
The Aerogarden Harvest is a game-changer for indoor gardeners. It allows you to grow a wide variety of plants year-round, regardless of the season or climate outside.
With the Aerogarden Harvest, you can harvest up to 24 plants at a time, and the system is designed to minimize space while maximizing yields. This makes it perfect for small kitchens, apartments, or any indoor space.
The Aerogarden Harvest uses a patented hydroponic system that delivers nutrients directly to the roots of the plants, promoting healthy growth and development. This means you can expect to see results in as little as 1-2 weeks after planting.
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What Is It and How Does It Work?
An AeroGarden is a compact indoor garden kit that lets you grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers with minimal effort and no mess.
Seeds are planted in water instead of soil, eliminating the need for soil and potential bugs in your space.
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The AeroGarden units are equipped with high-powered LED lights that provide the necessary light for your plants to grow.
A water funnel system ensures your plants receive the right amount of water, making it easy to grow your plants without much maintenance.
This setup is perfect for small spaces, busy lives, or those who struggle with traditional gardening.
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Setting Up and Maintaining
Setting up the AeroGarden Harvest is incredibly easy, thanks to the starter seed kit that comes with it. All you have to do is plug in the garden kit, add water, and place the pods into the water chamber.
The AeroGarden has automated reminders to keep the water tank full and add Liquid Plant food biweekly, which is perfect for busy people like me. You'll also need to prune and harvest the plants as you like.
As your plants grow, you'll need to refill the water tank more frequently, ideally every 2 to 3 days, to prevent the machine from making a "gargling" sound. You can also use gallon-sized water jugs or siphons to make things easier for larger units like the Farm model.
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Setting Up an Indoor Garden
Setting up an indoor garden is a breeze. The AeroGarden Harvest Elite is incredibly easy to set up, and the company includes a starter seed kit to get you started.
All you need to do is plug in the garden kit to a power source, add water, and place the pods into the water chamber. That's it!
You can choose from various seed kits, but one of the easiest to grow is the Gourmet Herb kit, which has rave reviews.
The automated reminders on the AeroGarden are a game-changer, especially for busy people like me. They'll remind you to keep the water tank full and add Liquid Plant Food biweekly.
The only other maintenance required is pruning and harvesting the plants as you like. This gives you a fun taste of caring for what you've grown and reaping the benefits of your patience.
The AeroGarden doesn't need natural light, so you can place it anywhere with a power outlet. The grow lights take care of the rest.
It's worth noting that the AeroGarden is low-maintenance and beginner-friendly, making it perfect for anyone who wants to try their hand at indoor gardening.
Ease of Hydroponic System Maintenance
The AeroGarden Harvest Elite is incredibly easy to set up and maintain.
Plug in the garden kit to a power source, add water, and place the pods into the water chamber, and you're good to go.
The AeroGarden has automated reminders to keep the water tank full and add Liquid Plant Food biweekly, making maintenance a breeze.
You'll need to refill the water tank every 2 to 3 days, depending on the growth of your plants.
The machine will signal you when the water levels get low, and the green light will turn on to remind you to refill.
To keep your plants healthy, you'll need to prune and harvest them regularly.
The AeroGarden's automatic timers make maintenance easy, with button lights indicating when food and water levels are correct.
The blue water light will flash red when water is needed, and the green plant food light will flash red every 14 days or so when plant food needs to be added.
Herbs require the least amount of tending and can be harvested frequently to maintain good air flow around the leaves and stems.
You can have two to three plants successfully growing from the same pod, making them perfect for frequent harvesting.
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Inexpensive Indoor Garden Replanting
You can replant your Aerogarden for a fraction of the cost of buying new seed pods from the AeroGarden shop. For the price of one AeroGarden seed pod kit, you can buy individual seed packets for your favorite herbs or an herb garden sampler pack.
Grab an inexpensive kit for hydroponic growing on Amazon, like the Hydroponic Garden Accessories Pod Kit, which includes 30 new grow baskets, plant grow sponges, and labels. This kit will allow you to reuse your seeds and grow new plants.
To replant, simply soak the grow sponges in warm water for about 30 minutes, then pop them into the baskets and add your own seeds to the little hole on top. Place 2 to 3 seeds of one herb variety per grow sponge.
Keep in mind that the grow sponges may float up when first planted, so you'll need to push them back down to ensure the sponges aren't drying out.
