Sprout Instructions and cleaning

Keeping Sprout Clean

  • There is no powder coating on Sprout, so isopropyl alcohol is safe for cleaning.
  • DO NOT use hydrogen peroxide in any concentration with Sprout as it can damage the anodized surface. (as well as prolonged exposure to acidic substances)
  • Important: Never clean without BOTH USB-C plugs in place.
  • Never submerge in water.
  • To clean the lid and germination pod, use isopropyl alcohol with a cotton swab, lint-free cloth, or soft bristle toothbrush. Wipe clean with distilled water and dry thoroughly. 

Getting Started

  1. Plug in your Sprout. It may take a few seconds to light up. This is due to the capacitor.
  2. Check the LED Light:
    • Red Light: Higher temperature (80-82°F / 27-28°C) is selected.
    • Green Light: Lower temperature (77-79°F / 25-26°C) is selected.
  3. To Change the Temperature:
    • Locate the access point (smaller hole) next to the LED light at the bottom of the unit.
    • Carefully insert the temperature key, gently press down on the switch inside, and release.

Germination

  • Clean Sprout before and after each use to prevent pathogens that cause damping off.
    • Use isopropyl alcohol with a q-tip or soft bristle toothbrush. Wipe clean with distilled water and dry.
    • DO NOT use hydrogen peroxide for germination or cleaning in any concentration. It will damage the anodizing.
    • Important: Never clean without both USB-C safety plugs in place and never clean while plugged in.

Germination Steps:

  1. Twist the lid to release the magnets and slide it off.
  2. Place a cotton pad inside the pod.
  3. Place your seeds on the pad. (Note: Sprout has quadrant labels 1-4 for organization.)
  4. Carefully add half of your distilled, spring or tap water.
  5. Place another cotton pad on top.
  6. Add the remaining water (maximum of 10ml total).
  7. Gently press the outside edges of the pad to seal your seeds inside.
  8. Place the lid back on and allow the magnets to lock into place.
  9. Rehydrate as needed—do not let the pads dry out.

For Larger Seeds, us the Spacer

(Spacer sold separately in the module pack)

  1. Remove the lid.
  2. Place the spacer on top of Sprout, allowing the magnets to lock into place.
  3. Follow the regular germination instructions.

Note: Cotton pads can be layered when using the spacer to accommodate more seeds or different seed types.

For More Space or Lower Temperature, use the Second Tier Tray

(Second tier tray sold separately in the module pack)

  • The second tier tray creates a temperature zone approximately 1-2°F (0.5-1°C) lower than the main tray setting.

Steps:

  1. Remove the lid.
  2. Place the second tier tray on top of Sprout, ensuring the magnets lock into place.
  3. Ensure the air channels face the same direction as the main unit (away from the USB-C ports).
  4. Follow the regular germination instructions.

Important Safety Tips

  • Never submerge Sprout in water.
  • Do not overfill the pod.
  • Do not use hydrogen peroxide in any concentration 
  • Keep USB-C ports, LED light, and temperature switch access dry.
  • If any of these components get wet, unplug immediately.
  • Use the included safety plugs for any unused USB-C ports.

Daisy Chaining

  • Sprout can be daisy-chained up to  3 units(2 per 20W adapter).
  • Use any available USB-C port.

Environmental Considerations

  • Keep Sprout out of direct sunlight and away from warm appliances.
  • Sprout will absorb heat from its surroundings due to its high thermal conductivity.
  • Keep away from fans to prevent unwanted cooling.

Power Recommendations

  • For best results, use the USB-C cord included with Sprout (*Do not use excessively long cords*) and a name-brand power adapter. We highly recommend the Apple 20W USB-C adapter. It provides the proper, consistent voltage needed. Check the FAQs for details.