Start growing your own food today! Take a look at the list of the best indoor herb gardens and learn about eight systems that bring the garden to the kitchen so that you too can have culinary spices at your fingertips.
Starting an indoor herb garden doesn’t have to be complicated. Take a look at our list of the best indoor herb gardens and bring the garden into your kitchen.
Indoor Herb Garden FAQs
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions that may arise as you consider your indoor herb garden options.
Image Source: unsplash.com
Why should you have an indoor herb garden?
With all the pesticides and genetically modified food sources in commercially grown products, growing an indoor herb garden is a great way to take control of your health. Your herb garden is tailor-made for your culinary, diet, and personal preferences.
An indoor herb garden is easy to maintain and affordable. Herbs are also very aromatic. They do an excellent job of filtering the air and improving indoor air quality.
What herbs are best for an indoor herb garden?
The best herbs for your indoor herb garden are those that you enjoy cooking with. There’s nothing quite like a fresh sprig of oregano or marjoram added to your tomato sauce.
Certain herbs are especially good at purifying the air in your home. Rosemary, mint, and lavender are just three herbs that are excellent air purifiers. They also provide stress-reducing aromatherapy.
Many herbs are straightforward to grow indoors, including lemon balm, chives, parsley, basil, cilantro, thyme, and sage. Don’t feel limited in your indoor herb garden. Mushrooms are an indoor possibility as well.
What is hydroponics?
Many indoor gardens use a hydroponics system. Plants are rooted in a water-based solution with nutrients added instead of dirt. Your herbs will grow up to 25% faster and produce 30% more than traditionally grown plants using hydroponics.
A hydroponic system also requires less water than soil-based gardens. There is a difference in price. Many hydroponic systems cost more, and there is a learning curve to getting the pH and nutrient levels right.
What are the different types of hydroponic systems?
There are several types of hydroponic systems. Knowing a little about each kind will help you find the method that best meets your indoor herb gardening needs. Deepwater Culture (DWC) is also called the reservoir method. The roots are suspended in the solution with nutrients while an aquarium air pump keeps the oxygen flowing. NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) has a continuous flow of nutrient solution over the roots. The setup is on a slight incline to take advantage of gravity flow. Only the tips of the roots are in contact with the solution. Therefore the plant can get more oxygen, which causes faster growth. With an aeroponic system, the roots are misted with a nutrient solution as they are suspended in the air with either a fine spray nozzle or pond fogger. Wicking is the least expensive method of hydroponics. An absorbent material, like cotton, is used to wick the nutrient solution to the roots of the plants. You can also use perlite or vermiculite as a medium. The ebb and flow system is also called the flood and drain system. With this method, the growing area is flooded at intervals with the nutrient solution. The solution gradually drains back into the reservoir. Then, the process is repeated. This type of hydroponics works best with plants that need periods of dryness to expand their root system. A drip system provides a slow, steady feed of nutrient solution to a Rockwool, peat moss or coconut coir medium. These types of systems tend to clog frequently because the particles in the solution built up in the dripper over time.
Do you need a grow light?
You may have enough light near a window that you don’t need to use a grow light depending on the number of hours your plants get natural sunlight. However, during the winter, when daylight hours are shorter, you may want to add a grow light to keep your herbs producing well. Indoor plants grow best under lights that mimic sunlight, so look for full-spectrum bulbs. You can choose either fluorescent or LED lights. LED lights often use less electricity than fluorescent bulbs. Make sure to check the growing recommendations for each herb to determine the duration and intensity of the grow lights.
What is a stackable garden?
Stackable gardens are planters that can be stacked on top of each other without damaging the pants. These work great in small areas or when the plants prefer to hang over the edge of the planters as they self-propagate, like strawberries.
How We Reviewed
We looked at recommendations by gardeners and gardening sites to bring you our list of the best indoor herb gardens.
Image Source: unsplash.com
Overall Price Range
Prices for indoor herb gardens range from $20 to more than $200. The price often depends on if a grow light is included in the set.
Product Buyer’s Guide:
How to Choose the Best Indoor Herb Garden
While you don’t necessarily need a grow light to have an indoor herb garden if you choose to purchase a set with a lamp, make sure the light is full-spectrum. Some garden sets come with seeds or plant pods to begin your gardening adventure, while you may need to buy pots, soil, and plants with other sets. Choose the option that best meets your needs.