For your interest: Indoor Garden Seeds
Best Option and Reviews
The Aerogarden Harvest Elite is a great option for indoor gardening, especially for beginners. It's easy to set up and maintain, and it's perfect for growing fresh herbs and veggies year-round.
If you're looking for a more traditional gardening experience, you might want to consider the Click & Grow's Smart Garden. It uses a soil-based system and has a self-watering feature, but it requires more attention and maintenance.
Alternatively, you can also check out the Lettuce Grow's The Farmstand, which is a great option for smaller spaces. However, keep in mind that it doesn't have grow lights and requires more attention and maintenance.
Here are some options to consider:
Review
The Aerogarden Harvest Elite is a game-changer for indoor gardening. It's perfect for those with black thumbs like me.
The unit is easy to set up, and the compact design makes it ideal for small spaces. I was able to get my plants healthy and thriving within 30 days, which is a remarkable feat considering my lack of gardening experience.

The LED indicators on the front of the machine alert users to low water and nutrient levels, making it easy to maintain the plants.
One of the standout features of the Aerogarden is its simplicity. It's easy to start, use, and maintain, making it perfect for those new to gardening.
The pump in the water tank is really quiet and efficient, and the Harvest Family line of AeroGardens have a small footprint on your countertop.
Here are some key benefits of the Aerogarden:
- Simple to start, use, and maintain
- LED indicators for low water and nutrient levels
- Comes with a starter seed kit that has reusable components and fertilizer
- Quiet and efficient pump
- Sleek and attractive design
Overall, the Aerogarden Harvest Elite is a great option for anyone looking to start an indoor garden.
Best Option
If you're new to AeroGardens, don't try growing fruiting plants like bell peppers and tomato plants, they just don't do well in limited space and require lots of extra care.
The Bounty models start at $350 and Farm models start at $699, but if you're on a budget, the Harvest line is the most budget-friendly option from AeroGarden, starting at $80 to $120 on sale.

Herbs are the best option for AeroGardens because they're low-maintenance and can thrive in limited space.
If you're looking for a more traditional gardening experience, the Click & Grow's Smart Garden ($249) is a great option, using a soil-based system instead of a hydroponic system like the Aerogarden.
Here are some of the best herbs to grow in an AeroGarden:
- Herbs like basil, mint, and cilantro are great options for AeroGardens
- They're easy to care for and can be harvested in as little as 1-2 weeks
For a more luxurious system, Lettuce Grow's The Farmstand ($773) is a great option for smaller spaces, but it requires more attention and maintenance.
Germination Guarantee
The AeroGarden's germination guarantee is a game-changer for any gardener. If any of your pods don't germinate, you can reach out to their customer service and they'll ship you a replacement.
Two weeks is a reasonable turnaround time for receiving replacement pods, as I experienced with my curly parsley and dill.
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Growing and Harvesting
The Aerogarden Harvest is a great size for a beginner to manage, holding up to six plants.
With its self-watering feature, the Aerogarden takes care of watering issues, so you don't have to worry about skipping a day or two.
It's also hands-off in terms of lighting, with the lights turning on automatically.
However, to maximize herb growth and production, move plants to different areas of the device to encourage competition and keep growth in check.
Annual herbs like basil are a great choice for the Aerogarden, and can be harvested in just days.
You can expect to harvest two cups full of basil per plant, and it will grow back quickly.
Some popular recipes that use basil from the Aerogarden include Thai Basil Fried Rice and Pesto pasta.
The Aerogarden is perfect for growing a variety of herbs, including Thai and Genovese basil.
Here are some of the easiest plants to grow in an Aerogarden:
- Herbs (annual and perennial)
- Salad greens (like lettuce, arugula, and spinach)
Keep in mind that some plants, like kale and Swiss chard, require a bigger model to grow.
By following these tips and choosing the right plants, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest from your Aerogarden Harvest.
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Indoor Garden Essentials
The AeroGarden Harvest is a great starting point for indoor gardening. You can choose from a seed kit that includes Herbs, Salad, or Flowers.
To get started, you'll need to decide which type of seed kit you want. The herb kit, for example, comes with six different varieties of herbs: Thai Basil, Genovese Basil, Thyme, Mint, Dill, and Curly Parsley.
Here are the seed options available with the AeroGarden Harvest kit:
- Herbs: Thai Basil, Genovese Basil, Thyme, Mint, Dill, Curly Parsley
- Salad: (not specified)
- Flowers: (not specified)
Keep in mind that the Farm models require a larger amount of water on a consistent basis, so be sure to plan accordingly.
