Urban Greens -- AutoKit System
Complete
Growing Guide
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for using and maintaining your AutoKit grow system, from first fill to final harvest and every cycle in between. Built from a decade of hands-on growing experience.
8
Chapters
~24 lbs
Avg weekly yield
pH 5.8
Target reservoir pH
1,250 lbs
Max annual yield
Introduction
Welcome to your AutoKit
This guide is based on lessons learned from years of hands-on hydroponic growing and how they apply to the AutoKit system. Inside you will find step-by-step instructions for using and maintaining the system, along with best practices for successful growing from seed to harvest and beyond.
Success in hydroponics comes from observation, consistency, and a little experimentation. Refer back to this guide anytime you need a refresher.
Equipment
The AutoKit
This lightweight and movable microgreen or baby green grow rack kit features automated watering and lighting that take the guesswork out of growing so you can save time and harvest more, crop after crop.
Simple assembly + video guides
International shipping available
Customizable to your needs
Kit Dimensions
48"L x 36"W x 90"H / 122cm x 90cm x 230cm
Dimensions do not include reservoir
Specifications
75 ft²
Grow Space (7m²)
40
Max Grow Channels
60 gal
Reservoir (227 L)
~24 lbs
Avg yield / week (20 ch.)
1,250 lbs
Max annual production
<$1,000
Utility cost / year
~$500
Operating expenses / year
1 outlet
Single outlet powered
Key System Features
Food Safety
Fans, reservoir, and grow and drain channels are plug-and-play modules that remove easily for regular maintenance and cleaning.
Grow Anywhere
Compact and lightweight. Drain and roll the fully assembled rack through standard doorways and set up in any space.
Set It and Forget It
Automate daily watering and lighting with the included high-frequency digital timers. Maximize your harvest crop after crop.
Quick Reference
Hydroponics Parameters
Keep these values in mind throughout every grow cycle. Your environment will influence outcomes. Treat these as your starting baseline and adjust from there.
Air Temperature
65-83°F (18-28°C)
Air Humidity
40-60%
Water pH
5.8-6.0
pH tends to drift upward over time. Test and adjust daily.
Water Temp
68-72°F (20-22°C)
Nutrient EC
1200
Add 1200 EC above baseline reading of your source water.
Watering Cycle
20 sec on / 2-4+ hrs off
Interval increases as plants grow. Adjust based on canopy size.
Photoperiod
16 hrs on / 8 hrs off
Preharvest
No watering 6-8+ hrs before harvest
Chapter 1
Filling Your Reservoir
and Preparing to Plant
Before you begin
Place the protective rubber pad beneath your reservoir, position the reservoir, and complete all plumbing connections before adding water. You can fill with either tap water or reverse osmosis filtered water.
Fill your reservoir
Use a garden hose to make filling easy. Take an EC reading and add nutrients until you measure 1200 plus the value of your original source water reading. Finally, measure and balance pH using buffers to 5.8.
For the visual learners
Filling Reservoir
Demonstration Video
Watch a full walkthrough of filling your reservoir and balancing the pH of the water before your first plant.
Soaking your grow mats
Fill a container large enough to hold the total number of grow mats you plan to plant. Allow approximately 1 hour for mats to become fully saturated and for the pH of the planting solution to equilibrate.
Sanitized mats tend to raise the pH during soaking. Test and balance the pH of the soaking solution to 5.8 just before planting.
Just before planting
Confirm you have the following ready:
- Channels cleaned and ready to plant into
- Seed containers selected for planting
- Spray mister filled with pH-balanced planting water
Chapter 2
Planting
For better planting efficiency, pre-weigh seeds for each channel into small plastic ramekins and organize by seed type and planting date. Simply select the type and number of seed cups needed, then pour into shakers to distribute evenly across the mat.
Planting procedure
1
Transfer the soaked mat
Transfer 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 before seeding.
2
Roll the mat flat
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 channel bottom and fully distribute the water.
3
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 of seeds. Overcrowding can cause plant health problems later in the cycle.
4
Mist the seeds
With seeds spread across the mat, use a sprayer to mist the seeds and channel a final time.
Because seeds are not pre-soaked, this misting step is important for fully wetting the seed shells in preparation for germination.
