greenthumb Indoor Vertical Veggie Garden User Guide

: June 17, 2024
: greenthumb

Table of Contents

PARTS LIST
LOCATION SELECTION
GROW KIT
GROWING TIPS
STARTING YOUR INDOOR GARDEN
WHY YOU’LL **** THE Verde GARDEN
PLANTING STEPS – FROM SEED TO HARVEST
TROUBLESHOOTING AND GROWING TIPS
ABOUT INDOOR GARDENING
SAFETY
RE-SEEDING
CLEANING
CUSTOMER SERVICE
WARRANTY
GIFT CARD – THANK YOU
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

greenthumb Indoor Vertical Veggie Garden User Guide

PARTS LIST

Verde Graze **(front)
$Verde Graze $front$$
(side view, bottom only)

**

GOOSENECK LIGHT ARM*
LID
NET POT RECEPTICLES (12)
LED LIGHT & 2 CLIPS FOR ATTACHING TO GOOSNECK
POUR SPOUT
4 LITER RESERVIOR & PUMP
BRACKET**
WALL MOUNT BRACKETS (2)
RESERVOIR BRACKET**
WIFI-TIMER (picture not shown)

The gooseneck light arm comes attached to the garden. Attach the LED grow light after the unit is mounted to the wall.

** Brackets factory mounted to the back of the Verde Garden and reservoir for hanging on the wall brackets.

LOCATION SELECTION

Select a location that is not in full sun. Avoid narrow constrictions and cold drafts. Ensure proximity to a wall socket, but do not mount directly above. Locate of wall stud for center.

VIDEO Instructions for Mounting to the Wall:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F AVu6Vynidg

VIDEO Setting Up Your LED Light and Pump:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y pELOkuJ1Ts&t=1s

GROW KIT

GROW MEDIUM (CLAY PELLETS)
(12) NET POTS (grow up to 3 plants/pot, follow guidelines on seed packages).
COCO COIR SEED STARTING PUCKS
SEEDS & ORGANIC NUTRIENTS (not shown)

GROWING TIPS

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for weekly step-by-step instructions:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/U CVrBso5AqZdHqQZK7Kp6iHA

STARTING YOUR INDOOR GARDEN

a. Setting Up Your Wi-Fi Timer
For your phone to connect with the Wi-Fi Timer you must select 2.4Ghz, rather than 5Ghz. Go to Wi-Fi settings
on your phone to do so. If this option is not available look up your internet provider for instructions on how to
select 2.4G for setting up devices, for example:

Shaw: https://support.shaw.ca/t5/internet-articles/how-to-connect-2-4-ghz-devices-withoutdisabling band-steering/ta-p/37438
Telus: https://www.telus.com/en/support/article/smart-device-troubleshooting

WHY YOU’LL **** THE Verde GARDEN

From an average of 1,500 miles (how far your food travels on average from farm to plate), to 0 Miles! More flavor and fresh food = more nutrients. We have designed the Verde Garden to baes green as possible.

**** Made in Canada with recycled ABS durable & food safe. Energy Smart and uses 90% less water than soil gardens

Affordable Seeds

No expensive, single-use plastic seed cartridge’s. Use our organic & heirloom seeds, or your own

Coco Coir

Seed pucks are more sustainable than peat. Compost after harvest or add to soil to improve water retention.

Rinse & Reuse

Plants grow surrounded in clay pellets in net pots, supplying O2 and organic nutrients. Harvest, rinse and reuse.

PLANTING STEPS – FROM SEED TO HARVEST

VIDEOS – Planting Seeds (brief overview) and Planting Seeds (detailed description)

