Welcome, Readers! Join me on an adventure into the world of indoor & outdoor gardening, where we’ll spotlight Juice Plus Garden Tower, the InBloom Indoor Garden, & the EXO Garden Hydroponic Growing System Vertical Tower. In this exploration of home cultivation, we’ll scrutinize the features, functionality, and overall performance of these renowned systems, with the goal of steering you towards an indoor garden that thrives in harmony with your lifestyle.
I delved into garden towers due to my dissatisfaction with the limited availability of fresh fruits and vegetables at grocery stores. Local farmers near us only offer produce until fall, and winter extends well past spring break in Utah. With organic veggies being expensive and concerns about their origin and soil quality, I’ll share some valuable information about pesticides below.
While living in California, Sean constructed fantastic raised garden beds where we planted tomatoes and various herbs. Yet, we struggled with soil pests and critters like squirrels stealing our crops before harvest. Given my not-so-green thumb, when my husband proposed building similar beds in our new Utah home, I hesitated, considering the challenges of winter and the prevalence of pests in our area.
I began envisioning the prospect of cultivating our own year-round supply of fresh, nutritious, produce without relying on soil.
First we‘ll cover the EXO Garden:
Name: EXO Garden Hydroponic Growing System Vertical Tower
Website: WEBSITE LINK
Price: $318.99 (this price does not include grow lights)
Warranty: 2-Year Protection
from Asurion, LLC For $30.99
2 year protection includes:
- NO ADDITIONAL COST: You pay $0 for repairs – parts, labor and shipping included.
- COVERAGE: Malfunctions covered after the manufacturer’s warranty.
- EASY CLAIMS PROCESS: File a claim anytime online at www.Asurion.com/Amazon or by phone. Most claims approved within minutes. If we can’t repair it, we’ll send you an Amazon.com Gift Card for the purchase price of your covered product or replace it.
- TERMS & DETAILS: More information about this protection plan is available within the “Product guides and documents” section. Simply click “User Guide” for more info. Asurion will also email your plan confirmation with Terms & Conditions to the address associated with your Amazon account within 24 hours of purchase (if you do not see this email, please check your spam folder). Contact us if you cannot locate your plan confirmation and Terms & Conditions via email at AmazonFeedback@Asurion.com.
Research & Reviews : 3.7 ⭐️
How EXO Garden growing system Works:
Unlike Mass produced produce and herbs that are grown with chemicals in soil, this hydroponics growing system is made of food grade plastic and grows better tasting plants right from your home.
Research Tools Section
Upon initial inspection, this unit appears to be an ideal solution. However, delving into thorough research reveals essential details about the tower. Check out this image illustrating the components included with the tower:
My concern with this product is the lack of full disclosure. It creates the impression of a complete indoor gardening solution, yet it fails to mention or include essential grow lights necessary for cultivating your garden indoors.
What Customers say:
Customers like the ease of use of the indoor grow enclosure. They say it’s user friendly, and easy to set up and use. They also say that maintenance is minimal and easy. That said, some complain about the noise it makes and the water resistance. They mention that the plants are being over or under watered and that the water dripping off the leaves.
Mentorship/Support
The only how to instructions or support I seemed to find were on the Amazon product page for the Growing tower or if you searched for this product on YouTube but there aren’t any direct links on the website.
Pricing
$318.99 (does not include: tax, warranty, or grow lights)
Conclusion
Given the numerous problems users encountered with the pump leading to issues of overwatering or underwatering plants, the absence of included grow lights, and the additional cost for just a two-year warranty, investing in this tower didn’t seem worthwhile to me. The prospect of potential breakage after only two years, without the company providing a replacement, further diminished its appeal.
Next up is the INBLOOM:
Name: INBLOOM 12 Pods Hydroponics Growing System Kit Indoor Garden
Website: WEBSITE LINK
Price: $79.99
Warranty: Returnable through Amazon until Jan. 31st 2024 (return timeline is based on purchase date)
How INBLOOM Works:
- 5x Faster Growth】Hydroponics growing system employs advanced LED grow lights, simulating sunlight for 16 hours of photosynthesis. Extended light exposure means rapid plant growth. Hydroponics outpaces traditional soil cultivation by 500%.
- 【12 Planting Stations】Indoor gardening system boasts a total of 12 holes, complete with all accessories (seeds not included). Perfect for cultivating a variety of herbs, veggies, fruits, and flowers. Germination in 3 days, growth in 7 days, and your own mini-forest in just 2 weeks.
- 【4.2L Super-Capacity Water Pump】With its immense water pump capacity and circulation every 30 minutes, plant roots enjoy full oxygen and nutrient absorption. The large water tank can sustain your plants for 15 days, allowing you to take short trips without worrying about watering.
- 【Adjustable Lamp Post and Water Level Indicator】 Hydroponics lift-able lamp post can reach heights of 7-12 inches, ensuring 100% light exposure for plants at various growth stages. Suitable for different flowers and plants heights. The water level indicator keeps you informed of remaining water, so you never forget to hydrate your garden.
