Best Indoor Garden Kits for Herbs and Greens | Easy & Affordable Home Growing

If you’ve been yearning to grow your own herbs or salad greens but lack outdoor space (or just want fresh basil in January), indoor garden kits are worth checking out. 

These handy kits let you cultivate everything from basil to baby tomatoes right inside your home, no big backyard or green thumb required. 

In true homesteader spirit, we’ve curated a list of popular, budget-friendly indoor garden kits.

We’ve got a mix of hydroponic (soil-free, water-based) setups and classic soil-based herb kits – all frequently chosen by home growers for being easy, affordable, and fun. 

Some of the links I share are affiliate links. If you choose to buy through them, I may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I truly believe in. Thanks so much for your support!

1. AeroGarden Harvest – Countertop Hydro Garden for Herbs & Lettuce

The AeroGarden Harvest is like the “classic” indoor garden kit that frequently comes up in conversations among indoor growers.

It’s a compact countertop hydroponic system that basically does the gardening for you – just fill the water basin, drop in the pre-seeded pods, and plug it in.

The built-in grow light automatically turns on and off on a schedule, giving your herbs ample “sunshine” each day.

In fact, the Harvest’s LED lamp can extend up to 12 inches high, so you can even grow taller plants like romaine lettuce or dwarf tomatoes once your herbs make way.

Why We Love This

One neat thing: it comes with a 6-pod “Gourmet Herbs” seed kit to get you started (think basil, parsley, dill, etc.) along with a bottle of Miracle-Gro plant food.

The system reminds you when it’s time to add more plant food (about every two weeks), and a water level indicator lets you know when to refill – no guesswork. The water circulates automatically, so your plants get nutrients on the regular without you hovering over them.

Maintenance is pretty minimal: keep the water topped up, add nutrients as directed, and trim your herbs now and then. (Pro tip: frequent trimming actually encourages many herbs to grow bushier – plus you get to eat the trimmings, yay!).

Beginners usually love the AeroGarden because it’s almost foolproof. In fact, the manufacturer even has a sprout guarantee on their seed pods (they’ll replace any that don’t sprout in 21 days).

In our experience, you’ll see little green shoots within a week for fast growers like basil.

Keep in Mind

One thing to be aware of: the grow light is bright. It’s great for the plants, but you might not want it beaming in your bedroom at 3 AM – kitchen or living room corners are better.

Also, because everything grows so happily, be prepared to do some pruning; otherwise your dill might turn into a jungle and overshadow the thyme.

All in all, AeroGarden Harvest is frequently chosen by home growers who want fresh herbs or salad greens year-round without soil mess. It’s worth checking out if you like a plug-and-play solution.

It’s perfect for busy folks or beginners – essentially anyone who wants to set it and forget it (until it’s time to harvest some basil for pasta night).

2. Click & Grow Smart Garden 3 – Easy-Pea-sy (No Green Thumb Needed)

If you’re the kind of person who forgets to water plants (no judgment, it happens to the best of us), the Click & Grow Smart Garden 3 might be your indoor garden partner.

This stylish little unit is frequently chosen by apartment dwellers and busy home cooks because it makes growing herbs almost effortless.

It uses special soil pods and a built-in water reservoir to deliver moisture to your plants via capillary action (fancy term for “the plant drinks when it’s thirsty”).

In plain terms: you pop in the included pods (which are pre-seeded with herbs like basil), fill the water tank, plug it in, and voilà – your work is basically done.

The Smart Garden takes care of the rest, providing the right amount of light and water without timers or pumps to fuss over.

Why We Love This

The design is sleek and compact enough to not be an eyesore in your kitchen décor. It’s about the size of a loaf of bread, so it won’t hog your counter.

Despite its small size, users often find it surprisingly effective – the kit earned “best overall” praise from testers for its easy setup and low maintenance.

The LED grow lamp is on an automatic cycle, and since this system is passive (no noisy water pump), it’s completely silent.

Your herbs grow in a proprietary soil blend that’s optimized for indoor growing, which means no messy bags of potting mix to deal with either.

Keep in Mind

A couple of casual notes: The included seed pods make startup easy, but down the line you’ll likely want to order refills (Click & Grow sells many varieties – mint, lavender, even mini tomatoes).