The Top Eight Best Indoor Herb Gardens
If you are ready to start your indoor herb garden, these are the top eight best indoor herb gardens available on the market today.
AeroGarden Sprout LED
No products found.
The AeroGarden Sprout LED allows you to grow vegetables and herbs all year. It is easy to use and sits nicely on your kitchen countertop. The control panel turns lights on and off automatically and lets you know when to add nutrients. You can grow three plants at once. It uses full-spectrum 10 watt LED lights.
Pros
- Hydroponics
- Full-spectrum LED lights
- Automatic on and off lights
- Sensor to tell you when to add nutrients
- Comes with power adapter
Cons
- Tends to clog
- Only can grow three plants at a time
- Takes up space on the counter
Key Features
The AeroGarden Sprout LED is a hydroponic setup.
It uses LED lights.
It can be placed on the countertop.
Where to Buy
Amazon, Home Depot, Bed, Bath and Beyond, Lowes, Kohls
Warranty
One-year warranty
Click and Grow Smart Garden 9
No products found.
The Click and Grow Smart Garden 9 is a Scadinavian design planter. The kit comes with three tomato, basil and lettuce pods which are guaranteed to be non-GMO, pesticide and herbicide-free. If the seed pods don’t germinate, they will be replaced free of charge. The smart soil has the appropriate pH level and nutrients for each plant type. The Smart Garden 9 uses low energy read and white grow lights and a self-watering tank.
Pros
- Nasa inspired soil seed pods
- Low energy consumption
- Easy to use
- Seed pods are non-GMO and organic
- Grow nine plants at a time
Cons
- Not full-spectrum lights
- Must use Click and Grow Smart Garden seed pods
- Not hydroponic
Key Features
The Click and Grow Smart Garden 9 uses seed pods to make it easy to begin growing immediately.
It can grow nine plants at a time.
Where to Buy
Amazon, Best Buy
Warranty
Two-year warranty
Garden Republic Indoor Herb Garden Starter Kit
No products found.
The Garden Republic Indoor Herb Garden Starter Kit comes with four types of herb seeds: English thyme, cilantro, Italian parsley, and Genovese Basil. The starter boxes are made of wood and have burlap grow bags with waterproof linings. All of the seeds are organic, non-GMO, heirloom varieties.
Pros
- Attractive
- Gift box doubles as a planter
- Extra seeds included
- Comes with ready to use soil discs
- Wooden planter stakes
Cons
- Not hydroponic
- No grow light
- Only four plants at a time
Key Features
The Garden Republic Indoor Herb Garden Starter Kit makes an attractive gift.
It comes with organic seeds.
It can be reused.
It is non-electric.
Where to Buy
Amazon
Warranty
Extra seeds provided
Image Source: unsplash.com
Mindful Design Stackable LED Indoor Garden
No products found.
The Mindful Design Stackable LED Indoor Garden lets you choose the plants you want to grow. The LED lights are 850 lumens, 4000k with an automatic 8 or 16-hour shut-off timer. Each of the two levels measures 16.5 x 5.6 x 11.4 inches. The two trays can be stacked or used separately.
Pros
- Grow any plant
- Automatic light timer
- Stackable
- Full-spectrum LED lights
- Great for small areas
Cons
- Pots, soil and seeds/plants must be purchased separately
- Not hydroponic
- Only fits pots with a 4-inch base
Key Features
The Mindful Design Stackable LED Indoor Garden allows you to choose which plants you want to grow. It is stackable. It has full-spectrum LED lights and a light timer.
Where to Buy
Amazon, Sears, Walmart
Warranty
none
Aquaphoric Herb Garden Tub
No products found.
The Aquaphoric Herb Garden Tub is perfect for the windowsill. The Garden Tub comes with 6 quarts of fiber soil ready to receive your plants of choice. The water level aquifer lets you know when to add water.
Pros
- Self-watering
- Attractive windowsill design
- Choose the plants you want to grow
- Hydroponics
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- No plants included
- Can not grow from seed
- No grow lights
Key Features
With the Aquaphoric Herb Garden Tub you just add dirt and the plants. It has an attractive windowsill design. It is self-watering.
Where to Buy
Amazon, Walmart, Sears
Warranty
30-day money back guarantee
Jump Start Germination Station
No products found.
