Today, I’m going to compare two distinct yet highly popular hydroponic systems. I hope this article assists you in deciding which one is right for you.
The Aerogarden Harvest is a beginner-friendly hydroponic system, whereas the Aerogarden Bounty is more advanced. While the Harvest offers basic functionality and is suitable for growing a limited number of plants, the Bounty boasts an array of features and customization options. With the Bounty, you can harvest a generous amount of herbs for cooking or a substantial yield of leafy greens.
| Product Feature | Aerogarden Harvest | Aerogarden Bounty |
|---|---|---|
| Size (HxWxD) | 17.3″x10.4″x5.6″ (44×26.5×14.3cm) | 29.5″x16.5″x10.9″ (75x42x27.7 cm) |
| Number of pods | 6 | 9 |
| LED power | 20 W | 40 W |
| Wi-Fi/App | No | Yes/No |
| Tank capacity | 2.4 L | 4.5 L |
| Max grow height | 11″ (28 cm) | 23.2″ (59 cm) |
| Min grow height | 4.7″ (12 cm) | 8.2″ (21 cm) |
| Screen/Touchscreen | No | Yes/No |
| Low Water Reminder | Yes | Yes |
| Nutrient Reminder | Yes | Yes |
| Material Finish | Matte Plastic | Matte Plastic |
| Trellis system | No | Yes |
| Dimmable Lights | No | Yes |
| Vacation Mode | No | Yes |
| Price | $79.95 | $199.95 |
Size
Aerogarden Harvest
The most striking difference between these devices is their size. The Bounty is roughly double the size of the Harvest.
Firstly, the difference lies in the bowl capacity. The Harvest bowl can hold up to 2.5 liters, while the Bounty’s capacity is 4.5 liters. A larger bowl means more space for roots and a greater nutrient solution, which in turn ensures a more bountiful crop.
Secondly, there’s a disparity in the maximum growing height. The Harvest allows for a growth of up to 11 inches, whereas the Bounty accommodates plants up to 23 inches tall. This makes the Bounty suitable for taller plants like tomatoes or dill.
Then there’s the grow deck. The Harvest has a compact deck with just 6 grow holes, suitable for a few herbs or a couple of lettuce plants. In contrast, the Bounty’s deck is more expansive with 9 grow holes, accommodating 4 or more lettuce plants or other larger varieties.
In essence, the Harvest, given its size, is an excellent introduction to hydroponics and can yield a modest crop. On the other hand, the Bounty serves as a comprehensive indoor hydroponics system, capable of supporting almost any plant variety.
Aerogarden Bounty grow deck.
Read also: Best Hydroponic Systems for Your Indoor
Technology
Aerogarden Harvest control panel.
In terms of technology, there’s a significant distinction between these systems. Bounty is clearly the frontrunner, but let’s begin with Harvest.
Harvest features a control panel with three buttons. This allows you to set when the light turns on, running for 15 hours daily. There’s also a handy feature for setting a plant food reminder.
Additionally, Harvest includes a water level sensor, but that’s pretty much where its features conclude.
On the other hand, Bounty boasts a display that provides real-time system updates. It shows the number of days since the system started, the current water level, and the time.
With Bounty, you have the flexibility to decide when the light turns on and for how long. You can also adjust the brightness or activate a vacation mode. The premium Bounty Elite version even offers Wi-Fi connectivity and a dedicated app.
Based on the information provided, it’s evident that Bounty offers a broader range of settings, making it more user-friendly.
Aerogarden Bounty control panel.
Efficiency
Both devices efficiently distribute the nutrient solution. The pump directs this solution to the inside of the growing deck, reaching the junction of the stem and roots. This ensures the plants receive adequate nutrition and prevents dehydration.
Furthermore, some of the nutrient solution drains back into the bowl through designated holes, which significantly oxygenates the water, enhancing the productivity of both systems.
The distinguishing factor is the lighting: the Harvest uses 20-watt LEDs, whereas the Bounty utilizes 40-watt LEDs. Consequently, plants grow much quicker in the Bounty, making it nearly twice as efficient as the Harvest.
User experience
Using both devices is straightforward. All I need to do is fill them with water, add the plant food, and insert the seed pods into the designated holes. Every two weeks, I change the water and clean the system.
Maintenance for the Harvest is somewhat simpler. Its pump is situated at the base of the bowl, and it has a smaller grow deck that’s easy to lift and place in a tray. This makes cleaning both the bowl and pump filter a breeze.
Conversely, in the Bounty, the pump is affixed to the underside of the deck, complicating its upkeep. Once the deck is removed, a deep tray is essential to ensure the pump doesn’t touch the tray’s bottom, which might tilt the deck. Cleaning its pump filter is also a tad inconvenient.
Both systems require water top-ups every few days. Filling the Bounty is more user-friendly due to its larger fill hole compared to the Harvest.
A standout feature of the Bounty is its trellis system, adept at supporting taller plants and preventing them from collapsing. Sadly, the Harvest lacks this feature.
Price
The lowest price you can get a Bounty for is around $200, especially during sale season. However, it typically goes for about $250, which isn’t exactly cheap.
On the other hand, the Harvest has been priced at $79.95 for quite a while now. Based on this, you could get 2-3 Harvest systems for the price of one Bounty.
Despite the heftier price tag, I’d still go for the Bounty because it’s an outstanding hydroponics system that delivers exceptional results.
Pros
| Harvest | Bounty |
|---|---|
| Unique water distribution system | Large grow height |
| High efficiency | Larger bowl |
| Efficient LEDs | More powerful LEDs |
| Low operating costs | Larger grow deck area |
| Reliable pump | Larger fill hole |
| Water level sensor | Many functions and excellent control |
| Plant food reminder | Screen |
| Large fill hole | Vacation Mode |
| Many alternatives of consumables | Trellis system |
Cons
| Harvest | Bounty |
|---|---|
| Price | Price |
| No Wi-Fi/App | No App |
| No covers for unused holes | No touchscreen |
| Grow height | More difficult to maintain |
Summary
Both of these hydroponic systems are top-notch and outperform many other brands. Aerogarden has been a leading name in the hydroponics industry for years.
The Harvest is ideal for beginners looking to dip their toes into hydroponics. It offers reliable performance, standing out from other cheaper systems that might let you down.
The Bounty represents the next level in indoor hydroponics. With it, you can harvest a substantial amount of plant food. And if that’s not enough, Aerogarden also offers the Farm series – but that’s a topic for another article.
That wraps up this comparison. I hope this has helped answer your questions. Best of luck with your hydroponic journey!