Healthy plant growth depends on four key factors:
- Water quality
- Nutrient balance
- Light
- Healthy Environment (including controlling pests)
If any of these factors get out of balance, plants may fail to thrive.
Use the guide below to quickly navigate to the section that matches what you’re experiencing.
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1. Start Here: Weekly Maintenance
The best way to maintain a healthy growing environment is to stay consistent with weekly maintenance.
Follow your system guide:
If you have been performing weekly maintenance and still have questions or concerns, follow the steps below to resolve the most common issues.
2. Are Some Plants Struggling or All of Them?
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If only some plants look stressed, investigate what conditions these plants have in common:
- Water flow blocked? (See “Are Plants Getting Enough Water?” below)
Light blocked? Prune back plants that are blocking their neighbors. Indoors, trim stems that extend beyond grow lights.
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- Only new seedlings struggling? Double check you are following the steps to help seedlings recover after shipping.
- Older plants struggling? Prune back any sections not looking great, and double check if it’s time for a full harvest. Fruiting plants (like cucumbers or strawberries)? Check out our fruiting varieties page for support.
- If most or all of your plants look out of balance, continue troubleshooting steps below, starting with evaluating your water.
3. Are Plants Getting Enough Water?
The grow plugs (base of each plant) should feel consistently damp. If a plant feels dry:
- Remove a neighboring plant and look inside while the pump is running.
- Water should fall directly onto the plant base.
- Confirm the plant sits fully at the bottom of the grow cup.
- Make sure the cup is pushed completely into the hole.
- Check for clogged drain holes caused by long roots (especially above struggling plants).
- Ensure the tank has enough water. Top off regularly (even 1 gallon per week helps prevent imbalance and algae).
- Remove the lid and verify that water is pumping all the way to the top of the Farmstand. If water doesn’t reach the top, check that all PVC pipes are fully connected and the pump is working (listen for a hum, check for clogs).
- Plants can also dry out in more extreme temperatures. Double-check your timer settings are suitable for your environment (see the Troubleshooting Accessories section in the Help Center). Also see tips for receiving and growing seedlings in hot weather.
4. Is Your Water Balanced? (pH, Nutrients & Temperature)
If water is flowing properly but plants still look stressed, assess water quality.
Assess the water temperature
- Feel the temperature of the water in your tank. If the water is very warm or hot, add a handful (or two) of ice cubes to the tank.
- Keep your tank topped off with cool water regularly—warm water can stress plants. Low water levels in your tank will heat up faster in high temperatures.
Check your pH
- The pH balance of your water should stay between 5.5–6.5 (light orange to yellow).
- Extended periods below 5.0 or above 7.0 can block nutrient uptake.
Confirm proper nutrient dosing
- Make sure you are adding the appropriate amount of nutrients for your Farmstand or Nook.
- Only add nutrients when adding at least 1 gallon of water. Over-fertilizing your plants will prevent healthy growth.
Change out your water completely
If imbalance has persisted for several weeks:
- If you suspect that your pH or nutrient balance has been out of balance for several weeks, the fastest way to get back on track is to fully drain your tank and refill with fresh, cool water.
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Adjust your pH as needed and add a new initial dose of nutrients:
- Farmstand - 4 TBSP scoops each of Part A & B
- Nook - 6 tsp scoops each of Part A & B
- Continue with regular weekly maintenance moving forward
5. Is There Enough Light?
Indoors
- If growing inside, confirm that all grow lights are connected.
- Check timer settings—plants need at least 14 hours of light per day indoors.
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Prune any large plants that block their neighbors, or extend past the point where the grow lights can reach them.
Outdoors
- Ensure your farmstand is positioned to get least 6 hours of full sun per day.
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Remove any obstructions blocking direct sunlight and prune large plants that block their neighbors.
6. Is Weather or Temperature the Issue?
Environmental stress can impact growth.
In hot weather
- Plant growth slows above 90°F, especially for young plants and greens.
- Ensure you are selecting seedlings recommended for your zip code.
- Adjust your timer settings to match the current temperature.
- Top off more often (2–3x weekly) with cool water. Add nutrients only every other refill.
- Add ice cubes to the tank as needed to keep water from over-heating.
- Consider doing a full water replacement every 1-2 months.
- Raise your farmstand off bare concrete. A dolly is a great solution.
- Mist seedlings and provide shade during peak heat.
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Consider moving indoors with lights during the hottest months.
In cold weather
- Growth may decline once temperatures drop below 50°F (day) and 40°F (night).
- Ensure you are selecting seedlings recommended for your zip code.
- Use an aquarium heater to keep water 65–75°F.
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Consider moving indoors with lights during the coldest months.
Indoor tips
- The ideal indoor temperature for plant growth is 55–80°F.
- Plants love a soft breeze! Position your farmstand near a vent or fan, or add a gentle oscillating fan nearby to improve airflow.
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Indoor plants may have thinner, paler leaves compared to outdoor growth due to less direct sunlight, exposure to temperature fluctuations and airflow. This is not a sign of distress.
7. Still Need Help?
- If you have completed the above troubleshooting steps and still have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
- Let us know what steps you have already taken to resolve your issue so we can get you the right answers as soon as possible. Pictures always help!