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Let’s talk about the little green wonders that bring life and freshness into your home without needing a full-fledged garden. We all love the idea of growing our herbs, vegetables, or even some vibrant flowers, but the thought of a sprawling garden can be overwhelming, especially for those short on space. Enter the indoor garden systems – your ticket to cultivating a thriving garden inside your cozy abode.
In this article, we’re diving deep into the world of indoor gardening, and we’ve got two major players on the stage: Click and Grow and Aerogarden. Picture this – having fresh herbs at your fingertips for that spontaneous home-cooked meal or plucking vibrant greens in winter. With these intelligent indoor garden systems, you can make it a reality. We’ll walk you through the comparisons, advantages, and quirks of each, so by the time you’re done reading, you’ll know which is best for your home. We’ve got a surprise third contender in the ring – Rise Gardens. Stick around, and you might discover your new green thumb obsession!
Click and Grow vs Aerogarden Comparison – Which Is Best?
Growing your plants can be a rewarding hobby. However, finding the best way to do so can be challenging without taking up an entire room in your home. That is where the best indoor garden systems come into play! This post compares two popular and recommended best indoor garden systems: Click and Grow vs Aerogarden.
Many people are looking for a way to have an indoor garden that is sustainable and convenient. The Click and Grow system offers a way to grow your food in an attractive, easy-to-use package. Aerogarden also provides the ability to grow plants indoors with the same ease of use and convenience as click and grow but offers many different options for customization. What each product offers will be explored so you can decide which one is best for you.
Indoor gardening is also open to people who choose to grow herbs and use them in cooking. Growing herbs and plants is a pleasant way to pass the time. It also ensures a steady supply of fresh herbs and vegetables throughout the year. You won’t have to think about watering your plants or working in the sun to use indoor intelligent gardens.
This article will go through the Click & Grow vs AeroGarden comparison so you can decide which one is right for you. Also, some helpful information about Rise Garden vs Aerogarden features is included in the latter part of this article.
How Do Indoor Gardens Function?
Hydroponics usually is recommended to get the best indoor garden systems. Perhaps you’d think, “What, hydro?” Hydroponics cultivates soilless seeds. Roots can be placed in water or other liquid, and then water is supplied with minerals in the soil. Indoors, hydroponics performs well because the elements to manage are fewer. Moreover, applying the right amount of nutrients is possible. If necessary.
Click and Grow Vs. AeroGarden Comparison
AeroGarden and Click & Grow are two of the most well-known firms to get your home’s best indoor garden systems. Moreover, each brand has its own set of features. Please look at the table below for a side-by-side comparison, or read the reviews below for more details. Now, let’s look at the features of each of the two systems.
Credits: Two Peas In A Condo
AeroGarden Review
The AeroGarden team sells garden units in four different sizes. There is enough for everybody, and the AeroGarden systems are simple. For its seed capsules, the organization often has a germination guarantee. The AeroGrow team will send a substitute for non-germinating seedpods if the pods have defects or do not germinate.
As a result, the system is easy to use and gives peace of mind. Many AeroGarden models have a light hood with white, red, and blue lights. Thus, it ensures that your garden enjoys a wide range of light.
Would AeroGarden be able to help you?
AeroGarden uses up to 95% less water and 60% less nutrients than soil-grown plants, making it a very effective indoor plant cultivation.
While most people have no trouble growing herbs on a sunny windowsill, AeroGarden helps you grow aero garden plants all year long, regardless of the temperature, and from every location in your house without natural sunlight.
Advantages and Disadvantages of AeroGarden
Let us look at the AeroGarden brand’s advantages and disadvantages.
AeroGarden Advantages
1. Simple to Assemble
Many AeroGarden models, including the larger Farm models, are relatively easy to assemble. The directions are easy, and your seedpods will be ready in minutes.
2. High Yield
Plants nurtured in an AeroGarden using potting soil grow at least twice as quickly as plants grown in traditional soil. Due to LED grow lights and aeroponics, a higher yield or more significant amount of plant produce is increased and harvested in a smaller space.
