Are you sure you want to remove box #1 from your cart?
Are you sure you want to remove box #1 from your cart?

Get a Free Seed 6-Pack + Free Shipping SHOP NOW

Watering Your Greens

Okay it’s obvious that watering your greens is super important. But when and how much are two key questions that’ll substantially impact your harvests. Here’s your guide to master that skill. 

We tend to look at the microgreen watering schedule in two different stages:

  • The germination phase — during initial sprouting, microgreens are covered by the germination lid
  • The growth stage — microgreens are uncovered and exposed to light

Let’s talk about each of these in detail.

GERMINATION PHASE

Seeds enter the germination phase immediately after they are planted. During this phase, the outside seed hull opens, and the seeds begin to form their root structures. Moisture helps the seed hulls to split open, which is essential. One main source of water in this phase actually comes from the rehydrated coir. In combination with the germination lid, the coir grow medium provides an optimal environment that meet the needs of newly sown seeds.

Early on, seeds will also really benefit from a top misting  which is why we included a handy spray bottle with every Fieldhouse order. This helps keep the seeds moist, and to speed up the germination process. Some seeds enjoy more frequent misting than others, so please reference our individual growing guides for seed specific information.

During the germination phase, we do not want to bottom water. Seeds have yet to develop roots to suck up water at this point, and bottom watering at this phase would only oversaturate the grow medium.

GROWTH PHASE

After 2 - 3 days, your seeds are now good to be uncovered and the lights are ready to be switched on. The growth stage marks the point where bottom watering begins, as the roots have grown and are able to consume more water.

The general rule of thumb is 1 cup of water (250 ml) per day — starting when you first uncover the seeds. We say general because certain seeds like more water than others, and conditions can also greatly vary between different homes. If you live in a hotter climate — you can expect for your seeds to absorb water at a quicker rate. Colder climates typically mean less frequent watering.

To know if and when to water your seeds, it’s helpful to look at the coir grow medium. If the coir is visibly saturated or dark brown in color, it’s safe to wait another day to water. If on the other hand the coir has begun to dry out and looks arid, it’s probably a good time to water. Check out the video to see what this looks like in practice.

PDF DIRECTIONS

KNOW BEFORE YOU GROW      -      KNOW BEFORE YOU GROW      -      KNOW BEFORE YOU GROW      -      KNOW BEFORE YOU GROW      -      KNOW BEFORE YOU GROW      -      KNOW BEFORE YOU GROW      -      

WATERING FAQS

Seeds need less water when they’re just starting out. Spraying is used to primarily loosen up seed hulls, as the coir grow medium contains enough moisture for the roots to grow through the first couple days of germination. Once seeds are exposed to lights, they require more water to grow tall and develop in a healthy manner. 

We recommend using room temperature water for your greens. Anything extremely hot or cold runs the chance of shocking your greens and effecting your grow.

Check your soil hydration levels to ensure you are not under or over watering your greens. Typically, droopy greens indicate they are in need of water. Refer to the video above to see examples of dry and oversaturated grow medium.

Like most plants, microgreens have an ability to recover after underwatering. Your greens will likely be fine if they miss a day or two of water, but anything longer runs a risk of loosing your tray. Set a reminder on your phone or make sure your Fieldhouse is in an easily accessible area to ensure your greens get the hydration they need!

If your grow medium is oversaturated and water still remains in your bottom tray 30-mins after watering, carefully remove the top and bottom grow trays and tip the remaining water out over a sink, making sure not to let any of the soil/seed spill out. Hold off on watering for the next day or so until your greens absorb the remaining water left in your coir. 

In general, it's better to underwater than to overwater as microgreens will recover more easily from underwatering.

The Fieldhouse in Clay on kitchen countertop with grow light on - best home garden
The Fieldhouse in Clay on kitchen countertop with grow light on mobile - best indoor garden

Follow Us @grow.leath      -      Follow Us @grow.leath      -      Follow Us @grow.leath      -      Follow Us @grow.leath      -      Follow Us @grow.leath      -      Follow Us @grow.leath      -