Having your own indoor garden is a fabulous way to grow fresh herbs, veggies, and even flowers. With the Scentalis Vita hydroponic system it gets even better. This nifty little system lets you cultivate plants year-round, even without any gardening experience!
1. Pick the right starter plants
When you first get into indoor gardening, it’s ideal to start with plants that are easy to grow and sprout quickly. Some great options include basil, mint, parsley, or leafy greens like lettuce and spinach. These plants work very well on the Scentalis Vita and they don't require too much care.
If you’re just starting out, try smaller plants that grow fast. You can easily grow taller plants as well thanks to the adjustable rod, but they will require a bit more care and maintenance.
2. Keep an Eye on Water and Nutrients
One of the most unique features of the Scentalis Vita is the 10L water tank. This large capacity makes sure you don't have to refill it very often. However, you still need to check your water and nutrient levels from time to time, so pay attention to the indicator lights.
Nutrients are just as important as water. You can add ~50ml of A + B nutrients when you insert the seeds, and then follow up every couple of weeks with 15ml of each. Don't overdo it though, since too many nutrients can actually harm your plants.
3. Use the light modes correctly
The Scentalis Vita offers 2 different modes, suitable for different plants. Flower mode works best for blooming plants, while leafy mode is ideal for herbs and veggies. By picking the right mode, the light colors and timing change accordingly.
4. Don't let algae take over
Algae growth can be an issue in hydroponic systems when light reaches the water. While algae won’t necessarily harm your plants, it’s something you want to keep in check. A simple fix is covering any unused pod slots, and adding a bit of food-grade hydrogen peroxide when refilling the tank helps keep algae at bay.
5. Prune your plants
Pruning is an essential way to keep a plant healthy. It encourages new growth and helps your plants direct their energy more efficiently. With herbs like basil or mint, trimming the tops will make the plants grow back fuller.
A good rule of thumb is to never take more than a third of the plant at one time. This way you make sure the plant remains its strength.
6. Don't forget maintenance!
For your Scentalis Vita to run smoothly, regular maintenance is key. Clean the LED light panel and water tank to prevent dust and algae from building up. It’s also smart to check whether the pump is still working properly.
Make sure to do a full water change every couple of months and clean the tank thoroughly. This prevents any unwanted buildup that could harm your plants.
7. Try growing different plants!
It would definitely be worth trying out new herbs, vegetables or flowers. The Scentalis Vita allows you to grow many different types of plants so it would be great to experiment with it!
