Miracle-Gro AeroGarden Reviews

The Miracle-Gro AeroGarden is a smart tabletop hydroponics system manufactured by AeroGrow International. Each AeroGarden model features proprietary technology that makes growing fresh produce simple and intuitive. Because these systems use efficient hydroponics instead of traditional soil-based gardening methods, plants can grow an astounding 5 times faster. And because AeroGardens are typically used indoors and year-round, you will have a constant harvest at your fingertips. So with that said, how do you choose the best AeroGarden for your indoor space and gardening needs? We have created a list of Miracle-Gro AeroGarden reviews to help you decide which distinct model is best for you. But before we dive into the AeroGarden reviews, let’s discuss a few key factors to consider.

Key Considerations before you Purchase an AeroGarden

Each AeroGarden comes with different features (like fully automated LCD control panels and energy efficient LED grow lights) and capabilities (like accommodating three, six, seven or nine seed pods and grow light adjustment heights of 10″, 12″, and 24″).  Consumers may choose between various color, design, and finish options. There are AeroGarden to fit everyone’s budget – from under $100 to over $400.

Seed Pod Kits

Seed Pod Kits are included with every AeroGarden purchase. seeds come in easy-to-use, soil-free Seed Pod Kits. There are over 150 different types of Seed Pod Kits to choose from – herbs, vegetables (like tomatoes or peppers), flowers, greens, etc.  If you would rather use your own seeds,  AeroGarden offers a self-starter kit, named the “Grow Anything Kit.” Each Seed Pot Kit and Grow Anything Kit comes with the soil-less grow media, plastic domes to put over seed pods (to encourage germination), and patented liquid nutrients to mix with the water inside the AeroGarden. Once your seeds have germinated, roots will soak in this nutrient-rich water and provide nutrition for the plants. These Seed Pod Kits are great because you won’t need to purchase grow media, fertilizer, and other seed-starting components separately because everything is included in these kit.

Pros of AeroGarden

✓ Great for Beginners: AeroGardens are easy to use, especially models with automated control panels (which can be programmed to turns light on/off and tell you when to change water and add nutrients). AeroGardens are the perfect hydroponics system for beginners or anyone who just wants fresh herbs, greens, veggies, flowers, or even cannabis within an arms-length.

✓ Total Control: Because you are growing indoors, Aerogarden crops aren’t subject to the whims of Mother Nature. You are in total control of the growing conditions, you customize the control panel settings for optimal growth, and you are free to grow any crop you wish.

✓ Efficient: The footprint of AeroGardens is quite small. Not only are these countertop systems incredibly space-saving,  but they require only occasional cleaning and maintenance. Only minimal amounts of water and electricity are used in their operation, and the AeroGarden models with LED lighting are especially energy-efficient.

✓ Fewer Pests: Because AeroGardens use hydroponic methods instead of soil, bugs and other pests are much less likely to become a problem.

✓ Continuous Harvests:  Within weeks of planting, you can harvest your produce and then immediately start on a brand new crop. Rapid growth and year-round crops mean a constant and abundant harvest.

Cons of the AeroGarden

✗ Better Models Cost More: It’s not surprising that better AeroGarden models are more expensive. Better functionality, grow lights, and higher yielding systems (ie, more seed pod locations) can be pricey. However, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. Most people would be well-served with a moderately-priced model like the Ultra LED or Harvest, but the stainless steel Bounty Elite WiFi is great if you are willing to pay more for quality and functionality.

✗ The expense of Seed Pot Kits: Seed Pot Kits are included when you purchase an AeroGarden. However, once you use those kits, be warned that you will need to purchase additional Seed Pot Kits or Grow Anything kits thereafter. These costs can add up, but at least will save on your grocery store bill! And since these kits also include the fertilizer, grow media humidity domes, and a germination guarantee, they aren’t such a bad deal after all. 

✗ Upkeep: Occasional maintenance is required (changing the water, cleaning the reservoir, clearing any root debris that interferes with the pump). Other than that, AeroGarden upkeep is minimal. 

✗ Mobility: Once your AeroGarden is filled with water and plants,  it becomes difficult to move from one location to the next (especially the larger models). Plan on finding a good, stationary location to keep your AeroGarden and this won’t be an issue.

✗ Not Silent: The AeroGarden pump does make a slight noise, similar to the sound of a fish tank. Most people don’t even notice it after a while.

Categories of the AeroGarden

Now for the AeroGarden reviews. The Miracle-Gro AeroGarden offers 4 main categories of countertop models: Bounty, Classic, Harvest, and Sprout. Let’s start with the largest and most sophisticated countertop model – the Bounty – and then work our way down to the small Sprout models.

(Note: The largest of all AeroGardens is a model is called the Farm. However, the Farm may be too large for most casual at-home growers so we left it off this list.)

AeroGarden Reviews –  Bounty Models