We researched the best indoor garden systems, evaluating products based on their size, capacity, system type, and ease of use. Our best overall pick, the AeroGarden Bounty Basic Indoor Garden, can hold up to nine plants and has an array of convenient features for low-maintenance gardening. This indoor garden has plenty of advanced features to make gardening a cinch. The touchscreen control panel displays your plant’s vital statistics and reminds you when to add water and plant food. A lighting timer turns the unit on and off automatically, and a large water bowl allows you to go longer between refills. It also has a vacation mode, so your plants stay nourished even when you’re out of town. To top it all off, the AeroGarden Bounty Basic Indoor Garden comes with a gourmet herb seed pod kit, which includes basil, mint, parsley, and more. We read some reports of technical issues, particularly with the lights and control panel. And some users say they had a hard time finding replacement bulbs when the lights burned out. But it’s worth noting that this indoor garden is covered by a one-year warranty if you have any issues. Price at time of publish: $220 The drip tray measures 17 inches wide and almost 8 inches deep, providing room for several plants. It also comes in handy for retaining any water that seeps through the pots. Just keep in mind that seeds, pots, and soil are not included; you must supply your own. Unlike more expensive models, this indoor garden doesn’t have any advanced features. You’ll have to do most of the gardening work yourself. According to the manufacturer, the Torchstar Indoor Garden has a lifespan of 25,000 hours. However, we read a few reports that the timer and lights stopped working within a short period of time. Be sure to take advantage of the two-year warranty if you encounter any problems. Price at time of publish: $53 Measuring 21.65 x 11.81 x 9.84 inches, this mini greenhouse can accommodate several plants without taking up too much on a table or countertop. If you need additional growing space, recessed light tracks allow light strips to run over multiple greenhouses so you can arrange them side by side. We read some reports of broken pieces and faulty lighting, so be sure to take advantage of the one-year warranty if you encounter any problems. Price at time of publish: $76 This set features an automatic dripping irrigation system that’s compatible with standard taps. Water drips from the top row to each succeeding row, ensuring all of your plants receive adequate moisture. The watering system is a bit trickier to use indoors because you need to protect your walls and floors from getting wet. To make things easier, you could manually water the pots. This unit requires some assembly and the pots can be secured on a wall with regular screws. Price at time of publish: $100 The Click & Grow Smart Garden 3 includes three basil pods to get you started. You also have the option to use your own seeds or purchase refill pods from the manufacturer; Click & Grow has over 50 plant varieties to choose from. We read some reports of mold growing within the pods, however, the manufacturer says that is normal. Due to its compact size, this indoor garden is best suited for growing herbs rather than vegetables. If you intend to harvest food, you should opt for a larger model. Price at time of publish: $80 Since this is a starter kit, you’ll likely need to transfer the herbs into larger pots as they grow. We read some reports that the pots broke shortly after users planted the seeds. If you’re not completely satisfied with this herb garden, the manufacturer offers a money-back guarantee with no questions asked. Although the Planter’s Choice Window Herb Garden lacks the advanced features you’ll find on more expensive models, it’s affordably priced and an ideal choice for a do-it-yourself herb grower. Price at time of publish: $28 According to the manufacturer, the Ingarden grows microgreens 25-50 percent faster than traditional farming—all while using less energy and reducing food waste. This kit includes three microgreen seed pads, which means you’ll have radish, broccoli, and mustard growing in no time. We read some reports of missing parts, so be sure to inspect your product thoroughly upon arrival. Price at time of publish: $160 KELBY, Gardyn’s advanced AI, monitors your plants and water levels and will send you notifications via the app. You can also adjust light and water schedules through the app. To top it all off, this unit is very easy to assemble and no screws or tools are required. One potential drawback is the steep price tag; however, the Gardyn 3.0 is one of the most advanced indoor garden systems on the market. It also provides plenty of space for growing larger fruits and vegetables. Price at time of publish: $900 According to the manufacturer, your organic microgreens should grow in about 10 days. Despite the tank being self-cleaning, some users say it still needs to be cleaned on a regular basis to keep fish healthy. This system doesn’t come with a light and we read complaints that the water gets murky very quickly. You could install your own light or place it near a window, but make sure the water doesn’t get too hot in the sun. Price at time of publish: $63 Once it’s set up, this unit has plenty of smart features for almost effortless growing, all of which are programmed through the Miracle-Gro Twelve app. You can set reminders for feeding and harvesting, adjust the lights, and monitor the water level with your smartphone or tablet. Although the app is easy to use, some would prefer the option to control it manually. The full-spectrum LED grow lights are pretty bright, but you turn them off via the app if they’re too distracting. Price at time of publish: $213 The Back to the Roots Mushroom Growing Kit includes organic soil infused with mushroom spawn as well as an instruction booklet. We read some reports that the kits yielded far less mushrooms than promised, and a few yielded none at all. The good news is that the manufacturer will send a replacement kit if you’re not satisfied. Price at time of publish: $16
Ease of use
An indoor garden with a traditional soil system typically requires the most maintenance. You’ll have to do a lot of the gardening work yourself (potting, watering, etc.). Most hydroponic indoor gardens have automatic lights and self-watering systems, so you only need to add water and fertilizer occasionally. Our best overall pick, the AeroGarden Bounty Basic Indoor Garden, has an automatic timer and alerts you when it’s time to add food and water. An aquaponic system requires very little gardening, but you will need to monitor and feed the fish on a daily basis.
Plant type
Most indoor gardens are designed to grow herbs, flowers, and a few smaller plants. If you want to grow larger plants such as mini tomatoes and leaf lettuce, you will need a large-scale indoor garden that provides ample space. Our top pick for larger spaces, the Miracle-Gro Twelve Indoor Growing System, stands over 34 inches tall and is high enough to accommodate vegetables.
System type
Indoor gardens grow plants in one of three ways: soil, hydroponic, or aquaponic systems. With a soil-based system, indoor plants are grown in a potting mix, similar to an outdoor garden. Hydroponic systems use water to deliver vital nutrients to the roots of your plants and don’t require any soil. Aquaponic systems have a unique component–a fish tank that mimics a natural ecosystem. The fish waste acts as a fertilizer and encourages plant growth. In turn, the fish feed on the decomposing plants, though supplemental fish food is required. Our top pick for an aquaponic system, the Back to the Roots Indoor Garden, produces sprouts and microgreens, plus it’s a fun activity for children.
Standout Features
Grow lights
Grow lights mimic natural sunlight and provide a full spectrum of light for optimal plant growth. Without grow lights, your plants must receive an adequate amount of sunlight to stay alive indoors. A small herb garden might get enough sun on a windowsill, but you’ll likely need LED grow lights in order for larger plants to thrive in your home. Many indoor garden systems come with a built-in lighting system, or you can purchase your own grow lights.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Sage McHugh, a writer for The Spruce who specializes in the home and garden sector. To select the best indoor garden systems for this roundup, she considered dozens of products, carefully evaluating products based on their size, capacity, system type, and ease of use. For additional insight, she interviewed Melissa Lallo Johnson, a master gardener based in Kansas City, Missouri, and the host of Art of Gardening, a vlog and podcast that features influential gardeners from around the world.
