We researched the best herb garden kits, evaluating products based on their size, capacity, placement, and special features. Our best overall pick, the iDOO Hydroponics Growing System, has automatic water and lighting systems and can hold up to 12 plants. Here are the best herb garden kits on the market. The three-step germination kit makes this unit very easy to set up (although it’s important to note that seeds are not included). Other convenient features include a window, so you can easily monitor how much water is in the tank, and an adjustable lamp head that can accommodate plants in various growth stages. We have read some reports of parts breaking within a short period of time, specifically the water pump. Be sure to take advantage of the one-year warranty if you encounter any problems or defects. Price at time of publish: $85 Garden Republic also offers users plenty of online assistance to help cultivate their gardening skills. In addition to instructional videos, you can reach out to a team of gardening experts and horticulturists for assistance. You also have the opportunity to participate in various online communities. Garden Republic Has a strong commitment to sustainability and grows its heirloom, non-GMO herb seeds in the USA. However, we did read some reports that the seeds didn’t grow at all, leading some to question the quality of the seeds. Price at time of publish: $30 With features such as a timer, water and plant food reminders, and vacation mode, the digital control panel ensures that your plants receive proper nourishment–even when you’re out of town. The extendable lamp can be adjusted up to 12 inches, providing room for your plants as they grow. The AeroGarden Harvest Elite is pricier than most of the competition, but it allows you to grow six herbs at once, and it’s one of the most advanced indoor gardens on the market. We have read some reports that the unit stopped working in a short period of time, so be sure to take advantage of the one-year warranty if you encounter any problems. Price at time of publish: $205 This kit comes with all the necessary accessories and takes the guesswork out of growing herbs indoors. These jars come in six different colors, but note that each color corresponds to a specific herb. The jars are made of recycled glass and can be reused or repurposed. We read a few complaints about missing pieces, so be sure to thoroughly inspect the jars upon arrival. Price at time of publish: $24 For optimal plant growth, the LED lamp has a 16 hours on/8 hours off cycle to mimic natural sunlight. The height of the lamp is adjustable, so you can create more space for your plants as they grow. Although this kit comes with three basil pods, the company offers more than 50 varieties of plant refill capsules to choose from. You can also use your own seeds if you prefer. The most common complaint we found is that mold grows within the pods, but the manufacturer says that is normal. Price at time of publish: $100 It’s important to note that you will need to purchase your own seeds and soil. This herb starter kit doesn’t have any special features or accessories (aside from plant markers) to help with the growing process. Your herbs will require the traditional methods of sun exposure and hand-watering in order to thrive. On the upside, this kit earns top marks for its stylish and sophisticated design. Price at time of publish: $69 This indoor kit is versatile enough to set up almost anywhere in your home, whether it’s a windowsill, countertop, balcony, or desk. Though we love the fact that the pots are biodegradable, herbs tend to outgrow them very quickly. Once the seeds sprout, you’ll likely need to transfer the herbs into larger pots. Price at time of publish: $35 The biodegradable herb pots are housed in a decorative planter box made from renewable wood. One potential downside is that the pots have a tendency to grow mold. It’s also important to note that the pots don’t have drain holes at the bottom, so be careful not to overwater them. Despite a few minor flaws, this is an excellent start kit for small-space gardening. Plus, the manufacturer offers a lifetime promise: If you’re not happy with the product, it will give you your money back. Price at time of publish: $30
Placement
Whether indoors or outdoors, most herbs thrive in full sunlight and require six or more hours of direct sunlight per day. “If you have longer winters, and the temperatures aren’t quite optimal for outdoor growing, you can always use your kit indoors,” says Ashlie Thomas, an author, gardener, and food security advocate. “Just make sure that your plants are in well-draining pots and in a south-facing spot with direct sun.”
Features
Some indoor herb gardens are self-watering; these units have a timer connected to their water reservoir and will automatically water your plants on a specific schedule. Certain units also feature customizable LED lights, which can also be programmed to illuminate your plants at set intervals, mimicking the natural sun cycle. Our best overall pick, the IDOO Indoor Herb Garden Kit, features a self-watering feature, timer, and LED lights. For even more convenience, a smart indoor herb garden, like the Aerogarden Harvest Elite, allows you to program the lighting and water schedule through an accompanying mobile app. Setup requires a few more steps with these advanced models, but they eliminate the need to tend to plants daily.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Sage McHugh, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce who specializes in the home and garden sector. To select the best herb garden kits for this roundup, she considered dozens of products, carefully evaluating their size, capacity, placement, and special features. For expert insight on herb garden kits, Sage interviewed Ashlie Thomas, a gardener and food security advocate known on social media as The Mocha Gardener. Thomas is also author of the book How to Become a Gardener: Find empowerment in creating your own food security. If you don’t intend to set up your herb garden right away, Thomas provides the following advice: “When kits are stored at room temperature and in a dark place, the herbal seeds that are typically included can maintain viability for up to a year or longer.” She notes that keeping the kit refrigerated in a moisture-proof container can also extend the life and quality of the seeds. One good rule of thumb is to water slowly, thoroughly, and less frequently. That will promote the greatest root growth, which is what herbs need to flourish. It’s also best to look for signs that your herbs need watering rather than simply watering on a set schedule. Be sure to water only round the root area. Thomas also says to be on the lookout for what’s known as “leaf drop,” a defense mechanism that causes leaves to yellow and fall off due to overcrowded roots or lack of nutrients. Repotting your plants is a great way to remove tangled roots and allow more nutrients and water to reach the plant.