They can be a bit pricier than buying regular seeds, but remember, you’re paying for the convenience and the smart soil tech. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are also “blank” pods available so you can use your own seeds.

Light-wise, the lamp height is adjustable to accommodate growth, but since this is a 3-pod garden, it’s best for small herbs and greens. You probably won’t be growing full-size tomatoes here – think basil, parsley, lettuces, or even strawberries.

Overall, the Smart Garden 3 is a top pick for small spaces and for people who want an indoor garden with zero guesswork.

It’s as close as you get to “plant it and forget it” – just don’t actually forget it forever, because you will need to refill the water every 2-3 weeks! If you ask me (your friendly neighbor), this kit is worth checking out if you’re aiming for maximum simplicity with a modern touch.

3. iDOO 12-Pod Hydroponic Garden – Budget-Friendly Bounty (Salads for Days)

On a tight budget or just testing the indoor gardening waters?

The iDOO 12-Pod Hydroponics Growing System is frequently chosen by home growers who want a larger capacity garden without a big price tag – and it’s easy to see why.

For under a hundred bucks, this kit lets you grow up to a dozen plants at once, all hydroponically. It’s like a mini farm for your countertop, minus the soil.

Despite the low cost, the iDOO doesn’t skimp on features: it has an automatic LED grow light with veggie and fruit settings (different light spectra for leafy greens vs. flowering plants), a built-in water circulation pump, and even little humidity domes to help seedlings along.

In terms of bells and whistles, it’s pretty comparable to more expensive countertop gardens – basically giving you AeroGarden-like functionality at a wallet-friendly price.

Why We Love This

Using the iDOO is straightforward. Setup is a breeze (it even comes with an instruction book, though many growers say you barely need it) and everything you need to get started is in the box except seeds.

That’s actually a plus in my book – you get to choose what you grow. Want an all-salad garden with different lettuce? Go for it. Prefer a salsa garden with cilantro and dwarf tomatoes? Have at it.

Just sow your seeds in the provided sponges, fill the tank with water and the included nutrient solution, and you’re off to the races.

The water level window lets you see at a glance if your plants are running low on “drinks,” and the pump keeps the nutrient solution circulating so roots stay oxygenated and fed.

Keep in Mind

During growth, you can expect to top off the water every week or so (more often when plants get big and thirsty).

The LED panel height can be raised as plants grow, but with any compact hydro garden, you might need to prune aggressively once your greens take off – otherwise your basil might try to hog the limelight (literally).

One handy tip: because the iDOO’s reservoir isn’t super deep, stick to plants with smaller root systems or be ready to transplant big ones once they outgrow the space.

Most herbs and leafy veggies are perfect candidates, but giant tomato plants or squash would be a stretch here (save those for the outdoor garden).

Overall, iDOO’s 12-pod kit is worth checking out if you want to grow a big variety of plants on a small budget. It’s perfect for curious beginners, students, or anyone who craves a lot of home-grown salad but doesn’t want to spend a lot upfront.

Plus, there’s something oddly satisfying about watching 12 little green buddies sprout at once – your very own mini jungle, right in the kitchen!

4. LetPot Smart Hydro Garden (12-Pod WiFi) – High-Tech Green Thumb Helper

If you’re a gadget lover who wants your indoor garden to be as smart as your phone, the LetPot Smart Garden is worth checking out.

This kit basically merges hydroponics with the Internet of Things – yes, you can monitor and control your garden from an app.

The LetPot offers a robust build quality (comparable to AeroGarden) according to reviewers, and even packs features the famous AeroGarden doesn’t – all while keeping a lower price point.

Translation: you get a sturdy indoor garden with some extra techy perks, without paying “luxury gadget” prices.

So what does this kit do?

For starters, it grows up to 10–12 plants hydroponically under a bright grow light. You plant seeds in sponges, add water and nutrients, and the LetPot’s pump will circulate the water to keep the roots happy. But the standout feature is the WiFi-enabled control.

Using the LetPot app, you can tweak the light schedule, switch between growth modes, and get notifications – for example, it can ping your phone when the water level is low or when it’s time to feed the plants.

Why We Love This

In terms of plant-growing ability, this kit is no slouch. The LED light is powerful and height-adjustable, so you can grow a variety of herbs, greens, or even attempt fruiting plants like cherry tomatoes or peppers.

