AeroGarden Harvest Indoor Herb Garden
$79.95
The easiest way to grow fresh herbs at home. Zero gardening skill required. Set it on your counter, add water, and eat fresh basil in 3 weeks.
What We Like
- +Grows herbs 5x faster than soil
- +Automatic LED timer
- +No soil or mess
- +6-pod capacity
Room to Improve
- -Replacement pods add up
- -Takes up counter space
- -Fan can be audible at night
Our Full Review
I have killed every houseplant I've ever owned. Succulents, herbs on the windowsill, even a cactus once. So when I say the AeroGarden kept herbs alive and thriving in my kitchen, that is a genuine testament to how foolproof this thing is.
Setup takes 5 minutes. Drop the seed pods into the holes, fill the basin with water, plug it in, and walk away. The 20W full-spectrum LED grow light runs on an automatic timer (16 hours on, 8 hours off), and a little indicator tells you when to add water or plant food. I was harvesting basil in 3 weeks and had more than my family could use by week 6.
The 6-pod capacity is perfect for a kitchen herb rotation. I'm running basil, mint, dill, parsley, thyme, and chives simultaneously. The herbs grow fast -- almost aggressively fast. I'm trimming and cooking with fresh herbs 3-4 times per week, which has genuinely changed how I cook. Fresh basil on everything.
The main ongoing cost is replacement seed pods ($15-20 for a 6-pod kit) and liquid plant food ($10 for a bottle that lasts months). It also takes up counter space -- about the footprint of a large toaster. And the LED light is bright, so if your kitchen is open to your living room, it can be noticeable at night. I put mine on a smart plug to override the timer when we're watching movies.
How We Tested
Ran two consecutive 4-month growing cycles. Grew basil, mint, dill, parsley, thyme, chives, and cherry tomatoes. Tracked germination rates, growth speed, and harvest yield. Tested with both AeroGarden branded pods and third-party pod kits. Measured light output and energy consumption.
Who Is This For?
People who want fresh herbs but lack outdoor space or gardening skills. Apartment dwellers, busy parents, anyone who cooks regularly. Also a fantastic gift. Not ideal if you're short on counter space or want to grow large quantities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to run?+
The LED uses about 20W. At average electricity rates, that's roughly $2-3 per month running 16 hours daily. Replacement pods and plant food add about $5-8 per month.
Can I use my own seeds?+
Yes, AeroGarden sells a "Grow Anything" kit with empty sponges. You can plant any seed. Third-party compatible pods are also available for less.
How often do I need to add water?+
About once a week in the early stages, twice a week once plants are mature and drinking more. The built-in indicator makes it obvious.
Is it noisy?+
The pump is very quiet -- a soft hum you'll only notice in a silent room. The small fan is barely audible. Nothing that would bother you during the day.
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