What are the best microgreen seeds? Choose untreated microgreen seeds sold specifically for microgreens or sprouting. Easy starters are radish, broccoli, kale, arugula, pea and sunflower. Utah State University suggests about 1–1.5 oz (28–42 g) of most small seeds per 10×20 in (25×50 cm) tray, 5.3 oz (150 g) of pea, and harvest in roughly 8–12 days.
What are the best seed starting trays? The best seed starting trays are divided cell flats that sit inside a solid tray, with drainage holes in every cell and a clear dome for germination. University of Minnesota Extension recommends one seedling per cell so roots don’t tangle. Fill cells with sterile seed-starting mix, water from below, and remove the dome once seedlings reach it.
What is an LED grow light panel? An LED grow light panel is a flat fixture that spreads many diodes across one board to light a square or rectangular area. For most indoor plants, choose full-spectrum white light, plan about 25 watts per square foot (0.09 m²) for high-light crops, hang it 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) above foliage, and run it about 14–16 hours a day.
What is a grow light bar, and is it worth it? A grow light bar is a long, slim LED fixture that spreads light evenly along a shelf, tray or row of plants. It suits seedlings, herbs, lettuce and microgreens. Hang bars 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) above leafy crops, overlap their coverage, and run them 12–16 hours a day on a timer.
What are aerial roots, and should you cut them? Aerial roots are roots that grow from a stem above the soil. Climbing houseplants such as monstera, philodendron and pothos use them to grip trees and take in moisture. They are normal and healthy. You can leave them, tuck them into the pot, train them onto a moss pole or trim them off.
What is a grow light stand? A grow light stand is a frame, shelf or tripod that holds grow lights over your plants at an adjustable height. Iowa State Extension says to hang fixtures on adjustable chains, with LEDs about 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) above seedlings and fluorescent tubes 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) away.
What are the best grow lights for indoor plants? Full-spectrum white LED grow lights are the best choice for most indoor plants. They run cool, use little power and last long. Iowa State Extension suggests hanging LEDs about 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) from foliage and running them on a timer for 12–14 hours a day, never more than 16 for most home setups.
What is air layering? Air layering is a way to root a branch while it is still attached to the parent plant. You wound the stem, wrap moist sphagnum moss and plastic around it, wait for roots, then cut below them and pot the top. It suits rubber plants, fig trees and leggy houseplants.
What is a plant node? A plant node is the point on a stem where leaves attach and buds form. The stretch of stem between two nodes is the internode. Nodes hold cells that grow new shoots, leaves and often roots, so cut just below a node and keep one under water or mix.
How does a self watering planter work? A self watering planter has a water reservoir under the potting mix. Water rises into the root zone by capillary action, the same way a sponge soaks up liquid, while an overflow hole stops the reservoir from flooding the roots. You refill through a fill tube instead of watering the surface, which keeps moisture steady.