Water Supply
The water supply in your indoor garden is crucial to keep your plants happy and thriving. You'll need to refill the water tank every 2 to 3 days for smaller units like the Harvest.
The AeroGarden's green light will turn on to signal you when the water level is low. This is a great feature that helps you stay on top of the water supply.
As your plants grow, they'll start to drink up water fast, so be prepared to refill the tank more often. For larger units like the Farm model, you may need to refill the water tank daily.
It's better to refill the reservoir with fresh water often instead of waiting for the red light to warn you that the water level is low. This will prevent your plants from shriveling up due to lack of water.
You can also use gallon-sized water jugs or siphons to make refilling the water tank easier. This is especially helpful for larger units that require more frequent watering.
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Farm
The Aerogarden Farm is a great choice for those who have experience growing plants and want to produce a wide variety of herbs, plants, and flowers. It can accommodate up to 24 pods, making it perfect for growing tomatoes and peppers.
You'll need to provide a larger amount of water on a consistent basis, or consider using separate water tanks to feed into the aerogarden. I personally used separate water tanks and it worked like a charm.
The Farm 12 XL model has a 36β³ grow height, making it ideal for growing super hot Jigsaw peppers.
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Take Up the Least Space
Herbs require the least amount of space, making them a great choice for indoor gardens with limited space.
You can fit 6 pods in a rectangular Elite model, or go for the Slim model with one row of 6 pods, perfect for narrow kitchen layouts.
Herbs are so compact that you don't need to skip any spots, unlike fruiting plants like tomatoes or peppers that need space to grow.
In my own experience, I've found that the 6 pod Harvest didn't use up much water at all, making it a great option for small spaces.
Tall plants don't work well in the Harvest models because the lights can only be raised to 12", but herbs can be kept short enough for this line without sacrificing potential harvests.
If you're looking for a low-maintenance option, herbs are the way to go, especially in smaller gardens like the Harvest line, which starts at $80 to $120 on sale.
Indoor Herb Kit
If you're looking to grow your own herbs indoors, an AeroGarden Indoor Herb Kit is a great place to start. You can choose from a variety of seed kits, including Herbs, Salad, or Flowers.
The AeroGarden Harvest comes with a seed kit to get you started, and you can opt for the herb kit, which includes six different herbs: Thai Basil, Genovese Basil, Thyme, Mint, Dill, and Curly Parsley.
One of the best things about AeroGarden is that you don't need a lot of space to grow your herbs. The compact design makes it perfect for small kitchens or apartments.
Here are some of the best herbs to grow in an AeroGarden:
- Thai Basil
- Genovese Basil
- Thyme
- Mint
- Dill
- Curly Parsley
These herbs are all easy to grow and can be harvested in as little as a few weeks. They're also great for adding fresh flavor to your cooking and can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to sauces.
If you're looking to replant your AeroGarden, you can buy individual seed packets or an herb garden sampler pack for a fraction of the cost of AeroGarden seed pods.
Intriguing read: Aerogarden Harvest Elite Indoor Garden Hydroponic System
Cost of Running an Indoor Garden
The cost of running an indoor garden is a common concern for many. The good news is that it's relatively low.
The AeroGarden, for example, uses as much energy as a 60-watt light bulb. This is a significant reduction in energy consumption compared to traditional gardening methods.
Electricity bills can vary depending on your location, but in some areas, the fixed delivery costs are high and can be similar to your actual electric usage. This means that the AeroGarden's energy consumption won't significantly impact your bill.
Growing your own herbs can also save you money in the long run. Fresh herbs from your indoor garden can replace store-bought varieties, saving you money on grocery bills.
However, some herbs may not produce the same results as their store-bought counterparts. For example, AeroGarden mint leaves are often smaller and less flavorful than those found in stores.
Elite and Hydroponic Systems
The Aerogarden Harvest Elite is a compact, automated indoor gardening system that's designed to help you grow your own plants at home. It uses a hydroponic growing system, which grows plants using water and plant nutrient solutions that are supplied directly to the plant's roots.
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You can grow an endless variety of herbs, vegetables, salad greens, or flowers with just a little counter space and the included non-GMO seed pod kit. The Harvest Elite can hold and grow up to six different plants at a time.
The system comes with a free pod kit and one bottle of plant nutrients, which you'll need to restock for your next cycle. Restocking typically costs around $14-$30 depending on the kit, while the Liquid Plant Food costs $11.99 per bottle.
