10 Best Indoor Growing Systems

Searching For The Best Indoor Growing System

Inside all of us is a little piece that wants to reconnect with nature. It’s why we dream of living close to the ocean, regularly walking in the park, and keeping plants around the house. However, modernity forces us to move away from nature and into bigger cities to find jobs or like-minded folks.

There are a few possible solutions to that problem. The first draws from Patrick Star’s genius plan and involves simply pushing bigger cities closer to nature, but that obviously has a few limitations. The other solution is to grow your own indoor garden.

Many brands have developed systems for consumers who can’t access an outdoor garden, allowing them to bring more greenery into their living space. 

If you’re not well-versed in the indoor growing market then it can be a headache trying to decipher what’s going on. You may be bogged down by questions like; does it matter whether you pick a hydroponics or aeroponics system? What’s a soiled-based system? How much space do I need for my indoor system?

Fear not, because my list of the best indoor growing systems should declutter the decision-making process. Keep reading to find out which brands carry the best systems, what you should consider before making a purchase, and the answers to some frequently asked questions. 

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#1: Gardyn

Gardyn is an innovative indoor gardening system that enables anyone to easily grow fresh, organic produce right in your own home. With its advanced technology and sleek design, Gardyn takes the guesswork out of gardening and allows you to grow a wide variety of herbs, fruits, and vegetables in a compact, self-contained unit.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out (like myself), Gardyn makes it easy to enjoy the benefits of homegrown produce without the hassle of traditional gardening. With Gardyn, you can experience the joy of fresh, healthy food grown right in your own kitchen. For us new gardeners, this is one of the best indoor growing system for one simple reason: it’s AI-powered.

The Gardyn Home Kit is equipped with advanced automation technology that takes care of the plants’ needs throughout their growth cycle. It monitors water, light, temperature, and humidity levels automatically and creates suggestions for an optimal growing environment and personalized care for each plant.

This means that your plants will be taken care of even when you’re out of the house (and there is even a vacation mode so you don’t miss any plant growth while you’re away!). How does it handle that? Well, the system integrates with a mobile app, providing you with real-time data and control over your indoor garden.

Another benefit of Gardyn is their wide assortment of plants. Gardyn supports the growth of a wide range of plants, including herbs, leafy greens, and even fruiting plants. Users can choose from over 60 pre-seeded plant pods making it easy to start growing without the hassle of traditional seed planting and no dirt!

The Gardyn Home 2.0 costs $695 while the updated Gardyn Home 3.0 comes in at $899.

Customers say: ““I was a little hesitant to buy at first as I have 0 green-thumb and was convinced nothing would grow. After reading many reviews, I decided to give it a shot and wow! It grows sooooo much. I have salads almost every day and barely do anything except refill the tank and add food and hydroboost every few weeks. This thing is amazing.”

Highlights

• AI-powered and automated home gardening system
• 60-day risk free-trial
• Uses 95% less water than traditional soil-based gardening
• Vertical gardening design maximizes space efficiency and allows for the cultivation of a large number of plants in a compact footprint.

Looking for a deal on your purchase? Here are some promos we found:

• 2023 Black Friday savings! From 11/17 to 11/29, use code “GROW20” to snag 20% off the Gardyn Home Kit 3.0
• Between 11/30 and 12/10, you can use coupon code “SAVEMORE” to get 15% off the Gardyn Home Kit 3.0 or $200 off ($100 off 3.0 and $100 off Microgreens)

Hurry and take advantage of these amazing offers before time runs out!

#2: Aerogarden

AeroGarden systems use a hydroponic growing method, which means plants are grown without soil. Instead, the roots are suspended in a nutrient-rich water solution, allowing them to directly access the necessary nutrients for growth. This promotes faster growth and higher yields compared to traditional soil-based gardening.

Their systems are great for customers with limited space. They’re compact and fit conveniently on countertops or other indoor spaces. They come in various sizes, ranging from small models suitable for a few plants to larger systems capable of growing multiple plants simultaneously.

Customers say: “I always thought I had two black thumbs when it comes to plants, but now I have thriving herbs and houseplants!! I am so glad I splurged on this. Two of the included pods did not grow, but the others grew like crazy!! I bought some seeds from the store and added a few to the pods that never produced, and within 2 days they were growing.”

Highlights

• Hydroponic growing system that doesn’t use soil
• Fits into most people’s homes
• Some models use automated technology
• Regularly host sales on their website

#3: Click and Grow

Click and Grow (also stylized as Click & Grow) are similar to another of the best indoor growing systems, Gardyn, in that their products utilize smart technology to automate and simplify the indoor gardening process. Their systems incorporate sensors and microprocessors to monitor and adjust the plant’s environment, including light, water, and nutrient levels. This technology ensures that plants receive optimal conditions for growth without requiring manual intervention.

Click & Grow uses specially designed seed pods that contain seeds, nutrients, and a growth medium. These pods are pre-packaged with different plant varieties, such as herbs, vegetables, flowers, and fruits. All you need to do is insert them into the system and bam, you’re in business. 

