The Best Hydroponics System: How to Start Your Indoor Garden

Owning a smart garden is a dream of almost all homeowners, but not many people can fulfill it, especially those who live in crowded cities.

Don’t worry! A hydroponics garden system will make your dream come true. Spend some bucks on a kit, and you will have indoor gardens in a form of a hydroponic garden system to grow plants and fresh greens as you want.

Check out this article for the best hydroponics system review. We have spent much time and effort in compiling this list for you, so read on!

What to grow in hydroponics systems?

Anything you want! From greens, growing herbs, and vegetables to house plants, hydroponics systems can grow them all as long as their sizes permit.

In case you still need some hints, we have some recommendations below.

– Herbs: Basil, mint, cilantro, rosemary, coriander, lavender, catnip, parsley, etc.

– Vegetables: Lettuce, spinach, cabbage, peas, cauliflower, celery, green onions, etc.

– House plants: philodendron, spider plant, peace lily, etc.

Good things you can get in using a hydroponic system

1. Nutrients

There are a lot of good things you can get out of using a hydroponic system. But one of the best things about it is that your plants can get more nutrients.

It is because the environment where it is living and thriving is specifically enriched with nutrients and minerals.

The plant lives inside a controlled environment that continuously supplies it with a healthy dose of nutrients.

2. Water-saving

It’s with the use of a hydroponic garden system that you can save water. According to studies, hydroponic systems can use more than two-thirds less water compared to if you were to plant it in your smart garden.

You’ll save lots of water and also lots of money as a result.

3. Affordable

Most people prefer using hydroponic systems on their plants because they don’t have to spend a lot of money for the plant’s cultivation.

Compare that to the price of having to buy soil, pot, fertilizers, herbicides, and all of that gardening stuff.

In using a hydroponic system, you don’t have to worry about those because everything is included in the package.

4. Higher yields

The healthier and more nutritious surroundings that the plants are in are what make them healthier. And what happens when they’re healthier? They tend to produce higher yields.

So if you’re into vegetation and want to increase your vegetation yields, using hydroponic systems is what you need to do.

5. Space saver

When you’re using hydroponic systems, you don’t have to worry about the space or the place where you’re going to place your plants.

These hydroponic systems are space savers because you don’t have to spread them out in the garden’s soil. You just place them in a controlled environment, and they’re good to go.

It’s as simple as that.

The best hydroponic system you cannot miss

AeroGarden Black Harvest – This compact hydroponic system is perfect for growing herbs and small plants indoors, ensuring efficient growth, nutrient rich water and minimal maintenance.

iDOO Hydroponics Growing System – This efficient and user-friendly hydroponic system is great for beginners and experienced growers alike.

Herb Garden Hydroponics Growing System – This affordable and compact hydroponic system is perfect for growing fresh herbs at home.

DUESI 12Pods Hydroponics Growing System – With its large capacity of 12 seed pods and advanced features, this hydroponic system for plants growing is ideal for serious gardeners.

The Atwater HydroPod DWC Garden System Kit – This high-quality hydroponic garden system is easy to set up and features a spacious design that’s perfect for larger plants.

One-Stop Outdoor 12 Plant Drip Grow Kit – This all-in-one hydroponic system kit is perfect for those who want to grow multiple plants without having to invest in separate components. However, this is an outdoor garden system only.

Back To The Roots Water Garden – This unique hydroponic system doubles as an aquarium and is perfect for those who want to grow herbs indoors while enjoying the calming effects of fish.

Viagrow Deep Water Culture Vegetative System – This hydroponic system is perfect for commercial growers with its durable construction and professional-grade components.

LetPot LPH-SE Hydroponics Growing System – This compact and efficient hydroponic system for plants growing is perfect for those with limited space who still want to grow fresh vegetables and herbs. It is one of the best indoor garden systems for the money!

