HydroKit Gutters GrowBags – 6 Plants

Growing Guide

Let’s Start Growing

Like all living organisms, plants need regular care to thrive. Here’s a breakdown of the growing journey with essential instructions and pro tips.

Understanding the Plant Lifecycle: 4 Phases

Germination Stage

Seeds sprout and begin forming small seedlings.

Vegetative Stage

Seedlings develop into strong young plants ready for transplanting.

Growth Stage

Plants grow until harvest. (Leafy herbs and greens are usually harvested before flowering.)

Flowering/Fruiting Stage

Most plants eventually flower. Leafy greens are harvested before this stage, but fruiting plants must flower to produce fruits.

Key Hydroponic Tips

Just 5 Minutes a Day

Spend 5–15 minutes daily checking EC, pH, spraying leaves, and ensuring proper light.

Daily Spraying

Treat it like a daily shower. In summer, 2–3 sprays a day may be needed.

Clip, Don’t Pull

Always use scissors to harvest. Pulling may damage roots or nearby plants.

YOBO – You Only Buy Once

EC and pH meters are one-time investments. They keep your system balanced.

Smart Hack

Let tap water sit uncovered for 24 hours before use. This lets chlorine evaporate.

The Crazy Tomato Rule

Grow in-season plants. Tomatoes out of season won’t perform well even with perfect care.

Phase 1: Germination

This stage can take 3 to 6 weeks depending on the plant. Follow these steps:

Prepare Rockwool Cubes

Soak 8 cubes in water for a few hours. Place them in a germination box with holes.

(Note: Some seeds like mint and celery benefit from pre-soaking in water.)

Planting the Seeds

Make a small hole in the center of each cube.

Place 2 seeds using a toothpick.

Cover the hole gently using the same toothpick.

Mist generously and close the lid.

Initial Darkness (Except Light Lovers)

Keep in a dark place for 48 hours (except light-lovers like mint and celery).

After 48 hours, keep Rockwool moist and expose to sunlight.

Sprouting

Seeds sprout within 2–16 days depending on type.

Once sprouted, give direct sunlight.

If seedlings grow tall and thin, they need more light immediately.

Thinning

After one week of sunlight, use scissors to cut the weaker seedling in each cube.

Root Growth

By week 3, roots will start to come out from the bottom of the cubes.

Place the cubes in a shallow water tray under sun. Never let them dry out.

Ready for Transplant

Once roots reach beyond the cube, the seedling is ready to be moved to the system.

Phase 2: Transplant to the System

Preparing the Gutters and GrowBags

For each of the two growbags, fill them with a mixture of cocopeat and husk chips. Ensure the mixture is evenly distributed throughout the growbag.

Place the growbags into the gutters. Each growbag should hold 3 plants.

Preparing the Water Tank

Fill the tank with water that was left uncovered for 24 hours.

Measure initial EC (usually ~0.5).

Add nutrients:

• Add 25 ml of Solution A per 10 L of water. Stir.

• Add 25 ml of Solution B per 10 L of water. Stir again.

  Target EC = 1.6 (adjust by crop type).

  Adjust pH:

  Use pH meter. Add 1–1.5 ml of pH Down per 10 L of water.

  Don’t add more than 0.25 ml at once. Stir and retest.

  Insert the water pump in the tank and close the lid to prevent light exposure.

Transplant Steps

• Dig a small hole in the center of each growbag.

• Insert the Rockwool cube with the seedling into the hole.

• Cover the seedling gently with the cocopeat/husk mix and keep the plant upright.

• Cover the surface with reflective foil (cut a hole for the plant stem).

• Insert the irrigation pipe next to the stem through the foil.

• Turn on the system. (You can automate with a timer later.)

Tips and Reminders

• If using a larger tank (50 L), multiply nutrient doses by 5.

• Follow EC and pH meter guides carefully.

• Check pH every 4–6 days.

• High EC = plant burn.

• In summer, spray leaves 2–3 times daily.

• In winter, spray once daily or every other day.

• Use shade netting or expose to sunlight depending on crop and weather.

• Phase 3: Plant Care and Monitoring

  After transplanting, maintain plant health with these steps:

  • Monitor pH and EC regularly.

  • Mist plants daily (more often during heat waves).

  • Ensure water is reaching the root zone. Check every 4–6 days.

  • Ideal temperature range: 18–26°C.

  • pH variation is natural and reflects plant activity.

  • EC dropping = nutrients used → refill nutrients.

  Refill Strategy

  When adding more water to the system:

  • Start by adding half the amount of Solution A + B.

