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A Caveat and Affiliates
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Click and Grow vs Aerogarden Comparison – Which is Best?
Growing your own plants can be a rewarding hobby. However, it’s not always easy to find the best way to do so without taking up an entire room in your home. That is where the best indoor garden systems come into play! In this post, two popular and recommended best indoor garden systems will be compared side by side: 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 own 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 their cooking. Growing herbs and plants is not only a pleasant way to pass the time. It also ensures that you have 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 smart gardens.
This article will go through the Click & Grow vs AeroGarden comparison so you can make an informed decision about 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 place in water or other liquid, and then water supply with minerals present in the soil. Indoors, hydroponics performs well because the elements to manage are fewer. Moreover, it is possible to apply the right amount of nutrients if necessary.
Click and Grow Vs. AeroGarden Comparison
AeroGarden and Click & Grow are two of the most well-known firms to get the best indoor garden systems for your home. Moreover, each brand has its own set of features. See 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.
AeroGarden Review
The AeroGarden team sells garden units in four different sizes. There is enough for everybody, and the AeroGarden systems are simple to operate. For its seed capsules, the organization often has a germination guarantee. The AeroGrow team will send a substitute for any non-germinating seedpods if the pods have any defects or the seeds do not germinate.
As a result, the system is not only easy to use but also 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.
Can AeroGarden benefit you?
AeroGarden uses up to 95% less water and 60% less nutrient than soil-grown plants, making it a very effective form of indoor plant cultivation.
While most people have no trouble growing herbs on a sunny windowsill, AeroGarden helps you to grow plants all year long, regardless of the temperature, and from every location in your house, without the need for 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 of the AeroGarden models, including the larger Farm models, are not difficult to assemble. The directions are easy, and you will have your seedpods ready in a matter of minutes.
2. High Yield
Plants nurtured in an AeroGarden grow at least twice as quickly as plants grown in soil. Due to LED grow lights and aeroponics, a higher yield or bigger amount of plant produce is grown and harvested in a smaller space.
fresh herbs just harvested
3. Constant Harvest
If your plants have grown large enough, you can harvest small amounts of them daily, and they will regrow. A single seedpod can last for 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. Simply call customer service, and they will mail you a replacement plant pod. That gives you a lot of 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 even 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
When cultivating greens at home with Aerogarden, there are much fewer pest issues. No ground and indoor cultivation significantly reduce pests and diseases, and AeroGreen does this as well.
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.
As an alternative, you might want to use your own 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 in the end.
2. Only larger AeroGardens provide a significant amount of food.
One of the most frequent critiques leveled 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 would be able to provide enough food to feed an entire family.
3. Some Seed Pods Fail
While most seedpods usually develop, you could come across 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 not completely 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 have no clue if it’s not working properly and could cause a fire.
Types of AeroGarden
At least a dozen different versions are available for comparison. And each one with 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.
1) AeroGarden Sprout
This little fellow will accommodate three pods at the same time. The AeroGarden offers you all the excellent features, such as automatic lighting, nutrition, water supplements, and glass, showing how much water is in the reservoir. It is a suitable machine for growing your fresh herbs on the counter as well. The plants or herbs can grow up to 10 cm under the light, and the plants can grow over the year with appropriate pruning.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Uses LED’s
Cons
- It might be too small
- Needs frequent cleanings
2) 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 a little stronger than the Sprout’s light, and the light reaches 12 inches, good for larger plants. You have all the same features as Sprout, such as alerts and automatic lighting.
Pros
- Sleek design
- Energy-efficient
Cons
- It may be too small, like AeroGarden sprout.
3) AeroGarden Bounty
With the AeroGarden Bounty, things get easier to handle. The Bounty models have advanced features such as a high-resolution touch screen 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. Apart from the additional gadgetry, the Bounty Series can accommodate up to nine plants.
Pros
- Includes nine pod spots
- LCD screen
Cons
- Expensive
4) AeroGarden Herbie
Herbie is a clever indoor garden for kids that can grow two plants at the same time. 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 while also teaching them about hydroponics.