Homend Indoor Hydroponic Grow Kit – This versatile and affordable hydroponic system for growing plants is perfect for those who want to experiment with different types of plants in their indoor gardens.

#1. AeroGarden Black Harvest – Best overall

Topping today’s list is the AeroGarden Harvest hydroponic system, which is pretty popular amongst gardeners as one of the best countertop gardens.

As its name suggests, you can grow a smart garden of plants, fresh herbs, and vegetables right in the kitchen with this product.

It comes in the perfect size for a family, featuring six seed pods for growing mint, parsley, basil, Thai basil, dill, and cilantro. Each pod has a label indicating the herb’s name, germination time, and ideal areas for growth. Is that enough for a tasty salad?

Growing plants in small spaces has never been easier with this all-watering system by AeroGarden.

All you need to do is to fill the reservoir with water and nutrient solution, set the time for the system to water itself, and you are good to go! That is a completely no-mess system – perfect for in-home gardening.

“What about the sunshine?” You may ask. The answer lies in the 20W LED grow lights system that provides artificial sun rays to help the plants grow quickly and naturally.

Don’t worry about your utility bill, though, as these LEDs do not require too much electricity, making it as one of the best indoor garden systems!

Last but not least, the control panel is there to improve the overall ease of use further. It will let you know when to add water and nutrients, as well as turn the light on and off automatically.

Rest assured that no water is allowed to come into contact with the LED grow lights.

#2. iDOO Hydroponics Growing System – Runner up

The iDOO Hydroponics Growing System is a remarkable product that promises to provide an efficient and easy-to-use alternative to soil planting.

The system boasts several advantages, including a 20% increase in plant growth rate, thanks to the integrated low noise water pump that aerates the water and stimulates plant growth.

The system also has a 4.5L water tank and fan, making it easy to maintain and regulate the water supply and air circulation.

The upper fan simulates the outside breeze, further promoting plant growth, while the LED light can mimic the sunlight spectrum and promote photosynthesis in any weather condition.

One of the most significant advantages of the iDOO Hydroponics Growing System is its easy-setup germination kit, which requires only three steps to set up the machine. This makes it an excellent choice for beginners and anyone who wants to start their hydroponics journey.

Another standout feature of the iDOO Hydroponics Growing System is its two growing modes. The 22-Watt LED light can turn on and off automatically, ensuring optimal lighting conditions for your plants. The system can grow up to 12 plants, providing ample space for a variety of plants to flourish.

While the iDOO Hydroponics Growing System has several advantages, there are a few potential disadvantages that users should be aware of. Firstly, the system requires electricity, which might be an issue if you plan to use it in a location without access to an electrical outlet.

#3. MUFGA Herb Garden Hydroponics Growing System – Best for optimal nutrition

The MUFGA Herb Garden Hydroponics Growing System is a perfect solution for anyone who wants to cultivate fresh herbs and vegetables indoors all year round.

This innovative system brings the best of technology and nature together, providing an ideal environment for plant growth.

One of the main advantages of the MUFGA Herb Garden Hydroponics Growing System is its high-performance LED lights. With 24W LED lights that simulate the sunlight spectrum, this system can stimulate your plants to grow faster and healthier than in traditional soil.

Plus, the system’s hydroponic design means that your plants will receive optimal nutrients and hydration throughout the growing process.

This MUFGA indoor garden is a combination of decoration and practicality. It has the capacity to grow up to 12 of your preferred herbs, vegetables, or flowers indoors. You can grow popular choices like basil, fresh tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, and other easy-to-grow plants.

Furthermore, the smart garden kit’s height can be adjusted to suit different plant sizes, making it a versatile solution for all of your indoor gardening requirements.

However, it is important to note that this Seed Pod Kit does not come with seeds. Users will need to purchase your own seeds separately in order to make the most of this system.

Additionally, while the LED lights are highly efficient, they may require some adjustment to ensure that they are providing optimal conditions for your plants.

