How to Choose Your Hydroponic Growing System

You’ve seen those hydroponic growing systems for sale, and you’d like to buy one, but you’re not sure which one fits your needs. This article will help you choose an indoor garden.

Indoor gardens have come a long way since the days of plants in pots of soil crowded around a window, eking out a meager existence fighting over light from the winter sun. Advances in technology and new techniques have revolutionized indoor gardening in recent years.

An exciting example of technology and techniques merging into an awesome product is the hydroponic growing system. Hydroponic growing systems have flooded the market. Why? Because they work, they’re convenient, and they’re relatively inexpensive. (See related article, How a Self-Watering Hydroponic System Works.)

Of all the manufacturers selling hydroponic growing systems, AeroGarden is perhaps the most well known.

AeroGarden hydroponic growing system products are extremely popular and are generally the standard against which products from all other manufacturers are judged. Therefore, all the AeroGarden products are included in the matrix. Products from popular competitors will be included as well.

Let’s Clear Up Some Confusion

Choosing your first hydroponic growing system can be maddeningly confusing. They all look so much alike. Why choose this one over that one? What features matter most and which ones are of little value?

To assist you in making a decision, this article offers you a matrix of products and features. The article explains the meanings of the values in the chart.

Every attempt has been made to present accurate information, but products evolve and features change. Please confirm any information you read here before making your purchase to be sure you’re getting what you wish for.

HOME GROWN 15 Herb Seeds for Planting 4,500+ Non-GMO Heirloom Seeds | Extra Large Variety Pack Herb Kit – Indoor Outdoor & Hydroponic | Culinary Seed Set | Grow Your Own Herbs | Gardening Gift *

$15.99

(As of: November 13, 2025 12:15 AM - )

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All-In-One Culinary Herb Garden Starter Kit: Grow a rich variety of 15 essential herbs with our HOME GROWN seed collection, tailored for anyone passionate about cooking or gardening. Each seed is carefully sourced in the USA and tested for a high germination rate to help you create your own thriving herb garden indoors or outdoors.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to start an herb garden at home or a seasoned gardener enhancing your culinary arsenal, this kit makes it easy to cultivate fresh flavors in your kitchen. Includes top culinary herbs like Genovese Basil, Italian Oregano, and Giant Italian Parsley to bring gourmet quality to your home-cooked meals.
High-Quality, Non-GMO & Heirloom Herb Seeds: This selection features 4,500+ seeds from 15 heirloom herb varieties that are completely non-GMO.These herb seeds are perfect for those seeking a sustainable, eco-conscious way to grow herbs indoors or in backyard garden beds. With high germination rates, they provide dependable results whether grown hydroponically or in soil. Ideal for those searching for the best herbs to grow indoors or outdoors with long-lasting yields season after season.
Perfect Gardening Gift Set for Beginners & Experts: Whether it’s for a gardening enthusiast or a home chef, this herb garden kit makes a thoughtful and practical gift. Ideal for holidays, housewarmings, or Mother's Day, this complete culinary herb seed set introduces easy herbs for beginners to grow, while still satisfying the needs of expert gardeners. Each pack includes culinary classics like Rosemary, Sage, Lavender Vera, and Thyme, ensuring every meal is enhanced with fresh, homegrown herbs.
Versatile Use for Cooking, Health, and Home Decor: These herbs aren’t just flavorful—they’re also packed with potential health benefits and aesthetic value. Use fresh mint for tea, dill for pickling, or chives to garnish your favorite dishes. Explore how to start an herb garden at home that supports both your wellness and culinary creativity. These easy herbs for beginners to grow are a smart addition to your kitchen, garden, or even your indoor plant collection.
Basil: Genovese (Ocimum basilicum 'Genovese'), Basil: Sweet (Ocimum basilicum 'Sweet'), Chervil: Curled (Anthriscus cerefolium), Chives (Allium schoenoprasum), Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum), Dill: Bouquet (Anethum graveolens 'Bouquet'), Garlic Chives (Allium tuberosum), Onion: Evergreen Bunching Nabuka (Allium fistulosum 'Evergreen Bunching Nabuka')
Parsley: Italian Giant (Petroselinum crispum 'Italian Giant'), Sage: Broadleaf (Salvia officinalis), Lavender: Vera (Lavandula angustifolia 'Vera'), Mint: Common (Mentha spp), Oregano: Italian (Origanum vulgare 'Italian'), Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

(* = affiliate link / image source: Amazon partner program)

Garden Environment

The table below describes the three core garden environment properties.

