The 5 Best Indoor Gardening Kits to Bring the Outdoors Into Your Home

3/5

“If you are starting your own vegetable seedlings indoors this winter,” says Leslie F. Halleck, a certified professional horticulturist and author of Gardening Under Lights, “skip the windowsill and invest in several quality LED bars in the 18- to 42-watt range.”

The Super Sprouter deluxe propagation kit fits this criteria. Its high-output, 18-inch T5 fluorescent grow light with patented NanoTech reflector shines down on the clear humidity dome over a heavy-duty tray that holds the soil and seeds. Use this kit to start flower or vegetable seedlings, propagate fresh cuttings or cultivate salad greens.

Pros

• Includes a booklet with expert advice
• Has an affordable price point
• Creates the environment needed for germinating seeds and cuttings
• Works with a variety of growing media

Cons

• Heat mat must be ordered separately

4/5

Grow fresh herbs and greens in a tight space with the small, yet prolific, Click & Grow indoor garden. Set it on a counter or shelf, and the calibrated, self-watering, energy-efficiency LED light and nutrient system lets you produce homegrown, organic, pesticide-free food and plants.

This indoor gardening kit contains two lamp extension arms, three basil seed pods and a quick-start guide with lots of tips from pro gardeners. Choose from more than 50 pre-seeded plant pods (sold separately). Or, if you prefer, use your own seeds. It’s the ideal indoor garden for apartments or dorms.

“Taking up counter space comparable to a loaf of bread, this is a cool, zero-hassle product that quickly grows three small, healthy organic plants at a time,” writes Amazon reviewer, Amazon Customer. My basil seeds (that came with the smart garden) started sprouting in less than three days.”

Pros

• Sleek and portable table-top design
• Available in three colors: white, beige and gray
• Has a built-in timer
• Holds enough water to grow plants for a month

Cons

• The light bar doesn’t extend all the way across the planter

5/5

Another standout to grow strong, healthy greens, AeroGarden’s farm 12XL is for serious salad lovers. It comes with a salad bar seed pod kit, featuring nine lettuce and three herb pods. The unit has a growing height of 36 inches, which translates to the ability to cultivate up to 24 seed pods simultaneously. (Note: It comes with 12 pods to get you started). Yes, it’s big, but because it sits flat against the wall, it makes the most of your home’s floor space.

Pros

• Produces bigger, taller yields
• Has a large water reservoir
• Can stack with other AeroGarden Farm models
• Includes liquid plant food, a power adapter and a trellis

Cons

What to Consider When Buying an Indoor Garden

An indoor gardening kit or system is one that’s set up inside a home or greenhouse. “When buying the right kit, it’s important to consider factors such as the type of plants you want to grow, the amount of space you have available and your level of gardening experience,” says Spoonemore. “Make sure the kit includes the supplies you need and is suitable for your desired gardening location. Also, consider the quality of the materials to ensure you are making a suitable purchase.”

Indoor gardening kits utilize nature’s sunshine, artificial lighting or both. Think about what lighting you plan to use when making a purchase. It’s convenient if you have a big, sunny window for your garden to grow beneath, but if not, you’ll need a kit featuring grow lights.

Types of Indoor Gardens

• Soil: These indoor gardens grow plants just like your outdoor garden does—in nutritious topsoil. Soil gardens are good for starting seeds that will be eventually replanted outside.
• Hydroponic: Hydroponic gardens grow plants in water, not soil. “A hydroponic system can be a fun way to experiment with different growing techniques,” says Spoonemore.
• Natural light: These indoor gardens need to be set by a window or door that lets large amounts of light stream into your house.
• Artificial light: Kits with grow lights are smart for rooms with limited sunlight, or for persnickety plants that like spending some time in the dark.
• Self-watering: “A self-watering kit may be a good option for those with a busy schedule as it requires less maintenance,” notes Spoonemore.

Why You Should Trust Us

I bring a unique blend of hands-on experience and professional expertise to the topic of indoor gardening kits. With a background in faux-finishing, mural painting and furniture design, I understand the importance of quality materials and tools in creating a successful project. Living in Italy, where space is limited, I’ve become adept at container gardening and maximizing small spaces. My work has been featured in reputable publications such as The Telegraph, Fodor’s and Italy Magazine, reflecting my commitment to delivering accurate and informative content to readers.

For insider expertise on indoor gardening, we consulted Carrie Spoonemore, the co-creator of Park Seed’s From Seed to Spoon app. Carrie’s journey into gardening began in 2015 when she discovered her passion for growing food. Leveraging her background in nursing and coding, Spoonemore co-created the From Seed to Spoon app in 2017, aiming to simplify the process of growing fruits, vegetables and herbs for everyone, regardless of experience level. Her role at Park Seed involves curating educational content and sharing gardening expertise through YouTube videos from her five-acre homestead.

How We Found the Indoor Gardening Kits

When selecting the best indoor gardening kits, we started by surveying the market, considering a wide range of options to suit different needs and preferences. To get insider information, we interviewed gardening experts to understand what features and components are essential for a successful indoor gardening experience. We looked for kits that cater to beginners and experienced gardeners alike, offering a variety of plants and sizes to fit different spaces.

We also considered the quality of materials included, ensuring that each kit provides durable pots, nutrient-rich soil and high-quality seeds. To narrow down our selection, we analyzed customer reviews to understand real-world experiences and satisfaction levels. Finally, we factored in the overall value, including price point and included features, to present a curated list of the best indoor gardening kits for our readers.

FAQ

What plants are best for indoor gardening?

Even if the temperature is low outside, you don’t have to stop gardening. Here are the best (and easiest) vegetables to grow in your indoor garden:

• Herbs
• Microgreens
• Leafy lettuce and salad greens
• Peppers
• Green onions/scallions
• Garlic
• Radishes
• Catnip

What plants should be avoided in an indoor garden?

Root plants, like carrots and potatoes, don’t transplant well. Plants in the squash family, as well as beans and peas, grow quickly and will get too big for most indoor gardening kits to manage.

Where do you buy plants for an indoor gardening kit?

If the manufacturer of your indoor garden kit sells seeds or pods, you can buy them directly from their website or on Amazon. You can also buy seeds and seedlings at garden centers, nurseries, hardware stores and even some grocery stores.