Imagine stepping into your kitchen and snipping fresh basil for your pasta or garnishing a cocktail with homegrown mint, regardless of the season. Countertop gardens make this a daily reality, bringing the joy of gardening indoors without the mess of soil. They offer a simple, clean, and efficient way to cultivate herbs, salad greens, and even flowers, providing a constant supply of fresh ingredients right at your fingertips.
Among the various brands available, AeroGarden stands out as a pioneer in hydroponic technology. Their models are designed for simplicity, with automated lighting and reminders that take the guesswork out of plant care. Whether you have a spacious kitchen or a compact apartment, there is an AeroGarden model perfectly suited to your space and gardening ambitions. This roundup will guide you through the best options to find your ideal indoor garden.
The Best AeroGarden Models for Your Kitchen Counter
- Miracle-Gro AeroGarden Ultra (LED) with Gourmet Herb Seed Pod Kit
- AeroGarden Sprout – Indoor Garden with LED Grow Light, Black
- AeroGarden Harvest Elite Slim Indoor Garden Hydroponic System
- AeroGarden Bounty Basic – Indoor Garden with LED Grow Light, Black
- AeroGarden Farm 12XL – Indoor Garden with LED Grow Light, WiFi
- AeroGarden Harvest Elite 360 Indoor Garden Hydroponic System
- AeroGarden Harvest 2.0, Indoor Garden Hydroponic System with LED
- AeroGarden Seed Starting System for 2019 Bounty Models
- Sprout Pump with 5 Filters, Hydroponics Growing System Pump
- AeroGarden Harvest Elite
Miracle-Gro AeroGarden Ultra (LED) with Gourmet Herb Seed Pod Kit
This model is a fantastic starting point for anyone new to hydroponic gardening. The Ultra model simplifies the process with an easy-to-read control panel that tells you when to add water and reminds you when it is time for plant food, which is included. It supports up to seven plants growing at once, reaching up to 12 inches tall, providing a substantial yield of fresh herbs or veggies.
Operating without soil, this system eliminates the mess typically associated with traditional gardening. You can enjoy fresh, local, and in-season produce year-round, right from your countertop. The system automatically controls the LED lights, turning them on and off to simulate a perfect growing environment, so your plants receive optimal care with minimal effort on your part.
AeroGarden Sprout – Indoor Garden with LED Grow Light, Black
Ideal for small spaces or as a first-time garden, the AeroGarden Sprout features a brand new, sleek design. It is compact yet efficient, allowing you to grow up to three plants at a time, reaching up to 10 inches tall. The simple soft-touch button controls the lights and resets the plant food reminders, making operation straightforward.
The high-efficiency, full-spectrum 10-watt LED grow light is tuned to maximize photosynthesis, encouraging rapid and natural growth. The updated design includes a new silent pump, ensuring your garden operates quietly. This system is a perfect introduction to soil-free gardening, offering a simple way to bring fresh flavors to your kitchen.
AeroGarden Harvest Elite Slim Indoor Garden Hydroponic System
The Harvest Elite Slim combines a slender, stainless steel profile with robust functionality. This model is designed to fit neatly on your countertop while providing room for six different plants to grow up to 12 inches tall. It uses a water-based, soil-free system that is clean and simple to maintain.
At the heart of this garden is a high-performance 20W full-spectrum LED grow light. This light mimics natural sunlight and includes an automatic on/off timer, helping your plants germinate up to five times faster than they would in soil. It is an excellent choice for growing a variety of vegetables, herbs, or flowers throughout the year.
AeroGarden Bounty Basic – Indoor Garden with LED Grow Light, Black
For those with a larger appetite for fresh produce, the Bounty Basic offers a more substantial growing capacity. Its new, sleek design features a larger water bowl and grow deck, allowing you to cultivate up to nine different herbs, veggies, or flower varieties simultaneously. This makes it perfect for a continuous harvest.
The powerful 30W LED grow light provides a full spectrum of light, giving your plants the energy they need to grow quickly—up to five times quicker than an outdoor garden. This model is a workhorse, designed for gardeners who want maximum output and variety from their indoor setup.
AeroGarden Farm 12XL – Indoor Garden with LED Grow Light, WiFi
The Farm 12XL is a premium, high-capacity unit designed for the serious indoor gardener. Despite its impressive grow height, it maintains a relatively small footprint, requiring only about a square foot of floor space. This model provides a reliable source of fresh, homegrown food with advanced features.
You have complete control with a customizable, motorized, full-spectrum 60-watt LED grow light. This high-efficiency light is tuned to maximize photosynthesis for rapid growth and abundant harvests. With over fifteen years of expertise, AeroGarden has engineered this system to be a top-tier solution for year-round gardening.
AeroGarden Harvest Elite 360 Indoor Garden Hydroponic System
The Harvest Elite 360 features a unique circular design that maximizes growing space in a compact footprint. This stainless steel countertop garden can host six different plants, each growing up to 12 inches tall. Its soil-free, water-based hydroponic system makes indoor gardening clean and accessible.
Equipped with a high-performance 20W full-spectrum LED grow light and an automatic timer, this system creates an ideal environment for plants to thrive. It helps plants germinate up to five times faster than in soil, ensuring you get to enjoy your harvest of vegetables, herbs, or flowers much sooner.
AeroGarden Harvest 2.0, Indoor Garden Hydroponic System with LED
The Harvest 2.0 is designed with modern aesthetics in mind, fitting seamlessly into your home decor. This indoor hydroponic system allows you to grow your favorite plants year-round in water, eliminating the need for soil. It holds up to six pods and features a simple, one-button control for nutrient reminders.