The water reservoir is generously sized (around 5.5 liters for the 12-pod model), which means you won’t need to refill as often – a nice quality-of-life feature if you travel or forget a watering here and there.

And because it’s app-controlled, you could technically turn on “vacation mode” from wherever, giving your plants a little less light and growth time while you’re away, so they don’t overgrow their space.

Keep in Mind

The LetPot’s app and smart features are great, but the initial setup does require syncing and getting comfortable with the technology. It’s generally smooth, but if you’re not a tech person, there may be a short learning curve.

While the app alerts help keep your garden on track, the system isn’t totally “set it and forget it.” You’ll still want to check on water levels and prune plants to keep everything healthy and happy.

The reservoir size is generous, but remember that plants with bigger root systems might still demand more frequent refills as they grow, so don’t skip those water checks!

Finally, the LetPot’s smart features add convenience and fun, but if you prefer a purely analog approach, this might feel like overkill. For gadget lovers, though, it’s a slick way to bring indoor gardening into the future.

5. Spade to Fork Organic Herb Kit – Grow-Your-Own Salsa (Soil Kit for Beginners)

Sometimes the best way to start gardening is the old-fashioned way: with soil, seeds, and a pot. The Spade to Fork Indoor Herb Garden Starter Kit gives you exactly that, in a friendly bundle that’s great for beginners.

This kit comes from an Oregon family farm, and it’s all about organic goodness – from the Certified USDA Organic seeds to the peat-free soil mix.

You get five culinary herbs in the kit: large-leaf basil, cilantro (a slow-bolt variety so it doesn’t go to seed too fast), parsley, sage, and thyme. Basically, it’s a mini kitchen garden lineup.

Why We Love This

What’s really nice is that Spade to Fork provides everything you need to go from zero to thriving herb garden without making a trip to the garden center.

In the box you’ll find five compostable pots and five expanding soil discs that serve as the growing medium. Just add water to the soil pellets and watch them puff up like magic into real potting soil (kids love this part, by the way).

The pots are perfectly sized for starting herbs; they even have drainage holes. There are also bamboo markers so you can label what you planted where (because trust me, basil and sage seedlings look surprisingly similar at first!).

The included instruction booklet guides you step-by-step – taking the guesswork out of planting herbs from seeds, which is reassuring if you’re new to this.

Keep in Mind

Since these pots are compostable and quite small, they can dry out faster than you might expect – so regular watering is key. Keep an eye on the soil moisture to avoid your seedlings getting thirsty.

Also, natural light is important for healthy growth, so a sunny windowsill is ideal. If you don’t have much sunlight, you’ll need a grow light to keep those little sprouts happy.

Because the pots are small, your herbs will eventually need more room. Plan to transplant your strongest seedlings into bigger pots or outdoors once they’re ready, or they might get root-bound and slow down.

Finally, the organic soil and seeds are wonderful, but this also means the growth might be a bit slower compared to synthetic options – patience is your friend here!

The Spade to Fork kit is a perfect starter for beginners or even as a gift – it’s the kind of kit that brings the joy of planting into your home, with nothing but a little water and patience needed.

At the end of the day, you could be garnishing your dinner with home-grown organic herbs – not bad for a kit that costs about as much as a fancy pizza.

6. Planter’s Choice 9-Herb Window Garden – All-in-One Herb Haven (Great for Variety)

If your attitude to herbs is “the more, the merrier,” the Planter’s Choice 9-Herb Window Garden Kit will make your heart sing.

This popular kit (often found on Amazon’s top-seller lists for herb kits) gives you nine different herbs to grow – basically an entire seasoning rack worth of plants.

From kitchen staples like basil, parsley, and oregano to fun additions like dill and mustard greens, you’ll have a little of everything. It’s a fantastic way to discover which herbs you love growing (and using) the most.

Why We Love This

This kit truly delivers on the “all-in-one” promise. You get nine peat pots, soil discs, seed packets, plant markers, and a handy instruction booklet that even includes herb-inspired recipes – making it super beginner-friendly.

The soil discs expand with just water, so it’s neat and mess-free indoor gardening.

We love the variety too. Growing nine different herbs means your windowsill can turn into a vibrant, flavorful herb jungle.

