The Ultimate FAQ
At Produce’d we’re committed to making education around hydroponics easily accessible for all of our customers. Beyond merely providing excellent customer service, managing an indoor farm means mastering a few tips and tricks to maximize the output of your GrowBlock. If you’re ready to dive into the world of we want to provide all of the answers as to why Produce’d is the best solution for a recurring service that gives you a tower, monthly delivery of plants and nutrients, and excellent customer service for a great monthly price.
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GrowBlock System
- How do I assemble the GrowBlock system?
- We’ve made the GrowBlock one of the easiest to assemble products on the market. While we recommend two people, one person can easily get this done in under 30 minutes. Here’s a quick video:
- Do I need to set up the system in a sunny or dark room?
- Your GrowBlock system can be set up anywhere, our timer-activated lights know to stay on for 10 life giving hours and stay off for 14 hours per day. We don’t rely on the sun for photosynthesis in these hydroponic plants, here’s a quick video that shows you how you can control the timing of the lights:
- What’s behind the size of the system?
- We didn’t want to make a vanity counter top unit and we didn’t want a cumbersome offering either. We’ve designed the GrowBlock to be a productive farm for 1-4 people that shaves down on grocery bills, wasted plants, and let’s any home chef or casual gardener take things to the next level with this home hydroponic farm. At 25″ x 25″ x 72″ it’s one of the densest growing units on the market, see more on why:
- What happens if a part of my system breaks?
- That’s part of our job with the GrowBox 15 or GrowBox 30 recurring service plan. Something goes wrong and you just reach out to our customer service e-mail. Pump, lights, or otherwise we’re here to make sure that your home farm is growing plants, veggies and herbs with ease.
- How do I fill the system?
- Using the funnel we send you, a pitcher (we recommend these from Amazon), and
- How do I know when to water or put in nutrients?
- with our handy text message reminders, you’ll know when to check on your water levels.
- Can I use tap water for my system?
- Where do I put nutrients?
- My pump is making a loud sound – what should I do?
- How do I stop my dog from drinking water?
Produce’d
- We send out growing plants to give you a head start on your hydroponic adventure. This way, you can enjoy faster harvest cycles and don’t have to worry about the germination process. It’s all about making home farming easy and accessible.
- How do I choose plants for my monthly GrowBox?
- Can we request new plants?
- Whats the substrate for each plant
- Where does the farm exist and is everything grown there?
- Our farm is based in Atlanta, and yes, everything you get from our GrowBox subscription is grown right here in our state-of-the-art hydroponic facility. We believe in local, sustainable, and high-quality produce.
Plants and Plant Health
- Can I mix and match plants or is it better to stick to only herbs or only veggies?
- You can absolutely mix and match, as long as the plants you choose have similar nutrient and pH needs. Our GrowBlock makes it easy to grow a variety of herbs, greens, and small fruits together in one unit!
- How do I cut back roots?
- How do I manage vining plants?
- Do I remove dead leaves?
- One of my plants is dying – what do I do?
- How do I treat any bugs I find?
- Do plants like tomatoes keep growing once you pick them?
- When do I harvest produce?
- Something smells bad – what is it?
- What types of plants can I grow hydroponically?
- The possibilities are almost endless! Herbs like basil and mint, leafy greens like lettuce and kale, and even small fruits like strawberries are all great options for hydroponic growing.
- The possibilities are almost endless! Herbs like basil and mint, leafy greens like lettuce and kale, and even small fruits like strawberries are all great options for hydroponic growing.
- How do I train or prune my hydroponic plants for maximum yield?
- Pruning and training depend on the type of plant. For herbs and leafy greens, frequent trimming can promote bushier growth. For fruiting plants, consider techniques like trellising or using string supports. Always make sure to remove dead or yellow leaves and prune away any diseased parts immediately.
- Where can I buy seeds or seedlings suitable for hydroponic farming?
- While we recommend using our GrowBox subscription for the best experience, you can also buy seeds or seedlings suitable for hydroponic systems from specialized gardening stores or online retailers. Just ensure they are disease-free and suitable for hydroponic growing.
