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 with pre-assembled clay pebbles and rockwool cube

• 1 3D Printed Net Pot Cover

• 3 Rockwool Cubes (1 preloaded, 2 spares)

• 1 Packet of Basil Seeds

• 25g 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) – 10 grams

  • Calcium Nitrate – 10 grams

Before You Begin

1. Remove the pre-assembled net pot.

2. Wash the pre-assembled net pot under running water to remove dust.

3. Nice to have:

1. • Grow light

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Water

• Fill the jar about 2/3 full with tap water.

• Let it sit for 24 hours to allow chlorine to evaporate (if using tap water).

2. Mix the Nutrients

Use the included spoon to measure and mix the dry nutrients:

1. Using a clear cup (not included), dissolve each nutrient one at a time in water:

   • Masterblend (4-18-38) – use 1/8 tsp

   • Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt) – use half of 1/8 tsp

   • Calcium Nitrate – use 1/8 tsp

Note: These amounts are correct and have been validated in my hydroponic garden. 😊

2. Stir each until fully dissolved before adding it to the jar.

3. Use the same cup to cover the seedling later.

3. Plant the Basil Seeds

1. Wet the rockwool cube with clean water.

2. Place 2 basil seeds in your hand. Dip the tip of the wooden skewer in water and use it to pick up and insert seeds into the rockwool hole.

3. If both seeds sprout, trim the weaker one after a few days.

4. Assemble the Jar

1. Insert the net pot (with rockwool and pebbles) into the mason jar lid ring.

2. Place the lid ring on the jar and screw it down (leave out the flat metal lid).

3. Verify that water level is near the 24 oz mark on your jar. Add or remove water as needed.

4. Place the clear cup (used earlier) upside-down over the net pot to create a humidity dome. Keep clear cup over jar until seeds sprout.

5. Wrap the jar with the hand-drawn cover to block light and reduce algae.

Growing Tips

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

• As seedling grows, maintain water levels so the bottom of the net pot touches the solution

• Plant roots must breath - After roots develop, maintain water levels near 20 oz mark. Do not fill the jar with water because your plant will need space to develop both air and water roots.

•  Add more nutrients after 6–8 weeks if desired.

• Add a wooden skewer into rockwool as the plant grow to provide support.

Harvest & Enjoy

• Begin harvesting leaves when the basil plant is 6–8 inches tall.

• Pinch off middle stem and leaves from the top to encourage bushier growth.

Stage | Timeframe | Notes

Germination: 5–10 days, Seeds sprout in rockwool

Seedling Establishment: 2–3 weeks, True leaves appear; roots begin to develop.

Vegetative Growth: 3–6 weeks, Rapid leaf and branch growth.

Full Size: 6–8 weeks, Plant reaches 6–12 inches tall and is ready for regular harvesting.

Happy Growing!

Cube Roots 

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

Website: www.cu-roots.com

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