Number of plants it can grow
Power of the light
Highest the plant can grow before it bumps into the light

You’ll probably start your comparison shopping with these three properties.

AeroGarden
Series	Model	Pods	LED (watts)	Max Plant Height (inches)
Sprout	Sprout	3	10	10
Harvest	Harvest	6	20	12
	Harvest Elite	6	20	12
	Harvest XL	6	25	18
	Harvest 360	6	20	12
	Harvest Elite 360	6	20	12
	Harvest Slim	6	20	12
	Harvest Elite Slim	6	20	12
Bounty	Bounty Basic	9	30	24
	Bounty	9	40	24
	Bounty Elite	9	50	24
Farm	12	12	60	24
	12XL	12	60	36
	24 Basic	24	120	12
	24Plus	24	120	24
	24XL	24	120	36
iDOO
Series	Model	Pods	LED (watts)	Max Plant Height (inches)
10-Pod	ID-IG303B	10	24	15
12-Pod	ID-IG302S	12	22	14.5

You don’t need to know a bunch of technical information such as exactly how bright the light is per watt. Just pay attention to where a hydroponic growing system LED wattage lands in the range for comparison.

If you find a hydroponic growing system that supports a 24 inch plant like the Bounty but offers a 10 watt LED like the Sprout, you should question whether that unit can grow healthy plants. Why?

The greater the maximum plant height, the more powerful a LED grow light you want. The effect the light has on a plant decreases rapidly as the distance increases between them. You’ll see the correlation between LED wattage and maximum plant height in this chart.

To ensure the light is as close to the plant as possible, the hydroponic growing system you select should allow you to set the light very low against the growing tray and raise it until it reaches its maximum height as the plants grow taller.

The wattage of products in the chart ranges from 10 to 120 watts per garden. The (relatively) meager 10-watt LED in the AeroGarden Sprout hosts 3 plants under 10 inches tall. That’s suitable for small herbs and lettuce. Conversely, the two super-bright 60 watt LEDs on the 24XL support plants up to three feet tall, such as tomatoes, peppers, and squash.

The highlighted hydroponic growing systems stand out against the other units for the properties included on this chart.

Aerospring Grower’s Edition 3.0 Indoor Hydroponic Grow System - Grow 9 Flowering Plants | Includes 180W LED Grow Light, Carbon Air Filter, Quiet Inline Fan & Grow Tent for Discreet Indoor Growing *

$699.00

(As of: November 12, 2025 9:15 PM - )

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(* = affiliate link / image source: Amazon partner program)

Garden User Interface

You want to look for several factors in a user interface on your hydroponic growing system.

Ease of use
Helpful feedback
Control over growing conditions

You’re here to garden, not manage the settings on one or two (or twelve, because you’ll get hooked on growing food in these things!) hydroponic growing systems. The most basic units have little more than a power button. High-end units have touchscreen control panels plus Wi-Fi apps and can synchronize schedules with other units.

AeroGarden
Series	Model	Interface	Wi-Fi App	Vacation Mode
Sprout	Sprout	Buttons	No	No
Harvest	Harvest	Buttons	No	No
	Harvest Elite	Digital Display	No	Yes
	Harvest XL	Buttons	No	Yes
	Harvest 360	Buttons	No	No
	Harvest Elite 360	Digital Display	No	Yes
	Harvest Slim	Buttons	No	No
	Harvest Elite Slim	Digital Display	No	Yes
Bounty	Bounty Basic	Digital Display	No	Yes
	Bounty	Digital Display	Yes	Yes
	Bounty Elite	Digital Display	Yes	Yes
Farm	12	Touchscreen	Yes	Yes
	12XL	Touchscreen	Yes	Yes
	24 Basic	Touchscreen	Yes	Yes
	24Plus	Touchscreen	Yes	Yes
	24XL	Touchscreen	Yes	Yes
iDOO
Series	Model	Interface	Wi-Fi App	Vacation Mode
10-Pod	ID-IG303B	Buttons	No	No
12-Pod	ID-IG302S	Buttons	Yes	No

Buttons

Devices on the chart with only buttons operate entirely manually, except the iDOO 12-Pod, which has Wi-Fi. The interface is simple and intuitive. The device communicates garden status to you with lights that illuminate, blink, or change color. Some gardens may have an audible alarm.

Digital Display

The digital display enhances the garden device by offering you detailed feedback regarding the state of your garden. Rather than interpret a flashing light, you just read the text or view the icons on the digital display to learn what the garden is attempting to communicate to you.

