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While some people are naturally gifted with a green thumb, there are others that could end the life of even the heartiest cactus plants.
Plus, sometimes you’re eager for some fruits or vegetables that aren’t in season, or some herbs to add some sophistication to your homemade meals.
If any or all of these situations sound like YOUR situation, a hydroponic garden is exactly what you need.
They are indoor gardens that can manage themselves and will grow successfully all year round. Most even have their own light source.
While you may have an idea of some basic things you’re looking for when shopping for a hydroponic garden, there are things you may not think to think about.
Features like automatic light schedules, food/water reminders, and the type of lighting system in place will all affect how your plants grow and how much work it is for you to maintain.
To help you make the right choice, we have evaluated 15 products over 21 hours and considered 821 consumer reviews to find the best products in Canada.
Following our last update, we recommend the AeroGarden Harvest Elite for its user-friendliness, plant capacity, and efficacy.
In a rush? Buy it Now on Amazon!
Hydroponic Garden Comparative Table
| Product | Summary | Rating | Price | |
|
TOP PICK
|
AeroGarden Harvest Elite
|
|
9.6/10 | See price on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
UPGRADE PICK
|
AeroGarden Farm 24Basic
|
|
9.7/10 | See price on Amazon |
|
BUDGET PICK
|
AeroGarden Harvest
|
|
9.0/10 | See price on Amazon |
Our Pick for The Best Hydroponic Garden
AeroGarden Harvest Elite Review
The Best Overall
AeroGarden
When it comes to hydroponic gardens, most people prioritize convenience, growing space, and efficiency. If you value these features and don’t have crazy huge demands for output, then the AeroGarden Harvest Elite will be the best hydroponic garden for your household.
AeroGarden Harvest Elite Video Review
What We Think of The AeroGarden Harvest Elite
This 6 lb hydroponic garden is most definitely one of the most user-friendly models around. It has a number of features that make your plant-growing experience easy and hassle free. The lights turn on and off automatically in order to provide the best light exposure for growth, and there are reminders to tell you when it is time to add fresh water or top off the plant food.
The vacation mode is one of our favorite features, as it ensures that your plants will thrive even if you can’t be at home to keep an eye on them. With a 6 plant capacity, it isn’t the largest model on the world, but it should be able to satisfy the needs of a standard family. Plants can grow up to 12” high thanks to the extendable arm. The display ensures you are always aware of how your plant is doing and what responsibilities may be coming up in the near future.
I am very happy with this hydroponic garden. It fits perfectly in the middle of my kitchen island, and I love that I always have easy access to the herbs I use most frequently for cooking. I’ve had a lot of success growing dill, and I pair it with some lettuce so I can have fresh dill salads whenever I have a craving. It’s really easy to maintain and the display is very user friendly. I recommend it for sure!
ben t.
The lighting system that is built into this hydroponic garden is very helpful. There are several 20 Watt LED lights that offer your plants a consistent source of full-spectrum light. This ensures they can grow optimally no matter the conditions outside of your front door. The one-year warranty gives us a lot of confidence in the design quality and efficacy of this model.
AeroGarden Harvest Elite Specifications
- Dimensions: 17.4” x 10.5” x 6”
- Weight: 6 lbs
- Plant Capacity: 6
- Max Plant Height: 12”
- Lighting System: 20 Watt LEDs
- Warranty: 1 year
AeroGarden Harvest Elite Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Has a vacation mode
- Automatically turns lights on and off
- Has reminders for adding plant food and water
- Digital display is very user friendly
Cons
- 6 plant capacity may not be enough for some people
Our Final Opinion about the AeroGarden Harvest Elite
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the AeroGarden Harvest Elite is one of the most well-rounded products on the market. It is incredibly user-friendly and isn’t lacking any of the most desired features that hydroponics gardens can offer. It is highly affordable too, so the smaller plant capacity isn’t much of a deal breaker for most people.