5
Cover and move to germination
Cover each planted channel with the fitted insulated covers and place them into the germination levels of the grow rack or workstation.
Full germination details are covered in Chapter 3.
Watering redundancy
The planting procedure includes multiple steps where water is applied to the grow mats, the growing channel, and the seeds themselves. This redundancy ensures 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.
Practical tips
Overwatering: The only risk of too much water during planting is preventing excess from flowing out the drain. Standing water is problematic for germination and will wash seeds from the mat surface when you move the channel.
Moving channels: Hold channels as level as possible. Grip the drain endcap with one hand and support the underside with the other to avoid disturbing seeds.
For the visual learners
Planting
Demonstration Video
Watch a step-by-step demonstration of the planting process using Urban Greens grow mats.
Planting Reference
Microgreen Planting Guide
Updated 5/5/25
| Variety | Density | Germination | Grow Time | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arugula | 22g | 2-3 days | 8-10 days | 18oz (500g) |
| Bok Choy (Red) | 26g | 3-4 days | 10 days | 20oz (580g) |
| Bok Choy | 24g | 3-4 days | 8-10 days | 22oz (680g) |
| Broccoli | 30g | 3-4 days | 8-10 days | 18oz (500g) |
| Brussel Sprout | 28g | 2-3 days | 10 days | 18oz (500g) |
| Cabbage (Red) | 25g | 3-4 days | 10 days | 20oz (570g) |
| Cauliflower | 28g | 3 days | 8-10 days | 18oz (500g) |
| Kale (Blue Scotch) | 25g | 2-3 days | 8-10 days | 16oz (450g) |
| Kale (Red Russian, Lacinato) | 25g | 3-4 days | 8-12 days | 16oz (450g) |
| Kohlrabi (Purple) | 30g | 3 days | 8-12 days | 16oz (450g) |
| Mustard (Mizuna) | 16g | 2-3 days | 8-10 days | 16oz (450g) |
| Mustard (Red Garnet) | 16g | 2-3 days | 8-10 days | 14oz (400g) |
| Pea (Speckled) | 300g | 3-4 days | 8-12 days | 32oz (900g) |
| Radish (Daikon, China Rose) | 50g | 2-3 days | 8-10 days | 29oz (820g) |
| Radish (Red Rambo) | 50g | 3 days | 8-10 days | 29oz (820g) |
These values are based on typical results. Your grow room environment may affect outcomes. Use them as a general guide and adjust as needed.
Planting Reference
Baby Green Planting Guide
Updated 5/5/25
| Variety | Density | Germination | Grow Time | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arugula | 11g | 2-3 days | 14 days | 18oz (500g) |
| Bok Choy (Red) | 9g | 3-4 days | 14 days | 20oz (580g) |
| Bok Choy | 10g | 3-4 days | 14 days | 22oz (680g) |
| Broccoli | 15g | 3-4 days | 14 days | 18oz (500g) |
| Brussel Sprout | 15g | 2-3 days | 14 days | 18oz (500g) |
| Cabbage (Red) | 11g | 3-4 days | 14-16 days | 16oz (450g) |
| Cauliflower | 10g | 3 days | 14 days | 16oz (450g) |
| Kale (Blue Scotch) | 10g | 2-3 days | 14 days | 16oz (450g) |
| Kale (Red Russian, Lacinato) | 10g | 3-4 days | 14 days | 16oz (450g) |
| Kohlrabi (Purple) | 10g | 3 days | 14 days | 16oz (450g) |
| Mustard (Mizuna) | 9g | 2-3 days | 12-14 days | 22oz (680g) |
| Mustard (Red Garnet) | 10g | 2-3 days | 14 days | 14oz (400g) |
| Radish (Daikon, China Rose) | 23g | 2-3 days | 10-12 days | 25oz (700g) |
| Radish (Red Rambo) | 23g | 3 days | 10-12 days | 25oz (700g) |
These values are based on typical results. Your grow room environment may affect outcomes. Use them as a general guide and adjust as needed.
Chapter 3
Germination
Maintaining the proper environment for high germination rates is the key to success with this procedure. With proper covers and a managed grow room environment, you will not need to spend time or attention during germination. No extra waterings, no weighing down seeds (except peas and sunflowers).
The goal is simple: put the channels away and forget them until germination is complete and they are ready to transfer directly into their growing levels.
