Indoor gardening has been gaining a lot of attention lately, and for good reason. It’s a fun way to grow fresh herbs, vegetables, and even flowers right in your own home, no matter the season.
If you’ve ever thought about starting an indoor garden, an AeroGarden might be just what you need. This innovative system utilizes hydroponic technology, enabling plants to grow without the need for soil.
I’ve been using one for a while now, and let me tell you – it’s been a game-changer.
In this article, I’ll help you determine the best plants to grow in your AeroGarden, whether you’re looking for fresh herbs for cooking or some colorful flowers to brighten up your space.
I’ll walk you through the basics of AeroGardens, look into the plants that thrive in them, and share some tips on making the most out of your indoor garden.
Why Choose an AeroGarden for Indoor Gardening?
AeroGardens make indoor gardening easy, clean, and reliable, even if you’re new to growing plants. A few reasons why they work so well:
1. It’s Simple and Mess-Free
If you’ve ever tried to grow plants indoors, you know it can be a bit tricky. Low light, inconsistent watering, and soil mess can all get in the way. That’s where the AeroGarden really shines.
This system takes the hassle out of gardening. It comes with built-in LED lights, so you don’t have to worry about finding the perfect spot by a window.
The self-watering system ensures your plants get just the right amount of hydration, and it’s easy to set up. I remember when I first got mine; I was surprised at how simple it was to get started – no green thumb required.
2. Easier Than Other Indoor Gardening Options
When it comes to indoor gardening, there are a few options out there, but I find AeroGarden to be one of the best.
While systems like soil-based planters or other hydroponic units can be more complicated, AeroGarden is straightforward and user-friendly.
Some systems require more maintenance or specialized knowledge, but with AeroGarden, you get a step-by-step guide and an automatic growing process.
Plus, the system is compact enough to fit into smaller spaces, making it ideal for apartments or homes with limited room for traditional gardening.
3. Fresh Plants Any Time of the Year
One of the best things about using an AeroGarden is that it lets you grow plants all year round, regardless of the weather outside.
Even if it’s the middle of winter or the hottest days of summer, your plants will thrive in the controlled environment of an AeroGarden.
I’ve grown herbs through the coldest months, and it’s nice knowing I always have fresh ingredients at hand, no matter the season.
4. Grow Herbs, Veggies, and Even Flowers
The variety of plants that grow well in an AeroGarden is impressive. You can cultivate everything from herbs like basil and mint to vegetables like tomatoes and lettuce.
There are even options for growing fruits and flowers. Whatever you’re interested in growing, AeroGarden likely has a kit or system that suits your needs.
I started with a simple herb garden, but I’ve expanded to vegetables and even some flowers in my setup.
Categories of Plants Ideal for AeroGardens
AeroGardens can handle more than just herbs. From leafy greens to flowering plants, there’s a wide range of categories that grow well indoors.
| Category | What It’s Like to Grow | Ideal For | Time to Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herbs | Fast-growing and easy to manage. Herbs like basil, mint, thyme, and cilantro are perfect for cooking. | Daily cooking, garnishes, and beginners | 3–4 weeks |
| Vegetables | Compact vegetables like cherry tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers grow well with a bit of extra care. | Small indoor harvests, cooking enthusiasts | 6–10 weeks |
| Fruits | Small fruits like strawberries and raspberries can be grown indoors, though they need more attention. | Sweet snacks, indoor fruit lovers | 8–12 weeks |
| Flowers | Marigolds, petunias, and snapdragons add color and fragrance to your indoor space with little upkeep. | For decorative purposes, indoor aesthetics | Varies by flower (6–10 weeks) |
| Microgreens | Arugula and kale microgreens are quick to grow, nutrient-rich, and great for adding to meals. | Health-conscious eaters, quick harvests | 2–3 weeks |
Best Things to Grow in an AeroGarden
These are the kinds of plants I’ve had the most success with in my AeroGarden. They’re easy to grow, useful, and actually worth the space.
1. Basil
Basil grows quickly and is perfect for adding fresh, aromatic flavor to dishes. It’s great for sauces, salads, or even homemade pesto.