3. Constant Harvest
If your plants have grown large enough, you can harvest small amounts daily, and they will regrow. A single seedpod can last several months, yielding much produce over time.
4. Ensured Germination
AeroGarden offers a germination guarantee if one of your plant pods does not grow a plant. Call customer service, and they will mail you a replacement plant pod. That gives you confidence that you will always have good quality and value for your money.
5. You don’t need sunlight.
If you love houseplants and indoor gardening but only have a limited number of windows, AeroGarden helps you grow plants in any room of your house.
You can cultivate plants in the deepest corners of your home with AeroGarden. Moreover, you can also store your AeroGarden in a closet, and the plants can still thrive.
6. Minimum Pest Issues
There are fewer pest issues when cultivating greens at home with Aerogarden. No ground and indoor cultivation significantly reduce pests and diseases, and AeroGreen also does this.
7. Seed kit
Many seed kits are available (the 3-pod seed kit, the 12-pod kit, and the 14-pod kit.) Each package contains seeds, nutrients, domes, and a guide to self-contained growth ready to expand.
Alternatively, you might want to use your seeds in the Aerogarden, so here’s how.
8. Control panel
AeroGarden offers options. Choose between a touch screen, an immersive LCD screen, and push-button control panels.
AeroGarden Disadvantages
1. Costly
The convenience of quickly growing plants comes at a cost. It is free to grow herbs on your windowsill or vegetables on your balcony. Depending on the model, AeroGarden can be costly to buy, and the LED grow lights, though robust, run on electricity to operate. Therefore, growing food with an Aerogarden may not save you money.
2. Only Larger AeroGardens Provide a Significant Amount of Food.
One of the most frequent critiques at AeroGarden is the small amount of food generated by the smaller versions. It would help if you had a reasonable estimate of how much food the AeroGarden can yield while purchasing one. The tiny models are ideal for growing a few herbs and having fun. Only the bigger models could provide enough food to feed an entire family.
3. Some Seed Pods Fail
While most seedpods usually develop, you could find one that does not germinate. Even though AeroGarden offers a germination assurance, seeing a seedpod fail to germinate may frustrate you. Because when you replace it, the other plants may still be growing strongly, and the replacement will struggle to get enough light.
4. Noise
The majority of AeroGarden units are somewhat quiet. The water pump in AeroGarden produces a gentle humming sound. It’s not bothersome, but this may be something to consider if you’re comfortable and feel safer using an appliance or gadget that isn’t noisy. You’d need to find out if it’s working properly and could cause a fire.
Types of AeroGarden
At least a dozen different versions are available for comparison. And each has a separate area to expand your plants with fewer or more pods. Each version of AeroGarden will help you to develop whatever you want. Let us look at some of these.
AeroGarden Sprout
This little fellow will accommodate three pods at the same time. The AeroGarden offers excellent features, such as automatic lighting, nutrition, water supplements, and glass, showing how much water is in the reservoir. It is also a suitable machine for growing fresh herbs on the counter. The plants or herbs can grow up to 10 cm under the light, and the plants can grow over the year with appropriate pruning.
AeroGarden Harvest
Compared to the Sprout, you can have twice the number of seedpods in this one, giving you six spots to plant. The light is slightly more substantial than Sprout’s, reaching 12 inches, which is good for larger plants. You have all the same features as Sprout, such as alerts and automatic lighting.
AeroGarden Bounty
With the AeroGarden Bounty, things get easier to handle. The Bounty models have advanced features such as a high-resolution touchscreen control panel and dimming LED Grow lamps. Wi-Fi is available on some Bounty models. It even has a holiday mode to help your plants grow when you’re away. The Bounty Series can accommodate up to nine plants besides the additional gadgetry.
AeroGarden Herbie
Herbie is a clever indoor garden for kids that can grow two plants simultaneously. It has a vibrant and enjoyable style and straightforward guidelines. It has everything you need to get started and is a perfect way to get kids involved in growing. Herbie comes with a kid-friendly and informative activity. This activity book will keep your kids interested in indoor gardening and teach them about hydroponics.
