FAQ

When you grow your own produce, you no longer have to worry about what you’re putting into your body. Being able to know and predict your yield gives you sustainability with peace of mind. Not to mention it’s just plain fun for the entire family.

Our mission is predicated on reaching local communities and teaching them how to Grow Local™. Your support, feedback, and commitment helps us help you, your community, and others around the world. You can help by telling your family and friends, providing feedback for future innovations, and having fun with it! We’ll be there along the way providing growing resources, recipes, and other helpful hints..

We currently offer a proprietary two-part hydroponic concentrate specifically designed for the Aquatree™ that delivers everything your plants need for optimal growing. Our solutions are crafted from the finest ingredients to increase your yields and ease of use. We have other solutions that will be released as people become more familiar with our system including fully organic options.

Our nutrient solutions are backed by over 60 years of experience and our custom blends have evolved in step with agricultural science.

USA only right now until Kickstarter is over.

Not exactly. Aquatree™ is only available in the US currently. While we estimate our average costs to be $25, we are only passing on our target cost of $14 to you. Practice makes perfect!

Yes, we try to minimize packaging as much as possible and are committed to improving the environmental impact of our packaging while maintaining functionality and value. Where applicable, all packaging is dated and labeled according to USDA regulations and for tracing and tracking purposes. Our seed packet envelopes are printed using soy-based inks on 70% post-consumer waste content paper. All of our packaging is subject to random spot checks throughout the fulfillment process. The quality control checks look for specified weights being met, condition of items, along with folding edges being sealed properly, and a general overall check to be sure packaging is suitable for shipment to you. Records of all quality control checks are kept for and archived for traceability.

Bioponics is a soilless form of gardening that uses 100% organic naturally occurring nutrients. Mineral Base is a soilless form of hydroponic gardening that uses refined minerals. Aquaponics is a soilless form of aquatic gardening that uses fish or other aquatic animals and supplements; natural and otherwise.

Plants need nutrients and minerals for growth, metabolic functioning, and completion of their life cycle. Plants take in Carbon (C) and Oxygen (O2) in the air from their leaves. All other nutrients are taken up for use in the roots. Macronutrients are consumed in large quantities: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (C), sulfur (S) and magnesium (Mg. Smaller amounts of micronutrients (or trace minerals) are needed: boron (B), chlorine (Cl), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni).Our water soluble mineral nutrient solutions provide our approved crops with adequate nutrition. Testing is available to see what nutrients are in the water and if the PH is correct, which is necessary for the plant to absorb the nutrients. Our solutions are, however, PH balanced to help prevent PH issues an absorption lock-out. Nutrient deficiency requiring amending has many causes. Growing certain crops or plants might deplete nutrients. To give context, in traditional agriculture, crops are rotated from year to year with increasing soil fertility in mind. Some plants, like tomatoes, are considered "heavy feeders" and need frequent fertilization. A problem that a plant exhibits can often be diagnosed as having a deficiency of a certain element. Iron chlorosis, a deficiency in iron, may be one reason why a plant's leaves turn yellow or brown.

Absolutely! All of our nutrient blends contain the necessary elements for plant growth. Start with the formula ratios identified on the label for the specific plant or crop you are growing, and then adjust and experiment until you find the right formula for your specific need.

We have an engineered Seed Mat we developed called a Mau Mat™. It has been specifically designed for the Aquatree™. The Mau Mat’s™ construction, size, and shape are all specific to the Aquatree ™ and have been designed to maximize your success while complimenting and enhancing the systems capabilities. You can buy Mau Mats ™ through our marketplace. Our marketplace will open after our KickStarter campaign finishes, but well before the Aquatree™ is shipping out.

Our Mau Mats™ have been fully tested with the Aquatree™ and will not break apart and harm the pump or leach particulate into your system. They are also assured to not contain harmful chemicals, are over 95% organic, and accelerate germination times.

It depends what you are trying to grow. If you are growing wheat grass or free-range sprouts, you do not need mats but if you are going to grow lettuce, basil, cherry tomatoes, or other plants, you will need them.

No, they are one time use but you will find that they are incredibly inexpensive and nearly 100% compostable.

We will send you a link to our marketplace where you can purchase additional seeds, mats, modular expansion parts, solar panels, and much more!

Our initial seed offering consists of:

• Kale for sprouts
• Broccoli for sprouts
• Wheat Grass 1Lb bag for sprouts
• Mesclun Lettuce Mix
• Cilantro
• Basil

Additional seeds will be available on our marketplace including:

• Thyme
• Oregano
• Chives
• Catnip
• Flowers

Other items will be rapidly added based on requests from our family.

First, every time you purchase a pack of our seeds, another pack goes to provide food for someone in need.

All of our seeds are organic, untreated, fresh crop, non-GMO, heirloom varieties. They are the highest quality seeds you can purchase. Our seed varieties are hand selected and packaged specifically for the Aquatree™. They undergo rigorous testing and screening to ensure they meet our exacting standards.

