Obviously, I have been heavy into AeroGardens and hydroponics for the past few years. But, I almost forgot the first time I laid eyes on them. I was browsing through old posts and realized that I first laid eyes on an AeroGarden at the 2014 International Housewares Show here in Chicago. I believe it was the first time I heard about hydroponics. I wanted it then. But, I did not take the plunge at that time. Now with so many models on the marking choosing the right AeroGarden can be a task. Hopefully I can help.
(UPDATED Jan 2024)
After that event I kind of forgot about it over the years. Life happened. But I sure have remedied that situation!! I now have just a few. 😉 HA!
Since then, AeroGarden has added or upgraded several models. And other companies have jumped into the hydroponic game. There are a few copycat systems that are decent, and a few larger more elaborate systems. However, AeroGarden is the first name that comes to mind when I think about countertop hydroponic units.
AeroGarden has several different models to choose from. There is something for every budget and every growing level. There are 4 tiers of AeroGardens. Within each tier there may be different models available. But, how do you know which one to buy? That will largely depend on what you want to grow, your space, and your budget.
First, let me say… there are ALWAYS sales somewhere. Do not ever pay full price for an AeroGarden unless you just have money to throw away. 🙂 Wait for a sale, or shop around.
I have at least one of almost all of the models, except the Farm. I do have a Farm 24XL, but not any of the smaller versions. However, they are all pretty similar except for light height. Now, let’s dig into the specs of each model.
The Sprout
The Sprout is the entry level model. It is also the smallest of all of the AeroGardens. It is a great way to dip your toe into the world of hydroponic growing without making a big commitment.
- 3 planting holes
- A small water pump for oxygenation (it does not flow to each pod)
- 10w LED light
- 10″ max light height
- Holds .3 gallons of water
- Available in black, white, and cool gray
The Sprout is good for growing herbs, lettuce, flowers, and even smaller varieties of micro dwarf tomatoes like Baby Micro. However, keep in mind that this is entry level. It’s tiny, the tank is small, and the light is pretty weak (10w) compared to the others, so you will not get a huge harvest. But, you can keep a good supply of fresh herbs on hand. I have grown cilantro, lettuce, and other herbs in my Sprouts.
If you get the available seed starter kit, the Sprout is great for starting seeds for your outdoor garden. You can start 15 plants at once.
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The Harvest and Harvest Elite
The Harvest is my preferred starter AeroGarden. If you move up to a Harvest model, you get several options. The Harvest comes in 2 tiers, and 3 designs for a total of 6 models. The base model Harvests have 3 buttons/lights that tell you when to add nutrients, add water, and to turn the light off and on.
Harvest models have…
- 6 pods
- 12″ max light height
- 20w LED light
- All models hold .7 gallons of water
- Harvest models are available in black, white, and cool gray
- Harvest Elites are available in stainless steel white, silver, or platinum (aka black stainless). Sometimes other special colors are available
As for design, the regular Harvest model is rectangular. The Harvest Slim is wide and skinny. The Harvest 360 is round. They all come in regular or Elite. In terms of the shape, it is mainly about aesthetics. However, some say that the Slim is easier to harvest from.
When it comes to bells and whistles, the Elite models are the way to go. The Elite models have a screen that allow for programming the time, lights on time, vacation mode, pump test, and more. The regular Harvests are more simplified, no screen.
The Elite screen shows info like time of day, days since planting, and days to next feeding.
The Harvest XL
The Harvest XL was just released at the end of 2021. AeroGarden answered some of our prayers and released a larger Harvest model. It is modeled after the base model meaning it has no screen. It has the 3 buttons/indicators for feeding, water, and lights.
- 6 pods
- 18″ max light height
- 25w LED light
- Holds 47% more water then a Harvest
- Available in black and white
This one gets you 6″ of extra height for the light. That means it is great for peppers and leafy greens that get taller. However, I found that the light was a little too weak to be so far from the deck.
The Bounty Family
There are several models of the AeroGarden Bounty. This is where you can really pick and choose the features you are looking for.
All Bounty models have…
- 9 pods
- 24″ max light height
- LED screen to navigate settings
- All models hold 1.1 gallons of water
The real differences are in the bells and whistles and the light wattage.
Bounty Basic
- 30 watt light
- No WiFi
- No touch screen. The screen is navigated using buttons on the front of the unit
- Available in black and gray
Bounty
- 40 watt light
- Touch screen
- Wi-Fi
- Available in black and white
Bounty Elite
- 50 watt light
- Touch screen
- Wi-Fi
- Comes in silver stainless steel, platinum aka black stainless, and sometimes red stainless.
Bounty Elite Artisan (no longer available)
- 50 watt light
- Touch screen
- Wi-Fi
- Came in silver stainless steel with a ceramic bowl
Farm Models
The Farm models are the largest line currently available from AeroGarden. These provide more planting spaces, and in some cases a taller light height. These are large units, so you have to have the space. And the prices are sometimes high! It is not one that I recommend getting started with right away. But, if your budget permits… go for it! As of 2024, I now own 2 Farm 24XLs, 2 Farm 24 Pluses, and 2 Farm 24 Basics. I love the for growing a wide variety of larger plants, or a lot of plants at once.
All models have…
- 60w adjustable light
- Touch screen control panel
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- App control with the AeroGarden app
- Stackable, using the Farm stacking kit
Farm 12
- 12 planting spaces
- One 60w LED light
- 24” of growing height
Farm 12XL
- 12 planting spaces
- One 60w LED light
- 36” of growing height
Farm 24Basic
- 24 planting spaces
- Two 60w grow lights
- Up to 12” of growing space
Farm 24Plus
- 24 planting spaces
- Two 60w LED lights
- 24” growing height
Farm 24XL
- 24 planting spaces
- Two 60w LED lights
- 36” growing height
So which one should you pick? Honestly, if you are just getting started, one of the Harvest models is great as a first unit. Prices often go as low as $69 or so, even on Elite models. If you see me post that, jump on it! A Bounty Basic can sometimes be found for $129-$139. That is also a great price and a great unit to get you started.
And yes, AeroGardens can be overpriced if you are paying full price, which I have never done. Wait for sales and you can get a good deal. Check out my post, What are the Lowest AeroGarden Prices?, for the lowest prices to watch out for.
Your new unit will come with AeroGarden pods to get you started. You can get your feet wet learning how the systems work, and how you feel about hydroponics. Once that happens you can expand, get a larger system, or even dabble in Kratky, DWC, and more. Trust me, once you catch the bug you will want to grow all the things!
Need help getting started? Join my Facebook group, AeroGarden, Kratky, and Gardening Fanatics.
Happy growing!
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