GyroCup™ & Hydrogel for small seeds (e.g., leafy greens) - for easy growing
 

Option 1) Place 1 cm x 1 cm squares of dry hydrogel in the GyroCups and push them down until the prongs just grip the square, approximately 1cm below the GyroCup rim. Place the GyroCup with dry hydrogel square in water for 1 minute (no need to hold it), ensuring the hydrogel is in contact with the water for effective rehydration. Upon removal, you'll notice the square inside the GyroCup has swollen up and become slightly thicker, with a jelly-like consistency. Avoid touching the hydrogel once rehydrated as it can be fragile and break apart easily. Now, place seed(s) on top of the hydrogel surface and place in your germination chamber/propagation environment using trays with holes of diameter 30mm, 40mm, or 50mm (depending on the GyroCup size). Ensure the hydrogel is kept wet during the germination/propagation period in the chamber, e.g. by maintaining a high humidity environment by covering GyroCups with a dome or sheet, or by regularly lightly misting the surface.
 

Option 2) Alternatively, fill a cell propagation tray (note: a 1.5-inch cell tray works well with 30mm GyroCups) with GyroCups neatly placed into each cell. Place 1 cm x 1 cm squares of dry hydrogel in the GyroCups and push them down until the prongs just grip the square approximately 1cm below the GyroCup rim. Fill with water so the level just reaches the dry hydrogel square (this is generally about 1/2 up the GyroCup length), and wait for the squares to rehydrate. Lightly misting the surface of the hydrogel with water will help speed up the process and ensure even rehydration. Place the seed(s) on top of the hydrogel in each GyroCup or use a seeding machine. Covering the GyroCups with a dome or blackout cover to maintain a high humidity environment gives best results for germination.

For options 1 and 2, propagate until roots are forming at least 5 cm out the bottom of the GyroCup before transplanting to your main ebb & flood, aeroponic, or DWC system for full growth. Ensure the irrigation timing schedule does not allow the roots to dry out during the growth stage.
 

Option 3) For some ebb & flood, aeroponic, or DWC systems, you can place the GyroCup with dry hydrogel and seed directly into the main growing system to go all the way from germination to full growth. However, you must ensure the hydrogel is rehydrated prior to placing the seeds, and the irrigation system keeps the hydrogel wet during the early phases of plant development. 
 

After harvest - rinse the GyroCup for reuse! You can also place it in a dishwasher.

Tips:
 

• As the plants grow, you'll notice the gel disappearing during the early phases as roots develop. That's normal; however, you do not want to 'wash' the gel away during the early phases by excessive/powerful irrigation.

• At harvest time, cut the plant above the GyroCup level and pull the roots and stem down from underneath.