AeroGarden Bounty Review: Models and Features


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The AeroGarden indoor system is a perfect solution for those who want to grow their plants but are short on space or time. This innovative garden kit provides everything you need to grow various herbs, veggies, flowers, and even fruits right in your home.

Indoor gardens offer a clean, easy, and bug-free way to grow plants inside the house. These gardens use a hydroponic system that lets your plants grow in water with liquid nutrients instead of soil.

AeroGarden came out with several Garden Families to cater to different markets and preferences. One of these families is the Bounty series. You might have noticed the different terms like Basic and Elite attached to the model’s names. Let’s simplify your choice.

6 Key Takeaways on AeroGarden Bounty Review

  1. AeroGarden offers many garden families including Sprout, Bounty, Harvest, and Farm.
  2. Bounty product types are spacious with 9 plant pods ideal for larger plants like lettuce. They feature a 24-inch extendable light arm.
  3. Wi-Fi and voice control are exclusive to Bounty and Bounty Elite models. This enhances convenience compared to other models like Harvest and Sprout.
  4. Smart features allow precise control over plant growth. It helps the user manage AeroGarden lights effortlessly with Alexa voice commands.
  5. Each Bounty package includes LED grow lights, seed kits, liquid nutrients, and a trellis for optimal gardening setup.
  6. Control panels on Bounty models offer features like light scheduling, water reminders, and nutrient notifications, ensuring plants thrive year-round.

What Is the AeroGarden Bounty?

A black indoor AeroGarden Bounty with an LED light above. Various green herbs, including basil, parsley, and cilantro, are growing densely within the planter.
source: aerogarden.com

AeroGarden offers four different Garden Families: Sprout, Bounty, Harvest, and Farm. 

Bounty Garden models are more spacious than the AeroGarden Sprout models. They have 9 plant pods that are suitable for growing larger plants like lettuce. This is because they feature a light arm that can extend up to 24 inches.

The inclusion of Wi-Fi and voice controls sets the Bounty series apart. It provides users with a level of convenience not found in the Harvest and Sprout models. This however is only available in the Bounty and Bounty Elite models.

Smart features allow you to have full control over how your plants grow. Controlling your AeroGarden’s grow light with Alexa is easy. You can simply ask Alexa to turn the light on or off for any connected AeroGarden. Alexa will also remember the specific name you’ve given to your garden.

Indoor gardening has never been easier with AeroGarden models that are both high-tech and user-friendly.

What Models Are Part of the AeroGarden Bounty Series?

Below is a chart that I made for an easy comparison of the models in the AeroGarden Bounty family.

 Bounty BasicBountyBounty Elite
Plant Pod Capacity999
Maximum PlantGrow Height24 inches24 inches24 inches
LED Light Wattage30 watts40 watts50 watts
Size (H x W x D)34″ x 17.25″ x 11.25″34″ x 17.25″ x 11.25″34″ x 17.25″ x 11.25″
TouchscreenNoYesYes
Wi-FiNoYesYes
Low Water ReminderYesYesYes
Nutrient ReminderYesYesYes
Dimmable LightsNoYesYes
Vacation ModeYesYesYes
Material FinishMatte PlasticMatte PlasticStainless Steel
Models to CheckBounty Basic
(latest price)
Bounty
(latest price)
Bounty Elite
(latest price)

What Features Does an AeroGarden Bounty Have?

I’ve talked about some of the features of the AeroGarden series above. In the following sections, we’ll tackle them in more detail to address some of the questions that you might still have.