Touchscreen

The ultimate in interaction with your hydroponic growing system is the touchscreen. The menu system guides you through set-up and offers lots of feedback. The screen is large enough to just explain to you what you need to know.

Wi-Fi

The devices with Wi-Fi communicate with an app you install on your iOS or Android phone. You can manage many settings from your phone using the app. You may be able to synchronize multiple hydroponic growing systems, if they are compatible. Wi-Fi connectivity is a tremendous convenience you don’t want to overlook.

Before you buy a garden with Wi-Fi connectivity, make sure it will work on your wireless router. Is the hydroponic growing system connecting via 2.4GHz or 5GHz? Make sure your wireless router supports that frequency. Most routers handle both frequencies, but things change.

Vacation Mode

Finally, the vacation mode gives you peace of mind knowing your garden is less likely to run dry while you are away on vacation. The device reduces the amount of light it shines on your plants each day, slowing their growth and also their water intake. Somebody was really thinking when they came up with this feature!

Garden Dimensions

Can you fit that hydroponic growing system on your countertop? Or, once you’ve gotten hooked on growing your own food indoors, how many growing systems can you fit?

As you consider the dimensions, picture your hydroponic growing system in various locations within your home. The kitchen counter is a convenient location for a garden, but plants look lovely anywhere you put them. Your hydroponic growing system can add a nice touch to the living room or dining room.

You’ll find below the dimensions of each hydroponic growing system. I highlighted no rows because each model is perfect for you if it fits where you want it.

AeroGarden
Series	Model	Width (inches)	Depth (inches)	Height (inches)
Sprout	Sprout	3.5	12	14
Harvest	Harvest	10.5	6	17.4
	Harvest Elite	10.5	6.25	17.4
	Harvest XL	10.5	6.25	24
	Harvest 360	9	9	17.4
	Harvest Elite 360	9	8	17.4
	Harvest Slim	15	5	17.5
	Harvest Elite Slim	15	5	17.5
Bounty	Bounty Basic	17.25	11.25	34
	Bounty	17.25	11.25	34
	Bounty Elite	17.25	11.25	34
Farm	12	18	14	34
	12XL	18	14	46
	24 Basic	36	14	24
	24Plus	36	14	34
	24XL	36	14	46
iDOO
Series	Model	Width (inches)	Depth (inches)	Height (inches)
10-Pod	ID-IG303B	15.75	8.25	20
12-Pod	ID-IG302S	13.8	10.25	21

Leave Extra Space

As you compare dimensions you’re probably thinking in terms of placing the garden along a wall. Will it fit between the mixer and the toaster? But remember that plants grow in all directions. Be sure you leave space between the garden and the wall for the plant to fill out.

You also need room to reach behind if you are picking tomatoes or peppers. Reaching through the plant or over the top of the light assembly may not be feasible.

Leave Extra Height

And on the topic of tomatoes and peppers, remember that the plant does not know to stop growing when it reaches the light. It may grow taller than the height of the garden unit. If you place your hydroponic growing system under a kitchen counter or shelf, plant height may become an issue.

Your plant is unharmed by growing beyond the light, although those branches are missing out on the benefits of the light. Just be sure enough of your plant gets that light to make up for the parts that do not. You may consider pruning the plant to keep all its leaves under the light.

Other Lighting

Another factor that may become an issue with a garden under the cabinets is any under-counter lighting system. Your garden simulates night and day with its timer and counter lights may interfere with that schedule. It may not be a big thing, but something to consider as you ponder where to place your indoor garden.

Stacking

The 24XL stands almost four feet tall and it’s taller than that if you set it on a stand to keep it off the floor. Moreover, the Farm series is stackable, so your garden could be six feet tall with a 24 Basic stacked atop a 24XL (or vise versa).

Gardyn 4.0 Vertical Hydroponics Growing System Kit - 30 Non-GMO Plants, Herbs, Vegetables - Smart Tower Garden - Hydroponic Herb Garden Planter Indoor Kit - Indoor Gardening System w/LED Grow Lights *

Not available

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(* = affiliate link / image source: Amazon partner program)

Garden Accessories

You can get more from your hydroponic growing system with some included or optional accessories. These gardens are very versatile!

The table below highlights availability of three garden accessories.

Seed starter tray (optional)
Microgreens tray (optional)
Trellis attachment (optional/included)

A seed starter tray holds more grow plugs than the regular tray. The seed starter tray has specialized built-in pods to hold the grow plugs. You start a seed in each grow plug and transplant the grow plug to soil once the seedling has grown enough. A seed starter tray is not intended to grow plants to maturity.

