As an avid cook and gardener, I know the value of having fresh herbs on hand. And they don’t come fresher than when they’re grown on the kitchen bench! Lets look at the benchtop hydroponic herb garden.
Gardening at home can be a lot of fun and a very rewarding experience, but traditional gardening requires a lot of space, water and time to maintain. This is where benchtop hydroponic herb gardens come in. Hydroponic herb gardens are easy, off-the-shelf items that you plug-in on your kitchen benchtop. They use just water and nutrients to grow plants without soil.
They are becoming increasingly popular among people who want to grow fresh herbs but don’t have access to outdoor space or want to avoid the hassle of traditional gardening. And, they are a great project with kids and everyone in the household can enjoy watching the plants grow. And, in keeping with our Every Drop Saved philosophy, growing your own herbs in a hydroponic system is an excellent use of water and keeps your water consumption low compared to conventional gardening.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to grow fresh herbs at home, a benchtop hydroponic herb garden may be the perfect solution. In this article we review and compare some of the most popular hydroponic herb gardens on the market to help you find the right one for your home.
Also, if you would like to keep learning, we have some other great resources on our Home Hydroponics page.
Table of Contents
Best Hydroponic Herb Gardens
There are some great hydroponic herb garden options on the market which require very little setup and minimal maintenance from you. If you buy well, you can even pick up a set which has the nutrient, seeds, planting medium and other items you need to get going.
In this article, We’ve rounded up the best hydroponic herb gardens on Amazon, based on their features, ease of use, and customer reviews. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner to hydroponics, there’s a hydroponic herb garden on this list that will meet your needs.
Please note that as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
ZUAIAI Hydroponics Growing System
The ZUAIAI Hydroponics Growing System is a great option for growing herbs in your kitchen. It is a highly productive system with its fast plant growth design.
Pros
- The integrated ultra-quiet automatic cycle pump keeps the water fresh and oxygenated. As a result, the manufacturer claims you will get 5 times faster plant growth than traditional soil planting. Based on our research and experience, any hydroponic system with lights should perform considerably better than soil growing. But this is exceptional.
- The custom-built spectrum LED grow lights can be switched between different modes to meet the light demand of different plants, making it easy to grow a variety of herbs and other plants.
- The hydroponics growing system comes with either 8 or 12 pods (subject to availability) with black lids. You can use the lids when a pod is not in use, to reduce algae growth and ensure that plants have sufficient nutrients.
- It has an inbuilt humidifier!
Cons
- The product may be a bit pricey for some users.
In our view, the ZUAIAI Hydroponics Growing System is a great investment for anyone looking to grow fresh herbs at home. The system is easy to use and maintain, and the results are impressive. The ultra-quiet automatic cycle pump keeps the water fresh and oxygenated (claimed to result in 5X faster plant growth than traditional soil planting) is in our view, a great feature. The custom-built spectrum LED grow lights make it easy to grow a variety of herbs, and the black pod lids ensure minimal algae growth.
While the product may be a bit pricey for some, we think it is value for money. The system requires some initial setup and maintenance which is standard for these systems, and once it’s up and running, it’s easy to use and maintain.
Overall, the ZUAIAI Hydroponics Growing System is recommended.
GARDENCUBE Hydroponics Growing System Indoor Garden
Another option for growing fresh herbs all year round on your benchtop is the GARDENCUBE. Featuring a quality oxygenating water pump, this is a great option choice.
Pros
- With the 24-watt LED grow light, the manufacturer claims that plants receive more illumination area, maximize photosynthesis, and grow 5 times faster than soil.
- The hydroponic growing system’s water pump with premium quality ceramic core technology is super quiet and runs every 30 minutes, providing oxygen for better root development.
- The indoor herb garden kit comes with either 8 or 12 pods and is ideal for growing herbs and some veggies.
Cons
- The LED light pole is not very sturdy and may become a problem after a few months of use.
I recently purchased the GARDENCUBE Hydroponics Growing System Indoor Garden, and I have been impressed with how easy it is to set up and use. The hydroponic system comes with everything you need to start your garden, and you can select the veggies or flowers & fruits light mode by buttons on the control panel. The light pole is adjustable, making it easy to clean, and set the height to accommodate changing plant needs.
One of the things I love about this indoor herb garden is how quiet the water pump is. It runs every 30 minutes and provides oxygen to the water for better root development. The water level indicator is also a great feature to help prevent running out of water for your plants.
The LED grow light is another standout feature of this system. With the 24-watt LED grow light, plants receive more illumination area, maximize photosynthesis, and grow 5 times faster than soil.
Overall, I would recommend the GARDENCUBE Hydroponics Growing System Indoor Garden to anyone looking for an easy and convenient way to grow fresh herbs and small veggies all year round.
AeroGarden Harvest Hydroponic Indoor Garden
AeroGarden have a good range of hydroponic herb gardens, also worth looking at. They were temporarily out of stock when we did our research, but if available, they have some excellent features.
Pros
- The AeroGarden Harvest is compact and can easily fit on a kitchen countertop or a shelf, or even in your office space.
- An automatic on/off timer on the lights mimics natural sunlight to help plants germinate plants.
- The touch-sensitive illuminated control panel reminds you when to add water and plant food, making for a simplified, worry-free hydroponic gardening experience.