#4. DUESI 12Pods Hydroponics Growing System – Best customizable system

The DUESI 12Pods Hydroponics Growing System is an efficient and innovative way to grow plants indoors without the need for soil.

With scientific growing methods and nutrient solutions, this system can increase the growth rate of plants up to 5 times faster than soil. Additionally, the plants grown in this system will be stronger and healthier due to the nutrient solutions provided inside.

One of the main advantages of the DUESI system is its 12-pod design, which allows for the harvesting of up to 12 different plants at once. This is a great feature for those who want to grow a variety of plants for cooking or decorative purposes without having to purchase multiple hydroponic garden systems.

Furthermore, the system’s 36-watt high-efficiency grow lights ensure that plants grow faster and stronger, making it an efficient way to grow plants indoors.

The DUESI Hydroponics Growing System also features two grow modes and adjustable height, making it a customizable experience for the user.

The veggie and fruit mode allows users to grow their favorite vegetables and fruits, while the flower and herb mode lets them grow decorative plants and herbs.

Additionally, the adjustable height feature allows users to adjust the height of the pod so that plants can grow to their full potential.

However, there are some disadvantages to consider when using the DUESI 12Pods Hydroponics Growing System.

Firstly, the system requires frequent monitoring and maintenance to ensure the nutrient levels are balanced and the plants are growing correctly. Secondly, the system requires electricity to operate, which may increase the user’s energy bill.

#5. The Atwater HydroPod DWC Garden System Kit – Best for saving water

At first glance, this DWC hydroponic bucket kit might look a bit dull. However, you will be surprised that it features a unique design that combines deep water culture with a top-feed aerated recirculating drip.

Such a design uses less water and nutrients and grows your plants faster. This is because the plants use only enough water and put aside the rest for later use. The key thing is water does not evaporate in this system.

All in all, this is arguably one of the most efficient hydroponic garden systems regarding water use.

Like the SavvyGrow system, this Atwater kit contains everything you need to get started. You will receive a 5-gallon bucket, bucket lids, water level indicator, air pump, air stone, drip ring, water column, etc. There are many more to come, which you can check via the product details.

It is so easy to use that you can build the whole farm without looking at the instructions. All that you have to do is to set up the kit, mix the nutrients, plant the seeds, plug in the pump, and be done!

There is little to complain about this kit, except for the fact that the air pump seems not as powerful as we expected.

#6. One-Stop Outdoor 12 Plant Drip Grow Kit – Best for ease of use

This is a hydroponic drip system with 12 outlets for growing plants by One Stop Outdoor. It comes with one vinyl tubing, 12 drip stakes, 12-outlet bubbler manifold, 12 bug plugs, 8 caps, and 12 converter barbs. Everything is made of rugged material to withstand the test of time.

Keep in mind that you need to buy the pots separately.

The system uses drip emitters to allow water and nutrients to pass through and reduce clogging.

It is pretty to assemble, and the best thing about drip indoor garden systems is they allow you to plug off any pods that are unused. You will save a lot of water by doing so.

On the flip side, the pods look unattractive and take up a lot of space. It is not an ideal option if you live in a small house.

#7. Back To The Roots Water Garden – Best for fun

Another innovative product! This time, it is a 2-in-1 innovation by Back to the Roots.

This tank is a scaled-down hydroponics system that consists of a fish tank and a micro-greens smart garden on top. Thanks to the self-cleaning cycle, it requires almost no maintenance.

Everything is included in the kit: organic micro-green seeds, grow stones, fish food, and coupon, as well as D-Klor and Zym-bac. What you have to do is to pick out your finned friend and start growing micro-greens right away.

It makes a great gift for children, and you can teach them how to grow their ‘pets’ and plants at the same time!

To top all the goodies off, the thing is 100% guaranteed to grow. If your micro-greens do not grow for any reason, you will get a free replacement or a full refund.

The fish would be happy swimming if the tank were a little bigger. It is quite small and hard to clean at times.