Their systems have automated watering and lighting functions. The devices have built-in reservoirs that hold water, and the system automatically distributes the precise amount of water needed for the plants. 

Customers say: “The overall experience is very good and as expected – the plants are growing fast & pretty tasty (the one you can eat :D).”

Highlights

• Designed seed pods eliminate the need for soil
• Systems adjust the plant’s environment to sustain growing
• Automated watering 

#4: Hey Abby

Hey Abby evolved from a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2021 to deliver one of the best indoor growing systems available for cannabis. It’s a hydroponic system with a pre-measured and pre-mixed cannabis fertilizer. They aim to simplify the growing process by delivering everything customers need. A basic subscription costs $75 for three months and includes the following:

1. Hey Abby’s Signature fertilizer (26 servings)
2. An activated carbon filter
3. Two sponges
4. A plastic basket
5. Ongoing customer support with growing experts

Their growing system is a vertical, fully automated, DWC setup (meaning it involves little-to-no grunt work). Hey Abby advertise that you can get up to 6 ounces of dry flower in as little as three months time.  Their grow box usually costs $699, but it’s on sale for $549.

Customers say: “This is perfect for novices. You get the environment, you get guidance from a great community of growers.  It pays for itself with your first grow.”

Highlights

• Hydroponic growing system for cannabis
• Ship to USA, Canada, and Australia
• App-supported Pro Mode allows users to control the system’s environment 

#5: North Spore

Don’t go believing that the best indoor growing systems ignore our fungal friends. North Spore specializes in mushroom cultivation, providing mushroom spawns and supplies to users who can nourish their own mushrooms. They sell monotubs, martha tents, grow racks, and fruiting block kits. 

Their main growing system is the North Spore ‘BoomRoom’ Automated Mushroom Martha Tent Grow Kit, which sits at $363. It allows you to control CO2 levels, humidity, and fresh air. Each of its five shelves can support up to 20 pounds and the structure has designated space for a humidifier and a fan. In total, it provides 17 square feet of growing space but can fit nearly anywhere in your home. 

Customers say: “The setup was easy and I am producing beautiful flushes right away. I am so happy I invested in this product (and so are my friends and family who are benefitting from my bountiful crops)!”

Highlights:

• Mushroom-centric brand that sells everything customers needs to raise their own fungi
• Brand uses renewable resources and compostable packaging, and believes in responsible sourcing of materials
• Sell gourmet mushrooms like oyster and shiitake

#6: MoistenLand

The main garden system MoistenLand sells is the Indoor Garden Starter Kit, an affordable (it costs $96) and soil-free system. It allows customers to grow up to a dozen plants at once up to 5 times faster than if they were to grow in soil. 

The kit’s automated control system is powered with a simple ON/OFF switch. It handles the full-spectrum LED lights (which you can customize to your plant’s preferences), the simulated airflow mechanism, and all watering responsibilities. 

Customers say: “Beautiful design and seems to function about as well as my aerogarden sprout but with way more slots to grow things in. Would definitely recommend this product to anyone.”

Highlights

• Much more affordable than other growing systems
• Proprietary airflow system that mimics the breeze
• Can hold up to 12 different plants at once

#7: Back to the Roots

Advertised as “America’s Organic Gardening Company,” Back to the Roots produce some of the best indoor growing systems. They have windowsill kits for specific plants, like windowsill lavender, tomato, sunflower, and chili peppers. Their main kit, however, is the Hydroponic Grow Kit, which costs $115.

This indoor gardening system allows you to grow fresh herbs year-round. It includes a 3-pod grow system, organic seeds, automatic LED lights, adjustable poles, and more. The kit is self-watering and the LED lights on telescoping poles ensure the right amount of light for your plants. It’s a complete countertop garden made from recycled plastic and comes with a STEM gardening curriculum. 

Customers say: “Enjoy it and easy set up”

Highlights

• Affordable organic windowsill planters for common herbs
• Brand donates an organic gardening kit and curriculum to an elementary school classroom when customers share a photo of their garden
• Many single-plant kits available

#8: iDoo

iDoo currently sells four of the best indoor growing systems, each varying in terms of pod quantity, price, and functionality. Beginners may want to pick up the iDOO 12 Pods Indoor Herb Garden Kit, which costs $100, and has a low-noise pump to circulate the nutrient solution directly to the plant roots. 

It includes a 4.5L water tank for up to 1-2 weeks of plant growth and has a fan for heat dispersal and pollen spreading during flowering. The system is easy to set up with a germination kit that provides all the necessary factors for plant growth, including light and simulated soil.

Another choice is the IDOO 12 Pods Indoor WiFi Garden with 6.5L Water Tank, which obviously costs more at $300, but comes with a larger water tank and wifi control supported through an app. This control allows you to adjust lighting, fans, and pumps from anywhere. 

