I Used The Tower Garden For 3 Months (My 2024 Review)

I've always been curious about growing my own veggies but never thought I had the space or the green thumb for it. Enter the Tower Garden—a vertical, aeroponic growing system that promises fresh produce right at home. Sounds like a dream, right?

Pros

• Space efficient: You can grow a bunch of produce without needing a whole backyard. My Tower Garden fits snugly on my balcony and doesn't hog all the space, so I still have room for my chair and enjoy my morning coffee there.
• Easy it is to use: Seriously, if you can assemble IKEA furniture (or even if you can’t), you can manage this. The setup instructions are pretty straightforward. Plus, there's no soil to deal with – it’s all aeroponic, which means your plants grow in air and water. Less mess, more veggies.
• Fast growing: What totally blew my mind is how fast everything grows. I’m talking about seeing progress in just a few days. This isn’t your typical, painstaking garden waiting game. Thanks to the aeroponic magic, the plants grow up to three times faster than in soil. 
• Low maintenance: The Tower Garden has a nifty built-in timer for watering. So you won't have to remember to water your plants every single day. It does it all for you. Just set it and forget it, kind of like a crockpot for plants. 
• Expandable: If you decide to go all in and expand your garden empire, you can just add more sections to it. You can grow everything from herbs to tomatoes without worrying about running out of space.

Cons

• Price: If you’re on a tight budget, shelling out hundreds of dollars upfront might make your wallet scream in terror. Seriously, I had to sip my coffee a little slower when I saw the price tag the first time.
• Slightly noisy: The Tower Garden's built-in pump isn't exactly a whisper. Imagine a gentle humming sound – not quite loud enough to drown out your favorite tunes, but noticeable enough if you’re a light sleeper. 
• Aesthetics: The Tower Garden's design is functional but it doesn’t scream ‘home decor’. It’s pretty utilitarian-looking, which might not blend seamlessly with your stylish mid-century modern living room.

What Is A Tower Garden?

Picture this: it's like a vertical farm for your backyard, balcony, or even your kitchen. Yeah, you heard me right. 

It’s a tall, sleek column that can grow up to 20 different plants using something called "aeroponics," which might sound fancy but it’s basically growing plants using just water, nutrients, and air. Forget soil and all that messy stuff.

The cool part about the Tower Garden is that it’s a self-contained system. There’s a pump at the base that circulates water and nutrients to the roots of the plants. It’s kinda like the magic of those water fountains you'd see in the fancy part of town, except this one gives you fresh lettuce for your salad. The whole thing is powered by a single electrical plug, meaning you can set this baby up anywhere that has an outlet.

The whole thing stands about five feet tall, more or less. That’s about as tall as your average teenager. It’s slim enough to fit in a tight spot but mighty enough to keep your kitchen stocked with basil and cherry tomatoes like you’ve got a direct line to an Italian grandma’s garden.

Tower Garden Review

Unboxing

So, I got my Tower Garden delivered right to my doorstep. The first thing I noticed was how well everything was packed. Seriously, it felt like unboxing a giant puzzle piece by piece. Each part had its own snug little spot in the box.

Opening the box, you’ll find the base, tower sections, pump, timer, and a bunch of other bits and bobs—like the grow cups, mineral blend, and the instruction manual that I shamelessly tossed aside. 

For the unboxing aficionados out there, it was oddly satisfying. Everything looked shiny new and kinda made me feel like a mad scientist about to whip up some magic.

Setup

Setting up the Tower Garden? Honestly, it's not rocket science. If I can do it, trust me, you can too. First off, you'll want to find a good spot with plenty of sunlight. I parked mine right by the sunniest window in my apartment.

Following the manual (after retrieving it from the floor), I stacked the tower sections together. It’s kind of like assembling a giant Lego tower but without the risk of stepping on stray pieces. 

Once the tower was up, I connected the pump and timer. The hoses snap right into place. Pretty straightforward.

Planting Seeds In The Tower Garden

This was my favorite part. Getting to plant the seeds felt like a small act of rebellion against grocery store prices. After soaking the rockwool cubes, I placed the seeds in them—tiny powerhouses of potential. It was a bit like tucking in little green babies for a nap.