Basil thrives in warmer conditions, so it’s best to grow it year-round in an AeroGarden. You can easily harvest it in a few weeks, making it a rewarding choice for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
2. Mint
Mint is a fast-growing herb that works well in AeroGardens. It’s perfect for teas, desserts, or cocktails. Mint is best harvested regularly to prevent it from taking over your garden, as it can spread quickly.
Grown indoors, it can thrive all year, but in colder months, it requires a little extra care, especially when it comes to water and nutrients.
3. Parsley
Parsley is a versatile herb often used in Mediterranean and Eastern European cooking.
It grows well in AeroGardens and adds a fresh flavor to many dishes. Parsley does best with moderate light and cool temperatures, making it ideal for indoor growing.
It’s also perfect for year-round harvesting, giving you a fresh supply of parsley whenever you need it.
4. Thyme
Thyme is hardy and compact, making it perfect for smaller AeroGardens. It adds a savory, earthy flavor to meats, stews, and soups. Thyme prefers slightly drier conditions, so be sure not to overwater.
It’s best to grow thyme year-round since it doesn’t require a specific season. Regular pruning encourages dense growth and a strong, healthy plant.
5. Oregano
Oregano is a staple in Mediterranean dishes like pasta and pizza. In AeroGardens, it grows easily and has a robust flavor that thrives indoors.
This herb prefers a warm environment with moderate light, making it perfect for year-round indoor gardening. Harvest oregano regularly to prevent it from becoming leggy, and it will continue to flourish throughout the year.
6. Chives
Chives are easy to grow and don’t take up much space, making them ideal for AeroGardens. They add a mild onion flavor to salads, soups, and sandwiches.
Chives are best planted in the spring or fall when the temperatures are moderate. With regular watering and light, they’ll thrive indoors all year long and can be continuously harvested for fresh use.
7. Cilantro
Cilantro is perfect for adding flavor to salsas, curries, and many Asian dishes. In an AeroGarden, cilantro grows quickly, and you can harvest it several times throughout the growing season.
It prefers cooler temperatures, so it works well in the fall and spring. Keep the lights on for 12-16 hours a day to ensure your cilantro stays healthy and vibrant.
8. Dill
Dill is commonly used in pickles and seafood dishes, and it grows excellently in AeroGardens. It thrives in slightly cooler temperatures, so it’s great for growing indoors during the fall and winter.
Make sure to give dill plenty of light to help it grow tall and strong. Harvest dill leaves regularly to keep it bushy and healthy.
9. Lettuce
Lettuce is fast-growing and perfect for AeroGardens, making it a top choice for indoor gardeners. Varieties like Romaine and Butterhead do especially well.
Lettuce prefers cooler temperatures and moderate light, which makes it ideal for growing in the cooler months. Since it grows quickly, you can enjoy fresh salads in just a few weeks after planting.
10. Spinach
Spinach is nutrient-dense and grows rapidly in an AeroGarden. It thrives in cooler temperatures, making it a great plant to grow during the fall or early spring. Harvest spinach regularly to encourage new growth.
If you add it to salads, smoothies, or cooked dishes, homegrown spinach is a fantastic addition to your kitchen garden.
11. Arugula
Arugula adds a peppery flavor to salads, sandwiches, and pizzas. It’s an easy-to-grow green that’s perfect for AeroGardens. Arugula grows quickly and can be harvested in just a few weeks.
It does best in cooler conditions, so it’s ideal for growing in early spring or fall. For continuous harvest, pick leaves often to encourage new growth.
12. Kale
Kale is a superfood known for its high nutritional value. It thrives in AeroGardens, offering tender leaves for smoothies, soups, and salads. Kale prefers cooler weather, so it’s best grown in the fall or winter.
The plant grows quickly in a controlled indoor environment, and with proper care, it will continue to yield fresh, leafy greens throughout the year.
13. Tomatoes
Compact varieties like cherry or dwarf tomatoes grow well in AeroGardens. They require consistent light and a nutrient-rich environment to flourish.
