When raising plants from seeds, a dedicated area is needed to germinate the seeds. Germination is the period when seeds grow into seedlings, which are transplanted into the hydroponic system. Seeds remain dormant until the conditions around them are favorable for growth. Seeds need water, airflow, sunlight, and an optimal temperature to begin germination. A specialized environment attached to the hydroponics system allows for the plants to be grown completely within the system while increasing seed germination rates.

1) Select the number of seeds to grow and place that number of growth media into the growth tray

2) Soak and prep the growth media

3) Place seeds into the growth media

4) Place a small pool of water into the tray for the growth media to sit in

5) Put humidity dome on top of the tray and turn on the grow light

6) When seeds sprout, allow for more airflow into the system

• Seeds should sprout around 3 to 4 days in

7) Seedlings should be around 2 to 3 inches tall before they can be transferred into the hydroponic system

• Transplanting should occur around 2 to 3 weeks after the start of germination 

For more information on preparing the Rockwool growth media and setting up: First Round of Seeds