- How do I harvest and store my hydroponically grown produce?
- Harvesting depends on the type of crop but usually involves cutting the mature leaves or picking the ripe fruits. Always use clean, sharp tools to prevent disease. For storage, leafy greens can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container, while herbs are best stored at room temperature in a glass of water.
General (Hydroponics)
- How does hydroponics differ from traditional soil-based farming?
- Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, using a nutrient-rich water solution instead. Traditional soil-based farming relies on soil to provide nutrients and support to plants. In hydroponics, you have more control over nutrient levels, pH, and other variables, resulting in faster growth and often higher yields. Plus, it’s cleaner and more space-efficient!
- What are the benefits of hydroponic farming at home?
- Space Efficiency: You can grow plants in a compact area, perfect for apartments and small homes.
- Water Savings: Hydroponic systems use up to 90% less water compared to traditional farming.
- Faster Growth: With optimal nutrient and water delivery, plants grow faster.
- No Soil: No mess, no soil-borne diseases, and fewer pests.
- Year-Round Growing: No need to worry about seasons or weather conditions.
- Reduced Carbon Footprint: Less water use, no need for traditional fertilizers, and reduced food miles.
- Do hydroponic plants grow faster than soil-grown plants?
- Yes, they often do! Hydroponic systems deliver nutrients and water directly to the plant roots, allowing them to focus their energy on growth rather than searching for nutrients in the soil. This results in faster growth rates and shorter harvest cycles.
- What are the basic requirements to start a hydroponic system at home?
- Hydroponic System: Consider our GrowBlock for a ready-to-go solution.
- Nutrient Solution: Our proprietary GrowUp nutrient solution covers all your plants’ needs.
- Light Source: LED grow lights work best for energy efficiency and full-spectrum lighting.
- Water Supply: Tap or filtered water.
- Space: A designated area where the system can reside, with enough room for plants to grow.
- Monitoring Tools: pH and EC meters for testing the nutrient solution.
- How do I choose the right hydroponic system for my needs?
- Consider the following factors:
- Space Availability: How much room do you have?
- Crop Type: What do you want to grow?
- Budget: How much are you willing to invest?
- Time: How much time can you dedicate to system maintenance?
- What are all the different types of hydroponic systems available a cross the market?
- Deep Water Culture (DWC)
- Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)
- Aeroponics
- Drip Systems
- Wick Systems
- Ebb and Flow (Flood and Drain)Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so choose based on your specific needs.
- How do I prepare the water and nutrient solution for my hydroponic system?
- You can start with tap or filtered water. Add the nutrients as per the guidelines provided—our GrowUp nutrient solution comes with detailed instructions. Use a pH meter to ensure the solution stays within the recommended range for your plants.
- How often should I change the nutrient solution?
- It’s generally advised to change the nutrient solution every two weeks, but this can vary depending on the system and plant types. Monitor nutrient levels regularly to make the best decision.
- Are there different types of hydroponic farms?
- Yes! Hydroponic farms can range from small home-based systems like our GrowBlock to large-scale commercial operations. They can also vary in complexity and technology, from simple water culture systems to advanced aeroponic farms.
- How do I monitor and adjust the pH and EC (electrical conductivity) of my nutrient solution?
- Use a pH meter to measure the acidity or alkalinity of the solution, and an EC meter to measure nutrient strength. If adjustments are needed, you can use pH up or down solutions and calibrate nutrients accordingly.
- What kind of lighting is best for hydroponic farming?
- LED grow lights are most recommended due to their energy efficiency and full-spectrum capabilities. They can provide your plants with the light they need without the heat waste commonly associated with other types of lighting.
- How much space do I need to start hydroponic farming at home?
- The beauty of hydroponic farming is its space efficiency! With our GrowBlock, you can cultivate up to 38 plants in a compact unit that can easily fit in a small corner of your living room, balcony, or kitchen. So, you don’t need acres of land—just a small dedicated space will do the trick.