Tomatoes prefer warmer temperatures, so they’re best grown in the spring and summer, though they can thrive indoors year-round in an AeroGarden. Harvest them once they turn red for the freshest flavor.
14. Peppers
Peppers, from sweet bell to spicy chili varieties, grow well in AeroGardens. They prefer warm conditions and plenty of light. Peppers are typically grown in the spring and summer months, but can do well indoors all year round.
These plants produce vibrant colors and rich flavors, making them a fun addition to your indoor garden.
15. Cucumbers
Dwarf cucumber varieties like ‘Bush Pickle’ are ideal for indoor growing in AeroGardens.
Cucumbers thrive in well-lit, warm conditions, so they’re perfect for the warmer months but can be grown year-round in a stable indoor environment.
These small, crisp cucumbers are perfect for salads, pickling, or as a healthy snack.
16. Eggplants
Compact varieties such as ‘Hansel’ work best in AeroGardens. Eggplants love warmth, so they’re ideal for spring and summer indoor growing.
They produce beautiful, tender fruits that can be used in a variety of dishes. Be sure to give your eggplants ample light, and make sure they are spaced properly to avoid overcrowding.
17. Strawberries
Strawberries are one of the sweetest fruits you can grow indoors, and they adapt well to the AeroGarden system.
These berries thrive in moderate temperatures and plenty of light. While strawberries typically grow in late spring and summer, AeroGardens let you enjoy fresh strawberries throughout the year with proper care and lighting.
18. Raspberries
Compact raspberry varieties are great for indoor growing. These sweet, juicy berries are perfect for jams or eating fresh. Raspberries like cool weather, so they’re best grown in the cooler months.
However, they can be grown indoors year-round in an AeroGarden with proper attention to light and nutrients.
19. Petunias
Petunias are vibrant, colorful flowers that bloom prolifically, adding beauty to any indoor space. They thrive in AeroGardens with ample light and moderate watering.
Petunias are perfect for the spring and summer, but they’ll bloom year-round in your AeroGarden with the right care. They make an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add some cheerful color indoors.
20. Marigolds
Marigolds are bright and cheerful flowers that do well in AeroGardens. These flowers are easy to care for and add a pop of color to your indoor garden. They thrive in moderate light and are perfect for growing indoors year-round.
Marigolds are a great choice if you want flowers that require little maintenance but still brighten up your space.
21. Snapdragons
Snapdragons are tall, colorful flowers that can add grace to any indoor garden. They thrive in AeroGardens and bloom beautifully with the right amount of light and nutrients.
Snapdragons are ideal for spring and summer but can also be grown indoors year-round. Their vibrant colors and long-lasting blooms make them a popular choice for flower lovers.
Tips for Successful AeroGarden Growing
The following are some simple tips that will help ensure your AeroGarden thrives:
- Lighting: Make sure the AeroGarden’s LED lights are positioned correctly to provide adequate light for your plants.
- Watering: Regularly check and refill the water reservoir to keep plants hydrated.
- Nutrients: Use the recommended liquid nutrients to support plant growth and development.
- Pruning: Trim your plants regularly to keep them healthy and encourage strong growth.
- Cleaning: Periodically clean the AeroGarden to prevent algae buildup and ensure optimal performance.
Troubleshooting Common AeroGarden Issues
If you run into problems with your AeroGarden, a few things to check are:
- Yellowing Leaves: This can indicate nutrient deficiency or water imbalance.
- Stunted Growth: Check for insufficient light or overcrowding of plants.
- Pest Infestation: Inspect your plants regularly and remove any pests promptly.
- Mold Growth: Ensure proper air circulation and avoid overwatering to prevent mold.
Ready to Get Growing?
Now that you know the best things to grow in your AeroGarden, you’re ready to start your indoor gardening adventure.
If you’re growing herbs for your cooking or flowers to brighten up your space, the possibilities are limitless. The AeroGarden is a convenient and efficient way to bring fresh plants into your home all year long.
With the tips and plant recommendations in this article, you should have no trouble selecting the right plants and getting them to thrive.
Happy gardening, I’m sure you’ll love the process just as much as the results!