AeroGarden Farm Family
The AeroGarden Farm is a self-contained in-home garden system that gives your plants all they need to grow. Since it has 24 pods, the Farm Family Series is ideal for raising various plants. A small herb garden and an indoor vegetable garden can also be accommodated with Farm Family AeroGarden.
It has two 60W LED grow lights that adjust automatically to give your plants the entire light spectrum. The simple touchscreen control panel displays your whole garden’s vital statistics. Each grow light has a height of 24 inches. Moreover, it comes with a seed germination guarantee.
Aerogarden Common Questions
How do I make an aerogarden at home?
The hardest part when making an aerogarden at home is getting the materials to assemble it. You will need six 2-liter bottles, a nylon rope or string, rocks, a growing medium (fine gravel works perfectly), and plants.
First, punch holes in each bottle’s bottom for drainage, then cut the bottoms off the bottles about an inch above where the holes were punched. Now, pour rocks into each of them until they have enough to hold themselves up independently without falling over.
Then, thread some cord or string through all of them and tie them together tightly at both ends to form a cylinder around the plants as they grow out of the top. Fill gaps with fine pebbles or gravel throughout the growth cycle to keep from leaking over time.
How do Aerogardens work?
Aero gardens are easy to grow plants while keeping the soil evenly moist. The aeroponic technology splits the root system into many parts, making for a healthier plant with increased nutrient uptake. The water and nutrients are pumped straight to the roots of the seedlings, so there is no disturbance of the soil or root zone.
Can I use other products in my Aerogarden?
It is safe to use tap water in your Aerogarden. When using other types of fertilizers or plant-boosting products, be sure that it says “safe for hydroponics” on the label. Do not apply chemical insecticides, defoliants, herbicides, fungicides, etc., directly to the growing medium.
Does my Aerogarden need grow lights?
Aero gardens are designed for growth under normal room light conditions, so they function fine without special lighting. However, if you want your plants to get bigger faster, an artificial light source can be purchased online or at a gardening store.
What does my Aerogarden need to grow?
When setting up your new aerogarden, you will need to insert the plug into a nearby outlet. Once this is done, add water and nutrients to the base and turn on the unit by pressing the power button. It will begin with a quick water spray and then settle into a more steady stream for 30 seconds. Repeat these steps twice at three-hour intervals (2 – 4 times total).
What should I plant in my Aerogardens?
The best vegetables for aero gardens are tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, basil or mint, and salad greens such as romaine lettuce or leafy mixtures. Some people even grow coffee beans in aero gardens. The main rule is to use what you like and experiment with different foods to discover your favorite varieties.
Can I grow flowers or other plants in my Aerogarden?
No, Aerogardens are solely for growing vegetables and herbs indoors. More specifically, they can grow salad greens, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuces, and most exotic herb varieties such as basil and mint.
How often do I need to add nutrients?
Never add any fertilizer or plant boost directly into the water reservoir in your AeroGarden! You should only add anything when you change out the nutrient solution (every 2-3 weeks). Add tap water ONLY; no additives whatsoever.
Click and Grow Review
Click & Grow is like AeroGarden, but the company focuses more on the project. Moreover, their products are, of course, a little different. The Click & Grow team understands that an increasing proportion of the population lives in cities. The group works to enhance health in urban and non-urban areas by allowing consumers to grow indoor gardens. It is built of three parts.
- A base for the seed pods and water tank
- An LED light strip
- Arms linking the bottom to the light strip
Can Click and Grow to Benefit You?
It is designed for urban areas where a small space is available in the kitchen. The Click and Grow adds aesthetic value to your indoor garden. Thanks to its combination of technology and design, as well as its outstanding style. Moreover, for the plant’s entire lifetime, all essential nutrients are already in the Smart Soil.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Click and Grow
Our Click and Grow vs. AeroGarden comparison
Now, let us look at the pros and cons of the Click and Grow brand.
1. Design
- Both the Click and Grow 3 and 9 have a sleek and appealing design. They’re not only applicable to indoor gardens, but they still look fantastic on display.
2. Self-watering tank
- You don’t have to water each plant separately whether you over- or under-watered it. Instead, you pour water into the base’s slight opening in the corner. You’ll know if you need to refill the tank when the water fill meter reaches a low stage.