Our Upgrade Pick for a Hydroponic Garden
AeroGarden Farm 24Basic Review
The High Performance Pick
AeroGarden
The AeroGarden Farm 24Basic is hands down the best product to choose if you have a high budget and are looking for the best quality out there. With a large plant capacity and customizable settings, you can be confident in your ability to grow any plant type, any time of year without much effort on your part.
AeroGarden Farm 24Basic Video Review
What We Think of The AeroGarden Farm 24Basic
If you’re looking for a hydroponic garden with a larger capacity that can still easily function as a countertop model, this is the one for you. It can accommodate 24 plants at a time, and each side of 12 can be controlled separately. This allows you to grow a variety of plant simultaneously that may have different growth requirements from each other.
This model is fairly heavy at 49 lbs, so it is definitely best to be placed in an out-of-the-way spot so you don’t need to move it around very often. The lighting system extends up as far as 12” above the plant site in order to give your herbs, veggies, and more an adequate amount of space to grow. The 60 Watt full-spectrum LED lights do a great job of encouraging your plants to grow healthily.
I never imagined that I would ever spend so much on a hydroponic garden, but here I am a few months later without a single regret. I only grow 12 plants at a time so I don’t have to trim them much, but you could definitely use all 24 pots as long as you don’t mind keeping each plant small. The unit is quite heavy, but it truly is a very effective garden and I would buy it again.
erica e.
There are a number of features we find quite impressive, and they also explain the expense of this model. There is a vacation mode in place and reminders for water/plant food addition when needed. The lighting can be scheduled to your specifications and there is even a sunrise/sunset dimming available. Believe it or not, this model can even connect to your smart device.
AeroGarden Farm 24Basic Specifications
- Dimensions: 14” x 36” x 24”
- Weight: 49 lbs
- Plant Capacity: 24
- Max Plant Height: 12”
- Lighting System: 60 Watt LEDs
AeroGarden Farm 24Basic Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Separate controls for left and right side
- Has reminders for adding plant food and water and a vacation mode
- Lighting is fully customizable with sunset/sunrise dimming and schedules
- Can connect to a smart device and has a great touchscreen display
Cons
Cons
- Incredibly expensive
Our Final Opinion About the AeroGarden Farm 24Basic
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 1.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the AeroGarden Farm 24Basic is one of the most sophisticated models available. It is incredibly expensive, so will likely not fit into everybody’s budget, but you’ll get to enjoy a long list of helpful features and some great quality plants in return for your investment.
Our Budget Pick for a Hydroponic Garden
AeroGarden Harvest Review
The Budget Pick
AeroGarden
While many hydroponic gardens are fairly affordable, you may be surprised that you can find a great quality product for such a low price. If you’re looking for the best combination of budget-friendliness and effective plant growing systems, you’ll want to choose the AeroGarden Harvest.
AeroGarden Harvest Video Review
What We Think of the AeroGarden Harvest
This lightweight, budget-friendly hydroponic garden is a great fit for people looking for a modest supply of fresh plants on a regular basis. With a 6-plant capacity, it isn’t the largest garden in the world, but if you’re looking to grow herbs or some vegetables, it will suit you just fine. The 12” max plant height should accommodate nearly all of the plants you’d like to grow, as long as you trim them occasionally.
The simplified display dramatically increases the user-friendliness of this model, with three simple buttons being the only things you have as a display. The lighting system is automatic so you don’t need to manage the exposure manually, and the reminders for adding food and water will ensure your plants always have everything they need for successful growth without adding any responsibility to your life.
I really like how easy this AeroGarden is to use. The reminders are super helpful and I love that I don’t need to worry about the lighting at all. I’ve always been quite horrible at growing plants the traditional way, so now I can have all the veggies I want without wasting money on plants I’m going to end up killing. I highly recommend this for everyone lacking a green thumb.
tracey l.
The lighting system isn’t adjustable at all, so you won’t be able to accommodate all plant types, and the lack of vacation mode means you will need someone to perform some plant maintenance if you are ever travelling for an extended time. However, with a one-year warranty backing up this product and a reliable company at the helm, we don’t think you can go wrong purchasing this budget-friendly model.