- Available in a ‘bundle’ with the essential items to get you growing.
Cons
- The device can be noisy when the water pump is running.
One thing to note is that the AeroGarden Harvest is designed to grow small plants, so it may not be suitable for those looking to grow larger vegetables or fruits. This is of course, not unusual for these small systems. Additionally, the device can be noisy when the water pump is running, which may be an issue for those who are sensitive to noise.
Otherwise, this is a great option and can come bundled with all bits you need.
iDOO Hydroponics Growing System Kit 12Pods
This option comes in a 7 pod or 12 pod kit and will come with all the accessories needed.
Pros
- The integrated low noise pump and upper fan of the hydroponics growing system kit aerates the water to stimulate plant growth while simulating the outside breeze at timed intervals. The manufacturer claims this helps plants grow 20% faster than traditional soil planting methods.
- The 4.5L water tank will keep it going unattended for a couple of weeks, and the visual window allows you to see how much water is in the tank.
- It comes in either black or white to suit your decor.
Cons
- One thing to keep in mind is that the LED light may be too bright for some users, and the blue light may be too intense for some plants.
The integrated low noise pump and upper fan create a great environment for plant growth, and you should expect your herb garden to be significantly more productive than traditional gardening.
The lighting system is designed for optimal plant growth, but may be too bright for some people.
Overall, this system is recommended to anyone looking for an easy-to-use hydroponic herb garden.
Ahopegarden Hydroponic Herb Garden
This option is very popular on Amazon, comes highly rated and is available in either a 10 pod or 12 pod model.
Pros
- Well built and reliable
- WIFI intelligent control
- The 4L water tank will keep it going unattended for at least a week, probably 2 to 3 depending on plant type and growing stage, and the visual window allows you to see how much water is in the tank.
Cons
- The LED light may be too bright for some people, but this is considered normal for these systems.
Overall, there is not a lot of bad to say about the Ahopegarden Hydroponic Herb Garden. It is an excellent option for anyone looking to grow fresh herbs indoor, at home. Its customizable features and innovative grow light modes make it easy to cultivate a variety of plants, and its ideal growing conditions ensure that your plants receive the best care possible.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a hydroponic herb garden, there are a few key features to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here we discuss some important factors to keep in mind.
Size and Capacity
The first thing to consider is the size and capacity of the hydroponic herb garden. Think about how much space you have available and how many herbs you want to grow. If you have limited space, look for a compact model that can fit on a countertop or windowsill, say a 7 or 8 pod model. If you want to grow a larger variety of herbs, or more of them you may need a larger unit. 12 pod units are common and you may even find up to around 60 pod units.
Lighting
Lighting is another important factor to consider. Most hydroponic herb gardens (including all of the ones we have discussed) come with built-in LED lights that provide the necessary light for plant growth. Look for a unit with adjustable lighting settings so you can customize the light intensity and duration based on the needs of your plants.
Also, think about positioning of the herb garden. If it is in a living space or near to a bedroom, the light might be annoying for you.
Watering and Nutrient System
A good hydroponic herb garden should have a reliable water pump and nutrient system. Look for a garden with a quality built-in water reservoir and a pump that delivers water and nutrients to the plants. Size is important. If you want to leave the system unattended for more than a week or so, you’ll want a reservoir greater than 4L (depending of course on how many, and what types of plants you are growing)
Some gardens also come with a water level indicator so that you can easily see when the water, nutrient solution is getting low.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Finally, consider the ease of use and maintenance of the hydroponic herb garden. Look for a garden with simple controls and easy-to-follow instructions. Some gardens also come with removable growing pod trays for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Make sure you have access to a power point where you position the hydroponic herb garden, and ideally it should be near a water source so that you can easily fill and clean the unit.
Overall, choosing the right hydroponic herb garden comes down to your individual needs and preferences. By considering the factors above, you can find a garden that will provide you with fresh, healthy herbs all year round.
Happy herb growing!
FAQs
Q: What are the top-rated hydroponic systems for growing herbs indoors?
A: There are many hydroponic systems available in the market, but some of the top-rated systems for growing herbs indoors are AeroGarden, Click & Grow, and Miracle-Gro. These systems are easy to set up and come with all the necessary components, including grow lights, pumps, and nutrient solutions.
Q: Which herbs thrive best in hydroponic systems?
A: Most herbs can thrive in hydroponic systems, but some of the best herbs to grow include basil, parsley, mint and chives. These herbs are easy to grow and do not require a lot of space. small lettuce varieties and rocket are also great options. They also grow quickly and produce high yields.
Q: Can you recommend a nutrient solution for hydroponic herb cultivation?
A: There are many nutrient solutions available in the market, but I recommend using a balanced N-P-K nutrient solution that contains all the necessary nutrients for the specific plants you wish to grow.
Q: What features should I look for in an indoor herb garden kit with a grow light?
A: When looking for an indoor herb garden kit with a grow light, there are a few features to consider. First, make sure the kit comes with a full-spectrum LED grow light that can provide enough light for your plants. Second, look for a kit that has a water reservoir and a pump to circulate the water and nutrient solution. Finally, consider the size of the kit and make sure it fits your space and growing needs. You may also want to choose a quite model if the sound of a pump coming on and off will be a bother to you.