Take advantage of the system. Instead of focusing on daily chores, check in periodically and let the environment do the work.
Germination procedure
1
Apply channel covers
Channel covers maintain high-humidity micro-environments within each planted channel. Make sure the cover is snugly nested into the channel ridge with a good continuous fit that maximizes contact between the cover and the top edge of the channel.
2
Place a sensor near the rack
Keep a thermometer and hygrometer sensor near the rack throughout germination. This gives you the data needed to catch environmental issues early without disturbing the channels.
3
Monitor throughout germination
Take multiple readings during germination. Check the high and low data overnight and throughout the day. If your readings stay within recommended range (65-83°F, 40-60% humidity), that is all there is to do for this stage.
Many common varieties germinate within 72 hours. Temperature can speed or slow that window, so use your sensor data to understand what is happening in your specific space.
For the visual learners
Germination
Demonstration Video
Watch what Urban Greens considers completed germination and how to wick your channels before moving them under lights.
What to look for
The first sign of germination is the shell of the seed cracking open with white fibrous roots emerging. Due to the variance in germination timing across varieties, learn to evaluate your planting visually and determine when germination is complete rather than relying on a fixed day count.
When to uncover
Uncover your channels when most seedlings have begun extending stems as they reach for light. Do not wait too long. Stems will continue to grow under the cover, leading to leggy plants that cannot support themselves.
After uncovering, avoid exposing seedlings to temperature extremes or direct air movement. They are sensitive and need time to gradually acclimate to the new environment.
Common Confusion
Fibrous Roots vs. Mold
Fuzzy white fibrous root hairs are often confused for mold, which is also white and fibrous looking. Here is the simple test and the key visual difference.
Fibrous Roots
Root hairs emanate from the white main root structure. If you spray them with water, they disappear. That is the definitive test.
Spray with water. Root hairs vanish. Mold does not.
Mold
Mold spreads across stems or across the growing substrate surface rather than emanating from a root structure. It persists after being sprayed with water.
Wick your channels before going under lights
After uncovering germinated channels and before placing them under lights and starting irrigation, add a drain wick beneath each grow mat.
How to position the wick
Troubleshooting
Poor Germination
Three primary factors drive germination failure. Work through them in order before replanting.
Seed Quality
Old or poorly stored seeds may not germinate even in ideal conditions. If germination rates are consistently low across a new bag, the seed itself may be the issue rather than your environment or procedure.
Planting Water pH
Water parameters, especially pH, directly affect germination success. If planting water is not balanced to 5.8 the seeds may struggle to germinate even in a well-managed environment.
Heat
The most common environmental issue. Temperatures above 85°F (29.5°C) will prevent germination and can kill newly germinated seedlings. Equipment in the grow room is often the source. Monitor closely with your sensor.
Air Movement
Fans, heaters, or air conditioners directed at germinating channels cause excessive evaporation and prematurely dry out the channel. Pay particular attention to exposed drain ends. Redirect airflow away from germinating channels.
Chapter 4
Growing
Take advantage of the ease and automation the grow rack system provides. Instead of focusing on daily growing chores, focus on the condition of your plants in the moment and adjust your settings and controls in response.
Very quickly you will determine the ideal settings and schedule for your grow room that allow you to maximize harvest weights and product quality cycle after cycle.
4A -- Schedules
Watering Schedules
Early in the growth cycle the plant canopy has not yet formed, so a large percentage of the grow mat is exposed to open air. This allows moisture to evaporate much faster and increases the need for more frequent waterings. There is limited risk of overwatering young seedlings at this stage.
Watering intervals and duration are subjective and depend entirely on your grow room environment. Use the schedules below as a starting point and adjust based on what your plants are telling you.
Growing Schedule
Microgreens
| Days | Lighting | Irrigation | Fans |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | Blackout | None | Off |
| 4-6 | 16 hrs on / 8 hrs off | 20 sec on / 2 hrs off | Low |
| 7-10 | 16 hrs on / 8 hrs off | 20 sec on / 4 hrs off | Med / High |
Growing Schedule
Baby Greens
| Days | Lighting | Irrigation | Fans |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | Blackout | None | Off |
| 4-6 | 16 hrs on / 8 hrs off | 20 sec on / 2 hrs off | Low |
| 7-10 | 16 hrs on / 8 hrs off | 20 sec on / 4 hrs off | Med / High |
| 11-15+ | 16 hrs on / 8 hrs off | 20 sec on / 6 hrs off | High |
Air Movement
Air movement throughout the grow space is almost always beneficial, but avoid direct airflow on young greens until the canopy forms. Intensity can increase in step with plant size and density.
