How to grow seedlings for your AirgardenUpdated 2 years ago

Step 1) Set up the propagation dome

• Remove the grow plug tray from inside the solid tray with the clear lid
• Remove 15 of the 45 grow plugs, leaving 30 remaining in your tray
• Add 2L of warm water (max 35°C) to the solid tray
• Place the tray with 30 grow plugs back into the solid seedling tray with the warm water. NB: The grow plugs should expand and soak up the water over 3 - 10 minutes. If the tops are still dry, add water directly to the top until dark brown and glistening

Step 2) Planting your seeds

Tips for selecting seeds

• Ensure the seeds you select are in our list of 150 Airgarden-compatible plants
• Select your seeds using our seasonal / location-based guide 
• Use relatively fresh seeds, as after a year or two most seeds don’t germinate as well

• Punch a 5mm hole in the top of each grow plug using a pen or pencil
• Place seeds (as per the below table, or the instructions on the seed packet) in the hole, then lightly re-cover with the coir you removed

• Label each grow plug so you know what seedlings are what
• Place clear lid back on top of solid seedling tray
• Keep the air vents in the lid of the propagation dome closed at all times - this helps create the humid environment required for germination

Step 3) Cover & wait for seeds to sprout

• Place grow plugs back in the seedling tray and put the clear lid back on
• Make sure all the holes in the lid are closed - this will create the humidity required for seeds to germinate 
• Place the tray inside in a bright place, but out of direct sunlight (e.g. the kitchen bench). If they’re on a cool surface place a tea-towel underneath to keep the tray warm
• Wait for them to germinate i.e. sprout above the surface as per the below picture. Do not add any more water during this time.

Step 4) As they sprout, put seeds in sunlight for 3 hours per day

• Seeds will take varying times to sprout. As soon as any seeds sprout transfer them to an open tupperware container and place them in direct sun for 3 hours per day, or 8 hours under a fluorescent or LED desk lamp. Check out this video for more info.
• Do not add water until plugs start turning light brown - at this point they are drying out and you should add water to the top until they glisten.
• Once all your seeds have sprouted, you can remove the clear lid and move them all back to the main tray.

Step 5) After 5 days, put seeds in sunlight for 6 hours per day

• After 5 days, place seedlings in direct sun for 6 hours per day or under a fluorescent or LED desk lamp for 12 hours per day
• Do not add water until plugs start turning light brown at the top (or you will overwater them) - at this point they are drying out and you should add water to the top until they glisten, or pour 1 litre of water to the bottom of the tray. 
• Note - in very hot conditions, you may need to add water every day. You should also keep seedlings out of direct sunlight in the hottest part of the day to ensure they don't dry out too rapidly.

Step 6) Add nutrients to water after 10 days

• After 10 days, start adding half strength nutrients when adding water. E.g. add 1ml of Part 1 and 1ml of Part 2 Airgarden nutrient solution to 1 litre of water.
• Continue to add water as required (i.e. when plugs are turning light brown) by adding water to the top of individual plugs, or pouring 1 litre of water to the bottom of the tray (if you are doing this, ensure all plugs are still reaching the bottom as they may have expanded).

Step 7) Wait for the roots to sprout

• Seedlings must have roots sprouting before being transferred to your Airgarden. This typically takes 2-4 weeks, but some are faster than others.
• When roots have sprouted (i.e. you can see them coming out of the bottom of the grow plug) you can move these seedlings into your Airgarden.

How to tell when your seedlings are ready