GERMINATING BASICS

Germination is the process of a seed sprouting.  Seeds need the following soil conditions to sprout:

• Soil Depth - Seeds should be placed about 1/2 inch into the soil and loosely covered ...don't bury them or pack them under.
• Moisture – Soil must be moist but not completely soaked with water. Don't let the soil dry out.
• Warmth – Soil and surroundings should be warm (think: a bit more than room temperature), around 75 degrees is great), but not hot. After planting the seed, keep the pot in the box and close the lid. This will create the perfect home for your seed to sprout.
• No Stress! – Seeds won't germinate if bounced and jostled around frequently. Don't leave your seeds on any appliances or other surfaces that experience vibrations.   

PetPot makes it easy for you by providing the following:

• One (1) biodegradable growing pot.  This is ideal for starting your PetPot, as it can be transplanted directly into the ground or a bigger pot later. (But it's not needed, you could grow a plant in the pot provided, it simply wont grow big) 
• One (1) peat soil disc.  This peat disc expands with water, so they'll fill the provided growing pot, giving your PetPot a nutritious starting medium.
• Two (2) PetPot seeds!  Your plant-to-be. PetPot seeds have an approximate 95% germination rate, but nature is fickle. So we gave you two, just in case. 

STARTING YOUR PETPOT - STEP-BY-STEP 

*Watch the 2 minute video if you don't like instructions. It is very simple*

Step 1:  Keep the pot in the box. Remove the seed pack from the pot. Pour water in the pot with the disc in it until half to three quarters full. Wait approximately 20 minutes. The soil will expand, it should reach just over the top of the pot. If not, add small amounts of water till it does. Discard any overflow water

Step 2: Once reached maximum height, partially tear off the mesh around the soil. Now mold and pat the soil down to be slightly below the rim of the pot.

 Step 3:  Use your finger to create a small 1/2 to 3/4 inch deep hole/indentation in the top of your soil. 

Step 4:  Place one seed in the soil.

Step 5:  Cover the seed with a small amount of soil, do not pack it down (very important that you do not pack it down). Gently pour a few tablespoons of water over the soil surface.  You're done planting!  Place your PetPot in a warm spot where it will not be disturbed.  Once it sprouts, a spot that gets a few hours of sun by a window will do for now. *

Step 6:  DO NOT let your PetPot seed dry out. Make sure to keep the soil around it moist to the touch but not soaked. Think a tablespoon or two of water per day, although you may need more if you live in a drier climate or your pot sits outside in the sun. And if water is dripping out from the bottom of your pot, that's enough! (but it should not leak as the pot is water proof)

Step 7:  Watch for the sprout!  You should seed a shoot within 5-10 days and the first leaves shortly after.  Within a week of sprouting, your PetPot should be a couple inches tall and on its way!

Step 8:  Once your PetPot has sprouted, check out our Growth and Care page. 

 *If after 3 weeks you don't have a sprout, make another small hole and add the second seed. Check your temperature to ensure the pot is in an area around 70 degrees and that the soil is moist.