Managing Humidity
Air movement can increase at a similar rate to the size of growth. Denser canopies hold more moisture and require more airflow to prevent problems.
Adjust in Real Time
Pay attention to the condition of your crop. Irrigation schedules and environmental controls should be adjusted based on what the plants look like right now, not just what day of the cycle they are on.
4B -- Environmental Controls
Environmental Controls
Air movement
Internal fans can be mounted at each lit level of the growing rack. Each set can be individually powered and speed-controlled, letting you customize by the age of the greens on each level or in response to current environmental conditions.
Box fans or oscillating fans can supplement airflow throughout the facility. Fans that exchange air with the external environment are also recommended. The specifics of location, type, and size are highly dependent on each facility and should be designed alongside the building's HVAC systems.
Humidity
Hydroponic grow rooms can become extremely humid due to aerated moving water and the high density of transpiring plants. Relative humidity can exceed 90% without control measures. Dehumidifiers are often necessary in larger facilities. Invest in a high-capacity unit as they run more efficiently and reduce energy costs over time.
Temperature
Ambient temperature fluctuates due to heat generated by pumps, fans, aerators, and lights. Managing excess heat is critical for most of the year and a dedicated HVAC system is essential for year-round control.
Water temperature in the reservoir is equally important. High water temperatures only become a real issue when air temperatures remain excessively high for extended periods.
Temperature management strategies
1
Increase external air exchange
If external air temperature is lower than your grow facility, increase the rate of air exchange and add ventilation by installing fans in available windows, both pulling air in and pushing air out.
2
Reverse lighting cycles in summer
During summer months when external temperatures climb during the day, reverse your lighting cycles so lights are off during the day and on during cooler night periods.
3
Insulate reservoirs and use water chillers
If air temps cannot be managed, maintaining water temperature becomes the priority. Insulate your reservoirs and use water chillers to protect root health.
HVAC design and installation is highly dependent on each individual grow facility and requires licensed professionals. Consult a local expert when determining your specific needs.
4C -- Reservoir Maintenance
Reservoir Maintenance and Water
Nutrients
The nutrient demand of microgreens is generally quite low. Urban Greens grew both microgreens and baby greens simultaneously and chose to use nutrient water consistently for both. Years of growing showed that microgreens watered with nutrient water grew faster, larger, and were generally more resilient.
Use a relatively low concentration of any hydroponic nutrient mix of your choice. Target EC 1200 measured above your baseline source water reading.
Dosing without a meter: A rough estimate is 15mg (1 tbsp) of nutrients per 20 liters (5 gal) of water. A digital EC meter is strongly recommended for accuracy.
Reservoir water pH
The ideal pH for reservoir water is 5.8. Over time pH tends to drift upward due to biological activity in the system. Test and adjust levels daily.
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5.8
AcidicNeutralAlkaline
Dissolved oxygen and water temperature
As water temperature increases its ability to hold oxygen decreases. Oxygen is critical for plant roots to take up nutrients and maintain healthy growth rates. Warmer water also increases the risk of waterborne pathogens multiplying.
Maintain healthy dissolved oxygen levels using submersible pumps to circulate and agitate the water. There is no risk of over-oxygenating your reservoir, so oversupply agitation to ensure high oxygen levels at all times.
Reservoir water changes
Change reservoir water at least once per quarter. Depending on planting load and varieties grown you may need more frequent changes. Schedule water changes following harvests so the entire system can be cleaned and start fresh.
Unplug your pumps before you begin.
Always disconnect pumps before opening the drain valve. Double-check before draining.
Water change procedure
1
Connect your drain line
Connect your drain line to the threaded drain fitting on the reservoir. A threaded hose fitting with a valve on the bottom accepts a garden hose that routes to the nearest facility drain.
2
Confirm pumps are unplugged and drain
Double-check that pumps are unplugged before opening the valve to drain the reservoir.
