Starting Seedlings

Great harvests start with strong seedlings. Whether you are starting from seed at home or transplanting seedlings from us, here is how to give your plants the best start in your tower system.

Starting from Seed

Soak rockwool cubes in pH-adjusted water (pH 5.5) for at least 30 minutes. Place 2–3 seeds in the hole of each cube. Cover loosely with a humidity dome or plastic wrap to keep moisture in. Place in a warm spot (70–75°F) with indirect light. Seeds should germinate in 3–7 days depending on the variety.

Once you see the first set of true leaves (the second pair after the initial seed leaves), remove the humidity dome and move to stronger light. At this stage, you can begin feeding with a very dilute nutrient solution — about one-quarter of your normal strength, or EC around 0.5.

When to Transplant

Seedlings are ready for the tower when they have 3–4 sets of true leaves and roots are visible coming out the bottom of the rockwool cube. This usually takes 2–3 weeks from germination. Do not rush this step — plants that go into the tower too early struggle to establish in the faster-moving water.

Transplanting into Your Tower

Place the rockwool cube with the seedling into a net cup. If there is extra space around the cube, fill it with clay pebbles (hydroton) or another growing medium to support the plant. Insert the net cup into a tower pocket so the bottom of the cup contacts the water flow. The roots will find the water quickly and begin growing into the system within a few days.

Buying Seedlings from Us

If you do not want to start from seed, we sell ready-to-transplant seedlings at the farmers market. Our seedlings are already in net cups with established root systems — just drop them into your tower and they are ready to grow. Pre-order seedlings through our pre-order page to make sure we have what you need on market day.