#8. Viagrow Deep Water Culture Vegetative System – Best for saving space

Next, we are going to recommend a decent option by Viagrow. It is a 4-site system, which means there are four openings in one bubble bucket. We deem this an innovative idea.

The thing is designed for both rooted seedlings and cuttings. In other words, you can practice transplanting or veggie propagation with this water culture hydroponic system.

As an added perk, it uses Viastone grow rocks for planting. Such a growing medium offers a lot of benefits, for example, speeding up blossoms. In addition, Viastone grow rocks help to boost the quality of your plants.

This product comes with a 5-gallon bucket, four net cups, an air pump, an air stone, and tubing. However, it does not come with nutrients.

To make up for that, the manufacturer provides an easy-to-use PH test kit, allowing you to test the PH level of the nutrients.

According to the PH indicator, red means low PH, blue means high, while yellow to yellow-green is ideal.

#9. LetPot LPH-SE Hydroponics Growing System – Best for optimal plant growth

If you enjoy gardening but don’t necessarily have the greenest of thumbs, then the LetPot LPH-SE hydroponics growing system may just be the solution for you.

This patented smart hydroponic system is designed to take your indoor gardening experience to the next level by utilizing cutting-edge technology and exclusive features that make growing healthy and vibrant plants easier than ever before.

The system has a LetPot app that is exclusive and has a significant benefit. With this app, adjusting the LED lighting schedule for your plants becomes effortless.

By customizing the lighting using your phone, your plants will get the perfect amount of light they need based on their specific requirements. This way, you can ensure the optimal growth conditions are maintained at all times.

Another unique feature of the LetPot LPH-SE hydroponics growing system is its innovative reminder system, which ensures you never forget to water your plants again. This provides peace of mind for users who may be forgetful, busy, or working long hours, allowing them to focus on other tasks while still maintaining healthy and thriving plants. 

The LetPot LPH-SE hydroponic growing system also promises 2x faster plant growth due to its advanced LED lighting and full spectrum capabilities, which mimic the natural sunlight required for optimal plant growth. This is a huge advantage for anyone looking to speed up their growing process and experience quick results.

However, there are some potential disadvantages to consider before investing in this system. Firstly, it may be more expensive than traditional gardening methods, requiring an initial investment.

#10. Homend Indoor Hydroponic Grow Kit – Best for budget

If six growing holes are not enough for you, take this Homend kit into consideration. It grows up to 11 plants at a time, which you can harvest all after 4-8 weeks only. Isn’t it efficient?

The reservoir is made of plant food-grade PVC, measuring 16.9×11.9×6.6 inches. The spacing between the two holes is 2.2 inches, enough for each plant to grow fully. There is a 1.2-inch air pump equipped to supply air for your veggie.

In the package, you will find an English manual that you can consult before setting up your own garden.

Also, there is one buoy deck, one buoy, one bubble stone, one check valve, one set of silicone hose, tweezers, and 11 planting sponges included in the purchase. Note that it does not come with seeds.

Want to know the best part? Feel free to set up this Homend hydroponics system indoors or outdoors to your liking.

On the whole, this is an inexpensive way to grow greens right in your house. Note that it is small and not suitable for large plants.

The things you should pay attention to while choosing the hydroponics systems

Don’t jump to buy a hydroponics system before reading the buying guide below. Check it out!

1. Type

There are several types of best hydroponics systems on the market, including drip hydroponic growing systems, water cultures, aeroponics systems, ebb, and flow systems, etc.

We will tell you the details about these three most popular types in the following part.

a. Drip system

This is one of the most efficient indoor garden systems that many gardeners love. It mainly consists of a pump and a timer, you set the timer to control when the pump supplies the nutrient solution to the plants.

The plants will only use adequate nutrients, and the rest go back into the base for later use.