AeroGarden Harvest Specifications
- Dimensions: 6” x 10.5” x 17.4”
- Weight: 5.3 lbs
- Plant Capacity: 6
- Max Plant Height: 12”
- Lighting System: 20 Watt LEDs
- Warranty: 1 year
AeroGarden Harvest Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Simplified display with push button operation
- Automatic on/off for lights
- Has reminders for adding plant food and water
Cons
- No vacation mode
- Lighting schedule is not adjustable
Our Final Opinion About the AeroGarden Harvest
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the AeroGarden Harvest is the product that offers the best overall value. It doesn’t have the full list of helpful features that are normally associated with AeroGarden products, but its affordability and great effectiveness ensure that even people shopping on a low budget can have great quality.
Alternative Products to Consider
Click & Grow Indoor Herb Garden Kit Review
The High-Growth Pick
Click & Grow
If you’re interested in growing tall plants, we recommend the Click & Grow indoor herb garden kit. With a two-piece extension kit included, you can extend the height of this setup 6” beyond what most hydroponic gardens offer. If that doesn’t satisfy your needs, we don’t know what will.
What We Think of the Click & Grow Indoor Herb Garden Kit
There is really only one thing about this hydroponic garden that bothers us, so we’ll discuss it first. Rather than having an automated lighting system in place, this model requires you to unplug this model quite early each morning and then immediately plug it in again to initiate the 24 hour cycle. This can be quite a hassle, especially for people with busy schedules, so it’s something to be aware of.
You can plant up to nine plants at once in this garden, and they can grow to a staggering 18” with the extension arm. This extra height can allow you to accommodate a wider variety of plants for a longer period of time. The LED lights ensure that your plants are kept on a consistent light exposure schedule that will benefit their health and growth.
This is a really cool countertop unit. It is one of the only ones I saw that wouldn’t require me to add nutrients occasionally, which is absolutely perfect for my busy lifestyle. Now I can grow lettuce at home that is always fresh. I haven’t made use of the extender, but it would be great for people who want to grow taller plants. I don’t regret this purchase at all, which is rare for my impulse buys.
hillary i.
Thanks to the Smart Soil pods, you don’t have to add plant food like with most other hydroponic gardens. Instead, the pods will regulate pH, oxygen, and humidity levels while gradually releasing the nutrients as they are needed. The passive watering system allows this unit to be completely silent, so you won’t ever have any disruption to your life with this garden.
Click & Grow Indoor Herb Garden Kit Specifications
- Dimensions: 23.8” x 7.3” x 15.8”
- Weight: 8 lbs
- Plant Capacity: 9
- Max Plant Height: 18”
- Lighting System: LEDs
Click & Grow Indoor Herb Garden Kit Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Smart Soil pods automatically regulate pH, oxygen, and humidity levels
- Completely silent thanks to passive watering system
- Don’t need to add nutrients occasionally like most other gardens
- Great max height for plants
Cons
- Have to manually plug in the garden each morning to initiate the 24 hr lighting cycle
Our Final Opinion About the Click & Grow Indoor Herb Garden Kit
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Click & Grow indoor herb garden kit is the best fit for growing really tall plants inside your home. The lighting system may not be ideal in the slightest, but the affordability, silent operation, and minimal maintenance requirements are certainly well-suited to everyone’s lifestyle.
iDoo ID-IG201 Hydroponics Growing System Review
The Customizable Pick
iDoo
Anyone keen on growing a variety of plant types would be well served by the iDoo ID-IG201 hydroponics growing system. It has a number of highly customizable features to ensure that every plant you grow receives the right nutrition, hydration, and light exposure for optimal growth.
iDoo ID-IG201 Hydroponics Growing System Video Review
What We Think of The iDoo ID-IG201 Hydroponics Growing System
This iDoo growing system isn’t named the customizable alternative for nothing. Although the control panel is quite simple, it is incredibly user-friendly, and it allows you to do quite a bit of customization. There are three different lighting schedules to choose from (various hours of light vs dark) to maximize the growth of your plants even when external light conditions are not favorable.