Pros
- 100-Percent Germination Guarantee
- Designed for kids
Cons
- No cons
5) AeroGarden Farm Family
The AeroGarden Farm is a self-contained in-home garden system that provides your plants with 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 along with Farm Family AeroGarden.
It comes with two 60W LED grow lights that adjust automatically to provide your plants with the full spectrum of light. Your entire garden’s vital statistics are displayed on the simple touchscreen control panel. Each grow light has a height of 24 inches. Moreover, it comes with a seed germination guarantee.
Pros
- Grow up to 24 plants
- Touch screen control panel
- Wi-Fi available
Cons
- Some feel it is too expensive
Aerogarden FAQS
How do I make an aerogarden at home?
When making an aerogarden at home, the hardest part is getting the materials to assemble it. You will need are 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 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 each have enough to hold themselves up on their own without falling over.
Then thread some type of cord or string through all of them and tie them together tightly at both ends so that they form a cylinder around the plants as they grow out of the top. Fill gaps with fine pebbles or gravel as needed throughout the growth cycle to keep from leaking over time.
How do Aerogardens work?
Aero gardens are an easy way to grow plants. 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 any chemical insecticides, defoliants, herbicides, fungicides, etc., directly to the growing medium.
Does my Aerogarden need grow lights?
Aero gardens are built specifically for growth under normal room light conditions, so they function fine without special lighting. If you want your plants to get bigger faster, however, an artificial light source is available that can be purchased online or at a gardening store.
What does my Aerogarden need to grow?
When setting up your new aerogarden, you must insert the plug into a nearby outlet. Once this is done, add water and nutrients to the base and then turn on the unit by pressing the power button. It will begin with a quick spray of water 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 aerogardens are tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, herbs such as basil or mint, and salad greens such as romaine lettuce or leafy mixtures. Some people even grow coffee beans in aerogardens. The main rule is to use what you like to eat 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 type of fertilizer or plant boost directly into the water reservoir in your AeroGarden! The only time you should add anything is 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 seems to be more focused 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 is working 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 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.
Click and Grow Advantages
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 smart 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, used by Click and Grow provide your plants 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.
Click and Grow Disadvantages
1. Need pod Replacement
- While both versions come with several seedpods, you will need more pods for the 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, again 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 doesn’t have as many choices as AeroGarden, its options are a little easier to understand.
1) Click and Grow Smart Garden 3
Since it can hold three pods, the Click & Grow Smart Garden 3 is equal to the AeroGarden Sprout Series. It also functions well as a small herb garden. A collection of three basil plant pods include in the Smart Garden 3. If you’re looking for something a bit more than basil, try one of the other pre-made mixes or create your own. Moreover, to bring water into the Smart Soil in the seedpods, a wicking method should be done. It would be beneficial to keep an eye on the water to ensure that it does not get sluggish.
Pros
- Looks beautiful
- Easy to operate
- Works in small spaces
Cons
- The initial cost is expensive.
2) Click and Grow Smart Garden 9
If the idea of having your organic garden appeals to you, you’ll need something more extensive than the Smart Garden 3. 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 smart soil pods with the proper nutrients and aeration levels.
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Energy Efficient
Cons
- Expensive
3) Click and Grow Smart Garden 9 Pro
The most significant difference between the Garden 9 PRO and the non-PRO model is the innovative, app-controlled grow light. 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. Thus, you can switch them off through the app when you have guests over.
Aside from the app-controlled functionality, you can expect all the other products’ features as well. The water tank assures passive, automatic watering.
Pros
- Completely automatic
- Companion app
Cons
- No actual cons were found.
Click and Grow Vs. Aerogarden Comparison
It is clear from the above reviews that both of these brands are designed for someone who enjoys growing and maintaining plants at home. Yet, they may prefer the ease or novelty of using technology to do so. 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.
1. 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 when it comes to construction choices. White, black, sage green, red, and stainless steel varieties are available. Click and Grow smart gardens are available in white to keep it plain.