The Jump Start Germination Station is the perfect indoor garden setup for starting seeds. The UL-listed waterproof heat mat is 120-volt and17 watts. The 2-inch vented humidity dome keeps the seedlings in a constantly humid environment. The base tray measures 11 x 22 inches and is fitted to prevent water from spilling. You can grow up to 72 seedlings at a time.
Pros
- Grow any plant from seed
- Compact design
- Heat mat jump starts seed growth
- Dome keeps humidity constant
- Adjustable vents
Cons
- No grow light
- Only good for seedlings
- Functional, not decorative
Key Features
The Jump Start Germination Station is perfect for seed starting. It is compact. The heat mat speeds up seed germination.
Where to Buy
Amazon, Walmart
Warranty
none
Image Source: unsplash.com
SunBlaster Mini Greenhouse Kit with NanoDome
No products found.
The SunBlaster Mini Greenhouse Kit with NanoDome has a seed tray, vented dome, and lighting kit to start your herb garden. It is designed in an H pattern so that you can move the light to highlight a single or multiple domes. Use the greenhouse kit for seed germination, microgreen propagation, or full-grown plants.
Pros
- Can be used for microgreen propagation
- Full spectrum LED lights
- Dome keeps humidity constant
- Can be used for seed germination
Cons
- Not decorative
- Full-grown plants must be smaller than 7 inches to fit under the dome
- No light timer
Key Features
The SunBlaster Mini Greenhouse Kit with NanoDome allows you to grow microgreens, herbs, and seedlings. It has a full-spectrum LED light.
Where to Buy
Amazon, Walmart
Warranty
None
Amazing Creation Stackable Planter Vertical Garden
No products found.
The Amazing Creation Stackable Planter Vertical Garden has five stackable polypropylene pots which can hold up to 15 different plants. Each section holds plants up to 5-inches. Use it both indoors and outdoors. The stackable planter is a space saver! Each planter pocket has drainage grids that allow the water to trickle down.
Pros
- Includes a chain to hang the system
- Space saver
- Holds up to 15 plants
- Trickle down watering
Cons
- No grow light
- Does not come with soil or plants
- Not self-watering
Key Features
The Amazing Creation Stackable Planter Vertical Garden is stackable, compact, and mobile. It can hold up to 15 plants.
Where to Buy
Amazon
Warranty
Money-back guarantee
Image Source: pixabay.com
Comparison Table
Title/Name:
AeroGarden Sprout LED
Number of plants
3
Full-spectrum lights
yes
Price
About $60
Warranty
1 year
Where to Buy
(Include Link)
Title/Name
Click and Grow Smart Garden 9
Number of plants
9
Full-spectrum lights
no
Price
About $200
Warranty
2 year
Where to Buy
(Include Link)
Title/Name
Garden Republic Indoor Herb Garden Starter Kit
Number of plants
4
Full-spectrum lights
no
Price
About $20
Warranty
extra seeds
Where to Buy
(Include Link)
Title/Name
Mindful Design Stackable LED Indoor Garden
Number of plants
varies
Full-spectrum lights
yes
Price
About $80
Warranty
no
Where to Buy
(Include Link)
Title/Name
Aquaphoric Herb Garden Tub
Number of plants
varies
Full-spectrum lights
no
Price
About $50
Warranty
30-day money-back guarantee
Where to Buy
(Include Link)
Image Source: unsplash.com
Title/Name
Jump Start Germination Station
Number of plants
72
Full-spectrum lights
no
Price
About $30
Warranty
no
Where to Buy
(Include Link)
Title/Name
SunBlaster Mini Greenhouse Kit with NanoDome
Number of plants
varies
Full-spectrum lights
yes
Price
About $50
Warranty
no
Where to Buy
(Include Link)
Title/Name
Amazing Creation Stackable Planter Vertical Garden
Number of plants
15
Full-spectrum lights
no
Price
About $20
Warranty
money-back guarantee
Where to Buy
(Include Link)
Final Verdict
Image Source: unsplash.com
The best indoor herb garden is one that meets your space and culinary needs. There is an indoor garden set up for everyone! If you have a sunny windowsill, the Aquaphoric Herb Garden Tub is a lovely planter. If your space is limited, but you want to have a variety of plants, the Mindful Design Stackable LED Indoor Garden is an excellent option.
