MicroGrow

Troubleshooting Guide

Quick Reference Guide

High Priority

Immediate action required to save crop

Medium Priority

Address soon to prevent crop loss

Low Priority

Minor issues that affect quality

Mold Growth

High Priority

Symptoms

  • White, fuzzy growth on seeds or medium
  • Musty or sour smell
  • Seeds turning black or slimy

Common Causes

  • Excessive moisture and poor air circulation
  • High humidity with stagnant air
  • Contaminated seeds or growing medium

Solutions

  • Increase air circulation immediately
  • Reduce watering frequency
  • Remove affected areas if possible
  • Start fresh with clean equipment

Prevention

  • Ensure good air circulation
  • Water from bottom when possible
  • Use clean, sanitized equipment

Poor Germination

Medium Priority

Symptoms

  • Few seeds sprouting after 3-4 days
  • Uneven germination patterns
  • Seeds remaining hard and dry

Common Causes

  • Old or poor quality seeds
  • Incorrect temperature or moisture
  • Insufficient soaking time

Solutions

  • Check seed expiration dates
  • Adjust temperature to 65-75°F
  • Increase soaking time
  • Ensure consistent moisture

Prevention

  • Buy fresh seeds from reputable suppliers
  • Store seeds properly
  • Test germination rates regularly

Yellowing Leaves

Medium Priority

Symptoms

  • Leaves turning yellow or pale
  • Weak, spindly growth
  • Poor color development

Common Causes

  • Insufficient light exposure
  • Nutrient deficiency in growing medium
  • Overwatering or poor drainage

Solutions

  • Increase light intensity or duration
  • Check and improve drainage
  • Reduce watering frequency
  • Consider light fertilizer solution

Prevention

  • Provide adequate light from day 3
  • Use quality growing medium
  • Monitor watering carefully

Leggy Growth

Low Priority

Symptoms

  • Tall, thin, weak stems
  • Plants falling over
  • Stretched appearance

Common Causes

  • Insufficient light intensity
  • Light source too far away
  • Extended blackout period

Solutions

  • Move lights closer to plants
  • Increase light intensity
  • Reduce blackout period
  • Provide support if needed

Prevention

  • Proper light distance (12-18 inches)
  • Adequate light intensity
  • Timely light introduction

Bitter Taste

Low Priority

Symptoms

  • Unpleasant bitter flavor
  • Harsh or peppery taste
  • Loss of sweet, mild flavor

Common Causes

  • Harvesting too late
  • Stress from heat or drought
  • Poor growing conditions

Solutions

  • Harvest earlier in growth cycle
  • Improve growing conditions
  • Maintain consistent moisture
  • Check temperature control

Prevention

  • Harvest at first true leaves
  • Maintain optimal temperature
  • Consistent watering schedule

Wilting Plants

Medium Priority

Symptoms

  • Drooping or wilted appearance
  • Leaves losing turgor pressure
  • Plants not recovering after watering

Common Causes

  • Under or overwatering
  • Root damage or disease
  • Extreme temperature fluctuations

Solutions

  • Adjust watering schedule
  • Check for root problems
  • Improve temperature control
  • Increase humidity if needed

Prevention

  • Consistent moisture levels
  • Proper drainage system
  • Stable growing environment

General Prevention Tips

Daily Monitoring

  • Check plants twice daily
  • Record temperature and humidity
  • Note any changes in appearance
  • Track watering and feeding schedule

Best Practices

  • Maintain clean growing environment
  • Use quality seeds and materials
  • Follow proven growing procedures
  • Keep detailed growing records

Emergency Actions

Severe Mold Outbreak

Discard entire crop, sanitize all equipment, start fresh

Complete Germination Failure

Check seed viability, adjust conditions, reseed immediately

Pest Infestation

Isolate affected trays, treat or discard, prevent spread