There are also two different water pump modes to choose from. Some plants need more water than others, so this is a great way to ensure that each variety gets what they need. The sleep mode is another option that you can choose in order to help you sleep better at night, since it makes the unit essentially silent. Since this unit is fairly compact and lightweight, you can move it into low-traffic areas whenever needed.
This hydroponic garden is super light weight and doesn’t take up a massive amount of space, so it was already a great fit for my smaller apartment. The lighting and watering modes are more useful than I thought since different plants do better with different maintenance schedules. I am so happy that I can grow anything I wish, no matter the time of year. Very impressed!
gregory k.
This model allows your plants to grow to a respectable height of 13.4”, and low-water alarm will tell you when it is time to add fresh water to the pump system. Although this model doesn’t offer any smart connectivity, it still offers you plenty of opportunities to cater the system to the type of plant you are growing. With a one-year warranty backing up its quality, we think you’ll be happy with this product.
iDoo ID-IG201 Hydroponics Growing System Specifications
- Dimensions: 5.5” x 13.7” x 7.3”
- Weight: 4 lbs
- Plant Capacity: 7
- Max Plant Height: 13.4”
- Lighting System: 24 Watt LEDs
- Warranty: 1 year
iDoo ID-IG201 Hydroponics Growing System Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- 3 different light modes and 2 different water pump modes to choose from
- Has a sleep mode for silent operation overnight
- Has a simple control panel for user-friendliness
- Alarm will notify you when water is low
Cons
- No smartphone connectivity
Our Final Opinion About the iDoo ID-IG201 Hydroponics Growing System
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the iDoo ID-IG201 hydroponics growing system is perfect for individuals with versatile growing needs. It doesn’t have any smartphone connectivity, but that is really the only thing it’s missing. If you want a well made product that will grow your plants properly, you can’t go wrong with this model.
AeroGarden Harvest 360 Review
The Compact Pick
AeroGarden
Hydroponic gardens CAN take up a lot of room, but that doesn’t mean they have to. If you live in a smaller space or just prefer a cleaner look, the AeroGarden Harvest 360 is the ideal choice. It is compact and lightweight, but doesn’t compromise on plant capacity or features to make it happen.
AeroGarden Harvest 360 Video Review
What We Think of the AeroGarden Harvest 360
This round style AeroGarden is brilliantly designed in order to save your counterspace while still offering enough space for 6 plants to grow. While this style will seem a bit more crowded than standard rectangular models, the plants will be able to flourish as long as you invest a little bit more time in keeping them trimmed and orderly. They will have a max height of 12”, as is pretty standard.
This lighting system in this model is powered by 20 Watt full-spectrum LED lights. These offer your plants both warm and the light they need to generate energy for growth. This model has reminders for when you need to add plant food and fresh water, so you can be sure you won’t have any more things to remember. Simply listen to the garden, and your plants will grow.
If you’re in need of a smaller hydroponic garden that doesn’t completely lack in features, this Harvest 360 is my recommendation! It fits perfectly on a small side table in my kitchen. I use it for various herbs and spinach, and I have found the reminders very helpful so far. These aren’t super difficult plants to grow successfully, but it’s nice to have them turn out well all year.
kenny o.
The automated lights are incredibly convenient, since you won’t need to remember when to turn them on or off, and you don’t even need to be home to maintain the proper cycle. This model offers the extra bonus of an heirloom salad seed pod kit to help you get started with your garden and see how effectively your common greens can be grown in this Harvest 360.
AeroGarden Harvest 360 Specifications
- Dimensions: 17.4” x 9” x 9”
- Weight: 5.6 lbs
- Plant Capacity: 6
- Max Plant Height: 12”
- Lighting System: 20 Watt LEDs
AeroGarden Harvest 360 Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Has reminders for when to add plant food and water
- Lights are automated
- Comes with an heirloom salad seed pod kit
Cons
Cons
- Not the most spacious design, plants will be crowded when they get big
Our Final Opinion About the AeroGarden Harvest 360
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the AeroGarden Harvest 360 is the best choice for people who are looking for a more compact hydroponic garden. If you aren’t in need of a wide variety or number of plants grown simultaneously, then this affordable, user-friendly garden is perfectly suited to your home.