Pros

– Ease of assembly and use

– It offers more control in irrigation

Cons

– It tends to clog

– Not for large plants

b. Deep water culture

In this system, multiple pots for growing plants are held on a floating platform on top of a container. The air stones in the platform will bubble the nutrient solution in the container, thereby supplying oxygen to the plants.

Like the ebb and flow system, a deep water culture (DWC) system is best for growing leaf lettuce.

Pros

– Affordable price

– Ease of assembly and use

– Water-saving system

Cons

– Not for large plants

c. Aeroponic system

This is known to be the most advanced hydroponic grow system, or aerogarden systems.

Aeroponics hang the plants in the air and use a timer-controlled pump to mist them with water and nutrient solution every few minutes.

Pros

– High water efficiency

– The most advanced system

Cons

– Pricey

2. Size

Make sure the indoor garden fits the space you arrange for it. Also, check out the size of the bucket kit carefully to choose which plant to grow in it. Do not let the plant outgrow its bucket.

3. Automation

Most advanced hydroponic systems come with automation features such as auto lighting and self-watering. All you need to do is to set up the whole thing, and it will do the rest for you.

You do not have to care for the plants often except for refilling the water sometimes. Of course, automatic units are expensive, but the convenience is worth it.

4. Features

Aside from automatic functions, there are additional features to improve the overall ease of use further. For example, some products have a reminder to remind you when to water and add nutrients.

A few advanced kits even come with voice assistants so that you can control them via Alexa. Impressive!

5. Price

Price is an essential factor that you need to consider when buying anything, and the hydroponics system is no exception.

As said above, advanced items are more costly, but they offer more convenience. Depending on your budget, you should be able to pick up the most suitable option.

Besides the retail price, you need to pay attention to the hidden costs of operating the system as well. For example, if the system uses electricity to grow your plants, make sure it is efficient unless you want your bills to double at the end of the month.

FAQs

Are hydroponic systems worth it?

The value of hydroponic systems depends on individual circumstances and goals, but they offer numerous benefits such as higher yields and faster growth rates compared to soil-based growing methods.

What are the parts of a hydroponic system?

The main components of a hydroponic system include a reservoir for nutrient solution, a pump to circulate the solution, growing containers, and appropriate lighting.

Can hydroponic systems be used for commercial agriculture?

Yes, hydroponic systems can be used for commercial agriculture and are increasingly being adopted due to their efficiency and sustainability.

How much electricity does a hydroponic system use?

The amount of electricity a hydroponic system uses varies depending on the size of the system and type of lighting used, but LED lights are a popular choice for their energy efficiency.

How much water does a hydroponic system use?

Hydroponic systems typically use less water than traditional soil-based methods, as the water is recirculated and nutrients are delivered directly to the plant roots, reducing waste.

However, the exact amount of water used will depend on the size of the system and other variables.

How many types of hydroponic systems are there?

As said above, there are many different types of hydroponic systems, including deep water culture, drip system, aeroponics, ebb and flow system, nutrient film technique, etc.

What is the easiest hydroponics system to use?

All of the above systems are easy to use. As for us, we love those with automatic features as they save many hassles from taking care of the plants.

Which hydroponics system is best for tomatoes?

Almost all products on the list are. We recommend the SavvyGrow DWC hydroponic system as it is easy to use and affordable. If you want a more advanced system, you can try the AeroGarden Black Harvest.

What are 3 issues that occur in hydroponic systems?

Three issues that can occur in hydroponic systems are nutrient imbalances, pH fluctuations, and disease outbreaks.

Parting thoughts

You see, hydroponics systems are an innovative idea for indoor gardening. They are mess-free, convenient, and 100% efficient. Refer to the buying guide to pick up the best one out of the 10 products above.

Want to know our pick? It must be the AeroGarden Black Harvest. We love it because it has a perfect size for a family. It also incorporates lots of automation features to provide maximum ease of use and convenience.

Thanks for reading until the end! Do not forget to like and share this post with your fellow gardening enthusiasts.