3. Easy to Use
- This intelligent garden kit is simple to use.
- The setup instructions are concise and easy to follow.
- You don’t need any previous gardening experience to get started.
- It necessitates minor maintenance and care.
4. Smart Soil
- Smart soil is one of the most critical aspects of Click and Grow. It contains all the nutrients and components that plants need to thrive.
- The bright soil will release nutrients in the right quantities at the right time,
- It helps in assisting your plants in their growth from seed to sprout to full bloom.
- Your plants can get nutrients from the moist soil because the soil is pH-balanced and has small pockets of oxygen.
5. Grow Light
- Grow lights, which are like sunshine, are used by Click and Grow to provide your plants with 16 hours of light, which aids germination and healthy growth.
- The built-in timer will switch off the lights for 8 hours to simulate nighttime.
1. Need Pod Replacement
- Both versions have several seedpods, but you will need more pods for successive planting cycles.
- Crop pod refills aren’t inexpensive.
2. Low Yield
- Some find lower yields with Click and Grow, probably due in part to the lack of aeration of the water.
- The plants take longer to mature, possibly due to lack of aeration.
Types of Click and Grow
There are three main choices in Click & Grow, which can extend using plant stands. For those looking for a sustainable, self-sufficient food supply, the Wall Farm is an additional alternative. Although Click & Grow has fewer choices than AeroGarden, its options are a little easier to understand.
Click and Grow Smart Garden 3
Since it can hold three pods, the Click & Grow Smart Garden 3 equals the AeroGarden Sprout Series. It also functions well as a small herb garden. A collection of three basil plant pods is included in the Smart Garden 3. If you’re looking for something more than basil, try one of the other pre-made mixes or create your own. Moreover, a wicking method should be done to bring water into the Smart Soil in the seedpods. Keeping an eye on the water would be beneficial to ensure it does not get sluggish.
Click and Grow Smart Garden 9
You’ll need something more extensive than the Smart Garden 3 if your organic garden appeals. The Click & Grow Smart Garden 9 has holes for up to nine seedpods. Additionally, it gives you a lot of flexibility in your home garden.
When you think about it, the whole Click & Grow Nine setup is pretty awesome. It has automatic watering and built-in pro-grow lights to provide optimal illumination. Furthermore, it has intelligent soil pods with the proper nutrients and aeration levels.
Click and Grow Smart Garden 9 Pro
The innovative, app-controlled grow light is the most significant difference between the Garden 9 PRO and the non-PRO model. It helps you fine-tune the ideal light cycle and track it from every place, even while on vacation. Users note that the grow lights are bright, particularly at night. So, you can just switch them off through the app when guests are over.
Aside from the app-controlled functionality, you can also expect all the other products’ features. The water tank assures passive, automatic watering.
Click and Grow Vs. Aerogarden Comparison
It is clear from the above reviews that both brands are designed for someone who enjoys growing and maintaining plants at home. Yet, they may prefer the ease or novelty of using technology. On the other hand, you want something to improve the look of your house, as most of these units would do.
Yet, there is some minor difference between these two brands of indoor home gardening. Let us look at the comparison between the two.
Style
Both gardens, built of durable plastic, are attractive and can be conveniently placed on a kitchen counter or tabletop. On the other hand, the Click and Grow has a sleeker look that many people prefer.
The AeroGarden comes in a much more extensive range of shapes and sizes for construction choices. White, black, sage green, red, and stainless steel varieties are available. Click and Grow intelligent gardens are open in white to keep it plain.
Therefore, once again, it’s a matter of personal opinion.
Soil
The AeroGardens hydroponic device makes use of sponges filled with Sphagnum Peat Moss. Yet, Click & Grow uses Smart soil. Both mediums are designed to give the plant the same amount of oxygen, nutrients, and water required to thrive. As a result, this is a draw.
Watering System
A tank and water pump are used in the AeroGarden watering mechanism, which circulates water in the unit’s base and feeds the plant from its roots. The pump operates for 5 minutes every 25 minutes to keep the water oxygenated to prevent it from stagnating. The pump can even start manually. When it’s time to refresh, the water indicator will turn red.