The microgreens tray provides a flat area for seeds to grow and be harvested as microgreens. The microgreens tray replaces the garden tray.

Finally, the taller AeroGarden gardens include mounts to support a trellis. When growing larger plants such as tomatoes or peppers a trellis helps keep things contained. For plants such as cucumbers, you can wind the vine around the trellis to maximize the plant’s access to the light.

AeroGarden
Series	Model	Starter Seeds	Microgreens	Trellis Available
Sprout	Sprout	15	No	No
Harvest	Harvest	23	Yes	No
	Harvest Elite	23	Yes	No
	Harvest XL	23	Yes	Yes
	Harvest 360	23	Yes	No
	Harvest Elite 360	23	Yes	No
	Harvest Slim	23	No	No
	Harvest Elite Slim	23	No	No
Bounty	Bounty Basic	50	Yes	Yes
	Bounty	50	Yes	Yes
	Bounty Elite	50	Yes	Yes
Farm	12	85	No	Yes
	12XL	85	No	Yes
	24 Basic	170	No	Yes
	24Plus	170	No	Yes
	24XL	170	No	Yes
iDOO
Series	Model	Starter Seeds	Microgreens	Trellis Available
10-Pod	ID-IG303B	10	No	No
12-Pod	ID-IG302S	12	No	No

The highlighted cells in the chart indicate that accessories are available. The trellis is included with your AeroGarden. The trays are available for separate purchase.

If you have no interest in transplanting seedlings or growing microgreens, the availability of these optional trays should have no effect on your choice of hydroponic growing system.

You don’t need the seed starter tray to start seeds. You can start seeds in the regular tray and just move them when the seedling is ready. The starter tray allows you to start more seeds in the same space and do so without using any drop-in pods. With the seed starting tray, you just drop a grow plug into the build-in pods.

SpeePlant Mini Indoor Greenhouse with Grow Light - 4 Tier Outdoor Portable Greenhouse with Shelves, Waterproof PVC Cover and 4 Dimmable 1.6FT 20W Grow Lights, 26.4" L X 19" W X 61" H *

$149.99

$89.99

(As of: November 12, 2025 10:15 PM - )

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Full Spectrum 2020T Grow Lights: This greenhouse kit features four 1.6 foot T5 LED lights. Each 20W grow light provides a full-spectrum (400-780 nm) 3700K warm white light. The dual reflectors focus the light on plants while protecting your eyes. The lights can be linked up to 6 units
4-tier Small Greenhouse with Shelves: Each 19-inch-wide plant shelf can accommodate your plant pots with ease. With high-quality metal shelves and heavy-duty bearing nets, it caters to more seed trays and growing lights. Despite its lightweight nature, this greenhouse cabinet indoor ensures long-term use, measuring 26.4"L X 19"W x 61"H
Greenhouse with Durable PVC Cover: Discover the functionality of our mini indoor greenhouse, ideal for both indoor and outdoor use with its clear PVC cover. These plant shelves provide an ideal growth environment for your plants, protecting them from frost and rain. Featuring a zippered roll-up door, it caters to various weather conditions
Memory Timer: This small indoor greenhouse with timer offers 4/9/14-hour auto on/off settings. It features a memory function that recalls your last timing mode for quick setup next time. If power is interrupted, the timer will need to be reset once restored
Tool-free Assembly: Experience the simplicity and convenience of our mini greenhouse. With tool-free assembly, it's easy to set up this portable greenhouse. The roll-up zippered door ensures easy watering and misting. As the seasons change, it folds compactly into a storage bag, embodying the essence of greenhouses. An included instruction sheet makes assembly effortless

(* = affiliate link / image source: Amazon partner program)

Common and Manufacturer Exclusive Features

Your hydroponic growing system should allow for some form of grow plug and come with a low water indicator and a LED grow light on a timer. These features are what all systems have in common. Certain very low-end kits may lack these features, but arguably those kits cannot be considered a hydroponic growing “system”. Manufacturers include features that make their hydroponic growing systems stand out.

The 10-pod and 12-pod iDOO systems have a built-in fan to agitate the plants. This helps self-pollinating plants like tomatoes and peppers grow fruit and can stiffen up leaves on your greens.
The AeroGarden Bounty and Farm series gardens offer dimmable lights and a sunrise/sunset light setting.
The iDOO models include a feature allowing you to switch your grow light between vegetable and fruit modes.
Some countertop models allow you to detach the lighting assembly. You can be a little more DIY with how you set up your device.
The AeroGarden Farm series is stackable.