VIVOSUN Hydroponic Grow Kit Review
The Large-Capacity Pick
Vivosun
While many hydroponic gardens are designed for countertop use, there are others that can serve a bigger purpose. If you’re looking to maximize your output of plants all year round, this large-capacity VIVOSUN hydroponic grow kit is the product you need.
What We Think of The VIVOSUN Hydroponic Grow Kit
This is one of the more unique models we have to discuss. With a plant capacity of 108 and a three-level design, this will be the most demanding, and also most limited, hydroponic garden in this guide. It doesn’t come with its own lighting system, so you will need to leave it in an area that gets plenty of natural light, or purchase some indoor lighting separately.
This model is also quite large, so you’ll need a sizable amount of space to dedicate to your indoor gardening. With this hydroponic grow kit, you can grow flowers, herbs, leafy greens, fruits, vegetables, and any other plant type you can think of with nearly no limitations. This is a very durable unit that will only require a bucket of water to cycle through all three levels and manage the care of your plants.
I use this hydroponic garden to grow mostly flowers and vegetables. It’s been a great way to earn some extra income in the last couple of years since I can grow everything fresh no matter the time of year. I bought some full-spectrum lights to use with this kit since it doesn’t have a system in place, and I am very happy with its performance so far. I look forward to seeing where I take this business.
renee r.
With this style of hydroponic garden, you will be responsible for a bit more work. Getting the plants started will require some manual labor and time, and you’ll have to ensure the water bucket has an adequate amount of fresh water at all times. The affordability of this model can’t be denied, and with a one-year warranty in place, it’s the best way to grow a large number of plants indoors.
VIVOSUN Hydroponic Grow Kit Specifications
- Dimensions: 39.4” x 38.6” x 20.1”
- Weight: 24 lbs
- Plant Capacity: 108
- Max Plant Height: None
- Lighting System: None
- Warranty: 1 year
VIVOSUN Hydroponic Grow Kit Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- 3 levels to maximize growth potential
- Has a programmable timed circulation system to take the guesswork and maintenance away
- Can be used to grow any type of plant (flowers, herbs, leafy greens, fruits, vegetables, etc.)
- Watering system only requires a bucket of water
Cons
Cons
- Requires a lot of space
- No lighting system in place
- Requires a bit more work to get the plants going
Our Final Opinion About the VIVOSUN Hydroponic Grow Kit
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
All in all, the VIVOSUN hydroponic grow kit is the best large-capacity choice. While it will require more space and manual labor on your part to get it up and running, it is nearly unbeatable when it comes to plant capacity and growing space. This is the best way to move an entire garden into your home.
Why Should You Trust Us?
All the recommendations we make on The Good Choice are the result of many hours of research, comparisons, analysis of consumer reviews and, if necessary, expert feedbacks. The products we recommend here are the ones that will best perform their daily tasks, passing all security, reliability and efficiency tests while having an appealing price-quality ratio for everyone.
What are our criteria for judging the products reviewed and selected by The Good Choice?
- Quality: Does the product have a solid construction? Will it be reliable over time? Does it have a good warranty?
- Efficiency: Is the product efficient in its task or do you need to give it some help? Is it for example powerful, fast, quiet?
- Usability: Is the product easy to handle, easy to use and maintain?
- Price: Is the price of the product and/or accessories and/or spare parts reasonable compared to the rest of the market?
In addition to these main criteria, we then establish a list of specific criteria for each product category, detailed a little further down in this article.
In the end, the products we recommend are the ones we would want to buy, and the ones we would also choose for our friends and family.
Things to Know Before Buying a Hydroponic Garden
How Does a Hydroponic Garden Work?