3
Remove and clean pumps
Disconnect pump plumbing and remove pumps to a sink for cleaning and inspection. Remove and rinse the sponge prefilter. Run the faucet through the pumps and scrub clean.
4
Clean the reservoir
Use diluted bleach as a cleaning and sanitizing solution. Scrub the interior with a long-handled tool and rinse thoroughly. Detach and move the reservoir for outside cleaning if easier.
5
Reconnect and close drain
Replace the reservoir, reconnect plumbing fittings and pumps, disconnect the drain hose, and close the drain valve.
6
Refill and rebalance
Refill with fresh or filtered water. Mix nutrients to target EC with your EC meter and adjust pH to 5.8. When the water level is high enough, power up your pumps and reactivate your timers.
4D -- Plant Health
Plant Health
Controlled environment agriculture aims to create an ideal growing environment 24 hours a day. When executed correctly your plants will grow faster and healthier than they ever could outdoors.
Pay attention to your plants daily and look for signs of health or disease so you can make adjustments in real time.
Most common issues
Mold
Mold growth during germination is usually caused by lack of equipment sanitization, excessive heat, or stagnant air and moisture from too long a covered germination period.
Rot
Decaying dead plant matter creates an environment that affects surrounding healthy plants, causing the problem to spread. Rot only begins after something has already caused the death of the original plants.
Overwatering and moisture control
If you are experiencing mold or rot, start by reducing watering frequency and duration. Increase air movement on and around the greens to reduce excess moisture. Reducing ambient humidity through air exchange or dehumidifiers can also help.
An early indicator of overwatering is water droplets accumulating on leaf edges or under the canopy. At this point plants stop taking up nutrient water and the stress environment begins.
Grow mats absorb and hold moisture well. Early in the cycle when plants are small and mats are exposed to light and air, moisture evaporates much faster. As the canopy forms, evaporation slows significantly.
This is why waterings should be reduced and fan strength increased as plants grow, even with no other changes in the grow room.
Leaf discoloration
When greens show leaf discoloration, nutrient deficiency is often the first suspect. But microgreens have a very low nutrient demand and true deficiency is uncommon. Check your pH first. Incorrect pH prevents plant roots from absorbing nutrients even when nutrients are present in the water.
After confirming water chemistry is correct, consider physical factors. Yellowing or stunted growth can be caused by underwatering in hot environments or during rapid growth periods. Excessive light intensity can also cause yellowing or leaf burn.
Inspecting your greens
Select a centrally located channel in the rack and spread the greens to inspect the undergrowth at the center of the mat. This is the densest region of the planting where mold and rot tend to start first.
Seed Density
The greater the seed density, the sooner a canopy forms and the less air can circulate through the undergrowth. Denser plantings also amplify the spread of rot when a section dies. Adjust density if you see recurring problems.
System Settings
As plants grow rapidly after their first few days under light, gradually increase the time between waterings and the intensity of fan airflow. These adjustments are essential to encourage proper dry periods and prevent moisture buildup under the canopy.
Chapter 5
Preharvest
For a successful harvest and high product quality, prepare your grow room before harvest day. The most important step is adjusting watering timing so greens have had ample time to dry out without wilting. Depending on your grow room, 6 to 12 or more hours may be required.
Letting your greens gradually dry before harvest is critical. Excess moisture diminishes product quality and increases spoilage, shortening shelf life on an already perishable product.
Checking moisture levels
Check the rate at which wicks are dripping and gently lift the grow mat at the front or back of the channel to see if moisture remains beneath the mat. Keep in mind channels dry gradually from front to back.
Preharvest procedure
1
Adjust watering and fan intensity
Make the necessary adjustments to your watering timing and fan intensity to create an appropriate drying period leading up to harvest.
During your first few growing cycles and after seasonal changes, the correct amount of time and fan intensity to achieve dry greens can vary. Check regularly to avoid over-drying and wilting.
2
Monitor moisture indicators
As harvest approaches, check channels for moisture indicators. Are there droplets on the leaves? Are wicks still dripping? Is there moisture under the grow mat? All three should be clear before you harvest.
3
Prepare harvest equipment
The following should be cleaned and ready before harvest begins.
Harvest containers and linen covers
Harvest tools ready and charged
Scale for measuring harvest weights
Cooler prepped, clean, and at temperature
Still Wet?