Plant Stages	Growing Tips	Light	Pump

GERMINATION
3 -18 days for seeds to sprout (depending on plant type)| þ Expand coco pucks in warm water. The existing hole tends to be too deep, so gently close it to ensure seeds are sown at the recommended depth. Do not compact the coir, keep the air space within.þ Follow recommended seed depths. Do not expand the diameter of the coco puck hole, this helps keep the fibers within the cloth netting.þ Coco Coir seed pucks must stay moist. Check for moisture on the top of the coir, or remove the net pot, near the end of an OFF cycle on the pump, the bottom should be slightly damp.þ Rinse clay pellets. Fill the net pot to the top of the coco puck. Start with small pellets and gradually increase in size.þ Use cold water to fill the reservoir. Softened water, heavily chlorinated water, and hard water can damageyour plants. Use filtered water when possible, do not use mineral water.| ON – 12 hrs once you have your first sprouts.
After all the plants have sprouted you can increase up to 18 hrs (optional).| FILL RESERVOIR WITH 4 LITRES OF WATER BEFORE TURNING PUMP ON.Turn ON 15 minutes 3x per day. Schedule example:· 8:00 a.m. Pump ON 15 minutes· 2:00 p.m. Pump ON 15 minutes· 8:00 p.m. Pump ON 15 minutesAdd intervals if coco is not staying moist. Will vary per household temperature and humidity.Ideal indoor growing temperatures 18 – 23 Celsius, with a bit cooler at night.
SEEDLING 1-2 weeks. The first leaves are Cotyledons, not true leaves (see pg. 6).| þ This is the best time to thin plants. Select the largest seedling(s) to keep and carefully pluck out unwanted seedlings from their base. Refer to seed package in terms of how many plants per pot.þ Fill net pots to the top (just below the rim) with remaining clay pellets to keep light from shining on to the roots (disease prevention).þ Do not add any nutrients.| ON12 hrs minimum18 hrs optimum| Increase Pump ON to 15 minutes 4-6x per day for 12 hr light schedule and 6-8x per day for 18 hr light schedule.Check for moisture near the end of OFF cycle, the bottom of pots/coir should be slightly damp. If not, add additional ON intervals in between existing settings.
VEGETATIVE / GROWTH** 4 – 6 weeks (greens)3 – 6 weeks (fruits and herbs)| þ Once plants have 2-4 true leaves, you are at Week 0 on the Nutrient Feed Table. If plants vary in stages due to germination rates, follow the nutrient guidelines for the youngest plant(s). You may need to repeat the initial nutrient phase of 7.5 mL for 2-3 cycles.þ Ensure your reservoir is at least ¾ empty before adding more nutrients, this may take 9-14 days with young plants.Once plants reach maturity they may empty the reservoir in 5-7 days.þ Watch for signs of nutrient burn and root rot. When in doubt, reduce nutrient feed, or flush with fresh water.þ Move plants around in your garden as needed to create optimal spacing and colours. See below for tips on pruning plants and roots.| ON12 hrs minimum
18 hrs optimum (seedling stage only)| Pump on 6-8 hours per day. Example 12 hr Light Schedule:· 7:00 a.m. Light – ON· 8:00 a.m. Pump –ON· 4:00 p.m. Pump OFF· 7:00 p.m. Light – OFFExample 15 min ON – Interval Watering, 12 hr Light Schedule:· 7:00 a.m. Light – ON· 7:00 a.m. Pump – ON· 7:15 a.m. Pump – OFF· Repeat pump ON 15 minutes 8-12 cycles per day. Increase to 12 cycles as plants reach maturity (approx. 4 – 6 weeks after start nutrients)· 6:45 p.m. Pump – ON· 7:00 p.m. Pump OFF / Light – OFF
Flowering/Bloom 6 – 10 weeks| þ Plants will require more water, especially if your garden is full of mature plants. The reservoir will need to be topped up every 5 – 7 days.þ If you do not have time to add nutrients, be sure to add water so the pump does not run dry.þ A fresh water flush is recommended at the end of the Bloom Nutrient Feed Cycle, or every 8-10 weeks.þ A garden clean is recommended at the end of each harvest cycle (approximately 12 weeks)| ON12 hrs| As above. Watch for signs of wilting or dry leaves. Increase pump time as needed.
You may increase pump ON time up to 8 – 12 hours/day continuous if required. It may vary per garden as some plants are heavier feeders, i.e. tomatoes will take up more water than herbs.
Pruning, Trellis, and Harvest| þ Once roots reach 8 inches (16 cm) in length you can trim off the bottom 1/3rd with clean shears. This prevents roots from attaching to each other or the inside the unit (making them difficult to move later).þ Any brown or black root tips should be trimmed off and discarded. Prune yellow or damaged leaves regularly.þ Trellis tabs are provided for larger plants. Peel and stick to you verdeGarden and use garden ties to support plants. Keeping plants under 10 inches (20cm) in height is recommended.þ Many herbs and greens can be picked as needed. Frequent harvests help keep plant size in check and promotes more vigorous and frequent growth.þ Prior to harvest – run a fresh water cycle 3-7 days before harvest to improve flavour and sweetness, and ensures plants have used up stored minerals.þ When a plant is finished, it can be composted along with the coco coir puck. Net pots can be reused once cleaned. Thoroughly scrub with warm soapy water and rinsed well to ensure no soap residue gets into the garden. Clay pellets can be reused if cleaned with hot water and scrubbed together to remove all roots, leaves,etc. Do not use soap on clay pellets.| Light ON 12 hrs| Pump – as above
Growing plants at varying stages.
Get a head start on spring – transplant to your outdoor garden.| þ You may start new seeds inside or outside of the verdeGarden. If starting outside, expand coco pucks and plants seeds as usual. Store near window in non- transparent container (i.e. yogurt container) with just enough water at the base of the coco coir to keep it moist. Do not let the coir dry out and do not drown it. Once the true leaves are present and the roots are showing through the coir, transfer into your Verde Garden’s If you have mature plants in your Verde Garden and want to start new seeds, follow the nutrient recommendation for the youngest plant(s).þ Do not leave a pot empty, as it will allow light into the system, which promotes bacteria and fungal growth. þ You may transplant seedlings and young plants at the early stages of vegetative growth outdoors. Follow the instructions here: Jump-Start on Spring.| Light – 12 hours ON| Run the pump as required for the larger more mature plants. Place seeds and seedlings near the bottom of the Verde Garden so the more mature plants absorb the greater amount of water.

