Not everyone enjoys building a hydroponic system and I don’t blame them. I’ve spent a lot of time and money building different systems, but it’s something I enjoy doing. If you’re looking to hit the ground running on growing an indoor garden of hydroponic herbs and vegetables, look no further than AeroGardens!
What To Expect Out Of An AeroGarden
AeroGarden systems vary on the method of hydroponics used, depending on the model. Some models use DWC while others use a drip method. The AeroGarden kit comes with everything you need to get started growing:
- AeroGarden system and grow light
- AeroGarden seed pod kit with labels
- Domes to cover each seed pod during germination
- Liquid nutrients
Setup is easy, the smaller gardens require minimal setup. The largest Aerogarden, The Farm pictured below, takes a little more time but not much. In any case, you’ll be ready to grow in about 10 or 15 minutes. After setup add your water, nutrients, pop in your seed pods in, put your domes on top and you’re ready to grow.
Smaller systems are set up to grow herb and leafy greens while the larger models offer the space and lighting to grow fruiting vegetables like tomatoes in peppers. The company sells seed pod kits offering a total of 29 different herbs, 5 different tomatoes and peppers varieties, 17 different types of salad greens and 17 different flowers. You can also purchase a “grow anything kit” that gives you the pods, domes, and nutrient to grow using your own seeds.
The Different Models of AeroGardens
I was surprised by just how many different models and variations of those models that AeroGarden offers. Last time I check their website, they were offering 20 different models.
It’s great because you everyone can find a model with the features they want and at the price point they are looking to stay at. It does also mean spending more time up front on researching what model works best for you. Here is the brief overview of the different AeroGarden models, from the entry level to their most expensive model.
The Herbie And Sprout LED Hydroponic AeroGarden
The Herbie and Sprout LED models are the entry-level AeroGarden. They lack some of the bells and whistles of the other models but are still great at growing small plants. These models use the DWC method of hydroponics, aerating the water in the reservoir.
The Herbie model is geared more towards kids. This Aeroarden is a 2 pod system with an 8 watt LED grow light. It includes is a “pizza kit” of oregano and basil as well as a 32-page activity booklet. In addition to introducing kids to growing their own food, it also teaches them about hydroponics; unlike the other models, the Herbie model includes a viewing window to see the roots of the hydroponic plants.
The Harvest Hydroponic AeroGarden
Next up is the Harvest model Aerogradens. This model actually comes in 11 different variations, as there are the new Harvest models and the classics. I will focus on the Harvest model since it’s the newest.
The Harvest model grows up to 6 plants and comes with a seed kit that includes Genovese Basil, Curly Parsley, Dill, Thyme, Thai Basil and Mint as well as a bonus salad greens seed pot kit. The systems offer a 20 watt LED grow light that is capable of 12 inches of growing height.
There are 5 different Harvest model variations that come in several colors:
- Harvest-The base model
- Harvest 360- The system is circular, 9-inches around with a circular LED light.
- Harvest Elite- Offers a stainless steel finish and a vacation mode setting helps keep your plants healthy while you’re out of town.
- Harvest Elite 360- The elite features with the 9-inch diameter system.
- Harvest Elite Slim- The elite features with a slim design.
The Bounty Hydroponic AeroGarden
The Bounty is the largest of the countertop gardens that AeroGarden offers. The garden comes with more features, most notably the LCD touch screen that guides you step by step until harvest. The Bounty model is a 9 plant system that comes with a seed kit of Genovese Basil, Curly Parsley, Dill, Thyme, Thai Basil, Mint, and the bonus salad mix. It includes a 45 watt LED grow light that has an extendable height of up to 24 inches. In addition to herbs and leafy greens, the Bounty Aerograden ha enough hieght to grow fruting vegetables.
In addition to the regular Bounty model, there also is the Bounty Elite which comes with a water monitor. Both of these model variations also offer another variation that comes with wifi ability, allowing you to view information about your garden and some control aspects over your garden via the AeroGarden app.
The Farm Hydroponic AeroGarden
The Farm model is the largest garden that AeroGarden offers, growing up to 24 plants. Measuring in at 3ft long and a little 1 foot wide, the Farm system is more of a ground system opposed to the countertop systems discussed above. This hydroponic garden comes with two 60 watt LED grow lights and can be controlled by the LCD touchscreen but is also wifi enabled to be controlled via the AeroGarden app. The Farm includes an easy to set up trellis to support larger plants.
The Farm model comes in 3 different variations, varying by how high you can raise the grow light:
- Farm- 24 inches tall
- Farm Plus- 36 inches tall
- Farm XL- 46 inches tall
Conclusion
AeroGardens are a great way to start a hydroponic garden. The systems are easy to use, efficient, and also look great. Whether you’re looking for a countertop system to grow herbs and salads greens or looking to grow a large vegetable garden, theirs an AeroGarden for everyone!
