Refills & consumables
Hardware is a one-time click. Pods and media are where most people keep spending. Start branded for cycle one, then move to blanks + seed when you know what you cook. Physical products only — affiliate disclosure.
AeroGarden lane
After Harvest-class cycle one, blanks + seed beat buying another gourmet pod pack.
Click & Grow lane
Start with branded pods so hardware and seed aren’t debugging together — then move to compatible blanks.
Soil / sill lane
No pods. Recurring cost is mix, seeds, and saucers that protect the deposit.