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Transplanting

Learn how and when to move your seedlings into the Flex Farm hydroponic system to ensure optimal plant growth

When to Transplant

Seedlings are ready to move to your Flex Farm once they have sprouted above the rockwool hole—typically 7 to 10 days after planting or when they reach about 1 inch tall. Allowing them to grow slightly prevents stems from pinching during insertion. If needed, leave seedlings in the nursery tray another day or two to mature. 

Choosing Your Planting Layout

Before transplanting, consider what you are growing to determine your layout:

  • Grid Pattern (Every Other Space): Best for lettuce and larger plants to allow adequate room to expand.
  • Full Pattern (Every Space): Ideal for herbs and slender plants.

Important: Always plant herbs in the top panels of your Flex Farm. This keeps their root systems from clogging the rear drainage tubing and restricting water flow.

Step-by-Step Transplanting Guide

  1. Prep: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Gather your seedlings, scissors or a knife, and your Water Level Tool.
  2. Remove Plugs: Pop out the black plugs in the spaces where you plan to plant. Use the bottom end of the Water Level Tool to push them out easily.
  3. Separate Cubes: Carefully separate individual rockwool cubes containing a seedling from the tray using your hands or a cutting tool such as a butter knife or scissors.
  4. Insert Seedlings: Hold the edges of the rockwool cube and push it into the plant space with a slight twisting motion. Ensure the top of the cube sits just below the rim of the opening. Squeeze gently if necessary, taking care not to pinch or crush the stems or roots.
  5. Fill Empty Spaces: Place round black panel plugs into all unused plant spaces. Covering empty spots prevents water splashing and increases root chamber humidity for higher yields.
  6. Manage Leftover Seedlings: Keep spare plants for a few days to replace any seedlings that fail after transplanting. Remaining extra plants can be moved to an outdoor soil garden—just gently pull away the rockwool before planting so it doesn't dry out and choke the roots.

    Note: If you have a lot of leftover plants, make sure to plant fewer seeds for your next crop cycle. Leftover plants can also be planted in your outdoor soil garden—just gently remove the rockwool from the plant roots first to prevent it from drying out and pinching the roots.