sure that you’re considering the weather. The AeroGarden plants have not experienced much stress and will not be as hardy as plants grown outdoors. It’s better to transition them into houseplants that sit in a south-facing window first. Once they’ve adjusted to soil, potting mix, or another medium, then you can move them outside.

Purchase an AeroGarden Harvest 360 Today

The AeroGarden Harvest 360 is a fun and simple indoor garden that looks great on a kitchen countertop. When you’re ready to purchase, you can do so with a credit card or debit card through our Amazon link. Best of luck to you and your green thumbs all-year-round!

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:

• Overall AeroGarden Review
• AeroGarden Farm Models
• AeroGarden Bounty

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: 

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!