Frequently Asked Questions – Window Sill Garden

Looking to start your own Windowsill Garden with Urban Leaf? This FAQ likely has the answers you need. If you still have questions, feel free to reach out anytime via email at help@geturbanleaf.com or text ‘UrbanLeaf’ to 555888.

How long will it take for my plants to grow?

Your seeds should sprout within 2-10 days. During the first 4-6 weeks, you won’t need to do much. Growth rates vary based on the plant type and the amount of light they receive (the more, the better). You can expect to start harvesting leaves around 1.5 to 2 months after planting.

How long do the plants last?

All our plants are edible, mostly culinary herbs. These herbs taste best when their leaves are young. As they age, the leaves can become thicker and lose some flavor. We’ve designed our products to keep each plant alive for 5-6 months. After that, we recommend harvesting the entire plant, enjoying it with a meal or in a cocktail, and then starting fresh with new seeds. It’s the circle of life!

Can I use my own seeds?

Technically, you could use other seeds, but we don’t recommend it. Here’s why:

1. We only sell seed varieties that are proven to work well with our products. Not all plant varieties are suited to this growing method.
2. Within each plant variety (like ‘Thai Basil’), there are dozens of different strains. Some grow quickly, others slowly; some grow tall, others wide. We’ve tested many strains to find the ones that work best. While you might find one that works too, there’s also a chance it won’t.

Is it reusable?

Most parts of the kit are reusable, including:

• The green plastic case. If you do decide to dispose of it, it’s made of biodegradable plastic.
• The seeds. We include more seeds than you’ll need, so save them in a cool, dry place. You can plant them outside or use them in our product again.

The non-reusable parts are the smart soil inserts. These contain enough nutrients for one growth cycle. Cost-effective replacement inserts are available here.

What kind of bottles can I use?

We recommend dark brown or green glass bottles, as they block out the light frequencies that can cause water to go bad. Please avoid using clear bottles.

A 750 ml bottle (like a red wine bottle) is a great size, but we’ve successfully grown plants in bottles ranging from 500 ml to 1.5 L. Keep in mind, the larger the bottle, the less frequently you’ll need to water. A bigger bottle = less work for you!

Check out our Top 5 Tips for finding the perfect bottle.

How do I add water?

To add water, carefully remove the insert, leaving the roots hanging in the bottle’s neck. Add room temperature tap water, then gently replace the insert, being careful not to damage the roots. Finally, place your plant back on its sunny windowsill.

What happens when it outgrows the bottle?

Our products are designed to keep plants in the bottle for their entire life. However, if your plant outgrows its bottle and you want to keep it alive longer, here are a few options:

1. Relocation: Carefully transfer your plant to soil, either indoors or outdoors. Be mindful of potential environmental shocks, and allow your plant to adjust gradually. We recommend initially moving your plant to a pot of soil indoors before transitioning it outdoors.
2. Get a bigger bottle: As your plant ages, its root structure will grow. If you plan to keep your plant for a long time, consider using a bottle with a wider neck for easier watering.
3. Add nutrients: The smart soil in our products is enriched with enough nutrients to last 5-6 months. After that, the leaves may start looking paler, and you might notice some splotching. To keep your plant healthy, you’ll need to add nutrients. We suggest doing an Amazon search for hydroponic nutrients, but avoid mixing different brands or types. Be sure to flush out the old water and nutrients before adding fresh ones. This is a more advanced step, so if you need help, feel free to email us at help@geturbanleaf.com.

Where is it made?

Our products are 100% made in the USA from eco-friendly materials. Both the plastic injection molding and kit assembly are done in upstate New York. Our main manufacturing partner is Mid Hudson Works, a non-profit organization in Poughkeepsie, NY, that provides employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Still have questions? We’d love to hear from you. Shoot us an email at help@geturbanleaf.com.