A hydroponic garden is essentially a soil-less garden. Water is used in order to deliver oxygen, nutrients, and hydration to plants. They typically have lighting systems in place to control the exposure and may also regulate the pH as well. This is a very efficient system for growing plants of all kinds, and it has actually been shown to help plants grow faster than standard gardening practises. At-home hydroponic gardens require you to add fresh water and plant food on a regular but infrequent basis, and with their own lighting systems in place, they can grow any plant type you desire right there on your countertop.
What Plants Can I Grow in a Hydroponic Garden?
There are a number of plants that can be grown with a hydroponic garden. Essentially, any plant that can fit within the height requirements of your garden can be grown with this system. This includes leafy greens, various fruits and vegetables, flowers, herbs, and more.
How is a Hydroponic Garden Better Than Standard Soil Pots?
Hydroponic gardens give you minute control over every aspect of plant growth. You can control the amount of hydration they receive, their light exposure, their nutrient load, and more. These systems are not only less messy and more versatile, but they can actually cut the plant growth time in half. Plus, you don’t have to rely on external environmental factors to be favorable (such as light and nutrients in the soil). Many hydroponic gardens are nearly entirely self-sufficient as well, so you won’t have as much work to do to grow your own plants at home.
How to Properly Choose Your Hydroponic Garden
- Price.
While most hydroponic gardens will be quite affordable, ranging between $100 and $250, there are some models that approach $900. Most people will be happy to learn that models at the more affordable end of the market do a wonderful job at helping you raise plants all-year round, so you don’t have to break your budget in order to gift yourself with a green thumb. In general, more expensive products will have a larger plant capacity and more automated features.
- Max Plant Height.
Essentially every hydroponic garden will have a maximum height that plants can grow to. Those without their own lighting source attached will have a nearly limitless max height, but others are restricted. In general, the maximum plant height will be about 12”, but others can extend as high as 18” comfortably. The max height you want to look for will depend on the type of plant you’ll be growing most often.
- Number of Plants Grown.
Different sizes and styles of hydroponic gardens will have a different number of plants pods that can be grown simultaneously. Some countertop models will be as limited as six plants at one time, but larger models can house as many as 100+ plants at the same time. While that may be a bit much for the average family, you will certainly not have any trouble finding a hydroponic garden that can grow the quantity you need.
- Reminders.
Many hydroponic gardens (even at the affordable end of the market) will have a reminder system in place. It will indicate when you need to add fresh water and when it is time to provide the plants with some more food. This is a great way to minimize your stress level while growing while also ensuring that the plants get everything they need on time in order to grow efficiently.
- Size.
The size of hydroponic garden you’re looking for will relate to a few factors. First of all, you’ll have to consider where you want to house it. If you’ll be keeping it on your counter, you’ll obviously need a model that doesn’t dominate the space. If you have a spare table or room to dedicate to plant-growing, larger models will not be an issue. You’ll also want to think about how many plants you wish to grow at a time, since larger models can accommodate more plants and more variety without affecting the success of the growth cycle.
- Automatic Light Scheduling.
Automatic light scheduling is one of the most helpful features a hydroponic garden can have. They will run off of a battery or will require connection to an outlet. Rather than relying on external light sources to provide the things your plant needs, an automatic light schedule can guarantee your plants get enough light exposure depending on their requirements. Some models will not be as automated and will require you to unplug the unit and then plug it back in to kickstart the 24 hr timer, and others will not have a light source at all to schedule.
- Type of Lighting System.
The lighting system that is in place in a hydroponic garden will affect how efficiently your plants grow. While some hydroponic gardens do not have a light system at all, most do. The number and strength of lights will vary, but nearly all of them will use LEDs, since they are the most efficient type. These lights should always be full-spectrum LEDs in order to provide the best light source to the plants. The wattage can vary and will depend on the size of the hydroponic garden and how many plants are being grown at once.
We do our best to provide you with a comparative guide of hydroponic gardens allowing you to choose the best product possible. If we are missing information or new models, do not hesitate to leave a comment below or to send us a message.
