Indoor countertop hydroponics, no fluff

If you’ve just set up your first countertop hydroponic system and you’re staring at a shelf full of nutrient bottles wondering what on earth to actually buy, you’re in good company. Nutrient confusion is probably the single biggest reason beginner growers watch their plants go yellow, stunted, or just die for no obvious reason. It’s not the system. It’s not bad luck. It’s usually the feeding. I killed a whole pod of basil in my second month because I thought “more nutrients = faster growth.” Spoiler: it doesn’t. I also wasted money on a bag of granular fertilizer I found at the hardware store before I understood that soil fertilizers and hydroponic nutrients are not the same thing at all. So this guide is basically everything I wish I’d known before I made those mistakes. ...

If you’re trying to decide between the AeroGarden Harvest and the Bounty, the honest answer is that most people asking this question should probably just get the Bounty. But “most people” isn’t everyone, and the price difference is real, so let me actually walk through what each one does and doesn’t do well. TL;DR AeroGarden Harvest family (6 pods, 12" max height): Good for herbs, lettuce, and compact greens. Affordable. Not for tomatoes or peppers. No Wi-Fi on most models. AeroGarden Bounty (9 pods, 24" max height): The one you want if you care about fruiting plants. Wi-Fi and app control standard. Costs more upfront but gives you a lot more flexibility. My pick for beginners: Harvest if you only want herbs and your budget is tight. Bounty if you want to grow anything bigger, or if you’ll actually use the app. The Specs Side by Side Feature Harvest family Bounty Pod capacity 6 9 Max grow height 12 inches 24 inches Light wattage 20W 45W Wi-Fi / app No (most models) Yes Approx. price $80–$180 $150–$200+ The Harvest family has four versions worth knowing about: the standard Harvest (Black) buy on Amazon , the updated Harvest 2.0 buy on Amazon in charcoal, the Harvest Elite buy on Amazon in stainless steel, and the Harvest 360 buy on Amazon which has the same 6-pod capacity but a 360-degree design meant for a more open light spread. All four cap out at 6 pods and 12 inches of grow height. The Bounty gives you 9 pods and doubles the height clearance to 24 inches. ...