A key upgrade is the redesigned, detachable 15W LED grow light. This light is targeted to direct more illumination onto your plants and less into the surrounding area. With an automatic on/off timer, it helps plants germinate up to five times faster than in soil, all while providing a gentle, focused glow.
AeroGarden Seed Starting System for 2019 Bounty Models
This specialized system transforms your 2019 Bounty model into a powerful seed starter. It allows you to start up to 50 seedlings indoors with no dirt and no mess. This is an excellent tool for gardeners who want to get a head start on their outdoor garden, nurturing young plants in a controlled environment.
The design promotes healthier root development and makes removing and transplanting seedlings easier than ever. This updated version grows seeds 50% faster than earlier systems, ensuring your seedlings are strong and ready for the outdoors when the weather permits.
Sprout Pump with 5 Filters, Hydroponics Growing System Pump
This is a replacement pump designed specifically for 2020 and newer AeroGarden Sprout models. It is an essential component for maintaining the health of your hydroponic system, ensuring water and nutrients are properly circulated to your plants’ roots.
The pump is built for quality and longevity, featuring low vibration and quiet operation. Its corrosion-resistant and waterproof housing is designed for long-term immersion in nutrient solution. The package includes one pump and five filters, providing you with everything needed for installation and maintenance.
AeroGarden Harvest Elite
The AeroGarden Harvest Elite is a classic and reliable model for countertop gardening. It provides a straightforward way to grow herbs, vegetables, and flowers indoors, using a soil-free hydroponic system. This model is known for its user-friendly design and consistent performance.
With capacity for multiple plants and an automated LED lighting system, it takes the complexity out of plant care. The Harvest Elite is a solid choice for anyone seeking a proven and effective way to maintain a fresh supply of greens right in their kitchen.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best AeroGarden for Your Countertop
When I first started looking at indoor gardens, I was overwhelmed by the options. Having used several models myself, I can tell you that picking the right one comes down to a few key factors. Let’s break down what you should consider before you bring one of these 10 best AeroGarden models for countertops into your home.
First, think about size and capacity. This is a two-part question: how much counter space are you willing to give up, and how many plants do you want to grow? AeroGardens range from compact 3-pod units, perfect for a small kitchen herb garden, to larger 9-pod or even 12-pod models that can handle everything from salad greens to cherry tomatoes. Measure your space! A smaller model like the Sprout can fit almost anywhere, while a Bounty Elite needs a more dedicated spot. Remember, the height is just as important as the footprint; some plants, like dill or mint, can get quite tall and may outgrow a shorter garden.
Next, consider the lighting technology. Most modern AeroGardens use full-spectrum LED lights, which are energy-efficient and produce less heat. However, there are differences in brightness and adjustability. Higher-end models often feature brighter lights and adjustable arms that can be raised or lowered to accommodate taller plants. If you plan on growing light-hungry plants like peppers or tomatoes, a model with a more powerful lighting system is a worthwhile investment. For simple herbs and lettuces, the standard LEDs on most models are perfectly adequate.
Finally, don’t overlook the features. The basic function is the same across the board, but added conveniences can make a big difference in your daily experience. A control panel that reminds you when to add water and plant food is incredibly helpful. Some models even have vacation modes. The type of material is also a factor; stainless steel tops look sleek but can show water spots, while plastic is more durable for a busy household. Think about your budget and which features are “nice-to-have” versus “must-have” for your gardening style. By weighing these aspects—size, lighting, and features—you can confidently select the perfect AeroGarden to fit your lifestyle and countertop.
FAQ
How much electricity does an AeroGarden use?
This is a common concern, and I was pleasantly surprised by the answer. AeroGardens are very energy-efficient because they use LED lights. On average, a standard model uses about as much electricity as a regular incandescent light bulb. To put it in perspective, running a typical AeroGarden for a full month usually costs less than a few dollars on your electricity bill. The exact amount depends on your local energy rates and the specific model, as larger units with brighter lights will consume a bit more power.
Can I use my own seeds in an AeroGarden?
Yes, you absolutely can! While AeroGarden sells their own pre-seeded pods, they also sell blank seed pod kits. These include little baskets, growing sponges, and domes to create your own custom pods. This is a great way to grow unique varieties of herbs, flowers, or lettuces that aren’t available in the official kits. Just be aware that germination rates can vary with your own seeds, and some plants are simply better suited for the hydroponic environment than others.
What kind of maintenance is required?
The maintenance is minimal, which is a big part of the appeal. The main tasks are topping off the water every one to two weeks, adding liquid plant food when the reminder light flashes (usually every two weeks), and occasionally trimming your plants to keep them healthy and contained. Every few months, or after you finish a growing cycle, you will need to do a full clean-out of the bowl to prevent algae buildup. Overall, it takes just a few minutes of care each week.
How long do the LED lights last?
The LED light systems in AeroGardens are designed to last a very long time. Most models have LEDs with a rated lifespan of over 20,000 hours. To give you an idea, if you ran the lights continuously, that would be more than two years. Since you are not running the lights 24/7 (most plants need a dark period), the lights should realistically last for many, many years of normal use. It is highly unlikely you will ever need to replace them.
Are AeroGarden plants safe for pets?
This is an important safety question. The AeroGarden system itself is safe, but the plants you grow may not be. Many common herbs and houseplants can be toxic to cats and dogs. For example, plants like chives, certain types of mint, and some flowers can be harmful if ingested by your pets. It is your responsibility to research the specific plants you are growing and ensure they are pet-friendly. Always place your garden in a location where your curious pets cannot nibble on the leaves.