Once the seeds were in the cubes, I popped them into the grow cups and placed the cups into the slots on the tower. All nestled in, they looked cozy, like my own little vertical garden. It’s a beautiful sight. You’ll actually enjoy doing this while sipping on your Saturday morning coffee.

Specifications

When fully assembled, the Tower Garden stands about five feet tall. It’s made from sturdy, food-grade plastic that’s UV-stabilized, meaning it won’t become brittle from too much sunlight.

It can hold up to 20 plants—that’s enough to keep you in fresh veggies for a good while. The water reservoir, located at the base, can hold a generous 20 gallons. 

It uses an efficient aeroponic system, which means it sprays a nutrient-rich solution onto the plant roots rather than soaking them, using 98% less water than traditional methods. 

• Height: 5 feet (when fully stacked)
• Material: Food-grade, UV-stabilized plastic
• Plant Capacity: Up to 20 plants at a time
• Water Reservoir: Holds 20 gallons
• Aeroponic System: Uses up to 90% less water than soil gardening

Maintenance

Maintenance is a breeze. Every couple of weeks, I check the water level and top it up if needed, adding more of the mineral blend here and there. 

There’s a bit of cleaning involved, but nothing too crazy. I wipe down the exterior and clean the pump every month to keep things running smoothly.

The plants do most of the work themselves. They just grow, grow, grow. It’s honestly like having a small, very green, and leafy pet that doesn't need walks, just a bit of TLC and the right nutrients.

Day To Day Use

Day to day, the Tower Garden does its thing. It’s pretty quiet—there’s a soft hum from the pump, but nothing that drowns out my Netflix binges. I like to check on my plants while I sip my morning coffee. It’s a bit like checking Facebook, but way more rewarding.

Harvesting is super simple. Just snip off what you need, and let the rest keep growing. Fresh herbs for dinner? Done. Need some cherry tomatoes for that salad? You got it.

Price

At around $600 - $1500, it’s not a cheap setup. But, considering the price of organic produce these days, it kind of balances out. Plus, you get the satisfaction of growing your own food.

If you’re on the fence because of the price, think of it this way: it’s an investment in fresh, home-grown produce that you can enjoy for years. And let’s be real—having a tower of fresh greens in your living room is a pretty cool conversation starter.

My Experience With Tower Garden

Picture this: me, a total newbie gardener, trying to figure out how to grow my basil without killing it in the scorching heat. 

I stumbled upon the Tower Garden while browsing for miracle fixes. This thing is a vertical genius — kind of like the Swiss Army knife of gardening. 

You don’t need soil, it’s space-efficient, and it looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. What’s not to love?

For my first crop, I went all out with herbs — basil, mint, and some cherry tomatoes, because why not? Dropping the little seedlings into the pockets was oddly satisfying. With the built-in timer, I didn’t have to stress about watering schedules. 

Within a couple of weeks, I started seeing my green babies shooting up. The aeroponic system was doing its job, and I hardly had to lift a finger. I’d check the water levels once a week, add some nutrients, and boom, things were thriving. 

Harvest time felt like a mini farmer’s market in my kitchen. The taste? Incredible. Fresh basil and tomatoes straight off the plant — it doesn’t get any better than that.

It’s been a few months, and my Tower Garden is showing no signs of wear and tear. This thing is built like a tank. All the parts feel sturdy, and the pump is still chugging along without any issues. I haven’t had to replace anything yet, and that’s a huge win in my book.

Tips To Maintain Your Tower Garden

Keep It Clean

I usually give mine a good wipe down once a week. It's not really hard. Just a quick rinse with water and a soft cloth does the trick. 

Avoid using harsh chemicals; you don’t wanna introduce anything nasty to your lovely plants. Trust me, cleanliness will save you from a lot of potential headaches down the road.

Watch The Water Levels

The Tower Garden’s got a built-in watering system, which is a lifesaver, but you still need to keep an eye on those water levels.

It’s like checking the gas in your car. Make it a habit to top off the reservoir once a week, or more often if it’s hot or you’ve got a lot of plants growing. And hey, always use fresh, clean water. Your plants will thank you.

Nutrients Are Your Plants’ Best Friends

The Tower Garden comes with its own nutrient mix, so make sure you’re following the instructions on the bottle. 

