Back to the Roots Indoor Aquaponic Garden - 3 Gallon Self Watering, Mess-Free Planter and Self-Cleaning Fishtank for Herbs, Microgreens, Bamboo, Succulents, and Houseplants, support Fish

Why it's worth it

The Back to the Roots aquaponic garden is the most unique pick in this roundup — a self-sustaining mini-ecosystem that is as much a living science exhibit as it is a herb garden, making it exceptional for families, educators, and gift-givers.

From our review of 10 indoor hydroponic herb garden kits, by David Sinclair, Managing Editor

What we like

• +Unique aquaponic design pairs a fish tank with an herb-growing tray
• +Self-cleaning ecosystem — fish fertilize herbs, herb roots filter the fish water
• +Outstanding STEM education tool for children learning biology and ecology
• +Compact 3-gallon footprint works on most standard countertops

What to know

• –Herb growing capacity is modest — limited to the small tray above the fish tank
• –Requires parallel fish care on top of plant care
• –Not suited for serious culinary herb production at any meaningful volume