FAQ’s

Our mission is predicated on reaching local communities and teaching them how to Grow Local™.Your support, feedback, and commitment helps us help you, your community, and others around the world. You can help by telling your family and friends, providing feedback for future innovations, and having fun with it! We’ll be there along the way providing growing resources, recipes, and other helpful hints.

The Aquatree™ is currently available with free shipping in the US only!  Shipping cost for seeds and replacement mats still apply.

Yes, we try to minimize packaging as much as possible and are committed to improving the environmental impact of our packaging while maintaining functionality and value. Where applicable, all packaging is dated and labeled according to USDA regulations and for tracing and tracking purposes. All of our packaging is subject to random spot checks throughout the fulfillment process. The quality control checks look for specified weights being met, condition of items, along with folding edges being sealed properly, and a general overall check to be sure packaging is suitable for shipment to you. Records of all quality control checks are kept for and archived for traceability.

Our 100% compostable MauMats® are designed for one-time use. If you find you need more, please visit our marketplace on the AquaTree® website at www.aquatree.eco.

Wash, rinse, and repeat! It’s that simple. Make sure to use a new MauMat® if you’re growing a crop that requires one. If you find you need more seeds, MauMats®, would like to order modular expansion parts, or companion parts, please visit our AquaTree® marketplace at www.aquatree.eco.

Each AquaTree® will come with two packs of seeds, Organic Mung Beans and Organic Broccoli Sprout Seeds, and a Quick Start Guide that contains information for best crop results.

We are continually adding new varieties to our online marketplace. For the most up to date options, please visit the Grow Local® website at www.growlocal.eco.

Not only are our seed varieties curated and optimised specifically for the Aquatree®; all of our seeds are also untreated, fresh crop, non-GMO, heirloom varieties. Many of our seeds, as noted in their descriptions, are also Organic! Due to the rigorous testing and screening they endure to ensure they meet our exacting standards, they are the highest quality seeds you can purchase.

Yes! Our seeds are supplied by USDA-compliant seed harvesters who are licensed in all 50 states. All seeds are lab tested, with accompanying documentation, to ensure they meet or exceed federal germination standards. We partner with third-party companies to send the seed out for additional lab spot-testing on a regular basis.

The Council for Responsible Genetic says the pledge is as follows: “Agriculture and seeds provide the basis upon which our lives depend. We must protect this foundation as a safe and genetically stable source for future generations. For the benefit of all farmers, gardeners and consumers who want an alternative, we pledge that we do not knowingly buy, sell or trade genetically engineered seeds or plants.

The mechanical transfer of genetic material outside of natural reproductive methods and between genera, families or kingdoms, poses great biological risks as well as economic, political, and cultural threats. We feel that genetically engineered varieties have been insufficiently tested prior to public release. More research and testing is necessary to further assess the potential risks of genetically engineered seeds. Further, we wish to support agricultural progress that leads to healthier soils, genetically diverse agricultural ecosystems and ultimately healthy people and communities.”

We require our seed partners to conduct regular in-house germination testing as an additional quality control measure.

The Aquatree® is capable of growing a wide variety of produce, primarily sprouts and microgreens. Those with large seeds like Wheatgrass and Mung Beans are grown without a seed mat. You can use our patented seed mat, the MauMat®, to grow all types of sprouts and microgreens including Kale & Broccoli.

For optimal results with microgreens such as Broccoli or Clover, we recommend using the grow lights 3 days after planting the seeds until harvest. This is especially important if you have your AquaTree® located in a low light area. For sprouts such as Mung Beans, no light at all is required.

If you’re a beginner, we do recommend you allow your pump to run continuously. Advanced users can run their pump on a cycle provided they maintain the recommended water level in the AquaTree®, the cycle times are not excessive, and the roots on products using the MauMat® stay damp to remain healthy.

The Aquatree® utilizes a highly efficient pump and light design. If you run it 24/7 at the national average for electricity cost (.12/kwh), it will cost around $2 per month.