AeroGarden Bounty Setup and Use

AeroGarden Bounty comes with several user-friendly, convenient options and attachments. Each package includes the following:

  • Your Bounty model of choice: A 9-Pod Indoor Garden
  • 30W/40W/50W LED Grow Light System (watts vary per model)
  • 9-Pod Seed Kit (Gourmet Herbs, Heirloom Salad, Red Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes, or Cascading Petunias)
  • Plant Food Liquid Nutrients
  • Power Adapter
  • 6-inch tall trellis

The instruction manual should guide you through attaching and assembling the different parts. Here are the steps that will help you get your AeroGarden Bounty up and running:

  1. Connect the water pump’s power cord and the light cord to the garden and wall outlets.
  2. Once the control panel is powered on, select the “Quick Plant” option. This option will give you step-by-step instructions on setting up a new garden.
  3. Fill the water tank up to the “fill to here” mark. Use tap water or bottled distilled water. 
  4. Add the patented Liquid Nutrient to the water reservoir according to the recommended quantity. Typically, plants will need nutrients every 2 weeks. Don’t worry, you will get a notification for this.
  5. Add the seed pod kits to the grow deck. Check the manual to know where you should place your seed kits. There are specific areas for tall veggie seeds. Cover them with the grow domes to help lock humidity and allow seeds to sprout.

An additional step is to attach the Trellis system once plants grow to a certain height. This will give additional support to the plants so they can grow higher by wrapping around the supports.

AeroGarden Bounty Designs and Dimensions

The AeroGarden Bounty family has three innovative models.

 Bounty BasicBountyBounty Elite
Size (H x W x D)34″ x 17.25″ x 11.25″34″ x 17.25″ x 11.25″34″ x 17.25″ x 11.25″
Material FinishMatte PlasticMatte PlasticStainless Steel

The Bounty Basic model has the largest water bowl capacity in all countertop garden models.

All three have the same size but they vary in the material used. Only the Bounty Elite has a stainless steel finish. Bounty and Bounty Basic both have a matte plastic finish.

There used to be a Bounty Elite Artisan with a ceramic body but it is no longer available in the market.

With their size and build, the Bounty series are surely perfect countertop garden models.

AeroGarden Bounty Seed Pods and Kits

The AeroGarden Bounty is a powerhouse for home gardening. It offers 9 spaces for seed pods. Each model includes a seed kit, a growing sponge, a grow dome, and non-GMO seeds.

 Bounty BasicBountyBounty Elite
Plant Pod Capacity999

There are currently 30 seed kits of fresh herbs, leafy greens, vegetables, and fruits to choose from. If the plants that you want to grow are not on the list, you can avail of their Grow Anything Seed Pod Kit (check the latest prices here). This will let you choose your favorite seeds specifically.

The Bounty and Farm series are the most flexible when it comes to options. AeroGarden Farms, like the Farm 24 Basic, can grow up to 24 different plants.

Most plants germinate within 7-14 days from when they were planted. They can also be harvested 4-6 weeks from germination. These timelines may vary depending on what you are growing. Seed pods will keep on producing continuous harvests for 6 months or more.

AeroGarden also offers a 100% Germination Guarantee. This means that if a seed pod doesn’t sprout within 21 days, they’ll replace it for free. 

AeroGarden Bounty LED Grow Lights

What makes AeroGarden systems extremely user-friendly is the adjustable LED light hood. It has a red, white, and blue light panel that enables plant growth through all stages.

Each model uses a different light wattage.

 Bounty BasicBountyBounty Elite
Maximum PlantGrow Height24 inches24 inches24 inches
LED Light Wattage30 watts40 watts50 watts

The times that lights are on can be controlled and scheduled manually. If you want plants to produce good yields, 16 hours of light and 8 hours of darkness is ideal.

The light hood must be adjusted as the plants start to grow higher. If the plants grow too close to the LED lights above, the leaves can potentially burn.

AeroGarden Bounty Controls, Adjustments, and Connectivity

The control panel of each AeroGarden system has all the basic features of water and food reminders. Not all are touchscreens, however. For the Bounty series, only the Bounty and Bounty Elite have the touchscreen feature.

