Buying an indoor garden: what to look for in a smart garden

Fresh herbs right in your kitchen, all year round, no green thumb needed: that's what every indoor garden promises. But the devices differ a lot. Some only let you use the maker's own pods, some are noisy, and others look like a lab on your kitchen counter. Here you'll find out what really matters, so your indoor garden doesn't end up in a cupboard after three months.

What is an indoor garden, anyway?

An indoor garden, often called a smart garden, is a planter with a built-in grow light and water tank. The plants grow in a growing medium or in pods. The light runs on a schedule, so you don't need a window. Many devices have an app that reminds you to top up the water.

The key things to look for

Light: the heart of it all

• Adjustable brightness. Seedlings need less light than big plants. And in the evening you might want something cosier.
• Light colour. White light looks natural in the kitchen. Purple light is fine for plants, but it can quickly get annoying in your home.
• Schedule. The light should switch on and off by itself. Make sure you can set the times yourself.
• Height. For bigger plants like chillies or tomatoes, the light has to be able to grow with them.

Water and care

• Tank size. A big tank means topping up less often, even if you're away for a few days.
• Keep an eye on the water level. A sensor or a clear indicator stops the tank from running dry without you noticing.
• Noise. Devices with a pump can hum or gurgle quietly. For an open-plan living room or a bedroom, it's worth checking the reviews.

Seeds: your own or pods only?

This is the point many people miss before buying. Some devices only work with the maker's pods. That's convenient, but it ties you to their range and prices, sometimes even to a subscription.

• Ask before you buy: Can I use my own seeds? What do refill pods cost per plant?
• Do the maths on running costs. Over two or three years, you often pay more for refills than for the device itself.
• Think about variety. With your own seeds, you can also grow unusual herbs, salads or flowers.

Space and number of plants

• How many plants? For cooking herbs, six to eight spots are often enough for one person. For salad or a whole family, go bigger.
• Footprint. Measure how much space is free on your counter or shelf. Leave room above for the light, too.
• Power socket. Every device needs power. A socket close by saves you a tangle of cables.

Design and materials

An indoor garden sits in plain sight in your home every day. Plastic is cheap, while wood or ceramic feels more homely. If you don't like the look of it, you'll use it less over time.

App: helpful or a must?

An app is handy when it reminds you to water and controls the light and schedule. But check whether the device also works without internet and without an account. And see whether the maker keeps developing the app.

Independent tests

Makers like to praise their own products. Independent tests are more reliable. Stiftung Warentest tested indoor gardens in issue 4/2025. Newspapers like the FAZ have compared devices too. Read there how much was actually harvested and how easy the devices were to use.

Your buying checklist

• Dimmable light, with a schedule and a pleasant light colour?
• Tank big enough, water level easy to see?
• Own seeds possible, or pods only?
• Running costs per plant known?
• Enough space in width and height?
• Do you like how it looks in your kitchen?
• Are there independent test results?

Our indoor garden: the GreenBox

We designed the GreenBox around exactly these points. It's made of birch wood and has room for eight plants. The LED runs on your schedule, and you set the brightness and light colour yourself. A sensor measures the water level, and the app lets you know when it's time to top up. You can use our PlantPlugs or your own seeds, with no subscription. Besides herbs, you can grow salad, microgreens, chillies and even mushrooms in it.

• Test winner: The GreenBox Deluxe Bundle is the test winner ("Testsieger") in the FAZ Kaufkompass (11/2025) among eight indoor gardens.
• Stiftung Warentest: In issue 4/2025, the GreenBox Deluxe Bundle received the quality rating "GUT (2,2)" (good, 2.2).
• To get started: The Deluxe Bundle includes the GreenBox, the Starter Set, the Booster and the Tent.

See the GreenBox Deluxe Bundle

In short

• Light with a schedule, adjustable brightness and a pleasant colour is the most important thing.
• Before you buy, check whether you can use your own seeds, and work out the running costs.
• Plan for space, a power socket and height for bigger plants.
• Trust independent tests rather than advertising promises.