If you must harvest and greens are still wet, hang mats vertically and allow time for them to drain from one end before cutting.
Wilted?
If you have waited too long and greens have begun to wilt, water your channels. Given time your plants should recover and bounce back before harvest.
Chapter 6
Harvest
The least stressful harvest produces the highest quality product with the longest shelf life. Minimize the time your mats are hanging, handle greens as few times as possible, and get them into the cooler quickly. Every extra step reduces shelf life.
On the day of harvest
Do not water before harvest
Completely unplug your timer or pump when it is time to harvest. Harvest day is busy and it is easy to forget a watering cycle that soaks your greens or sprays water onto the floor when channels are out of the system.
Hanging your mats
Your grow mats are sewn with corner grommets to make hanging easy. Plant mats with the grommets on the drain side so that when you hang them for harvest, any remaining moisture reverses its flow with gravity, minimizing dripping into your harvest containers.
Harvesting horizontally on a work surface is also perfectly fine if that is more practical for your setup.
Harvest procedure
1
Unplug pump or turn off watering timer
Cut power to irrigation before pulling any channels.
2
Plan your harvest order
Decide the order in which you will harvest your channels before you start.
Harvest the most sensitive greens first to get them into the cooler quickly. For mixed variety products, alternate harvesting each variety to help mix the product without extra handling.
3
Remove all wicks
Go to the back of the grow rack and remove the wick from every channel you plan to harvest. Collect wicks in a container to be sanitized before reuse.
Removing wicks before pulling mats prevents them from accidentally falling into your harvest containers during cutting.
4
Pull mats from channels
Gently pull each grow mat from its channel by grabbing a corner of the mat with one hand while holding the grow channel in place with the other.
5
Hang and allow to drip
If harvesting vertically, allow a few minutes for mats to drip remaining water before cutting.
Harvesting near a floor drain or positioning a container to collect draining water helps keep your grow room clean.
6
Cut and collect
Position your harvest container beneath the grow mat and using your harvest tool of choice, begin making cuts at the top of the mat proceeding downward until complete.
For the visual learners
Harvesting
Demonstration Video
Watch the fast and efficient method of harvesting using the workstation feature designed by Urban Greens.
Video Placeholder
Replace with YouTube embed URL for harvesting demo video
Harvest quality control
Maintain a clear view of your cuts and what you are collecting. Dead patches in the undergrowth are sometimes invisible until you begin cutting. Skip those sections or pull the undesirable section off the mat entirely before cutting.
If greens are too wet
Absorb
Add an absorbent linen layer at the bottom of your harvest tub to pull dripping water away from the greens.
Cover
Cover the harvest container with a breathable fabric to allow moisture to evaporate out rather than trapping it inside.
Mix
Gently mix the harvested greens periodically, bringing bottom greens to the top, to help the drying process work evenly.
Harvest Reference
Microgreen Harvest Weights
Microgreens
9" x 30" grow mat
| Variety | Duration | Yield |
|---|---|---|
| Arugula (22g) | 9-10 days | 1.1 lbs (500g) |
| Broccoli (30g) | 9-10 days | 1.1 lbs (500g) |
| Mustard (16g) | 9-10 days | 1.0 lbs (450g) |
| Cabbage (25g) | 11-12 days | 1.25 lbs (570g) |
| Radish (40g) | 8-9 days | 1.8 lbs (820g) |
Microgreens
9" x 72" grow mat
| Variety | Duration | Yield |
|---|---|---|
| Arugula (53g) | 9-10 days | 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg) |
| Broccoli (72g) | 9-10 days | 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg) |
| Mustard (38g) | 9-10 days | 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) |
| Cabbage (60g) | 11-12 days | 2.5 lbs (1.5 kg) |
| Radish (96g) | 8-9 days | 4.2 lbs (1.9 kg) |
Baby Green Harvest Weights
Baby Greens
9" x 30" grow mat
| Variety | Duration | Yield |
|---|---|---|
| Arugula (9g) | 14-16 days | 1.2 lbs (540g) |
| Broccoli (10g) | 14-16 days | 1.1 lbs (500g) |
| Mustard (6g) | 14-16 days | 1.3 lbs (590g) |
| Cabbage (9g) | 16-18 days | 1.2 lbs (545g) |
| Radish (22g) | 12-14 days | 1.5 lbs (680g) |
Baby Greens
9" x 72" grow mat
| Variety | Duration | Yield |
|---|---|---|
| Arugula (22g) | 14-16 days | 2.8 lbs (1.6 kg) |
| Broccoli (24g) | 14-16 days | 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg) |
| Mustard (14g) | 14-16 days | 2.9 lbs (1.3 kg) |
| Cabbage (22g) | 16-18 days | 2.8 lbs (1.3 kg) |
| Radish (53g) | 12-14 days | 3.6 lbs (1.6 kg) |
6A -- Food Safety
Food Safety
Good food safety practices should begin the moment you start handling your harvested greens. The basics apply here as much as anywhere.
