Start at the Beginner level, where you’ll learn the basics of using the Aquatree and growing proteins, microgreens, leafy greens, and aromatic herbs. As you progress, you’ll enter the Advanced level, where you’ll master advanced tools and tackle larger and more complex crops like juicy cherry tomatoes. Along the way, you’ll discover the importance of nutrition, understand seed growth stages, and create the perfect environmental conditions for your plants to thrive.
But it doesn’t stop there! Our ReTrain page explores the fascinating world of hydroponic research and stays up-to-date with cutting-edge advancements in sustainable agriculture. And when it’s time to savor the fruits of labor, the Recipe Page awaits with a treasure trove of delightful dishes crafted from Aquatree grown produce.
Join other Grow Masters and cultivate a plant-positive mindset and transform your home into a green oasis.
Seed Washing
We recommend rinsing seeds with fresh water before planting. However, If you desire a more thorough procedure, follow these instructions:
Growing Proteins & Microgreens
Use the Irrigation Tray and Reusable Micro Lid
PROTEINS | MICROGREENS | |
---|---|---|
MICRO LID VOLUME | 1/4 CUP | 1/2 to 2 TBSP |
GROW LIGHT | NONE | 8-12 HR/DAY |
MEDIUM | Micro Lid | Micro Lid |
DAMS | ONE | NONE |
+NUTRIENTS | NONE | OPTIONAL |
HARVEST | 2-4 DAYS | 5-20 DAYS |
Harvesting Proteins
Your proteins are ready for harvest when you see
the sprout stem about 1-2 cm long
Harvesting Microgreens (2 options)
Your microgreens are ready for harvest once they have fully developed the first two tiny leaves and the stem is about 2 inches in length or longer
Planting Leafy Greens & Herbs
Leafy Greens & Hebs | |
---|---|
SEEDS | 1 - 3 |
GROW LIGHT | 12 - 14 HR/DAY |
MEDIUM | GROWFOAM |
DAMS | ONE DAM FOR FIRST WEEK |
+NUTRIENTS | YES |
HARVEST | > 30 DAYS |
Harvesting Leafy Greens and Herbs
Lettuce leaves are ready to harvest after 30 days,
but they will continue to grow
NOTE: Keeping the roots attached will keep your crop alive and maintain nutritional content
Transplanting Leafy Greens & Herbs
Don’t forget to give your plants water and
fertilizer in their new soil home
Post Harvest
After you have enjoyed your delightful and nutrition taste treat from our Recipe Page, do not forget the importance of caring for your AquaTree. It is as simple as disassembling the AquaTree and placing the plastic components in your dishwasher. Some sections of the spout, irrigation trays and extensions are hard for dishwashers to clean, you may need to use the supplied brush get to those hard-to-reach locations with a little dish soap and warm water. You can see a cleaning demonstration here?
Grow Your Skills
As you gain confidence in your growing skills, you may want to attempt to cultivate more complicated and larger crops.
The Advanced Grow Kit was designed to give you a few more tools to help.
Example of produce you can grow with the Advance Grow Kit
As you gain experience with your AquaTree, you will want to grow many different crop types in your AquaTree. Here are some things to consider about the different crops:
Have you ever struggled to get your seedlings to a healthy size before transplanting them into your garden? Are you annoyed at the cost of seedlings from the local garden centers? Then your Aquatree is the perfect germinator for your outdoor garden.
The Aquatree can germinate 100 seeds per level that can be transplanted to your outdoor garden or a pot that you continue to grow indoors.
TRAY OF SEEDLINGS
Follow the instructions for growing leafy greens and herbs to get your germination started.
Note: Plants that transition from water to soil supplied nutrients may undergo a shock, losing leaves or wilting for a time. Just keep watering and feeding the seedling and it will make the transition!
Scalability
Get ready to take your indoor gardening to new heights with the AquaTree. Start with one level and gradually expand your system as your skills and gardening ambitions grow. Scale your indoor garden according to your needs and preferences, ensuring a flexible and adaptable gardening experience.
HARVEST – It take about 60 days to see your first flowers and fruits. When the flowers are in full bloom, you need to vibrate the flowers in order for them to release the pollen for self fertilization. It will take another 30 days for the fruit to ripen. Remove the fruit when bright red and eat. Enjoy the fruit of your labor!
Harvest
Day 0
100%
Nutrient Vitamin C
Crop Wash
Day 1
80%
Transport
Day 2-3
60%
Distribution
Warehouse
Day 4
55%
Transport
Day 4-6
50%
Grocer
Day 6
50%
Car
Day 6
50%
Home
Day 6-12
50%
Day 6-12
50%
Day 0
100%
Day 0
100%
Day 0
100%
Respiration
Post-harvest, vegetables continue to respire, albeit at a reduced rate. Respiration in vegetables involves the breakdown of stored carbohydrates to produce energy for various cellular processes. This metabolic activity leads to nutrient loss in two primary ways. First the breakdown of complex molecules, including vitamins and minerals, occurs during respiration. Secondly, respiration increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative stress and the degradation of certain nutrients, such as vitamin C.
