Instructions:

Consider the time of year and your region’s climate before starting this kit. This tree thrives in temps between 45°F–75°F and with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight (an unobstructed south or west-facing window is best). Starting in Mar-Sept will provide longer days and thus optimal light. If starting during cooler months, consider
supplementing with a grow light and a plant heating pad to stimulate seedlings to sprout.

Sprout Time: 10–24 days
Trees will slowly grow over the course of several years.
Start Growing
1. Wash hands and remove all contents from the CowPot tree planter. (Starting with clean hands prevents potential mold growth.)

2. Place seeds in-between two damp (not saturated) pieces of paper towel. Insert into a plastic bag and store in a warm place, like on top of a refrigerator or water heater. After 7 days, begin checking seeds daily to see if little white roots have developed. Once they have, the seeds will be ready to transplant.

3. Place the CowPot on a tray or plate and pour the grow medium into the CowPot. Level the surface.

4. Slowly pour 1 cup of water evenly over the surface of the grow medium.

5. With a pen, gently dig a few holes into the grow medium. Bury 3–4 seedlings ¼” with the roots pointed down into each hole. Gently tamp the grow medium.

6. Place the CowPot in a warm and sunny window (68°F–72°F).

7. Touch the surface of the grow medium daily, and if it’s not slightly damp, add water to the tray the CowPot is sitting in and pour a little on top of the grow medium. The top ½” of grow medium must stay damp. Manure naturally retains moisture—make sure not to oversaturate.

8. Once seeds sprout, continue watering as needed. The CowPot will turn dark brown when wet, so when it’s light brown, it’s time to water again. Allow the CowPot to harden between waterings—this prevents overwatering and reduces spores from forming molds if permitted to dry. CowPots can be top or bottom-watered.

Growing On
Some seeds may fail to germinate (this is nature). If sprouts don’t appear in 4 weeks, the seeds may have been planted too deep, the growing medium is too dry or wet, or the temps are too low. In dry climates or
during cooler months, consider creating a greenhouse effect by placing a plastic bag over the CowPot. Punch a few holes for ventilation. Remove the bag once sprouts are 1” tall. Sunlight, temperature, ventilation and
humidity will impact how the growing medium holds moisture. Ideally, the coco growing medium should be medium brown in color. Grow medium that is dark brown in color is too wet and can develop mold. To
achieve an optimal moisture level, you may need to adjust the watering frequency and volume to complement your environment. If tree sprouts appear weak and spindly, there is either not enough light or temps
are not in the optimal range. Try a different window or consider supplementing with a grow light. During the outdoor growing season, you can place the CowPot outside temporarily to jump-start your sprouts (just make sure to bring the CowPot indoors if it rains). If temps outside drop below 45°F, remove CowPot from window to prevent cold damage.

Transplanting
American Sycamore Trees are easygoing and adaptable to most temperate regions.
Suitable for the continental USA.
Loblolly Pine Trees love soaking in sunshine in temperate and warm regions. Not suitable for Northern States (SD, ND, MN, MT, ME, VT, NH).
Blue Spruce Trees thrive in breezy, temperate to cool regions. Not suitable for South FL.

Prior to transplanting, harden off the tree for 5–7 days by placing it outdoors in partial sun during the day, and bringing it indoors at night. To plant, gently bury the CowPot completely so that the top is even with the surface of the soil. Avoid breaking up or crushing the pot so the roots don’t get disturbed—the porous pot walls encourage root penetration. Keeping the CowPot intact eliminates the risk of transplant shock. Water area to help the tree settle. As a biodegradable planter, the CowPot will begin to break down within weeks of transplanting. As long as it is completely buried at planting, it should be almost completely decomposed by the end of the growing season. The rate of decomposition depends largely on moisture and bioactivity in your soil.