Wash your hands frequently throughout harvest.
Wash and sanitize all harvest equipment before use.
Wipe down all work surfaces before handling product.
Keep the cooler clean and dry at all times.
On the glove debate: wearing gloves while simultaneously handling tools, totes, doors, and channels creates a false sense of security. Frequent handwashing is more effective than gloves that contact every surface in the grow room.
6B -- Cooler Storage
Cooler Storage
Cold storage can take many forms depending on the scale of your operation. The target settings are the same regardless of the setup.
32-36
°F
0-2°C / Always keep greens below 41°F
Cover harvest containers with a breathable fabric such as towels or linens to allow moisture to release and greens to crisp before packaging. Check your cooling greens regularly to determine when to replace the fabric with the solid plastic lid.
Chapter 7
Prepping Between Crop Cycles
After harvest, the grow channels and rack need to be cleaned and the grow mats processed before your next planting. Getting this right keeps your system healthy, reduces the risk of carryover mold or contamination, and sets up each new cycle for success.
Photo 35
Grow mats hung vertically to dry after harvest
Break down and clean the grow rack
Your grow channels can be removed and washed however is most convenient for you. Drain channels remove just as easily and can be washed at the same time. The rest of the rack can be wiped down in preparation for your next growing cycle.
The best time to clean the reservoir and equipment is while it is drained. Schedule water changes following harvests so the entire system can be cleaned and start fresh.
7A -- Processing Grow Mats
Drying and Processing Your Mats
Drying your mats
Grow mats can be hung and dried in the sun if weather allows. If drying indoors, fans, dehumidifiers, or safely used heaters can increase the rate of drying.
Properly dried mats will be dry to the touch and the mat fabric will feel slightly stiff. The plant matter left from the harvest should be crispy, meaning stems break rather than bend, and root matter flakes away easily.
Mats must be fully dry before processing. Attempting to clean wet or damp mats tears the fabric and makes root matter much harder to remove.
Sun Drying
Hang mats outdoors on a sunny day. UV exposure also helps sanitize the mat fabric between cycles.
Indoor Drying
Use fans, dehumidifiers, or low-heat sources to accelerate drying inside your facility. Ensure good airflow around all surfaces of the mat.
Ready Check
The mat fabric should feel slightly stiff and dry to the touch. Stems should snap rather than bend and root matter should flake away cleanly.
Processing methods
Vacuuming
For most plant varieties on fully dried mats, a shop vac or vacuum brush attachment does an effective job of removing plant and root matter while minimizing mess. Useful for all but the most resilient plant varieties.
Scraping
For difficult to clean mats like arugula, a smooth-edged masonry hand trowel works well. Scrape or brush plant and root matter from both surfaces. Hold the bottom of the mat tight with your off hand, or work against a wall or tabletop for stability.
For the visual learners
Cleaning Your Grow Mats
Demonstration Videos
Two videos covering both methods: vacuuming with a shop vac attachment and scraping with a masonry trowel.
Vacuuming Method
Scraping Method
Chapter 8
Equipment Overview and Maintenance
Reference guide for every piece of equipment in the AutoKit system. Covers function, usage, and maintenance for each component.
Automation
Digital Short Interval Timers
Controls watering and lighting cycles. Use the Set button plus up and down arrows to adjust ON time at the top of the screen and OFF time on the lower screen. Adjustable down to the second.
These timers let you visually see how soon a cycle is approaching or how long it will last without navigating menus or reading hard-to-interpret dials.