One distinguishing feature not compared above is tub capacity. How much water does the hydroponic garden hold in its reservoir? The more water it holds, the longer you can be away from home without worrying about your plants running out. Compare your prospective gardening system units based upon how many liters of water each holds.

Buying Your Hydroponic Growing System

Hydroponic growing systems are an exciting and ever-evolving tool for growing food indoors. Prices are coming down even as manufacturers add features.

Accessories

Accessories can strengthen your investment in your garden. What accessories are available for the hydroponic growing system you’re considering? For example, a seed starter tray could save you some money if you have outdoor raised beds. Rather than buying seedlings from the nursery for $5 to $10 each, you can buy a $3 package of seeds and grow the seedlings yourself. Even factoring in the cost of the grow plugs, it’s a deal. The seed starting trays also work well to provide you with seedlings for a full-blown hydroponic system, which lacks the ability to start seeds.

Wi-Fi Connectivity

Watch for connected gardens to become more popular. With a single application on your phone you can manage multiple gardens. You can synchronize the light and feeding schedules. You can track your plant’s progress. Don’t discount how convenient you’ll find this feature as you keep buying more and more gardens. Because you can’t stop at just one!

LAPOND Hydroponics Growing System Kit,108 Plant Sites 3 Layers Food-Grade PVC-U Pipes Hydroponic Grow Kit Gardening System with Water Pump, Timer,Net Pots and Sponge for Vegetables,Fruits,Herb *

$135.99

$117.99

(As of: November 12, 2025 10:15 PM - )

View on Amazon *

Compared to the standard version, the spacing between each layer has been increased by 5.9 inches, making it very suitable for growing taller plants. It is easy to install and very friendly for beginners, it offers time-saving and no arable land required, ensuring a clean planting area
Automated Watering System: Offers a pump and adjustable timer for optimal water circulation;It can be easily set up to run cycles unattended, enhancing the convenience of use and pump durability,saving nutrients
High Yield and Quality: Soilless cultivation with nutrient film can meet the production potential of crops; Compared with traditional soil cultivation, the yield can be doubled with requiring less water and less space,enjoy healthy vegetables at home
Widely Use: Offers 108 sites in 3 layers with a 2.5" tube diameter;This hydroponics growing system is made from high-quality food-grade PVC pipes, which are thickened and wear-resistant.Great for leafy vegetables such as lettuce, rape, celery, beets, bell peppers, garlic seedlings, canola, and more.Perfect for gardens, balconies, and other indoor and outoors
What You Get: hydroponics shelf x 1,water pump x 1,timer x 1,adapter x 1,hose x 1,planting basket x 108,sponge x 108,tweezers x 1,instructions (planting instructions, assembly instructions, timer instruction)

(* = affiliate link / image source: Amazon partner program)

DC Power Ratings

If you are living off-grid or in an RV, you may want to wire your hydroponic growing system directly to a DC source. Check the voltage of the hydroponic growing system before purchase. Some devices run 12V but others run 24V or something else entirely.

Ease of Maintenance

Your hydroponic growing system needs your attention for cleaning and keeping the water fresh. When comparing devices, look for features that make maintenance easier and quicker.

On devices with a larger water reservoir, does it include a drain plug?
How do you drain the water on larger systems that sit on the floor?
For countertop devices, does the tub detach from the base?
What parts are dishwasher-safe?

Each manufacturer approaches maintenance differently. Some make it easier than others. You may need to dig into product reviews to see how people rate the ease of maintenance of each product.

Key Takeaways

Hydroponic growing systems work. They’re spectacular. And the market offers you so much variety in indoor garden systems. You can have a tiny garden with just a few herbs or a huge garden with multiple plants three feet tall. Manufacturers distinguish their products with innovative new features and conveniences.

This article provided you with a comparison based upon the number of plants a system can grow, the dimensions of the system, the interface you’ll use with the system, and accessories available for the system. You can use the charts to compare hydroponic growing systems from other manufacturers to be sure you’ll get the features you need to make your garden a success.

Once you see how fun and easy growing food indoors can be with your first hydroponic growing system, you’ll be right back here comparing models for the purchase of your second, and third, garden system.

Please check back with this article from time to time. It will evolve as the market grows.

Enjoy your bountiful indoor garden!

What’s next? Get the most from your indoor garden in the companion article, How to Plan Your Indoor Garden.