Action: Proper storage conditions, such as low temperatures and controlled humidity, can help slow down respiration and minimize nutrient loss in vegetables
The growth of any seed can be divided into several stages, each representing a significant milestone in its development at which it can be harvested with different characteristics for various purposes.
Understanding the stages of seed growth helps us appreciate the complex and remarkable process by which plants develop from tiny seeds into mature, reproductive organisms. Each stage is critical for the plant’s survival and contributes to the overall biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
Helpful Tips
Basic Troubleshooting
NOTE: For more Frequently Asked Questions, please refer to our FAQ page on our website www.aquatree.eco/faq
Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)
CEA refers to the practice of cultivating plants in an environment where various factors such as wildlife, pests, temperature, humidity, light, and nutrient levels are controlled. It is important to your Aquatree for several reasons:
Overall, Controlled Environment Agriculture offers a controlled and efficient approach to crop production, ensuring a stable food supply, resource efficiency, food safety, and innovation in gardening practices.
Water Management
The most utmost importance due to its direct impact on plant health, growth, and overall system efficiency.
By prioritizing water management in hydroponics, you can optimize plant growth, nutrient uptake, and system efficiency. Consistent monitoring, adjusting nutrient solutions, maintaining proper oxygenation, and preventing water-related issues contribute to healthy and thriving plants in your hydroponic setup.
Note: Plants absorb water continually and therefore, your tank will have to be refilled every couple of days. If you are growing plants that require nutrients, remember to add the nutrients per the instructions on the bottle.
The Water Helix
The helix crossing pattern, observed when water flows down the extension or spout on the AquaTree, is a mesmerizing phenomenon resulting from the interaction between gravity and the properties of the flowing water.
As the water descends, it spirals around the inner surface of the pipe, forming a helical path. The helix is created as the water molecules near the pipe’s surface move at a slightly slower speed than those in the center. This velocity difference between the water layers generates a shear force, causing the water to twist and form a helical flow pattern.
The helix crossing pattern is a captivating example of the dynamic and fluid nature of water flow. It showcases the interplay between gravity, fluid dynamics, and the confinement of the pipe’s surface. Observing this phenomenon can provide insights into the fascinating behavior of fluids and the intricate patterns they can generate.t
Temperature Management
Directly influences plant growth, nutrient uptake, and overall system performance.
By actively managing and controlling temperature in your hydroponic system, you can create an environment that supports optimal plant growth, nutrient uptake, and disease prevention. Monitoring temperature levels, employing appropriate heating or cooling methods, and adjusting environmental conditions as needed will ensure the success and productivity of your hydroponic crops.
Optimum ambient temperature for your Aquatree: 60 and 75 °F (16-24 °C)
Note: Specific crops may require a tighter range of temperature.
Grow Light Management
Grow light management is crucial in hydroponics as it directly impacts plant growth, development, and overall productivity.
By understanding the light requirements of your plants and implementing appropriate light management strategies, you can create an environment that promotes healthy, vigorous growth and ensures high-quality yields.
Optimum position for your grow light: 2-3 inches above your plant height
Aquatree Grow Lights
SPECTRUM
The design consists of a light spectrum: 23% blue, 39% green, 37% red, 1% far-red. This is a very balanced, sun-like, versatile spectrum that will grow anything well. It’s relatively high blue content along with the lack of far-red, prioritizes quality of growth by discouraging shade-avoidance responses (stretching) and encouraging the style of morphology driven by direct sun (more dense, colorful, thick, aromatic, flavorful). There is some extra red in the spectrum that helps the plants use the light a bit more efficiently.
OUTPUT
The total light output is approximately 54 µmol/s staying within a healthy min – max intensity range for the 19 inch diameter grow area of the Aquatree. If the full output were 100% delivered, the plants would average 300 µmol/m2/s intensity (PPFD). Overall, the average light levels will be somewhere between 50-100% of those levels across the grow area. So, at 50%, 150 µmol/m2/s minimum is still enough for “good enough” growth of greens and similar crops without running into the weak, slow, stretched growth of a low-light situation like 100 or less µmol/m2/s. However, most greens will experience 200-275 µmol/m2/s intensities on the Aquatree which is what we want to see for very nice growth.
System Maintenance
NOTE: The filter is adjustable and can restrict flow. Make sure to install the filter in the fully open position.
Pest Control
Handling pest control in your AquaTree is crucial to maintain healthy plant growth.
Here are some tips to effectively manage pests:
Remember, it’s important to choose pest control methods that are safe for consumption, as you’ll be growing edible crops. Always follow the instructions and recommendations provided by manufacturers of pest control products to ensure their proper and safe use.
Safety Cautions
When running a hydroponics system in your home with LED grow lights, it’s important to keep the following safe operating recommendations in mind:
The Aquatree has made it possible for anyone, regardless of their gardening experience, to grow their own food and take control of their health.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Information on this site is provided for informational purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for medical advice from your physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. Carefully read all product documentation. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your regular health care provider.