Note
To run an immediate extra watering cycle, cycle through the timer settings menu by repeatedly pressing Set without changing any parameters. When you exit the menu, the water cycle begins with an active cycle.
For the visual learners
Setting the Timers
Demonstration Video
Watch how to navigate the timer settings and get your watering and lighting cycles scheduled.
Monitoring
Flow Meter
Installed inline on the watering line for each rack level. Four modes: Flow, Consumption, Average, and Total. Flow and Consumption modes are most useful for confirming each row receives the same volume of water per cycle.
Maintenance
Flow meters run on small batteries. To replace: unscrew the meter a half turn, then use a flathead screwdriver to quarter-turn and remove the back cover. Swap the battery and reassemble.
Filtration
In-Line Screen Filter
Installed on the irrigation feed line to remove small particulate matter pulled from the reservoir by the pump. Protects the feed line tubes from blockage since they are the smallest plumbing line and easiest to clog.
Maintenance
Start by checking weekly. Always confirm pumps are unplugged before removing the filter. If flow meter readings are lower than expected for your cycle times, clogged filters are the likely cause.
Circulation
Submersible Pumps
Two pumps serve different functions. The smaller stir pump increases aeration and circulation within the reservoir. The larger irrigation pump delivers nutrient water to the grow channels. Both have removable housings to prevent debris from reaching the impeller.
Maintenance
Remove pumps from the reservoir during water changes for cleaning and inspection. Scrub the exterior housing and cord, and inspect, clean, or replace the removable sponge prefilter on each pump.
Water Chemistry
Blue Lab pH Controller
Features a temperature probe and pH sensing probe for real-time reservoir monitoring. Equipped with a single peristaltic pump for customizable dosing of pH buffer solution at set intervals and durations.
Maintenance
Clean the pH probe regularly to remove accumulated algae or nutrient precipitate. Recalibrate using calibration solutions every 1 to 3 months. Never allow the probe to dry in open air. Keep it submerged in water or probe storage fluid when not in use.
Testing
Handheld pH / EC Probe
For manual spot testing of reservoir water. The glass probe tip is delicate. Handle with care and always replace the cap securely after use as it is designed to extend the life of the sensor.
Maintenance
Keep probes wet and avoid storing dry. Recalibrate every 1 to 3 months using pH calibration solutions. If accuracy is inconsistent during calibration, increase calibration frequency.
Harvest
Handheld Harvest Trimmer
Battery operated hedge trimmers provide the best balance of harvest efficiency and control. The blade removes easily for sanitizing and sharpening. Comfortable weight for use throughout a full harvest.
Maintenance
Charge batteries fully before every harvest. Apply food-grade lubricant after thorough cleanings. A dull blade damages plant tissue during cutting which reduces product quality and shelf life. Replace or sharpen blades when cutting feels rough.
Mat Processing
Shop Vac Brush Attachment
Convenient tool for cleaning post-harvest dried grow mats while minimizing mess. Effective for most varieties as long as mats are fully dry before processing. For difficult varieties like arugula, use the hand trowel instead.
Mat Processing
Hand Trowel
A smooth-edged masonry finishing trowel is ideal for scraping difficult-to-clean mats. The smooth edges remove plant matter effectively without damaging the mat fabric. Available at any hardware store or online.
Planting
Plastic Ramekins
Pre-weigh seeds for each channel into individual ramekins. Organize by variety and planting date. Makes planting faster and more consistent by removing the need to weigh during the planting process itself.
Planting
Seed Shakers
Handheld plastic seasoning shakers are the preferred seed application tool. Use large holes for big seeds like radish, medium for most varieties like cabbage and broccoli, and small for tiny seeds like basil.
Harvest
Plastic Harvest Totes
Food-grade plastic totes for holding harvested greens in the cooler. Choose a size that accommodates your typical harvest volume and fits efficiently in your cooler. Available online and at restaurant supply stores.
Harvest
White Linen Napkins
Used to cover harvest totes in the cooler. Breathable fabric allows greens to release moisture without drying too rapidly. Adding a linen to the bottom of the tub also absorbs drips during harvest. Easily laundered and reused.
Urban Greens
You have everything you need.
Success in hydroponics comes from observation, consistency, and a little experimentation. Refer back to any section of this guide whenever you need a refresher. We are here to support you every step of the way.
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