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  • Growing Module Basin Setup and Planting Manual by gathera

    growing module

    instruction manual

    meet the heirloom basin

    We have upgraded to the heirloom basin: larger, easier to clean, better value, and with state-of-the-art net cups. The heirloom basin is compatible with both the sun shelf and the sun shelf 2. This manual refers to the original growing module only. For heirloom basin setup, please get in touch with our support team.

    shop the heirloom basin
    1

    parts

    gathera growing module hydroponic basin

    A — basin

    x2

    gathera growing module net cups

    B — net cups

    x24

    gathera growing module rockwool cubes

    C — rockwool cubes

    x24

    gathera growing module submersible pump with cable

    D — pump and cable

    x2

    gathera growing module pump controller

    E — pump controller

    x1

    gathera growing module basin lid

    F — basin lid

    x1

    gathera growing module germination domes

    G — germination domes

    x24

    2

    basin setup

    1

    Thread the pump cable D down through the slot in the side of the basin A.

    gathera growing module pump cable threaded through slot in basin side
    2

    Press the pump D down firmly so it is secured to the base of the basin A.

    gathera growing module pump pressed down and secured to base of basin
    3

    Connect the pump cable D into the controller E.

    gathera growing module pump cable connected to pump controller
    4

    Put the lid F back on the basin.

    gathera growing module lid replaced on top of basin
    5

    Place one rockwool cube C into each net cup B, then insert them into their slots in the lid.

    gathera growing module rockwool cubes placed in net cups and inserted into basin lid
    6

    Fill each basin A with 6 to 7 litres of water. Repeat for your second basin.

    gathera growing module basin being filled with water to the correct level
    3

    pump setup

    1

    To power the pump controller E and pumps, connect the extra cable from your sun panels to the pump controller.

    gathera growing module pump controller connected to sun panels power cable
    2

    Attach the pump controller E to the metal strip on the back of the sun shelf using the pre-installed magnetic screws. Position it underneath the basins you want it to serve.

    gathera growing module pump controller magnetically mounted to back of sun shelf
    Default pump schedule: 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off. The controller comes pre-programmed with this setting.
    4

    sowing seeds

    1

    Fully soak each rockwool cube C in water before planting. Place 2 to 5 seeds — depending on the plant type and seed size — into the pre-cut hole of each rockwool cube. Cover with a germination dome G to retain humidity while the seeds sprout.

    gathera growing module seeds placed in soaked rockwool cube covered with germination dome
    2

    Once plants reach the top of the domes, remove the germination domes G and set them aside for reuse next time. Refill the basin with water and nutrients as needed, keeping the roots submerged.

    gathera growing module plants with roots growing into basin water after germination dome removed
    5

    ongoing care

    reusing your basin

    Once you have harvested your plants, the basin can be cleaned and replanted. Here is how to reset it for a new batch.

    • Remove all old plant matter and used rockwool cubes.
    • Give the inside of the basin a thorough clean with soap to help kill off any bacteria.
    • Refill with water, replace the rockwool cubes, and replant.

    nutrients

    Once your plants have germinated, add nutrients to the basin following the instructions on your nutrients bottle or jar. We recommend the gathera herbs and leafy greens nutrients for most plants.

    about rockwool

    Rockwool is made from rock that has been heated and spun into fine fibres, similar to how fairy floss is made. It provides uniform oxygenation for plant roots and a stable medium for the plant to anchor into. Once the roots grow out of the rockwool, they float freely in the water and keep growing. The result is soil-free growing that is clean, fast, and well suited to a kitchen or living space.