Yes! Our seeds are supplied by USDA-compliant seed harvesters who are licensed in all 50 states. All seeds are lab tested, with accompanying documentation, to ensure they meet or exceed federal germination standards. We partner with third-party companies to send the seed out for additional lab spot-testing on a regular basis.

The Council for Responsible Genetic says the pledge is as follows: "Agriculture and seeds provide the basis upon which our lives depend. We must protect this foundation as a safe and genetically stable source for future generations. For the benefit of all farmers, gardeners and consumers who want an alternative, we pledge that we do not knowingly buy, sell or trade genetically engineered seeds or plants.

The mechanical transfer of genetic material outside of natural reproductive methods and between genera, families or kingdoms, poses great biological risks as well as economic, political, and cultural threats. We feel that genetically engineered varieties have been insufficiently tested prior to public release. More research and testing is necessary to further assess the potential risks of genetically engineered seeds. Further, we wish to support agricultural progress that leads to healthier soils, genetically diverse agricultural ecosystems and ultimately healthy people and communities."

We conduct regular in-house germination testing as an additional quality control measure.

Aquatree™ was designed to support bioponics but it has Tri-modal functionality: Bioponic, Hydroponic or mineral base, and Aquaponics. It can be used with any water based grow method but skill level and crop type will determine what is right for you. Generally, most people start with the mineral base method of growing since it is easiest and then move to bioponics and if really skilled with our system or are using a low nutrient demand crop, use aquaponics.

Assembly is very simple and generally takes less than three minutes once all parts are out of the box.

The answer to this question depends on a few factors including what the light quality is like in the space that you plan to set up your Aquatree™. If you have low light quality and intensity, you may need to use the light provided with your Aquatree™ to help your plants grow. You will be able to confirm that you need to use the light if your plants are not growing quickly or they are spindly or have abnormally long stems and/or very few leaves. Another factor is the type of plants you are growing. Some plants require much more light than others.

Yes, however the pump can be cycled on a timer for advanced users. This will not harm the plants or the pump providing the recommended water level is maintained in your Aquatree™ and your cycle times are not excessive.

The Aquatree™ utilizes a highly efficient pump and light design. Run 24/7 at the national average for electricity cost (.12/kwh), it will cost around $2 per month.

Yes, keep an eye out on our marketplace for options.

Yes! The modular nature of the Aquatree™ allows up to five levels (25 trays) for maximum production. Additional levels will be available on the Grow Local™ marketplace later this year and are 100% compatible with your current unit.

We expect availability for additional levels in Q4 2020. While pricing has not been published, we know value. The cost will be small in comparison to the added production value. Stay tuned.

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” (Paul Drucker) We’d like to thank acknowledge the expertise provided from the following market leaders: AEG, Genisis Global, April Aire, Anden, Bentley Seed, PDQ, 100 Gardens, Dry Steam, Mix Group, gMax, gCreate, Heal Charlotte, THS National, Excelsior Solutions, QC Marketing, Haven Creative, Interapt, PolyOne, More Van Allen, add more...“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” (Paul Drucker) We’d like to thank acknowledge the expertise provided from the following market leaders: AEG, Genisis Global, April Aire, Anden, Bentley Seed, PDQ, 100 Gardens, Dry Steam, Mix Group, gMax, gCreate, Heal Charlotte, THS National, Excelsior Solutions, QC Marketing, Haven Creative, Interapt, PolyOne, More Van Allen, and more...

We recommend cleaning when you think it is dirty. It’s easy to take the entire assembly apart and put it in the dishwasher. Each tray can be cleaned easily after each use. The filter needs to be cleaned when the water flow slows down. Use lukewarm water with the filter so you don't kill the good bacteria. No soap should be used on the other parts unless it’s very thoroughly rinsed off. The base, extension, and circulator spout should be cleaned 3 to 4 times a year, although it isn't necessarily needed. Again, just take the pump out and put the parts in the dishwasher. Back to New!

The answer depends on how much space you have and how much you want to grow!

It is similar to that of an indoor countertop fountain and most people find it quite soothing.

This depends on how well you take care of it and the environmental conditions the unit is subject to, but we have a unit that has been running for nearly 5 years now. This said, the pump life is rated at 20,000 hours. The lighting system is rated at 25,000 hours.

No. While the system is meant to contain and manage water, electrical components should not be subject to water exposure. The pump is meant to go in water, but all other electronic components should remain dry.

1 Year but you must register your product to activate your warranty.

It is a non-leaching plastic that is actually approved to be used inside the human body.

After you've backed our project, you'll receive a confirmation email from Kickstarter. In addition, you'll receive an inbox message to again confirm your successful backing. You'll not be charged or asked to provide any your personal info until the successful completion of the campaign.

Yes! We have a product roadmap that we are constantly adding features to and welcome your input as we plan to continually evolve our products.