Customers say: “Easy and simple to use. I keep it in my room and it doesn’t take up a lot of room at all. If you are new to growing vegetables, I’d recommend starting out with this before moving on to something bigger.”

Highlights

• Devices are simple enough for children to operate
• Each system has different modes for fruits and vegetables
• Some models have automatic draining 

#9: Rise Gardens

Rise Gardens offers indoor hydroponic gardening systems that utilize water-based growing methods. These systems typically include trays or modules for planting, integrated LED grow lights, water reservoirs, and pumps for circulating the nutrient-rich water to the plants’ roots. They provide an optimal environment for plant growth without the need for soil.

However, what distinguishes their offerings as some of the best indoor growing systems is their scalability. Rise Gardens‘ systems are modular, meaning you can start with a small setup and expand it over time as your gardening needs and space allow. This allows users to customize their gardens according to their preferences and available space.

Customers say: “Fantastic indoor garden — 100% worth it!!! I absolutely love my rise garden! I got it about a month ago but wanted to wait to post my review until my seeds blossomed and they are finally doing so beautifully!”

Highlights

• Can produce food in as little as 30 days
• Modular garden means you can add more without needing to buy a new systems
• App will instruct you when to add nutrients to your garden

#10: Just Vertical

Finally, let’s talk about Just Vertical, who produce two vertical gardens; the Eve ($699) and Aeva ($1,199). Each purchase includes the seedlings, nutrients, and seeds necessary to start growing. These pieces are arguably two of the prettiest and best indoor growing systems since they use real wood. They also only require around five minutes of work a week and you only have to add water once every other week. 

The Eve allows you to grow 12 plants simultaneously, providing fresh herbs daily. It has a compact design, measuring less than 8 inches deep and 18 inches wide, making it space-efficient. The system features automatic watering, eliminating the worry of forgetting to water your plants. It also includes built-in LED grow lights, ensuring your plants receive adequate light even without natural sunlight. 

Meanwhile, the Aeva can hold up to 16 plants and measures 36 inches wide. As such, it’s better for bigger plants that flower like tomatoes and peppers. 

Customers say: “Be prepared to root trim your plants more often than once/month. These plants grow vigorously! Three basil plants is MORE than enough to grow at one time! The kale I grew was really too large for EVE and the roots were enormous.”

Highlights

• Gorgeous kits made from real wood
• Extremely low maintenance
• Purchase includes starter kits and seeds

How To Shop For The Best Indoor Growing System

When choosing an indoor growing system, there are several factors to consider to ensure you select the best option for your needs. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:

• Define your goals: Determine what you want to grow, whether it’s herbs, vegetables, flowers, or other plants. Different systems cater to specific types of plants, so understanding your goals will narrow down your options.
• Space availability: Evaluate the space you have available for your indoor garden. Consider the dimensions, height, and layout to determine the appropriate system size and configuration.
• Lighting options: Lighting plays a crucial role in indoor gardening. Decide whether you want to use natural light, artificial lighting (such as LED or fluorescent), or a combination of both. Consider the light intensity and spectrum requirements of your chosen plants.
• Hydroponics or soil-based: Determine if you prefer a hydroponic system (which grows plants in nutrient-rich water) or a soil-based system. Hydroponics generally requires more technical knowledge and maintenance, but it can provide faster growth and higher yields.
• Automation and ease of use: Some indoor growing systems offer automation features such as timers, irrigation systems, and climate control. Consider the level of automation you desire and the amount of effort you’re willing to invest in maintenance.
• Budget: Set a budget for your indoor growing system. Prices can vary significantly depending on the system type, size, and additional features. Consider both the initial investment and the long-term costs, including electricity, water, and maintenance expenses.
• Expandability: If you plan to expand your indoor garden in the future, consider whether the system allows for scalability. Some systems offer modular designs that can be easily expanded to accommodate more plants.
• Noise and odor considerations: Certain systems, such as hydroponics with air pumps or composting setups, can generate noise or odors. Assess whether these factors are important to you, especially if you’ll be using the system in a living area.

FAQ

Are indoor garden kits worth it?

In my opinion, the best indoor growing systems are worth it as they grant you immediate access to herbs and leafy greens. They may be more expensive up-front, but you’ll save on paying for the plants themselves.

What is the best indoor vegetable garden for beginners?

Leafy green vegetables like lettuce and kale are always easy to grow because they’re not susceptible to the cold and can survive less-than-stellar lighting.

What can I grow inside all year round?

Carrots, lettuce, and microgreens are quite forgiving when growing indoors. The main thing they need is good lighting (or in the case of carrots, soil), so keep them close to a window.

What is the easiest and fastest plant to grow indoors?

Green onions are extremely easy to grow inside because you can plant the stems in a pot of water and have a nearly endless supply. 

Final Thoughts

The one thing every home chef on YouTube will tell you is to buy fresh veggies from farmer’s markets. However, those are nearly always pricey. Save yourself some money by grabbing one of the best indoor growing systems I mentioned above and reconnect with the natural world.

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