HSP Nature Toys is no longer in business and neither product is available.
Root-Vue Farm
I only received 3 soil wafers, shouldn’t there be 8?
We have a new soil wafer supplier, Wonder Soil, and they provide much larger individual wafers than the smaller 8 wafers we used to supply (they also have many more nutrients and, in general, are a much higher quality wafer). Sometimes the Wonder Soil wafers come in 2 packs and other times 3 packs. Both have the same amount of soil when expanded.
To prepare soil, place wafers in a large bowl or bucket and slowly add up to 4 cups of warm water, stirring and fluffing as you go, then add to the Root-Vue unit.
How long does it take for the seeds to sprout?
The radish seeds will be the first to sprout, generally within 3-4 days. Onions and carrots will sprout within a week to 10 days.
When should I water the plants?
Keep the bottom basin filled about 1/4 inch of water so that the wicking system will pull up the amount the roots need.
When is the best time of year to plant?
You can grow plants year round to study roots, but vegetables grow best in the summer just like in nature. If you are growing in other seasons, use a “Gro-Lite” bulb for 12 hours per day for best results. The unit must be kept warm or roots will wither.
Why does the acrylic window look blue, in the picture it is clear?
There is a blue plastic covering on the clear acrylic to prevent scratching. This should be removed prior to setting up the unit – see the instruction booklet or watch our set-up video.
Which side of the shelf should be up? One side is flat, and the other side is not.
The flat side goes on the bottom.
I’ve lost the wicking material!
You can substitute 1/2 inch cotton or nylon rope for the wicking material, which is available at hardware stores.
Can I use the Root-Vue Farm without the watering wick?
We recommend you use some sort of wicking such as cotton or nylon, to draw the water up from the bottom of the unit into the soil. If you have lost the wicking material or would rather not use it, you can water from the top.
Are there any GMO ingredients in the Root-Vue Farm Kit?
No. There are no genetically-modified (GMO) ingredients in the Root-Vue Farm. The seeds are commercially grown conventional seeds. They are not certified organic, but are open pollinated untreated and non GMO.
What are the ingredients of the soil wafers?
The soil wafers are made of compressed peat moss, composted rice hulls, and super-absorbent polymer granules ( which is what makes the soil wafers expand and hold water).
Our roots started to grow, then died. Any advice?
The ideal growing conditions for indoor vegetables are:
- A warm, sunny location, with temperatures between 70 – 80 degrees – if the unit is getting chilled at night or from air conditioning, this can inhibit or stop growth.
- 12 hours of full sun per day – soil must warm up to get the root vegetables to develop – in the winter use grow lamps to simulate full sunlight.
- Keep the light shield covering the unit when not viewing roots.
- Keep fresh air near the unit to prevent mold.
- After seeds begin to grow, save the strongest seedlings and carefully pull out the others (or snip with scissors) to avoid overcrowding.
Why is there mold growing?
Mold grows on soil when it does not get enough fresh air, heat and light. This can happen in the winter months due to the shorter hours of sunlight, cooler temperatures or stagnant air. It can also happen in summer if there is air conditioning. If you see mold, keep the soil on the dry side, allow the water basin to fully dry out before adding water again
I lost my booklet
Download Root-Vue Farm Booklet.
Do I need to use the special soil wafers next year?
You can use the Root-Vue again and again… try different seeds and regular potting soil.
Worm-Vue Wonders
Note: The Worm-Vue Wonders kit is no longer available. We are still accepting mail-in certificates for the worms with payment via check.
Need help setting up your Worm-Vue Wonders?
Download a Worm-Vue Wonders Booklet or watch our set-up video. After the kit has been set-up, the worms will need to rest for 24 hours before feeding or performing experiments.
Why does the acrylic window look blue, in the picture it is clear?
There is a blue plastic covering on the clear acrylic to prevent scratching. This should be removed from both sides prior to setting up the unit – see the instruction booklet or watch the Worm-Vue set-up video.