The Click & Grow also has a big water tank to water your plants automatically. The bottom of the seedpods contains a wicking mechanism that draws water up to your plants. A floating sensor that rises and falls with the depth of the water controls the flow. It is quieter than the AeroGarden model since no pump is inside the foundation. When refilling the base is necessary, the floating sensor will let you know.
It’s important to note that while the Click and Grow is quieter, the pump will increase oxygenation to the plants in the AeroGarden due to the lack of a pump. Therefore, the decision as to whether the noise is worth the slightly better growth is up to the user. Some choose AeroGarden based on the plant growth advantage. Others choose Click and Grow to avoid the noise. This appears to be a subjective choice.
Easy to Use
AeroGarden and Click & Grow have a user-friendly design. With Click & Grow, add the pods, fill the reservoir, and leave the rest in the bright garden. The AeroGarden has more flexible controls, and while it’s still simple to use, having more tools can make it a little more difficult for newcomers.
However, if we had to pick a winner, we’d go for the Click and Grow Smart Garden for people looking for convenience and AeroGarden for those who are okay with a little extra work.
Light
Both indoor innovative garden systems’ lights are vivid, perfect for the plants but less for you at night. This problem can be solved by placing the garden in a space that is not visible from where you sleep or rest in the evening.
Yet, regarding power and wattage, AeroGardens LED grow lights are more powerful at 20 watts than the Click and Grow‘s 8 watts. The Sprout, the smallest of the AeroGarden models, has a power output of 10 watts.
Plant Options
Both have a diverse selection of plants. There are 44 seedpods to choose from in the Click and Grow. It covers a wide range of edible plants as well as flowers. Aerogarden has a greater variety of plants, with more than 50. Sets such as salad mixes, salsa mixes, and more are available.
The winner needs to be clarified since you might like to pick one over the other. Before deciding which unit to purchase, we suggest you look at the available plants. Both have a lot of choices, but the Aerogarden has a little more range that is comprehensive.
Price: Click and Grow vs Aerogarden
Despite their similarity, the Click and Grow Smart Garden 3 is more expensive than the AeroGarden Sprout LED. When comparing the nine pod units, though, the prices are comparable.
However, you will note that the differences become more notable in the refills (see #8)
Replacement and Refill
Click and Grow and Aerogarden offer a large selection of refill seedpods. Additional products, such as auxiliary water tanks, propagator kits, and replacement LED grow lights, are available in the Aerogarden line.
The Click and Grow seed pods are more costly, which may affect your decision.
Control Panel
The Click and Grow control panel is more straightforward, with a red light indicating that water or nutrients need a refill. The AeroGarden has a touchscreen display with illuminated buttons to change the light. Moreover, it also notifies you when water or nutrients need replenishment.
Noise
The Click and Grow bright garden comes out on top in a noise contrast. It is quiet, so there aren’t any noisy sounds to bother you. Because of the water pump’s motor, the AeroGarden Harvest’s hydroponic system can be a little noisy.
Please look at our #3 comparison above for the noise consideration contrast.
Overall Click and Grow vs Aerogarden Comparison
Both AeroGarden and Click & Grow have a high percentage of positive reviews. However, AeroGarden Harvest has a higher positive review rating than its rival. While that is partly due to more overall familiarity (advertising), some prefer the increased options and faster growth rate.
Which comes out on top in the Click and Grow vs AeroGarden comparisons?
Let’s look at the pros and cons of both indoor bright gardens, and then we’ll move on to my suggestions.
AEROGARDEN
CLICK AND GROW
Both items are excellent, as seen in our Click and Grow vs AeroGarden comparison. Each will do the job and assist you in growing a year-round kitchen garden.
However, the Click and Grow Indoor Smart Garden is safer for beginners. It’s a simple way to get started growing plants indoors. Moreover, it is an excellent way to introduce the family to farm-to-table living.
Experienced growers might prefer the indoor garden system of AeroGarden. Many consider it the best for seasoned plant enthusiasts or someone who likes a more extensive selection of choices. It usually yields a more significant crop, and in the United States, we tend to choose the more comprehensive and better with a plethora of options. Compare the various versions in our AeroGarden reviews to see which fits your growing needs better.
