Tower Garden Basics: Starting Your Seeds
Whether you’re using the seeds that came with your Tower Garden system, a new Seedling Starter Kit, or seeds from other sources, the basics of starting your seeds are easy and fun!
Tower Tip: Double-check your planting supplies before you get started. All planting supplies mentioned here are included in the Seedling Starter Kit. If you’re interested in branching out beyond the seeds in the kit, you can choose your own seeds from your local garden centre or online. No matter how you decide to grow, fresh homegrown food is a few weeks away!
Video Version: Starting Seedlings from Seeds for Your Tower Garden
If you find video more accessible, this 3.5-minute overview covers the basics.
Starting Seeds for Your Indoor Tower Garden
1. Soak
Soak your rockwool cubes in fresh water for 30 minutes.
2. Return
Return soaked cubes to the germination tray (a dark-coloured food storage container also works), then place the seeds in the small hole of the rockwool cube and lightly cover them with vermiculite. Refer to individual seed packets for the number of seeds needed for each plant.
3. Sprinkle
Sprinkle each hole with water, and add about 1cm water to bottom of tray. Do not close lid.
4. Place
Place tray in sun or under a warming grow light if you don’t have an adequate source of sunlight. Water as needed to maintain 1cm of moisture.
5. Water
Only water as needed for about 1–3 weeks, until seedlings are fully sprouted and healthy:
- Regular greens are ready to transplant when the seedlings are about 5 cm tall and roots are protruding from the bottom of the rockwool cubes
- Baby greens are ready to transplant when the seeds have sprouted
6. Transplant
Transplant regular and baby greens by placing one rockwool cube in a net pot. Gently press each seedling-filled netpot into a grow port on the Tower Garden until the net pot clicks into place. The cube must be all the way inserted to receive proper water and nutrients.
Did You Know?
There are important benefits to starting your plants from seed. But if you’d rather use pre-sprouted seedlings, you can!
Starting Seeds for Your Outdoor Tower Garden
1. Soak
Soak your rockwool cubes in fresh water for 30 minutes.
2. Return
Return soaked cubes to the germination tray (a dark-coloured food storage container also works), then place the seeds in the small hole of the rockwool cube and lightly cover them with vermiculite. Refer to individual seed packets for the number of seeds needed for each plant.
3. Sprinkle
Sprinkle each hole with water, and add about 1 cm water to bottom of tray. Do not close lid.
4. Place
Place tray in an area with partial shade outdoors in warm weather, or inside by a sunny window if there’s danger of frost. Water as needed to keep vermiculite moist and maintain 1 cm of moisture.
5. Transfer
Transfer tray to a full-sun area outdoors as soon as your seeds have sprouted, about 4–8 days after planting. Move any cubes with un-sprouted plants to a separate tray.
6. Water
Water as needed for about 1–3 weeks, until seedlings are fully sprouted and healthy. Your seedlings are ready to transplant when they’re about 5 cm tall and roots are protruding from the bottom of the rockwool cubes.
7. Transplant
Transplant regular and baby greens by placing one rockwool cube in a net pot or grow clip. Gently press each seedling-filled netpot into a grow port on the Tower Garden until the net pot clicks into place. The cube must be all the way inserted to receive proper water and nutrients.
Did You Know?
There are important benefits to starting your plants from seed. But shaving off some grow time and using pre-sprouted seedlings is a-ok too! Either way you choose, you'll have fresh, homegrown produce at your fingertips by the time you harvest!
Deeper Dives into Growing Healthy Seedlings
Growing strong, healthy plants is a big deal for your strong, healthy lifestyle and delicious food. Check out these articles for more tips and tricks about successful growing with your Tower Garden:
- How to Grow Healthy Seedlings in 7 Steps shares steps professional growers follow around temperature, light, nourishment, thinning, and more
- 3 Benefits of Starting from Seed gives details about the benefits you may enjoy by starting your own seedlings
- Common Seedling Challenges (and Solutions) discusses prevention, possible causes, and fixes for some potential issues
