What are the best plants for AeroGarden? The best plants for AeroGarden units are compact herbs and leafy greens: basil, parsley, chives, mint, thyme, cilantro and small lettuces. Standard hoods reach 12 inches (30 cm), so tomatoes and peppers need tall models and dwarf varieties. AeroGarden’s own guidance and Iowa State and UT Extension light data support these choices.
Key takeaway: Pick compact herbs and lettuces for 12-inch models; save dwarf tomatoes, peppers and strawberries for 24-inch models.
| Plant | Fits 12 in (30 cm) hood? | Light at 16 h, footcandles (lux) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby greens | Yes | 1,000 (10,800) | UT Extension |
| Bibb lettuce | Yes | 1,400 (15,100) | UT Extension |
| Basil | Yes, with pruning | 1,400 (15,100) | UT Extension, AeroGarden |
| Strawberries | Tall models best | 2,000 (21,500) | UT Extension, AeroGarden |
| Compact tomatoes | Tall models only | 2,400 (25,800) | UT Extension, AeroGarden |
Which Herbs Are the Best Plants for AeroGarden?
Low-light-tolerant culinary herbs. Iowa State Extension lists parsley, mint, chives, basil, oregano, cilantro and thyme as the best herbs for indoor growing because they handle lower light and humidity. It calls rosemary, sage, lemon balm, marjoram, chervil and bay laurel next-step herbs with higher light needs or spider mite problems indoors.
See our indoor herb garden guide for more herb options.
Are Lettuces Good Plants for AeroGarden Units?
Yes, they are among the fastest. AeroGarden calls lettuce one of the fastest-growing indoor crops and says salads germinate in 5 to 8 days and greens typically grow for about 4 months. UT Extension lists baby leafy greens at a 1,000-footcandle (about 10,800 lux) level for 16 hours, the lowest light need in its table, and Bibb lettuce at 1,400.
Can Tomatoes Be Plants for AeroGarden Models?
Yes, if you pick the right variety and model. AeroGarden’s Grow Anything instructions say standard hoods reach 12 inches (30 cm) above the grow surface, while tall models reach 24 inches (61 cm). It recommends dwarf or determinate tomatoes and warns never to plant indeterminate types unless you transplant within 5 weeks.
Our cherry tomatoes in hydroponics guide covers variety picks.
How Do You Care for Fruiting AeroGarden Plants?
Prune, support and pollinate. AeroGarden says tomatoes, peppers and eggplants need more care than herbs: keep them an inch or two (2.5 to 5 cm) below the hood and inside the garden’s footprint, and prune up to a third at once. Shake branches or use a small fan to pollinate, and support tall plants with a trellis.
Can You Grow Strawberries in an AeroGarden?
Yes. AeroGarden says strawberries grow in a seed pod or in a grow bowl on Bounty Classic, Ultra and Extra models. UT Extension rates strawberries at a 2,000-footcandle (about 21,500 lux) level for 16 hours, higher than lettuce or basil, so they perform best under stronger lights and with hand pollination like other fruiting plants.
Our hydroponic strawberries not fruiting guide helps if flowers fail to set.
Which Plants for AeroGarden Use Should You Avoid?
Root crops and sprawling vines. AeroGarden’s Grow Anything instructions say carrots, beets, potatoes and peanuts should not be grown unless you transplant them soon after germination. It also advises choosing plants that stay within the hood height or can be easily pruned, such as basil. Indeterminate tomatoes outgrow standard units quickly.
How Much Light Do Plants for AeroGarden Units Need?
More for fruit than leaves. UT Extension says leafy crops and herbs need less light than fruiting crops. Its table rises from a 1,000-footcandle (about 10,800 lux) level for baby greens to 2,400 for compact tomatoes at 16 hours daily. Iowa State recommends lights 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) from leaves for 12 to 16 hours.
How Do You Mix Plants for AeroGarden Units?
Group by height and lifespan. AeroGarden says herbs typically grow 3 to 4 months or more, greens about 4 months and fruiting plants about 12 months, and that fast growers can shade smaller ones. Pair similar crops so one tall plant does not crowd the rest.
- Check your hood height limit.
- Pick herbs and greens for 12-inch units.
- Keep fruiting plants for tall models.
- Group crops with similar lifespans.
- Prune no more than a third at once.
Are Peppers Good Plants for AeroGarden Models?
Yes, in tall units. AeroGarden groups peppers with tomatoes as fruiting vegetables that germinate in 7 to 14 days, start flowering once mature and live about 12 months with care. Like tomatoes, they need pruning, hand pollination and room under a raised hood, so tall models suit them best.
Can Flowers Be Plants for AeroGarden Gardens?
Yes. AeroGarden lists flower germination at 7 to 12 days, and its Grow Anything kit lets you try your own wildflowers, tomato varieties or houseplant cuttings. Choose compact varieties that stay within the hood height, and remember that results with your own seeds are less certain than with pre-seeded pods.
FAQ About Plants for AeroGarden Units
Can I use my own seeds?
Yes. AeroGarden’s Grow Anything kit uses your own seeds or cuttings, though results are less certain.
How long until seeds sprout?
AeroGarden lists herbs at 5 to 15 days and fruiting vegetables at 7 to 14 days.
Which herbs are hardest indoors?
Iowa State names rosemary, sage, lemon balm, marjoram, chervil and bay laurel.
Should I compare brands?
See our AeroGarden vs Click and Grow comparison.
Sources
- AeroGarden (Scotts Miracle-Gro) — AeroGarden FAQs
- AeroGarden — Grow Anything Kit Instructions (PDF)
- Iowa State University Extension — Growing Herbs Indoors
- University of Tennessee Extension, Bumgarner et al. — W 1288-B Small-Space Indoor Food Production (PDF)
- Photo credits (Wikimedia Commons, edited with titles): Click & Grow Smart Garden 27 by Janar Raidla (CC BY-SA 4.0); Basil plant in a pot 02 by Netha Hussain (CC BY-SA 4.0); Tomato je by Softeis (CC BY-SA 3.0); Fragaria vesca fruit – Keila by Ivar Leidus (CC BY-SA 4.0)