- 【Gardening Joy and Perfect Gift】Measuring 15*7.5*6 inches, Indoor herb grower fits every corner of your kitchen, bedroom, or living room. Gardening becomes a delight, it’s the perfect gift for green thumbs. Ideal for cultivating basil, lettuce, tomatoes, and a variety of herbs.
Research
Sean, my husband, gifted me the INBLOOM for Christmas. I’m amazed by its easy setup and the rapid growth of plants. It’s almost a set-it-and-forget-it experience. The InBloom serves as an excellent seed starter, and after the seedlings mature, I intend to transplant them into a larger garden tower for their full growth.
Pros: Ideal seed starter with adjustable light proximity, fast growth, user-friendly, and minimal counter space needed.
Cons: Limited space hinders plants from reaching full potential; unsuitable for growing larger vegetables & fruits.
4.5⭐️
Customers say:
Customers like the quality, appearance and growth rate of the seeds and plants. For example, they mention that it’s an incredible indoor garden, the germination rate was so much higher than starting in soil and that it looks great. Customers are also happy with ease of setup, noise, and size. That said, opinions are mixed on performance, and brightness.
Support:
Amazon accepts a return within 30 days. Please contact the seller directly for warranty information for this product. You may also be able to find warranty information on the manufacturer’s website.
Conclusion
Certainly, I recommend the INBLOOM for efficient seed starting and cultivating small batches of lettuce and herbs.
Lastly is the Juice Plus Garden Tower:
Name: Juice Plus Garden Towers
Website: WEBSITE LINK
Price: They have a monthly payment option with zero interest and no credit checks—they just split your cart total up into 12 monthly payments for you. For the home tower It’s about $80 a month for everything and comes with everything you need to start growing. There are a couple different options for towers at different pricing.
Warranty: JuicePlus offers an easy limited warranty on many of our items. This means if you have any problems with your items during the warranty time frame (listed below), they’ll happily repair or replace components as necessary for free.
5-year warranty: Core Plastic Components, (Nutrient Reservoir, Reservoir Lid, Access Port Lid, Tower Sections, Shower Cap and Shower Cap Lid), Standard Extension Kit, Baby Greens Extension Kit, Combo Extension Kit, Submersible Pump, and the High-Capacity Pump.
3-year warranty: LED Grow Lights (both the base and lamps).
1-year warranty: FLEX Support Cage, HOME Support Cage, FLEX Dolly, Pump Timer, Growing Clips, and Germinator.
They do not offer a warranty on consumables which are listed below.
Mineral Blend
pH Kit (standard/lower/raise)
Rockwool
Net Pots
“We at Tower Garden value every customer, your satisfaction is our top priority. As such, we have made a process for easy returns.
Eligible items may be returned within 90 days from the date of purchase. To set-up a return please contact our customer care team.”
How It Works:
The tower gardens from Juice Plus are self watering on a timer and you can grow year round no matter the weather. It’s aeroponic so no soil. No weeding. Uses 90% less water and space than soil and one tower can hold 20-32 plants depending on which one you get.
Tower Garden is made from UV-stabilized, BPA-free, food-grade plastic. The high-quality plastic resins we use are compliant with both U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines for food contact and European guidelines for Restriction of Certain Hazardous Substances.
The plastic is also completely opaque — it keeps out light, inhibiting algae growth. This keeps your plants happier and gives your Tower Garden a longer life. So you’ll enjoy growing your own food for years to come.
I’m thrilled that Juice Plus offers a unique program educating children on growing their own food, emphasizing its benefits and importance. The accompanying statistics are truly impressive.
They even offer a program allowing you to apply for a complimentary garden tower at boys & girls facilities.
Research
Assessment of Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Content, Antioxidant Properties, and Yield of Aeroponically and Conventionally Grown Leafy Vegetables and Fruit Crops: A Comparative Study:
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2014/253875/
Customers say:
Check out reviews for this tower, and you’ll be amazed at the numerous positive feedback and blogs expressing satisfaction with it.
Additional advantages include reduced grocery expenses (some report it pays for itself in as little as six months), minimal environmental impact with virtual elimination of shipping and storage, 98% water savings compared to traditional gardening, 90% less space utilization due to the vertical design, and closed-system technology ensuring 100% recycling of nutrients and water.
The Tower Garden’s pH-balanced minerals and nutrients foster robust, pest-resistant plants, minimizing the need for pesticides. Its versatility extends to creating a tower farm for selling produce locally or establishing a garden farm for extra income at farmers’ markets. With a durable build, consistent support, and proven performance, the Juice Plus Garden Tower is a worthwhile investment with long-term benefits.
Please share your thoughts, experiences, or any questions I may have overlooked in the comments! Thank you, and enjoy your gardening journey!
Love this, so helpful! I’ll definitely be going with the Tower Gardens from Juice Plus!
Thank you for your positive feedback! I’m thrilled you found the information helpful. Choosing Tower Gardens from Juice Plus is a great decision for your gardening journey. Happy growing!
Installing a home hydronic garden inside your own home in the US winter season and having fresh produce right inside your house is appealing.