- Can hydroponics be organic?
- Absolutely! The term “organic” refers to the way agricultural products are grown and processed. While traditional organic farming involves soil, hydroponic systems can also be organic if they use organic nutrient solutions and avoid synthetic pesticides or herbicides. Our proprietary GrowUp nutrient solution, for example, can be formulated to meet organic standards.
- Do I need any special equipment or tools for hydroponics?
- Beyond your hydroponic system itself, you’ll need a reliable light source (LED grow lights are a favorite), a water supply, and nutrient solutions. Monitoring tools like pH and EC meters are also recommended. Good news: most of these essentials are part of our convenient GrowBox monthly subscription.
- How do I manage pests and diseases in a hydroponic system?
- One advantage of hydroponic systems is the reduced risk of soil-borne diseases. However, you should still be vigilant. Use natural pesticides if needed, and ensure good air circulation around your plants to prevent mold and fungus. Regularly inspect your plants and system for signs of pests and diseases.
- What is the cost involved in setting up a hydroponic farm at home?
- The initial setup cost can vary depending on the complexity of the system you choose. Our GrowBlock and GrowBox subscription offer an all-in-one solution that is both cost-effective and convenient, providing everything you need for successful home farming.
- Is hydroponic farming sustainable?
- Yes, it’s incredibly sustainable! Hydroponic systems use up to 90% less water compared to traditional farming, require less land, and reduce the need for harmful pesticides and fertilizers. Plus, growing your own food cuts down on transportation emissions and packaging waste.
- How do I ensure the best oxygenation for my plants’ roots?
- Adequate oxygenation can be achieved through air stones or diffusers that create bubbles in the nutrient solution, ensuring oxygen reaches the root system. Our GrowBlock has built-in features to ensure optimal oxygenation for your plants.
- What kind of maintenance does a hydroponic system require?
- Maintenance tasks include checking the pH and EC levels of your nutrient solution, cleaning the system, and regularly inspecting for pests and diseases. You’ll also need to change the nutrient solution periodically. With our GrowBlock, this process is streamlined to make it as easy as possible for you.
- Can I grow multiple crops simultaneously in one hydroponic system?
- Certainly! Our GrowBlock allows you to grow a variety of crops together as long as they have similar nutrient and pH requirements. It’s a great way to have a diverse, fresh supply of produce right in your home.
- Certainly! Our GrowBlock allows you to grow a variety of crops together as long as they have similar nutrient and pH requirements. It’s a great way to have a diverse, fresh supply of produce right in your home.
- Is it possible to scale up my home hydroponic system to a commercial size?
- Yes, hydroponic systems are highly scalable. While our GrowBlock is designed for home use, the principles of hydroponic farming apply whether you’re growing 38 plants or 3,800. If you’re considering going commercial, you’ll need to factor in increased costs for space, equipment, and utilities.
- How do hydroponics impact the nutritional value of the crops?
- Research suggests that hydroponically grown plants can be just as nutritious as those grown in soil, if not more so. Because you have greater control over the nutrients your plants receive, you can optimize for better taste and nutritional content.
- What’s the difference between hydroponics and aquaponics?
- Hydroponics and aquaponics both involve soilless growing methods, but there’s a key difference: aquaponics incorporates fish into the system. The fish waste provides organic nutrients for the plants, and the plants help clean and filter the water, which is then recirculated back to the fish tanks. Hydroponics, on the other hand, relies on a nutrient solution to feed the plants.
- How do I troubleshoot common problems in hydroponic systems?
- Common problems include nutrient deficiencies, algae growth, and pH imbalances. To troubleshoot, regularly check pH and nutrient levels and adjust as needed. If you notice algae, it could mean too much light is hitting your nutrient solution; make sure to cover any exposed areas. Our GrowBlock is designed to minimize these issues, making your hydroponic journey as smooth as possible.
- Can I use tap water for my hydroponic system?
- Yes, you can use tap water, but it’s advisable to check and adjust its pH level and consider filtering it to remove any chlorine or other unwanted chemicals.