I’ve found that you get the best results when you stick to the recommended amounts and schedule. Overfeeding can be as bad as underfeeding.

Pruning For Better Growth

When you notice your plants getting a bit unruly, grab those shears and trim them back. Don’t worry; plants love it. 

It encourages new growth and keeps everything looking neat and tidy. Plus, your plants will get better air circulation, which means fewer problems with mold and mildew.

Keep An Eye Out For Pests

Occasionally, you might find some unwelcome guests. If you see any bugs, nip them in the bud! 

Use natural pest control methods, like neem oil or a good old-fashioned blast of water. And remember, a healthy plant is less likely to get sick, so all the above tips will help keep pests at bay.

Rotate Your Crops

Yeah, even in a vertical garden, rotating crops can be handy. This just means occasionally switching up what you’re growing. 

It can help prevent soil depletion (though you’re using less soil here, it’s still good practice) and keep your plants from picking up any potential diseases that could stick around.

Monitor The Light

Your Tower Garden needs plenty of light to thrive. If you’re growing indoors, a grow light setup is essential.

Outside, natural sunlight works wonders, too. Just make sure your garden gets enough rays but not so much that it turns into a plant BBQ. Adjust the location or light source if you notice your plants aren’t looking their best.

Tower Garden Alternatives

Gardyn

Gardyn is a smart indoor gardening system designed to grow fresh vegetables and herbs right in your living room, making gardening accessible even in small spaces. 

Its compact design and smart features, including AI technology for automatic lighting and watering, make it easy to use, even for beginners. 

While it produces an impressive yield of fresh greens and herbs, it does come with a high price tag and requires regular maintenance. 

Despite some drawbacks like noise from the pumps and the need for a reliable Wi-Fi connection, Gardyn offers a convenient and rewarding way to have a mini-farm at home, enhancing your cooking with fresh, homegrown produce.

You can read my in-depth Gardyn review here.

Rise Garden

Rise Gardens is a hydroponic indoor garden system designed to bring fresh herbs, veggies, and flowers into your home, making urban gardening easy and accessible even in small apartments. 

It features a sleek, compact design, straightforward setup, and a companion app that provides reminders and maintenance tips, making it user-friendly. 

While it efficiently grows a variety of plants and requires minimal maintenance, it can be noisy, and its limited space might not accommodate larger plants. 

Despite these drawbacks, Rise Gardens offers a rewarding gardening experience, allowing users to enjoy homegrown produce and a supportive community.

You can read my in-depth Rise Garden review here.

Lettuce Grow

Lettuce Grow is a hydroponic indoor gardening system designed to simplify home gardening, making it accessible for everyone, even those without a green thumb. 

The system's sleek, space-saving design and easy setup allow users to grow fresh herbs, veggies, and flowers right at home with minimal maintenance. Its environmentally friendly operation uses 98% less water than traditional gardening and requires no pesticides. 

While the initial cost can be high and the water pump can be noisy, the convenience of having fresh produce and the support from the Lettuce Grow community make it a worthwhile investment.

You can read my in-depth Lettuce Grow review here.

Frequently Asked Tower Garden Questions

Why are Tower Gardens so expensive?

Tower Gardens can be pricey due to supply and demand, the cost of high-quality materials, and advanced technology used in their production. Additionally, the long-term savings and benefits often justify the initial investment.

Can you use regular seeds in a Tower Garden?

Yes, you can use any fresh seeds (preferably not more than a year or two old). Non-GMO and organic seeds are highly recommended for optimal results, whether purchased locally or online.

How much food does a Tower Garden produce?

Yield varies based on crop type, weather, season, and other factors. For lettuce, leafy greens, and most herbs, you can expect to harvest up to 6 oz.

Where is the best place to put a Tower Garden?

Choose a level spot with about 3 square feet of space, access to electricity, and water. Ensure your plants receive 6-8 hours of full sunlight daily for optimal growth and health.

Final Thoughts

I've really enjoyed my experience with the Tower Garden. It's made gardening so much easier and more accessible. I love how I can grow fresh herbs and veggies right at home without needing a big yard or a green thumb.

Plus it's been a great way to save some money and eat healthier. With just a bit of regular maintenance and care the Tower Garden continues to thrive and provide a steady supply of fresh produce.