As a forestry major in college with an emphasis on dendrology and watershed management, I've been a lifelong plant person. I've been gardening for over 30 years, even in apartments or living situations where a full garden wasn't feasible. I've always tried to grow something, whether it's a single rosemary plant on a windowsill, a Topsy Turvy Tomato, or a few basil sprigs in an old-school AeroGarden. For the past year, I've been testing various indoor smart garden systems in my home, including models from all the well-known brands, and I have some thoughts. These gardens are definitely an investment in both time and maintenance, and they're all different in terms of what they offer. The Gardyn Home 4.0, for example, offers total success with no green thumb required if you pay for a subscription, while the Auk Mini is the perfect attractive-yet-low-maintenance solution for those who just want herbs. Are these gardens worth it? How much can you really grow? How can you be sure which option is best for your specific lifestyle? Read on to see which gardens stood out and why, and which might be ideal for your home and needs.