Growing Information
Planting Guide
Planting your microgreen channels with Urban Greens reusable grow mats is a simple, repeatable process that takes only a few minutes per channel. This guide walks you through everything from preparing your mats and seeds before planting, to seeding your channels and getting them into germination.
Before You Start
Planting Preparation
Complete these steps before you begin seeding channels. Good prep is the difference between a smooth planting session and a frustrating one.
~15 min
Just Before Planting
- Test and balance the pH of your soaking water to 5.8. Sanitized mats tend to raise pH during soaking, so check after mats are added.
- Ensure channels are clean and ready to plant
- Fill your spray mister with pH-balanced planting water
~1 hr
Soaking Your Grow Mats
- Fill a container large enough to hold the total number of mats you plan to plant
- Allow mats to become fully saturated and the pH of the planting solution to stabilize
Recommended
Seed Preparation
- Pre-weigh seeds for each channel into small plastic ramekins before planting day
- Organize cups by seed type and planting date
- Pour ramekins into seed shakers at planting time for fast, even distribution
Step by Step
Planting Procedure
Follow these five steps in order for every planting session. Each one matters.
Step 01
Place the Mat
Transfer your pre-soaked mat from the planting water container into the grow channel.
Use a pitcher or watering can to add more water to the mat and channel as needed to ensure quality germination every planting.
Step 02
Flatten the Mat
Use a short length of PVC pipe to roll across the surface of the grow mat from the drain end to the opposite end.
The goal is to fully flatten the mat against the channel bottom and distribute the water evenly.
Step 03
Seed the Channel
Transfer seeds from the ramekin into the seed shaker. Shake seeds across the grow mat to achieve a full and even distribution from edge to edge.
Use your fingers to spread any dense piles. Overcrowding causes plant health problems.
Step 04
Mist the Seeds
With seeds spread across the grow mat, use a sprayer to mist the seeds and channel a final time.
Because seeds are not pre-soaked, this misting step is critical. It fully wets the seed shells in preparation for germination.
Step 05
Cover and Germinate
Cover each planted channel with the fitted insulated cover and move them to the germination levels of the grow rack or workstation.
Important Notes
Planting Procedure Notes
A few things worth understanding about why the procedure works the way it does.
Why so much water?
- The planting procedure includes multiple steps where water is applied to the mats, the growing channel, and the seeds themselves. This is intentional.
- This repetition ensures that each planted channel has more than enough moisture to encourage high germination rates.
- By following these steps and applying covers correctly, you should not need to add any more water to the channels until germination is complete.
Watch Outs
Practical Tips
Two common mistakes new growers make during planting.
Overwatering
The only risk from adding too much water during planting is if standing water is left in the channel and the drain is blocked. Standing water will wash seeds from the mat when you move the channel. Make sure the channel drain is clear so excess water can flow freely.
Moving Channels
When carrying planted channels, keep them as level as possible to avoid disturbing seeds and tipping water out the drain. Hold the channel by the drain endcap with your other hand supporting the underside of the channel.
See It in Action
Planting Demonstration
Watch a full planting session from prep to germination.