Comprehensive Guide: Tower Garden HOME on MSS (Florida Edition!)
- Leah Brooks
- Mar 22
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 23
Want an easy-peasy Tower Garden set-up that is plug-and-play?
Let’s get you started right away!
Growing indoors is a great introduction to the magic of gardening! When we control the climate and lighting, the work of gardening decreases, and the enjoyment increases!
Step by Step....
Step 1: 'Purchase' Supplies off MyScholarShop
Step 2: Create Your Notebook!
Step 3: Watch Videos with Your Child
Step 4: Plan & Purchase Seed, Seedlings, & Pest Control
Step 5: Purchase Strawberry Seeds or Seedlings to grow in the 'baby spots
Step 6: Purchase Accessories from Amazon if you need them
Step 7: Submit Non-MSS Purchases to Step Up for Students for Reimbursement
Step 8: Assemble your Tower Garden FLEX, plant your seeds in the Germinator, and plant your seedlings in the Tower Garden
Step 9: Reach out to Leah With Questions!
Step 10: Join our growing community!
Step 1: 'Purchase' Supplies off MSS
Start by 'purchasing' (off MyScholarshop) the Tower Garden HOME with the Support Cage Bundle, the Tower Garden LED Grow Lights, and the Germinator.
Do I need an EBF?
No. The Tower Garden is preapproved and on MSS.
Is there a limit to the number I can purchase?
No, but we think that up to (3) Tower Gardens per child is reasonable for growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Don't forget that you can grow outdoors, too!
Is this available to both PEP and UA kids?
Yes, it is! FES-UA and FES-PEP kids can purchase the Tower Garen on MSS.
Can I put my Tower Garden on my balcony or lanai/porch?
Step 2: Create Your Notebook!
Download the following documents. Create your notebook!
1) Tower Garden School Maintenance Log
2) Tower Garden School Maintenance Checklist
3) Maintaining and Cleaning Your Tower Garden
4) Training Notes for Schools
4) FREE Tower Garden Lesson Plans !
5) Tower Garden Plant Guides as desired
Step 3: Watch Videos with Your Child
Find more Mr. Ritz videos HERE!
Step 4: Plan & Purchase Seeds, Seedlings, & Pest Control
Head over to True Garden and purchase a combination of seeds and seedlings.
Use code trueteam10 to save 10% on your purchase!
Why seedlings? The tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers I recommend for growing indoors are carefully selected for size and self-pollination. These products will grow and produce for months, and purchasing seedlings is cost-effective.
Why seeds? Herbs, lettuces, and greens need to be reseeded every couple of months, and are straightforward to start from seed with the Germinator. It’s more cost-effective to start these plants from seeds. Plus, since greenhouse-grown plants are always at risk of pests, this reduces the risk of introducing pests into your system.
Note: your Tower Garden will come with the following seeds: Bibb lettuce, Gourmet Lettuce, Spicy & Mild Mixes, Arugula, and Basil.
Seedlings from True Garden:
I recommend growing no more than (1) cucumber, (1) eggplant, and (3-5) tomato plants indoors. If you want more tomato varieties, check out my post about the fabulous micro-dwarf tomato seeds available from Victory Seeds!
Seeds from True Garden:
Basil – Lemon – seeds | True Garden (note: the Tower Garden comes with Genovese basil seeds)
Greens – Elegance Greens Mix – seeds | True Garden (note: you will receive a spicy and mild greens mix with your Tower Garden)
Kale – Starbor – seeds | True Garden (Leah’s favorite for kale chips!)
Kale – Toscano – seeds | True Garden (Leah’s favorite for kale salad!)
Sorrel – Sorrel – seeds | True Garden (a kids favorite!)
Want more? Read more about what can be grown indoors HERE.
The Tower Garden HOME has 16 regular growing spots and 16 baby spots. See what you can grow in the baby spots HERE.
Purchase this helpful accessory from True Garden:
Note on spinach: I have trouble growing spinach indoors in Florida. I think it may be due to our relatively high indoor temperatures. Growers up north grow in their basements, where temps tend to be in the 60s.
I do much better with Tatsoi, which is a nice substitute! I use it the same way I use spinach. The stems are juicier, so it lends itself well to adding to Asian dishes.
Step 5: Purchase Strawberry Seeds or Seedlings to grow in the 'baby spots'
Everyone wants to grow strawberries, right?
Purchase Albion or Seascape strawberry plants (not seeds!) for indoor growing.
There is room for up to 16 strawberry plants at the top of the Tower Garden.
True Garden may have plants available. If not, you can purchase bare roots from the supplies I mention in this blog.
Step 6: Purchase Accessories from Amazon if you need them
Water Filter & Treatment
If you fill your Tower Garden with city water, you’ll need to filter the water to remove chlorine and chloramines. One inexpensive option is this filter:
This filter screws onto your hose, and you’ll replace it yearly or when your water smells like chlorine.
Step 7: Submit Non-MSS Purchases to Step Up for Students for Reimbursement
SUBMIT CORRECTLY & WITH AN EBF!
Submit your receipts in the EMA under:
Instructional Materials ➡️ Elective Supplies ➡️ Garden Supplies
✅Complete and upload the Educational Benefits Form. (Otherwise known as "EBF")
The wording you can use includes:
"Seeds, seedlings, and supplies for my child to grow their Tower Garden"
Keep it simple!
When submitting the water filter, include this document:
Step 8: Assemble your Tower Garden HOME, plant your seeds in the Germinator, and plant your seedlings in the Tower Garden
Read my blog here for help in assembling your Tower Garden.
Lights too bright? Use a room divider to dim the lights. As the plants grow, the light will become dimmer (the plants will absorb and soften it).
How many seeds do I plant? Check this blog post.
Step 9: Reach out to Leah with Questions!!
Step 10: Join our Growing Community!
Comments