Hello, my friends! Today, I’d like to discuss and compare two hydroponic systems that offer both high quality and affordability.
The primary distinction between the Harvest and Sprout systems lies in the number of growing holes they feature. Harvest boasts six holes, whereas Sprout has just three. However, this is just one aspect of what sets them apart, and I’ll be delving into more details in this article.
| Product Feature | Aerogarden Harvest | Aerogarden Sprout |
|---|---|---|
| Size (HxWxD) | 17.3″x10.4″x5.6″ (44×26.5×14.3cm) | 13.9″x11.8″x3.7″ (35.5×9.5x30cm) |
| Number of pods | 6 | 3 |
| LED power | 20 W | 10 W |
| Wi-Fi/App | No/No | No/No |
| Tank capacity | 2.4 L | 1.1 L |
| Max grow height | 11″ (28 cm) | 9.4″ (24 cm) |
| Min grow height | 4.7″ (12 cm) | 5.9″ (15 cm) |
| Screen/Touchscreen | No/No | No/No |
| Low Water Reminder | Yes | No |
| Nutrient Reminder | Yes | Yes |
| Material Finish | Matte Plastic | Matte Plastic |
| Trellis system | No | No |
| Dimmable Lights | No | No |
| Vacation Mode | No | No |
| Price | $79.95 | $49.99 |
Size
Aerogarden Harvest
The Sprout is nearly half the size of the Harvest. The Harvest stands 3.4 inches taller and is 1.9 inches deeper than the Sprout, but it has a similar width.
Due to its smaller dimensions, the Sprout has a smaller bowl capacity. The Harvest boasts a generous 2.4-liter bowl capacity, whereas the Sprout’s capacity is limited to just 1.1 liters. The bowl capacity plays a crucial role in the system’s performance, and we’ll delve deeper into that shortly.
These devices also differ in their maximum growing heights. The Sprout can reach a maximum height of 9.4 inches, while the Harvest can accommodate taller plants, with a maximum growing height of 11 inches.
Moving on to the growing deck, the Sprout features three holes arranged in a single row, while the Harvest sports six evenly spaced holes across its deck. The spacing between these holes is nearly identical in both hydroponics systems.
Read also: Best Hydroponic Systems for Your Home
Technology
Aerogarden Harvest control panel.
The Sprout offers very limited functionality. It lacks a control panel, featuring only a single button on the top of the light hood, which is solely used to toggle the light on or off. It operates for 15 hours of light per day. Additionally, every 15 days, an indicator near the button will notify you when it’s time to add plant food.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t include features like a water level sensor or other advanced functionalities commonly found in more expensive hydroponic systems.
In contrast, the Harvest comes equipped with a control panel situated in the base, just below the bowl. This panel includes three buttons for controlling the light, managing the plant food reminders, and operating the pump. The system also boasts a water level sensor within the bowl.
Similar to the Sprout, it provides 15 hours of light daily, with no options for customization. However, it lacks additional features such as Wi-Fi connectivity or a vacation mode.
Efficiency
The primary factor influencing the efficiency of a hydroponic system is the quality of the LEDs used. The Sprout employs 10-watt LEDs, whereas the Harvest utilizes more potent 20-watt LEDs. The higher wattage of the Harvest LEDs accelerates plant growth, ultimately leading to an increased plant yield.
The Harvest also boasts an exceptionally efficient water distribution system. A pump transports water to the grow deck, ensuring that each plant’s roots receive a consistent supply of water and nutrients. This method results in uniform hydration and well-oxygenated water throughout the system.
In contrast, the Sprout lacks such a system. Its pump creates a waterfall effect, which provides only slight oxygenation to the water. Unfortunately, this setup leads to a modest reduction in overall crop yield.
In summary, due to the less powerful LEDs, a smaller bowl, and the absence of an effective water distribution system, the Sprout yields fewer plants than the Harvest.
User experience
When it comes to the user experience, the first thing that comes to mind is refilling the water. Both units make refilling quite convenient as their fill holes are well-placed. However, the Sprout has a larger hole than the Harvest, making it a bit more user-friendly.
The second aspect is changing the water and cleaning the system. Both units make it easy to separate the bowls from the base for draining and cleaning. However, cleaning the pump and filter in the Sprout is rather inconvenient compared to the Harvest, where it’s much simpler.
Aside from that, the systems are quite similar. In both cases, you’ll need to add plant food every 15 days and ensure that the plants don’t come into contact with the LEDs.
Price
Let me start by noting that both of these systems are somewhat on the expensive side. You can find some quite decent alternatives for a lower price. Nevertheless, the higher cost is justified by the overall quality of all Aerogarden models.
As of the current moment, the Harvest is priced at $79.95, which is actually a pretty good deal. Only a few competitors can provide a hydroponic system of the same caliber for a lower price.
Meanwhile, the Sprout is available at a price of $49.99. With that amount of money, you can purchase a larger hydroponic system with more growing holes, although it might be of slightly lower quality.
Pros
| Harvest | Sprout |
|---|---|
| Unique water distribution system | Compact size |
| High efficiency | Low costs |
| Efficient LEDs | Reliable pump |
| Low operating costs | Plant food reminder |
| Reliable pump | Large fill hole |
| Water level sensor | Many alternatives of consumables |
| Plant food reminder | Almost no impact on comfort |
| Large fill hole | Quality of materials |
| Many alternatives of consumables |
Cons
| Harvest | Sprout |
|---|---|
| Price | The LEDs are a little weak |
| No Wi-Fi/App | No Wi-Fi/App |
| No covers for unused holes | Maintenance difficulties |
| Grow height | Low growing height |
Summary
In conclusion, I’d like to emphasize that both of these devices are excellent and effectively fulfill their intended purposes. Regardless of your choice, you can expect to achieve highly positive results.
The Sprout is the ideal choice for those who primarily desire fresh herbs for their cooking needs. This device is compact and fits well in the kitchen, offering a level of quality that surpasses its direct competitors.
Conversely, the Harvest is capable of cultivating not only herbs but also leafy greens. It represents a more productive system that can yield a substantial harvest.
I hope my insights have proven valuable in helping you select the right hydroponics system for your needs. Wishing you a bountiful harvest and all the best!