A FIELD GUIDE TO GROWING AT HOME
Compare 13 systems by size, price and running costs. Then work out what your shortlist would cost to own.
13 systems · 8 brands · US prices · Checked October 17, 2026
AT HOME WITH THE FARMSTAND NOOK · LETTUCE GROWFIND YOUR KIND OF GROWING
A windowsill mindset.
A whole new way to use a corner.
EXPLORE THE INDOOR GARDEN DIRECTORY
A considered directory of indoor growing systems.
Compare the details. Make the choice yours.
Includes hydroponic, aeroponic and fog-based systems, plus clearly labelled passive-watering alternatives. *Listed sites refer to the shown configuration; tray sizes and plant spacing vary.
Countertop · 10 planting sites
HydroponicThe selected variant displays $79.99; comparison text advertises other variants from $69.99. Confirm your selection.
Countertop · 12 planting sites
HydroponicA 36 W LED rating is published; that is not a measured monthly electricity figure.
Countertop · 12 planting sites
HydroponicA 24 W light and 5.5 L reservoir are listed. Monthly electricity use has not been verified.
Countertop · passive-watering pods
Passive-watering podsA small herb garden using growing-medium pods rather than a nutrient-water pump system.
Countertop · passive-watering pods
Passive-watering podsNine growing-medium pods with passive watering. Included starter pods are listed by the manufacturer.
Countertop · 21 planting sites
HydroponicThe maker lists automatic water refilling and nutrient dosing. Check variant and current stock before ordering.
Countertop · standard 8-site tray
HydroponicEight sites out of the box; an optional tray supports 12 smaller plants.
Smaller vertical system
HydroponicA smaller starting point within Gardyn’s range.
Indoor vertical system
HydroponicStarter seedlings are included. Verify your exact basket.
Enclosed garden · fog-based watering
FogponicFifteen planting sites. The maker lists starter supplies; ongoing costs depend on the plant packs you choose.
Larger vertical system
HydroponicMore planting sites; capacity is not a yield guarantee.
Modular shelf · base configuration
HydroponicBase 16-site level. Extra levels and denser trays cost more; do not compare the base price with maximum capacity. Rise estimates about 40 kWh a month for one level (checked October 18). Size options showed sold out; confirm stock.
Tower · combined indoor setup
Aeroponic$725 tower + $325 light kit. Capacity includes 16 full-size sites and 16 baby-green/herb sites.
No gardens match those filters. Try a higher budget or another brand.
THE PURCHASE IS JUST THE START
Your quote. Your power bill. Your habits.
Change the numbers to see your own scenario.
Count only costs beyond included supplies and membership credits. Add water, maintenance or replacement allowances under “other costs” if relevant. Your time is excluded. Inputs stay in this tab; nothing is submitted.
AI-GENERATED EDITORIAL IMAGE · NOT A HARVEST CLAIMA GOOD PLACE TO START
A few herbs for weeknight cooking? Start with a countertop garden. More space for greens? Explore the towers and shelves. The right garden starts with how you’ll use it.
NO GREEN-TINTED GLASSES
We compare published information, not products we’ve tested in our home. Think of this as a buying worksheet, not a promise about your harvest.
Purchase prices and plant capacities come from manufacturer pages checked October 17, 2026. All prefilled electricity figures are manufacturer estimates, not our measurements. Watt ratings alone are not converted into monthly use. Sale prices and selected variants are labelled. Prices can change; verify the exact basket before buying.
Annual electricity = monthly kWh × your rate × 12. Recurring costs add 12 months of membership, annual replacement plants and other entered costs. First year adds hardware and setup. Three years adds hardware and setup once, then three years of recurring costs.
This first version has no affiliate links or paid placements. Manufacturer links are ordinary links. If we add commercial relationships later, we’ll disclose them. No brand has paid for a position here. Product photography is sourced from the linked manufacturers; images may show example plantings or optional accessories. See individual source links.
A 30-site tower and a 16-site system aren’t equivalent purchases. Plant sites aren’t a harvest guarantee. Compare the space, care requirements and costs that matter to you, then check the manufacturer’s specifications and return conditions.