TROUBLESHOOTING AND GROWING TIPS

a. Avoid bringing pests and/or disease into your indoor garden:
i. When handling outdoor plants, house plants, and produce – check your clothes and hair for bugs before handling your indoor garden. When in doubt a shower and clean clothes is recommended.
ii. Never transplant a soil plant into your Verde Garden.
iii. Always clean net pots and clay pellets before re-planting.
iv. Clean your garden every 12 weeks.
b. Checkout out Support on our website for more troubleshooting tips, and the Recipes & Growing Tips

ABOUT INDOOR GARDENING

a. Light

The LED grow light provides full spectrum light, just like the sun.
The light should be set for a minimum of 12 hours a day, during daylight hours. During the seedling/vegetative phase you can increase it to 18 hours to speed up growth.
With the light and pump on a 12-hour schedule it is 0.49 kWh or $0.06/day. *BC Hydro rates
Your plants need darkness to rest so do not leave the light and pump on at night.
b. Pump
Never let your pump run dry. If you are in a hurry and do not have time to add nutrients, top up the water. Running the pump dry can damage your pump and plants permanently.
If your pump is loud ensure the rubber suction cup feet are on the bottom of the reservoir and the pump is not touching the sides of the tank, and your reservoir is not low on water.
c. Organic Nutrient’s
The nutrients Green Thumb Technology provides is organic and plant derived. Store the nutrients in a
cool, dark place. Shake before each use.
Week 0 on the nutrient feed chart starts when all your plants have 2 – 4 true leaves, as indicated by the blue dots in the picture of basil below.
*Note: In the case of the basil plant pictured here, you may begin the nutrient feeding schedule and carefully pluck out or snip off the tiny seedling circled in red. The largest seedlings are your healthiest and most viable for best production.
Follow the nutrient feeding table (provided with your Verde Garden). Overfeeding does not make the plants grow faster, it will burn the leaves and stunt growth.
If you have plants that vary in growth stages (i.e. young seedlings to mature plants), feed the plants the amount of nutrients for the youngest plant(s) in your garden.
Run fresh water (with no nutrients) through your verdeGarden every 12-week cycle (as per Nutrient Feed Chart). This will help eliminate build up of nutrients, provide better flavour, and helps clean the irrigation tube of mineral deposits.
d. Seeds
We only use high quality organic and heirloom seeds, with a germination rate of 70% or greater, but sometimes seeds don’t sprout. It is good gardening practice to sow more seeds than you need and thin plants after sprouting. The seed packages provide recommended amount of seeds, depth, and other great tips. Store extra seeds in the fridge to extend their viability

SAFETY

a. Mount the center hole of the wall brackets to a stud. This will ensure the most secure mount. Follow the directions in the videos on page 2 under Location Selection.
b. The VerdeGarden should be offset to either side of the wall socket by at least 12 inches to avoid the danger of splashing water. A GFCI outlet is also recommended to prevent electrical shock or fire.
c. Select an area for your verdeGarden that is not high-traffic, or a narrow passageway. This will reduce the chance of it getting bumped into, knocking plants out or knocking the unit off the wall.
d. If you need assistance, please contact us.

RE-SEEDING

Once a plant has been harvested you can compost the coco coir and plant stem/roots.
The grow medium (recycled glass or clay pellets) can be cleaned with hot water and re-used. Do not use soap. Rub together to clean and remove all leaves and roots. If the clay pellets cannot be completely cleaned, then new ones should be used. A clean garden will help keep your system disease-free.
Net pots can also be re-used and can be scrubbed with dish soap and a brush. Make sure to rinse all soap residue off before placing back in the Verde Garden.
Do not re-use coco coir pucks.

CLEANING

Approximately every 12 weeks, unplug your Verde Garden and remove it from the wall. Follow these steps: How to clean your indoor garden.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

We want to provide you with the same loyalty you have shown us. We know you have waited a long time for your Verde Garden, and we want you to be happy and have a great growing experience. If you are new to gardening there is a learning curve, but we are here to support you. We have tested the Verde Garden extensively with green, and not so green, thumbs. Even the beginners enjoyed success. That said if you have any
questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us for help!

WARRANTY

Verde Gardens are built to last, please contact us if you have any issues or concerns. There is a lifetime warranty on the plastic housing, and a 2-year warranty on the light, pump and Wi-Fi timer. The warranty does not cover drops, crushing or other impact damage, and damage from UV light (so do not place your Verde Garden in direct
sunlight). If the pump runs dry and stops working, or the light is dropped, they are not covered under warranty,
but can be replaced at an affordable price.

GIFT CARD – THANK YOU

You may choose to use our seeds, or your own. For re-supply on nutrients and coco coir pucks we would like you offer you a Gift Card as a small token of our appreciation for your loyalty and patience as we developed this product. I will send in a separate email a $20 gift card which you can use for re- supplying your nutrients, seeds, or coco coir pucks.