Grow Guides

Welcome to Your Basil Jar Kit!

This simple guide will help you grow fresh basil using the Kratky hydroponic method. Just follow these easy steps to get started.

Find more great kits here on our Etsy Store: CubeRootsLLC

What’s Included in Your Kit

1 Glass Mason Jar with Lid Ring
2-Inch Net Pot Assembly:
- Clay pebbles
- 1 Rockwool cube
- 1 3D Printed Net Pot Cover (PLA Material)
1 Spare Rockwool cube
1 Packet of Basil Seeds
20g Clay Pebbles (extra)
1 3D Printed Measuring Spoon – 1/8 tsp
1 Wooden Skewer (For supporting your fully grown plant)
Jar Wrap
Masterblend (4-18-38) Nutrient Mix
- Masterblend (4-18-38) – 10 grams
- Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt) – 5 grams
- Calcium Nitrate – 10 grams

💡 Recommended:

A sunny window or A small clip-on grow light (especially on cloudy days or in low-light rooms). Basil needs 12–16 hours/day for best results.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Unbox your kit

Unscrew the net pot assembly from the jar and place all components on a flat surface. Verify that all components listed here are included in your kit.

Step 2 — Rinse the net pot

Remove the pre-assembled net pot and rinse it under running water to remove dust from the clay pebbles. Set it aside while you prepare the jar.

Step 3 — Seed the Rockwool

1. Place 2 basil seeds in the palm of your hand.

2. Dip the tip of the wooden skewer in water, then use it to pick up and press one seed into each hole in the rockwool cube.

3. If both seeds sprout after a few days, trim the weaker seedling at the base — do not pull it out.

Step 4 — Mix the Nutrients

Use a clear plastic cup (not included) to pre-dissolve each nutrient separately before adding to the jar.

1. Add a small amount of tap water to the cup.

2. Dissolve each nutrient one at a time, stirring until fully clear. Pour mixture of each nutrient and water into the jar:

Quantities

- Masterblend (4-18-38) – use one scoop: 1/8 tsp
- Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt) – use half a scoop: 1/16 tsp
- Calcium Nitrate – use one scoop: 1/8 tsp

Set the clear cup aside — you will use it as a humidity dome in Step 7.

Step 5 — Fill the Jar

1. Fill the mason jar with the nutrient solution to the 24 oz mark.

2. Wrap the jar with the included jar wrap to block light from reaching the water — this prevents algae growth.

Step 6 — Assemble

1. Insert the seeded net pot assembly into the mason jar.

2. Screw the net pot assembly onto the jar.

3. Verify that the bottom of the net pot is touching or just below the water surface at the 24 oz mark. Add or remove water as needed.

Step 7 — Create the Humidity Dome

This step is critical for germination success. The dome traps moisture around the rockwool until the seeds sprout.

1. Place the clear plastic cup upside-down over the net pot assembly.

2. Leave the dome in place until you see the seeds sprout (usually 5–10 days).

3. Once sprouted, remove the cup and place the jar in a sunny window or under your grow light.

⚠ Do NOT skip the humidity dome step. Dry rockwool during germination is the most common cause of failed grows.

Ongoing Care

• Place near a sunny window or use a grow light for 12–16 hours/day.

• After 6–8 weeks, you can add a fresh round of nutrients to the jar if growth slows.

• As the plant grows taller, insert the wooden skewer into the rockwool for support.

• Check water level weekly and top up as needed to maintain the correct level for your growth phase.

Note: The jar does not have be opened to top up with water. Top up by using a small measuring cup to pour tap water directly into the rockwool through the opening in the net pot cover.

Phase 1 (Before roots Develop): Maintain water level near 24 oz mark on jar (slightly touching net pot - to maintain moisture in rockwool)

Phase 2 (After roots develop): Maintain water level near 20 oz mark. Roots need both air and water to thrive — never submerge fully.

Harvesting Your Basil

You can begin harvesting when the plant reaches 6–8 inches tall (typically around week 6–8).

1. Pinch or snip just above a leaf node — always cut the center top stem first.

2. This encourages the plant to branch outward instead of growing taller, giving you more leaves over time.

3. Never remove more than 1/3 of the plant at once.

Troubleshooting

Seeds not sprouting after 10 days: Check that rockwool is moist (not soaking wet). Ensure the humidity dome is in place and the room is above 65°F.
Leggy, stretched seedlings: Not enough light. Move closer to window or add/adjust your grow light. Increase daily light hours.
Yellowing leaves: May be a nutrient deficiency. Check if it is time to refresh the nutrient solution (after 6–8 weeks). Also check water level is not too low.
Green algae in jar: Algae growth is not harmful to you or your plant. Algae growth is from light exposure. Make sure the jar wrap is fully covering the jar. Rinse and refresh if needed.

Keep Growing

With proper care, a hydroponic basil plant typically produces well for 3–6 months before it begins to slow down, bolt, or lose flavor. When your plant reaches end of life, starting fresh is simple.

Begin by pulling the jar ring away from the net pot to disassemble the assembly, then compost the basil plant and the rockwool cube. Rinse the clay pebbles thoroughly under running water and let them dry, or swap in the spare pebbles included in your kit — whichever you prefer.

To reassemble, fill with your net pot with clean or fresh pebbles, add a fresh rockwool cube, place the net pot cover over the net pot, and press the jar ring firmly back onto the assembly. Drop in new seeds, mix a fresh batch of nutrients, and you're ready to start your next grow cycle from Step 1. For future growing needs, visit our Etsy store to purchase another jar kit or a spare net pot assembly.

With the Cube Roots kit, growing basil truly never stops.

Happy Growing! 🌿 — Cube Roots

To purchase more products, please visit our Etsy Store.

For additional support, questions, and more growing tips please visit other pages on our website:

Website: www.cu-roots.com

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