How to clean and reset your garden

Why cleaning matters

A hydroponic garden is a closed water system. Over time, mineral deposits build up on surfaces, old root matter decomposes in the reservoir, and algae can take hold if light reaches the water. None of this will break your QROOT, but it slows growth and can introduce problems for the next planting cycle.

A 10-minute clean between plantings keeps everything running at peak performance. Here's the routine.

Between plantings: the quick reset

Do this every time you finish a growing cycle and before starting fresh seeds.

1. Remove all plants and pods. Pull out the grow baskets, discard spent grow sponges and old root matter. Baskets can be reused - sponges cannot.
2. Drain the reservoir. Unplug the garden, remove the top tray, and pour out all the old water. Don't worry about getting every last drop.
3. Wipe the reservoir. Use a soft cloth or sponge with warm water. Wipe all interior surfaces to remove mineral buildup and any slimy biofilm. No soap needed - warm water handles it. For stubborn mineral deposits, a splash of white vinegar on the cloth works.
4. Rinse the grow baskets. Run warm water through each basket to clear old roots from the slits. A toothbrush helps if roots are tangled in the mesh.
5. Clean the pump. The pump intake can collect root fragments and mineral scale. Pull the pump out (it lifts out easily), rinse under running water, and clear any debris from the intake slots. This prevents the gradually-louder noise that happens when the pump is partially blocked.
6. Reassemble and refill. Put the pump back, replace the top tray, fill with fresh water, dose nutrients, and you're ready for the next cycle.

Monthly deep clean

Every 2-3 months (or every third planting cycle), do a deeper clean:

• Run a vinegar flush. Fill the reservoir with water and add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar. Run the pump for 30 minutes. This dissolves mineral scale inside the pump tubing and reservoir surfaces that you can't reach by wiping.
• Rinse thoroughly. Drain the vinegar solution, refill with plain water, run the pump for 5 minutes, then drain again. Vinegar residue won't harm plants in small amounts, but a rinse ensures clean conditions.
• Inspect the LED panel. Wipe the underside of the LED panel with a dry cloth. Dust and water spots reduce light output over time.
• Check the power adapter. Look for frayed cables or loose connections. The adapter should feel warm during operation but never hot.

Preventing algae

Algae needs light and nutrients to grow - your reservoir has nutrients, so the only variable is light. Prevention is simple:

• Cap all unused pods. Every open port lets light into the reservoir. The dome caps block it.
• Don't place the garden in direct sunlight. The LED panel provides all the light your plants need. Sunlight hitting the reservoir is the number one cause of algae.
• Change water every 3 weeks. Stale, nutrient-rich water is an algae buffet. Regular changes keep it in check.

If algae has already taken hold (green film on reservoir walls, green tint to the water), drain completely, scrub with warm water and a splash of vinegar, rinse well, and refill. It won't damage the garden - just slow down plant growth until you clean it.

What NOT to use

• No soap or dish detergent. Surfactants leave a residue that can harm roots.
• No bleach. Too harsh for a food-growing system and difficult to rinse completely.
• No abrasive scrubbers. They can scratch the reservoir surface, creating places for biofilm to anchor.