Choosing an AeroGarden model from the impressive range of available options can be a herculean task. It becomes even more difficult when the two top choices are very similar and perform roughly the same function. This is why this article focuses on comparing the AeroGarden 6 vs 7; two classic models from the stables of Miracle-Gro.
AeroGarden 6 – Click here to check price
AeroGarden 7 – Click here to check price
AeroGarden 6 vs 7 Indoor Garden Comparison
Design, Appearance and Construction
AeroGarden 6 Indoor Garden
Both countertop gardens are made from plastic. This plastic construction has unsurprisingly given rise to fears on the part of several consumers on the durability and lifespan of the gardens. However, a large percentage of users report that the gardens are quite durable despite the plastic material and are capable of lasting for a long period of time with proper care and maintenance.
Color
Both AeroGardens are available in just one color option: a simple black matte finish.
Size
As inferred from the design of these gardens, the AeroGarden 7 is bigger and larger, thus providing a wider growing area for plants. However, the AeroGarden 6 is half an inch deeper than the 7.
Growth Pods
The number of growth pods in each AeroGarden determines the maximum number of plants that can be grown using the garden at any point in time. For these two indoor models, the number of pods enclosed in each is synonymous with their names. For example, the AeroGarden 6 has 6 pods, and as such, only 6 plants can be grown at a time in the garden.
The bigger size of the AeroGarden 7 gives it more space to accommodate an extra pod. Therefore, the AeroGarden 7 is designed with 7 growth pods, making it possible for 7 plants to be grown at once using the garden.
Weight
A wider vessel and a higher number of growth pods ensure that when it comes to weight, the AeroGarden 7 once again leads the AeroGarden 6. An extra couple of pounds makes the AeroGarden 7 heavier than the 6.
LED Lighting System
The height-adjustable LED lamp of the AeroGardens consists of specially designed LED lights. These lights provide the required light spectrum needed for photosynthesis. This is quite important as these gardens are going to be used in indoors and as such, require a perfect substitute for sunlight. As a result, the LED lights used in the gardens ae majorly of three types: red, blue and white LEDs. The red lights ensure the production of fruits and flowers, the blue for large yields and the white lights specialize in making your plants grow very fast. The combination of these lights results in a garden that produces twice the yield of normal outdoor gardens in an amazingly short period of time.
To aid maximum growth and yield, these lights are also well arranged and adequately spaced, ensuring that each growth pod has ample lighting.
For both gardens, the lamps are rated 20 watts. The only downside to this feature is that these lamps can only be adjusted to a maximum height of 12 inches.
Click here to get more details on the AeroGarden 6
Click here to get more details on the AeroGarden 7
Recommended Plant Type
The limited height adjustment of these gardens has some benefits and at the same time, poses some challenges to users. Since the lamps can’t be extended to a very far distance, plants are guaranteed to receive the maximum lighting needed for growth and development. However, this also makes it frustrating to grow tall plants, as they would extend far beyond the limited reach of the LED lamp. Thus, a large percentage of users recommend using both gardens to plant herbs and other plants that maintain an average height within the limit of the LED lamp throughout the growing season.
LCD Control Panel
Both AeroGardens are equipped with an easy-to-use LCD control panel. These panels have no display feature and users have to rely on push buttons for the gardens’ operation. With these buttons, you can schedule your LED lights to automatically switch on or off, and also select the type of seed you want to plant from the list of options on the panel.
The panel also gives visual reminders when it’s time to water the plants or add nutrients to the pod.
Additional Seed and Nutrient Kit
AeroGarden 7 Indoor Garden
Cleaning
Efficiently cleaning these gardens is quite necessary and also very strenuous. Several users report that the heavier the garden, the more difficult it is to clean.
Noise
Reports and reviews from a decent amount of users of both gardens claim that the gardens give off a little noise when in use. However, the AeroGarden 6 happens to be slightly noisier than the 7according to reports.
Pros and Cons of the AeroGarden 6
Pros
- High yield
- Lighter than the AeroGarden 7
- LCD Control Panel
- Automatically schedule lights on/off
- Includes MiracleGro micronutrients
Cons
- Plastic housing
- Cleaning is tedious and stressful
- Limited adjustable height
- Noisy
- Mostly suitable for herbs and small plants
Pros and Cons of the AeroGarden 7
Pros
- High yield
- More growth pods than the AeroGarden 6
- LCD Control Panel
- Automatically schedule lights on/off
- Includes MiracleGro micronutrients
- Less Noisy than the AeroGarden 6
Cons
- Plastic housing
- Cleaning is tedious and stressful
- Limited adjustable height
- Mostly suitable for herbs and small plants
Summary
For those familiar with the AeroGardens, it is quite obvious that the AeroGarden 6 and 7 are the basic models, as they lack some key features and designs easily found in later models. So, it is safe to assume that if you are wanting to pick between these two, the desire is to start small and see what all the fuss is about these indoor gardens.
Give or take a few differences, both gardens provide the same service. But for the best value, the AeroGarden 7 is recommended, as it has more pods, wider growing area, and is less noisy.
Click here to see reviews, ratings and more for the AeroGarden 6
Click here to see reviews, ratings and more for the AeroGarden 7