Well, the review doesn’t reflect that although, there are only a few of them.
Lack of demonstration of when and how it works and why they don’t work should be known before someone purchases it.
Raised bed gardens work in our backyard to grow tomatoes, peppers, and different kinds of vegetables with in-situ recycling of kitchen wastes. While having artificial sunlight in my house in the garage and basement, they never worked.
I have seen a few hydronic-aquaponic systems in India (a warm country with sunlight) in terraces and porches producing vegetables.
I would love to have it show the know-how of how it works.
Thank you for sharing your insights! It’s great to hear about your experiences with raised bed gardens and hydronic-aquaponic systems in India. I appreciate your feedback on the review.
I loved reading your comprehensive review of the Garden Tower! The detailed breakdown of its features and benefits is fantastic. Have you noticed any specific plants that thrive particularly well in this tower? I’ve been considering getting one for my small patio space but I’m curious about the best types of plants to grow in it. Also, your mention of its eco-friendly design and sustainability aspects is a huge plus. Have you encountered any challenges or drawbacks while using the Garden Tower in terms of maintenance or durability?
Personally, I’ve experimented with vertical gardening in limited spaces, and it’s been a game-changer for me. The idea of having a compact system like the Garden Tower is appealing, especially for urban dwellers. Your review has definitely nudged me closer to making a purchase. Do you have any additional tips or tricks for maximizing its efficiency or getting the most out of the Garden Tower gardening experience? Thanks for such an informative review!
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m glad you found the review helpful. In my experience with the Garden Tower, herbs like basil and mint have thrived, and all types of lettuce in my experience so far. As far as models go the Juice plus model has proven to be very efficient. The water hits the plants just right so no over or under watering. Happy gardening, and feel free to reach out if you have more questions before making your purchase!
Heya Rachel!
I just wanted to say thank you for your awesome review of Garden Tower 2. It was so informative and detailed! I’ve been on the lookout for a vertical gardening solution for my balcony and this product seems to fit the bill perfectly. I appreciated how you shared both the good and the not-so-good aspects of Garden Tower 2, as well as your personal experience and tips.
Also, your explanation of the composting feature was really cool! I love how it not only benefits the plants but also the environment.
I have a few questions for you: How easy is it to assemble and maintain Garden Tower 2? How do you deal with pests and diseases that may affect the plants? And how do you choose the best plants for each level of the tower?
I would love to hear your advice on these matters.
Thanks again for taking the time to write such a helpful review!😊
Marios
Hello! Hope you’re well. Assembling it was a breeze, even for someone not too handy like me.
In my experience, placing larger veggies at the bottom and herbs on top works well. Currently growing three types of lettuce, kale, cilantro, and baby greens. Just planted seeds for strawberries and orange peppers a few days ago, eagerly awaiting germination before transplanting into the tower.
I prefer starting from seeds vs buying seedlings to avoid potential pest issues. If you ever face pests, I can add you to a helpful Facebook group with natural solutions. Happy gardening!
This was a great comparative review of the Juice Plus Garden Tower, InBloom Indoor Garden, and EXO Garden Hydroponic Growing System Vertical Tower. My wife will love it as well because she is taking care of our garden!
It is winter here, so a hydroponic garden would be quite nice. And from your article, I see a clear winner for our garden: Inbloom!
Thanks for this great read!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment! I’m thrilled to hear that you found the comparative review helpful. Wishing you and your wife a bountiful and enjoyable gardening experience!
Hi Rachel, I found your blog post on the Tower Garden to be quite enlightening and engaging. Your journey from being an indoor gardening enthusiast to a successful user of the Tower Garden is inspiring. It’s exciting to see how technological advancements like this can transform traditional activities such as gardening, making them more efficient and accessible to a wider audience. Your personal experiences, particularly the visual example of the squash and cherry tomato growth, greatly substantiate the effectiveness of the Tower Garden. This kind of tangible evidence can be very compelling, and I appreciate your effort in sharing it. However, I have two questions that came to mind that I believe most people are asking themselves after reading your post; How does the Tower Garden function in different climates? Are there any particular considerations or adaptations that need to be made depending on the region?
Does the Tower Garden require any specific maintenance or care that differs from traditional gardening methods?
Hi there! Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment! I’m thrilled that you found my Tower Garden journey inspiring. Regarding your questions:
1. The Tower Garden is designed to function well in various climates, but considerations for extreme temperatures or unique conditions may be necessary. It’s adaptable, and users often customize their approach based on local weather patterns. Right now it’s Winter here in Utah and we have a lot more snow on the way! So the JuicePlus home model with the grow lights is perfect to grow all the produce we need right in our home. Depending on where you live and the climate, some like to have their tower outside without the grow lights, but if you’re anywhere like where I live it’s just too cold right now to grow anything outside. My plants are flourishing and I can’t believe how fast they’ve been growing!
2. Maintenance for the Tower Garden is relatively straightforward. Occasional nutrient checks, monitoring water levels, and occasional cleaning are key. While it differs from traditional gardening, the learning curve is manageable, and the efficiency gained is significant. Happy gardening!