Therefore, once again, it’s a matter of personal opinion.
2. Soil
The AeroGardens hydroponic device makes use of sponges filled with Sphagnum Peat Moss. Yet, Click & Grow uses Smart soil. Both mediums design to give the plant the same amount of oxygen, nutrients, and water required to thrive. As a result, this is a draw.
3. Watering System
A tank and water pump are used in AeroGardens 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 stagnant. 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 that it uses 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 there is no pump inside the foundation. When it’s necessary to refill the base, the floating sensor will let you know.
It’s important to note that while the Click and Grow is definitely quieter, due to the lack of a pump, the pump will increase oxygenation to the plants in the AeroGarden. 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.
4. 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 smart 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 don’t mind a little extra work.
5. Light
Both indoor smart gardens systems’ lights are vivid, perfect for the plants but not so much 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, when it comes to 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.
6. 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 to choose from. Sets such as salad mixes, salsa mixes, and more are available.
Since you might like to pick one over the other, the winner isn’t clear. Before determining which unit to purchase, we suggest that you look at the available plants. Both have a lot of choices, but the Aerogarden has a little more range that is comprehensive.
7. Price: click and grow vs aerogarden
The Click and Grow Smart Garden 3 is more expensive than the AeroGarden Sprout LED, despite their similarity. 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)
8. Replacement and Refill
Click and Grow, and Aerogarden both 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 to buy, which may be a factor in your decision.
9. 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 that are used to change the light. Moreover, it also notifies you when water or nutrients need to be replenished.
10. Noise
In a noise contrast, the Click and Grow smart garden comes out on top. 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 refer to our #3 comparison above for the noise consideration contrast.
11. 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 just prefer the increased options and faster growth rate.
In the Click and Grow vs AeroGarden comparisons, which comes out on top?
Let’s look at the pros and cons of both indoor smart gardens, and then we’ll move on to my suggestions.
AEROGARDEN
CLICK AND GROW
Both items are excellent, as seen as 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 proves to be a safer option for beginners, in my opinion. It’s a simple way to get started growing plants indoors. Moreover, it is an excellent way to introduce the family to the idea of 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 prefers 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 one better fits your growing needs.
In either case, you can’t go wrong with either choice. With this Click and Grow vs Aerogarden article, you can easily decide what to choose. If you’re still undecided, take another 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/would-be-buyer 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 makes it possible for 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. That’s because the plants get rich nutrients from the growing medium, and bask under the wide 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 water being recirculated and reused. That results in very low use of water. Protected indoors from strong winds, drought, high temperatures, and plant pests, plants grow around five times faster.
Lastly, food plants raised in indoor hydroponics generally are not only enjoyed fresh and taste better but do not lose their nutrients, unlike the traditionally grown ones. Now, let’s see comparisons between Rise Garden and Aerogarden.
Rise Gardens Advantages
- Eight-pod countertop hydroponic smart garden
- Includes 8 bio-degradable pods with soil
- One gallon water tank for a weeklong watering
- With automatic grow lights
- Countertop hydroponic with 8 pods
Rise Gardens Disadvantages
- Has no alternatives to compete with Aerogarden’s Sprout and Harvest Family
- Cannot offer alternatives to Aerogarden’s hydroponic Smart Garden series
- Offers only 4 models to choose from
Rise Garden and Aerogarden have their own strengths and are competitors in this field. Perhaps the marked differences between the two are good for the consumers and buyers’ because they have varied needs and expectations. So, with rise garden vs. aerogarden, which one would you choose? Well, it’s all up to you what indoor garden system resonates with you.
Summary of Click and Grow vs AeroGarden Comparison
Indoor innovative gardens are an intriguing category that has gained traction among homegrown plant and herb enthusiasts. In addition, it’s no wonder that the technology used in these planters makes them an excellent option. Click and grow and AeroGarden are the two best options for indoor gardening. We hope you understood the Click and grow vs AeroGarden analogy after reading this post. Thank you for taking the time to read this!
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