 Bounty BasicBountyBounty Elite
TouchscreenNoYesYes
Wi-FiNoYesYes
Low Water ReminderYesYesYes
Nutrient ReminderYesYesYes
Dimmable LightsNoYesYes
Vacation ModeYesYesYes

The control panel lets you adjust or control the following:

  • Light – Show the current time as well as the light cycle and schedule for the day (off and on)
  • Water  –  Signals you to add water
  • Nutrients – Notifies you of plant food reminders
  • Quick Plant – For when you need instructions to get started on a new garden
  • More Options – Includes Help & Tips, Reset Defaults, Garden Status, Audio Alerts, and more

Most Aerogarden models do not support Wi-Fi connectivity, but the majority of Bounty Gardens do. You just need the scan code to link your AeroGarden to the app. When connected, you may adjust the light timer, check water levels, and reset the plant food timer. Only the Bounty Basic doesn’t have Wi-Fi connectivity.

Whether you’re starting your first indoor garden or you’re an experienced grower, the AeroGarden Bounty’s control panel makes it easy to grow your favorite plants all year round.

AeroGarden Bounty Vacation Mode

AeroGarden Bounty Elite with a brushed metal finish, featuring a variety of lush green herbs such as basil, thyme, and parsley.
source: aerogarden.com

Going away for a while and worried about your plants? AeroGarden has a solution: Vacation Mode. This feature is a plant-saver when you’re not around for a bit. It cuts down on water use and makes sure that you still come back to crisp heirloom salad greens every time.

You can also use a grow bowl in your AeroGarden Bounty to change how you grow plants. This lets you switch from the standard method to a flood and drain system.

It’s good for plants that don’t like their roots always in water, helping to prevent root rot and keep them healthy. It’s great for strawberries, bonsai, dwarf fruit trees, orchids, mini roses, and more.

AeroGarden Bounty Final Thoughts

The AeroGarden Bounty series stands out as a premier choice for indoor gardeners seeking both innovation and ease of use.

Bounty models are designed with spaciousness and advanced features like adjustable LED grow lights and optional Wi-Fi connectivity. Bounty models offer a seamless experience from setup to harvest regardless of what you are cultivating.

With its intuitive control panel and features such as Vacation Mode, the AeroGarden Bounty ensures that gardening remains accessible and enjoyable year-round.

AeroGarden Bounty FAQs

1. Is AeroGarden Sprout Worth It?

Whether or not the AeroGarden Sprout is worth it will depend on the user. The sprout model is ideal for growing small plants so herbs will be best accommodated by this model. It also has the least plant pod capacity of only three. If you are living alone and will just be using the AeroGarden for pizza and garnish needs, then the Sprout will already suffice.

If you are living with 3-4 family members and want to grow other plants like cherry tomatoes and cucumbers, you will need to invest in Harvest, Bounty, or Farm models.

2. What Is the Lifespan of AeroGarden Plants?

Herbs usually grow for around 3-4 months and can keep producing for 6 months or longer. Plants like Basil can thrive even longer if you prune and harvest it regularly. Plants that bear fruit will begin to flower and produce fruit once they mature sufficiently.

3. Are AeroGarden Pods Reusable?

AeroGarden’s seed pods aren’t designed for reuse as they become overcrowded with roots over time. If you prefer, you can easily transplant Aerogarden seed pods into your soil without any trouble.

4. What Plants Are Not Recommended for Hydroponics?

Plants that don’t thrive in a hydroponic system include deep-rooted plants such as potatoes, tall-growing plants, and vines.

5. Do Plants Grow Faster in AeroGarden?

Yes. AeroGardens incorporate elements of both aeroponic and hydroponic systems. This results in efficient plant growth in a controlled indoor environment. Research indicates that plants grown aeroponically can grow up to five times faster than those grown in soil. This is one of the fastest paths to fresh garden yields all year!

Learn more about Aerogarden by checking out these interesting articles:

Fast Growing Trees and Plants

Photo of author

Written by:

Henry Bravo
Henry Bravo, a University of California, Davis graduate with a BS in Plant Sciences, combines his expertise in horticulture with a passion for smart technology. He specializes in smart gardens, hydroponics, and robotic lawn care, aiming to enhance gardening practices for families. Henry's articles focus on integrating cutting-edge technology to make gardening more efficient and enjoyable, reflecting his commitment to merging natural greenery with innovative solutions.

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