We love how versatile this grow light is: Thanks to a wide-opening clamp, you can attach it to almost any table, chair, desk, or countertop. It even has rubber pads on the clamp to prevent surface damage. Plus, the flexible gooseneck allows you to easily adjust the angle of the light. We found it to be extremely portable, easy to set up, and small enough to tuck away in a drawer. We think its compact size makes it ideal for households with a few small plants. You can even screw it into the wall for a more permanent yet space-saving solution, but keep in mind that you will lose the portability.

This modular unit from Gardener&#;s Supply Company allows you to grow plants vertically and expand as needed. Measuring x . x inches at its base, the compact, stackable design frees up precious floor space. Each shelf can hold up to pounds, and you can add up to two shelves—in addition to the base unit. When stacking two or more units, you may need to anchor it to a wall with the supplied brackets for added stability.

While this is one of the most expensive options on our list, we think it&#;s worth it if you want a self-sufficient way of growing herbs and vegetables. Keep in mind that you do need to purchase special pods and plant food. However, AeroGarden does provide many different types of pods and plant food for purchase. Also, this is one of AeroGarden&#;s largest systems, so while it does hold up to nine plants, you may want to make sure you have the right amount of space for it. While we found that it doesn&#;t make a lot of noise, the light could be a little distracting if you are in a small space trying to work or watch TV while it is on.

After researching dozens of indoor grow lights and reaching out to experts for insights, we sent several of these options to our testers around the country to test for several weeks. We also set up several in our lab to monitor over three months. At each location, we set up the light and recorded how long it took to set up, and noted any assembly that was required. Plus, we noted if the instructions were easy to follow, or were tricky and confusing. We then noted where we set up the light, how much space was required, and which plants we used it on. We noted the bulb type and wattage of each grow light, and then generally monitored the growth and health of the plant.

Light intensity is only one of three key components which ensure proper growth. Soil condition along with the proper amount and frequency of watering round out the other two components. You should learn about your plant’s growth cycle to maximize growth and reduce challenges along the way. By doing so, you can select the proper model and light spectrum combination to provide sufficient lighting. We suggest regular inspections to confirm that plants are on the correct growth track.