  • Check EC.

  • Add small amounts gradually until target EC is reached.

  General Care Tips

  • Keep the gutters free from excess water that may lead to root rot. Drainage is crucial.

  • Check that the irrigation system is working efficiently, and ensure all growbags receive water evenly.

  • In case of algae growth in the gutters, clean them regularly to prevent it from blocking the system.

  • If your plants are too tall, gently trim the tops to maintain healthy growth and airflow.

Harvesting and Post-Harvest Care

Once your plants have matured, it’s time for harvesting:

• For leafy greens (such as lettuce or arugula), harvest by cutting the outer leaves.

• For herbs (such as basil or mint), trim the leaves but leave some growth to allow the plant to regenerate.

• Keep the harvested plants cool and store them in a clean, dry place. Use them as fresh as possible.

Post-Harvest Maintenance

• After harvesting, continue checking EC and pH to ensure your system remains in balance.

• Replenish nutrients if necessary, following the Refill Strategy from earlier.

• Regularly clean the growbags and gutters to prevent disease buildup.

Pro Tips for Growing with Gutters and GrowBags

• Drainage is key: Ensure that the gutters are properly draining to avoid waterlogging, which can harm the roots.

• Prune regularly: Keep plants well-pruned to promote airflow and prevent diseases.

• Check for pests: Keep an eye out for pests like aphids or spider mites. Early intervention will prevent damage.

• Temperature control: Ensure that your system is kept within the optimal temperature range for healthy growth.

Long-Term Care and Maintenance

After your plants have matured and you’re regularly harvesting, here are some key steps for maintaining a healthy and productive hydroponic system:

1. Water Level Monitoring:

   • Ensure that the water level in the system remains consistent. Top up with water when necessary, but avoid overfilling.

   • If you notice the water level dropping too quickly, it could be a sign of leaks in the gutters or growbags. Inspect regularly.

2. Cleaning the System:

   • Periodically, clean the gutters and growbags to prevent any build-up of debris or algae. Algae can block the water flow and disrupt nutrient delivery.

   • Use non-toxic cleaning solutions or a mild vinegar-water mix to clean the system. Rinse thoroughly before adding fresh water.

3. Nutrient Solution Maintenance:

   • Over time, the nutrient solution in the system may lose effectiveness due to evaporation and plant uptake. Refill and replace the solution every 2–4 weeks to maintain balanced nutrients.

   • Adjust the nutrient mix according to the plant’s growth stage (more nitrogen for leafy greens, more potassium and phosphorus for flowering or fruiting plants).

4. Check for Root Bound Issues:

   • Sometimes, if the plants have been in the same growbags for too long, their roots may get bound up, limiting water absorption. Gently lift the plants out of the growbags and inspect the roots.

   • If necessary, replace the growbags or trim the roots and repot the plants.

5. Pruning and Trimming:

   • Regular pruning is essential to maintain healthy airflow around the plants and prevent overcrowding.

   • Trim back dead or damaged leaves, especially during hot weather, to avoid the risk of disease and pests.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Plants Are Growing Too Slowly:

   • Possible cause: Inadequate light, incorrect pH, or nutrient imbalance.

   • Solution: Ensure the plants receive adequate light (at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight or full-spectrum grow lights). Check the pH and EC levels, and adjust as needed.

2. Yellowing Leaves:

   • Possible cause: Nitrogen deficiency or pH imbalance.

   • Solution: Adjust the nutrient solution to add more nitrogen. Check the pH and ensure it’s within the ideal range (5.5–7.5).

3. Wilting Plants:

   • Possible cause: Water stress or root rot.

   • Solution: Ensure the growbags are draining well. Check the water level in the system and ensure the roots are healthy. If needed, replace the growbags or prune damaged roots.

4. Pests and Insects:

   • Possible cause: Pests like aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies.

   • Solution: Use organic pest control methods such as neem oil or insecticidal soap. Regularly inspect your plants and clean the system to reduce pest habitats.

5. Root Rot:

   • Possible cause: Overwatering or insufficient drainage.

   • Solution: Ensure that the system is draining properly. Remove any affected roots and replace the growbags if needed.

Final Harvesting Tips

Once the plants are fully mature and ready for the final harvest:

• For leafy greens and herbs, cut the plants close to the base but leave a few leaves for regeneration.

• For fruiting plants, such as tomatoes or cucumbers, harvest the fruits when they are ripe, and leave the remaining plants to continue growing if desired.

• Always use clean scissors or pruning tools to avoid transmitting diseases to healthy plants.