In either case, you can go right with either choice. With this Click and Grow vs Aerogarden article, you can easily decide what to choose. If you still need to fix it, please look at our comparison table above and see how the features compare.
Rise Gardens vs. Aerogarden Comparison
– A Worthy Third Alternative
Though both Click and Grow Garden and Aerogarden have proven to be the ones most homeowners rely on for their indoor gardens, many potential/buyers may still be indecisive. They would like to check out a third alternative and, from there, reach a final, informed decision. So, let’s take a quick look into what Rise Garden offers.
Growing plants indoors allows plants to grow and thrive throughout the year. The system developed by Rise Garden replicates what Nature or the natural environment provides the plants. So, they grow well even inside your home. The plants get rich nutrients from the growing medium and bask under the broad spectrum LED lamps with high photosynthetic active radiation, or PAR rating.
Unlike the traditional way of watering plants, its patented water flow technology relies on recirculating and reusing water. That results in shallow use of water. Protected indoors from strong winds, drought, high temperatures, and plant pests, plants grow five times faster.
Lastly, food plants raised in indoor hydroponics generally enjoy fresh water, taste better, and keep their nutrients, unlike the traditionally grown ones. Now, let’s see comparisons between Rise Garden and Aerogarden.
- Eight-pod countertop hydroponic bright garden
- Includes eight bio-degradable pods with soil
- One-gallon water tank for a weeklong watering
- With automatic grow lights
- Countertop hydroponic with eight pods
- Has no alternatives to compete with Aero Garden’s Sprout and Harvest Family
- Cannot offer alternatives to Aero Garden’s hydroponic Smart Garden series
- Offers only four models to choose from
Rise Garden and Aerogarden have their strengths and are competitors in this field. Perhaps the marked differences between the two are suitable for the consumers and buyers’ because they have varied needs and expectations. So, which one would you choose with a rise garden vs. an aero garden? Well, what indoor garden system resonates with you is all up to you.
Harvesting the Perfect Choice
The decision is far from black and white in the grand showdown between Click and Grow and Aerogarden. It all comes down to what you want from your indoor garden. Are you all about ease and aesthetics? Or do you crave a cornucopia of choices and faster growth? It’s like choosing between a sleek electric car and a rugged off-roader; both get you places, but the journey is quite different.
Click and Grow’s charm lies in its simplicity and elegant design. If you’re a newbie to indoor gardening, it’s like a friendly guide to growing your greens. Plus, it’s quieter than a library on a Sunday morning so that it won’t disrupt your home’s serene vibes. Just remember that Click and Grow might yield less produce than its rival.
Conversely, Aerogarden is the gardening geek’s dream come true. With a wide variety of plants and faster growth, it’s the go-to choice for those looking to maximize their indoor harvest. Sure, it can be a tad noisy, but if you’re all about the green yield, that hum might be music to your ears.
Now, let’s throw a curveball into the mix – Rise Gardens. With its hydroponic magic, it offers a different indoor gardening experience. Think of it as the adventurous friend in your gardening crew, ready to take you on a whirlwind of growth and flavors.
So, what’s the verdict? There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. It’s about matching your gardening goals with the right tool. Whether you opt for Click and Grow’s simplicity, Aerogarden’s diversity, or Rise Gardens’ hydroponic twist, the ultimate reward is having your green haven right home.
Ultimately, it’s about savoring the joy of nurturing life and enjoying your labor’s fruits (or, instead, the greens), no matter which indoor garden system you choose. Happy planting!
FAQs
Is it possible to transplant aerogarden plants?
Yes, it is possible to transplant AeroGarden plants; however, it’s important to carefully handle the delicate root system and ensure the new soil is kept evenly moist during the transplanting process to promote successful growth.
Can you report aero garden plants?
Yes, you can report AeroGarden plants if they outgrow their initial space. During the repotting process, it’s crucial to maintain the even moisture of the soil to support the plant’s adjustment to the new container.
Deep Dive To Click & Grow and Aerogarden
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