The Aerogarden Harvest Elite uses 20-Watt, energy-efficient LED grow lights that run on an automatic cycle to simulate natural light. These lights are specially tuned to mimic the optimum effects of sunlight.
To help you remember when to add more water or plant food, the system has a digital display that gives you reminders, the time, and the amount of days your garden's been growing. This makes it easy to maintain the system and keep your plants thriving.
The Aerogarden Harvest Elite is a great choice for beginners and experienced growers alike, and it's perfect for anyone who wants to grow their own fresh herbs and vegetables year-round.
Tips and Advice
Each herb garden in your Aerogarden should last about 6 months before it's best to start fresh.
To keep your plants healthy, take older, outer leaves from plants like dill and parsley, and cut basil and mint above leaf nodes. This will encourage new growth and prevent the plants from flowering too quickly.
You'll likely have an abundance of herbs as your garden matures, so be prepared to harvest more than you can use fresh.
Tips to Tend
Tend your herbs regularly to keep them healthy and thriving. Each herb garden should last about 6 months before it's best to start fresh.
Check on your Aerogarden once a day to ensure everything is okay. Spend two minutes making sure the device has enough water and checking if you need to add plant food.
Raise the light hood as your herbs grow, leaving about 4β³ to 6β³ between plants and the LED lights. This distance is hard to maintain once your herbs are mature.
Harvest your herbs frequently to encourage new growth. Take older, outer leaves from plants like dill and parsley, and cut basil and mint above leaf nodes.
Watch out for mold on the grow sponges and take action to prevent it. Prune the base of the herbs heavily to increase air circulation, remove the pod label, and sprinkle some cinnamon.
Herbs can be used fresh daily, making them a great addition to your kitchen. What's better than fresh herbs without even needing to step outdoors?
Do Vegetables Taste Good?
Vegetables grown in an AeroGarden can taste a bit bland compared to sun-ripened produce.
The taste of AeroGarden vegetables can be comparable to hydroponically grown produce from a store.
Using filtered water can improve the taste of lettuce, as tap water may not be the best choice.
Basil and dill grow remarkably well and taste great in an AeroGarden.
Is Safe
Growing your own food with an AeroGarden is a great way to ensure you're getting pesticide-free produce. The seeds used in AeroGardens are non-GMO, which means they haven't been genetically modified.

You can rest assured that the veggie pods are sourced from heirloom varieties, providing a unique flavor and texture to your homegrown produce.
The liquid plant food used in AeroGardens is natural, without any pesticides or herbicides, which is a big plus for those who want to avoid harsh chemicals in their food.
Is It Right For You?
The AeroGarden Harvest is a great choice for those who lack outdoor space or want fresh herbs and leafy greens year-round. It's perfect for growing a variety of plants, including leafy greens, herbs, and microgreens.
You can use any seeds you like in the AeroGarden, and it's also possible to start larger vegetables like onions, cabbages, and tomatoes for transplanting outdoors. I've had great results with these types of plants in my own AeroGarden.
One of the best things about the AeroGarden Harvest is its flexibility - you don't have to use the seed kits exclusively. Peat pod refills are sold separately, and you can even use third-party pods in the system.
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Cons

If you're considering growing your own plants with LED lights, there are a few things to keep in mind.
One of the main cons is that the limited vertical space can be a challenge. This means you'll need to prune your taller plants regularly to keep them clear of the lights.
Hand pollination can also be a bit tricky. It requires some finesse to get it just right, and it's not always easy to get the timing and technique just right.
To give you a better idea of the challenges you might face, here are some specific things to consider:
- Limited vertical space requires consistent pruning of taller plants to keep them clear of LED lights
- Hand pollination process can be a bit challenging to get just right
Is It Right For You?
The AeroGarden Harvest is a great investment for those who lack outdoor space or want fresh herbs and leafy greens year-round. It's also perfect for taking indoor gardening to the next level.
You can use any seeds for leafy greens, herbs, and microgreens in the AeroGarden, and it's even possible to start just about any type of vegetable for transplanting outdoors, too.

I've started onions, cabbages, and large tomato varieties in my AeroGarden and had great results. You'll want to save the baskets and humidity domes from the startup kit to reuse later.
AeroGarden seed kits don't need to be used exclusively, and peat pod refills are sold separately. You can also use third-party pods in the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between harvest and harvest elite AeroGarden?
The main difference between the Harvest and Harvest Elite AeroGarden models is the presence of a screen on the Elite, which offers advanced programming features. The Harvest model is more basic and simplified, without a screen.
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