Quick Start Guide

Your 32-Pod Tower —
ready to grow.

Everything you need to get your hydroponic tower up and running, planted, and producing fresh herbs and greens at home. Follow these steps and you'll be harvesting in as little as 3–5 weeks.

CHS 16-pod hydroponic tower with herbs, strawberries and lettuce
In the box

What's included

Included with your tower

  • 32-Pod hydroponic tower
  • Reservoir bucket
  • Submersible water pump
  • Water tubing
  • This quick start guide

You'll also need

  • 1" net cups (plant holders)
  • Coco coir or seed starter plugs
  • Hydroponic nutrients
  • Seeds or starter plants
  • LED grow light (if indoors)

Shop supplies

Recommended supplies

Everything you need is easy to find on Amazon. These are the exact item types we recommend for the best results with your tower.

ItemWhy you need itShop
1" Net CupsHold your plants in the tower pods. Must be 1 inch to fit.Search Amazon →
Coco Coir Starter PlugsStart your seeds in these before moving them into net cups.Search Amazon →
Hydroponic NutrientsYour plants get all food from the water — nutrients are essential.Search Amazon →
LED Grow LightRequired if growing indoors without a sunny window or patio.Search Amazon →

Step 1

Setting up your tower

1

Place on a flat, stable surface

Choose a spot with good airflow — indoors near a window, on a patio, or in a greenhouse. Make sure it won't tip.

2

Fill the reservoir with 3–4 gallons of water

Use clean tap water or filtered water. Room temperature is ideal.

3

Add hydroponic nutrients

Follow the instructions on your nutrient bottle. Most call for a small amount per gallon — don't over-feed.

4

Place the submersible pump in the reservoir

The pump sits at the bottom of the bucket fully submerged. Make sure the cord can reach your outlet.

5

Connect the pump tubing to the top of the tower

The tubing carries water from the pump up to the top of the tower where it drips down through all the pods.

6

Plug in the pump and check the flow

Water should flow to the top and trickle steadily down through the tower back into the reservoir. If it's not flowing evenly check the tubing connection.


Step 2

Planting your tower

1

Insert seeds into starter plugs

Press one seed into each coco coir or seed starter plug. Keep them moist and warm — a windowsill or heat mat works great.

2

Wait for germination

Most herbs and greens sprout in 3–7 days. Wait until you see a small seedling before moving to the tower.

3

Place the starter plug into a 1" net cup

The plug should sit snugly in the net cup with the seedling pointing up.

4

Insert the net cup into a tower pod opening

Press it in gently until it sits flush. You can fill as many or as few pods as you like — start with the ones that get the most water flow.

5

Make sure roots can reach the water flow

The roots should hang slightly out of the net cup into the tower channel so they receive water as it trickles down. They'll grow fast once they find it.


Lighting

Indoor vs outdoor

☀️

Outdoor growing

Place your tower where it gets 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. A south-facing patio, balcony, or garden spot is ideal. No grow light needed.

6–8 hrs sunlight daily
💡

Indoor growing

Use an LED grow light positioned above the tower. Set it on a timer for 14–16 hours per day. Full-spectrum LED lights give the best results for herbs and greens.

14–16 hrs LED daily

Maintenance

Keeping your tower healthy

💧

Check water level

Check every 2–3 days and refill as needed. Plants drink more in warm weather and under bright lights.

🧪

Add nutrients

Follow your nutrient instructions — usually every 1–2 weeks. Don't skip this or plants will turn yellow and stop growing.

⚙️

Check the pump

Make sure water is flowing evenly through the tower. If flow slows, check the tubing for kinks or blockages.

🌿

Remove dead leaves

Trim any dead or yellowing leaves regularly. This keeps air flowing and prevents mold or pests from getting a foothold.

Monthly deep clean — every 3–4 weeks

1Empty and rinse the reservoir bucket
2Rinse the inside of the tower with warm water
3Optional: wipe down with diluted white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide to kill algae and bacteria
4Rinse everything thoroughly so no cleaning solution remains
5Refill with fresh water and fresh nutrients and restart the pump

What to grow

Best plants for beginners

These crops are fast, forgiving, and thrive in vertical hydroponic towers. Start with one or two and expand as you get comfortable.

🥬

Lettuce

Ready in ~30 days
🌿

Basil

Ready in ~3–4 weeks
🍃

Spinach

Ready in ~4–6 weeks
🥦

Kale

Ready in ~4–6 weeks
🌱

Mint

Fast grower
🍓

Strawberries

8–12 weeks

Need another tower or replacement pods?

Stock up on grow pods, grab a second tower for a friend, or reach out if you have any questions about your system.