Yes, keep an eye out on our marketplace for options.

Yes! The modular nature of the AquaTree® allows up to 3 levels (15 Trays) for maximum production. Additional levels will be available on the Grow Local® marketplace and are 100% compatible with your current unit.

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” (Paul Drucker) We’d like to acknowledge the expertise provided from the following market leaders: AEG, Genisis Global, April Aire, Anden, Bentley Seed, PDQ, 100 Gardens, Dry Steam, Mix Group, gMax, gCreate, Heal Charlotte, THS National, Excelsior Solutions, QC Marketing, Haven Creative, Interapt, PolyOne, More Van Allen, Sunny Creek Farm and more…

The base, extension, and spout should be cleaned at least 3 to 4 times a year. We recommend additional cleanings if you think it is dirty. It’s easy to take the entire assembly apart and put it in the dishwasher. The pump filter needs to be cleaned when the water flow slows down. Use lukewarm water with the filter. No soap should be used on the other parts unless it’s very thoroughly rinsed off. Again, just take the pump out and put the parts in the dishwasher. Back to New!

The answer depends on how much space you have and how much you want to grow!

Although the noise level can be compared to an indoor counterop fountain and many people find it soothing, not everyone does. The noise volume depends on how full your water tank is. If you find the AquaTree® is a little too noisy when your water tank is filled to the fill line, simply add more water to the tank until it’s at an optimal sound level for you.

Just like your car, this depends on how well you take care of it and the environmental conditions the unit is subject to. One of our units has been running continuously for nearly 5 years now. This said, the pump life is rated at 20,000 hours and the lighting system is rated at 25,000 hours.

No. While the system is meant to contain and manage water, electrical components, such as the power cord, should not be subject to water exposure. The pump is meant to go in water, but all other electronic components should remain dry.

1-year Full Warranty

It is a non-leaching plastic that is actually approved to be used inside the human body.  The AquaTree® parts are dishwasher safe.

Yes! We have a product roadmap that we are constantly adding features to and welcome your input as we plan to continually evolve our products.

The commercial system is a quoted item. The price is based on multiple factors including how many units will be purchased, the capacity in which they will be used, and the crops you will be growing.

Through 8+ years of use, we’ve never had a problem with fruit flies. We recommend making sure the environment that the Aquatree® is used in is free of fruit flies. However, if fruit flies do become an issue: 1) remove the source of the flies, typically they hatch from store purchased fruit or vegetables and 2) clean your AquaTree® Trays to remove any eggs that may have been laid. If you need additional help, feel free to reach out to us at Info@GrowLocal.eco.

Foaming is a natural occurance and nothing to be alarmed about. To remedy this, simply add a couple of drops of olive oil to your tank water and the foam will disappear within minutes.

The sound you are hearing is water falling from the lowest level spout in your AquaTree into the tank. Although the noise level can be compared to an indoor countertop fountain and many people find it soothing, not everyone does. The noise volume depends on how full your water tank is. If you find the AquaTree® is a little too noisy when your water tank is filled to the fill line, simply add more water to the tank until it’s at an optimal sound level for you.

We recommend harvesting microgreens using shears to cut the stems just above the MauMat®.To harvest any type of bean, turn your AquaTree off for 15 minutes to allow the water to drain from the trays. Once the water has drained, pour your sprouts into a strainer and gently rinse them, then either eat them right away or store them in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

For optimal results when growing micro greens, we recommend using the grow lights starting on day 4 for about 8 hours per days until harvest. For crops like mung bean sprouts the grow lights are not necessary.

The extension is only needed when using the grow lights. The extension allows the light to be optimally positioned to keep maximum light intensity on the growing produce.

If at any time you feel you would like to change the water, you may do so. There are several ways to replace the water. First, make sure to turn off the pump and allow all the water in the system to drain back to the tank. Then you can either: 1) remove the tank and replace the water or 2) siphon the water into a bucket and then pour fresh water back into the tank.