Plus, the company offers a “love it or your money back” guarantee, which shows they stand behind their product.

It’s a great project for families or anyone who loves fresh herbs without the fuss. And if you’re indecisive about what to grow, this kit is a delicious sampler that lets you try them all.

Keep in Mind

Growing nine herbs at once can be a bit of a juggling act since each has its own preferences — some like cooler temps and might bolt early, while others thrive in sunshine and grow fast and bushy.

Don’t feel pressured to plant all nine at once; staggering them or starting with your favorites can save frustration.

The peat pots are perfect for starting seeds, but once your herbs reach a few inches tall, they’ll need bigger pots to avoid getting root-bound. Also, like any seed kit, success can vary due to nature’s unpredictability – keep the soil moist but not soggy and provide plenty of light for the best results.

Seeds will keep if stored cool and dry, so you can plant in stages, which is handy if you want to pace yourself. Overall, patience and a little attention go a long way with this kit.

7. Back to the Roots Mason Jar Herb Garden – Windowsill Charm with Basil & Mint

For those who love a bit of rustic charm (or have a thing for mason jars), the Back to the Roots Kitchen Herb Garden is worth checking out.

This cute kit lets you grow basil and mint right in mason jars, making it a lovely décor piece as well as a functional herb garden.

And don’t be fooled by the simple look – it has some smart science behind it.

The jars use a special organic soil infused with biochar, which is a fancy way of saying the soil helps regulate moisture so you can’t easily overwater or underwater your herbs.

In fact, the system is designed so you grow right in the jar with no drainage holes, and the biochar prevents soggy roots or dried-out soil. Fewer worries about killing your plant with kindness (we’ve all been there, overwatering our poor seedlings).

Why We Love This

Getting started is as simple as it gets: open up the kit, which comes with two jars pre-filled with the special soil mix.

You’ll plant the basil seeds in one jar and mint in the other, cover them with a bit of soil, and water them.

The kit has an easy-to-follow guide, and they even throw in a little recipe book from Ayesha Curry to inspire your use of the herbs once grown (hello, homemade pesto and mint mojitos!).

Because the jars are clear, you can actually see the water reservoir at the bottom and monitor how much water the soil has soaked up.

It’s a passive self-watering via wicking action – you just need to keep a bit of water at the bottom and the soil will draw it up as needed. Think of it as your herbs drinking on demand.

Keep In Mind

Even though basil and mint are pretty easygoing, they do need some TLC. Rotate your jars every couple of days if they sit by a window to keep the plants growing straight instead of leaning toward the light.

Since the jars don’t have drainage holes, water slowly and keep an eye on the water level. Ideally, keep about an inch of water at the bottom so the soil stays moist but not soggy. The biochar soil helps maintain this balance, but it’s still a good habit to watch for.

As your herbs grow bigger, you might want to transplant them to larger pots or outdoors for continued health – unless you prefer to keep them trimmed and petite right in the jars. Either way, you’ll enjoy fresh herbs ready to garnish meals or cocktails.

And if basil and mint aren’t your thing, Back to the Roots also offers other kits, like their Garden-in-a-Can trio with cilantro. But for that charming mason jar look, this kit really hits the spot.

Beginner Indoor Gardening Tips (From One Neighbor to Another)

No matter which kit you choose, a few general tips will help you succeed. 

• Find a bright spot for your plants, like a south-facing window or use a grow light if needed.
• Don’t overwater your plants; follow the kit’s watering instructions and trust moisture-balancing features.
• Feed your plants with the provided nutrients or add diluted organic fertilizer after a month or two.
• Harvest your herbs regularly to encourage new growth and enjoy fresh flavors.

---

In the end, indoor garden kits are a fantastic way to dip your toes into gardening. They’re practical, beginner-friendly, and downright fun. 

Whether you dream of making fresh pesto, tossing home-grown cherry tomatoes into a salad, or just want a small jungle on your apartment windowsill, there’s an option above that can work for you. 

And remember, every expert gardener started as a newbie – so don’t be afraid to give it a go. 

Consider this your neighborly nudge to start that little indoor garden. Who knows? In a few weeks, we might be clinking coffee mugs celebrating your first harvest. 

Happy growing! 🌿🌱🌵