Planting Preparation
Just Before Planting
1. Test and balance the pH of the soaking grow mats to 5.8 (sanitized mats tend to raise the pH during soaking)
2. Ensure you have channels cleaned and ready to be planted intoSelect seed containers for planting
3. Fill spray mister with pH balanced planting water
Soaking your grow mats
1. Fill a container of water large enough to hold the total number of intended grow mats to be planted
2. Allow time for mats to become saturated and pH of the planting solution to equilibrate.
Approx. 1 hr
Preparation
1. For better planting efficiency, we suggest pre-weighing seeds for each planted channel into small plastic ramekins
2. Organize these pre-weighed cups by seed type and planting date
3. Simply select the type and number of seed cups for the planting, and easily pour the seed cups into shakers to distribute the seeds.
Planting Procedure
Step 1
Begin by transferring your pre-soaked mat from the planting water container into the grow channel
To ensure quality germination every planting, use a pitcher or watering can to add more water to the mat and grow channel.
Step 2
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 flatten the mat against the bottom of the channel and to fully distribute the water in the channel.
Step 3
Now your channels are ready for seeding. Transfer seeds from the ramekin container into the seed shaker. Shake seeds across grow mat to achieve a full and even distribution from edge to edge
Use your fingers to spread any dense piles of seeds, as overcrowding can cause plant health problems.
Step 4
With the seeds spread across the grow mat, it is time to use a sprayer to mist the seeds and channel a final time
Because we do not pre-soak our seeds (unnecessary for all but a select few varieties & makes seeding difficult) the misting process is important to fully wetting the seed shells in preparation for the germination process
Step 5
The final step of the planting process is to cover each of your planted channels with the fitted insulated covers and put them into the germination levels of the grow rack or workstation
Planting Procedure Notes
- As you’ve probably noticed, the planting procedure includes multiple steps where water is applied to the grow mats, the growing channel, and even the seeds themselves
- This repetition is an important and easy way to ensure that each planted channel has more than enough moisture to encourage high rates of germination.
- By following these steps and applying covers correctly, you should not have to add any more water to the channels until germination is complete.
Practical Tips
Overwatering
The only risk of adding too much water during planting is if you prevent the excess water from flowing out the channel drain. Standing water is problematic for germination and will wash your seeds from the mat surface when you attempt to move the channel.
Moving Channels
Take care when moving the planted channels by holding them as level as possible to avoid disturbing the planted seeds and tipping seeds/water excessively out the drain. Hold the channel by the drain endcap with your other hand supporting the underside of the channel
