GRASSES FOR THE MASSES INSTRUCTIONS

This project is easy to set up and maintain, but there are many small details that will need attention. Please read the following set-up instructions before proceeding to set-up your Grasses system. Follow the timeline and step by step instructions outlined below. If you need help, use one of the following methods to seek advice:
1. Post a question on the CBF Grasses blog: MyGrass Google Group
2. Email the Grassroots Coordinator at Jbarton@cbf.org


I. GENERAL TIMELINE:

February-April

• 2 hours: attend a Grasses for the Masses workshop
• 30 minutes: within 4 days of the workshop, set up underwater grass growth chamber
• 24 hours: fill growth chamber with water and let bubble (plug in and run filter) for 24 hours
• 30 minutes: mix topsoil & sand, fill trays, sow seeds, cover with sand, add to growth chamber
• 10 minutes: daily check water level, water temperature and algae growth in chamber

May

• 1/2 day: attend a planting at a designated restoration site

II. GROWTH CHAMBER SET-UP:

•   Place tub in chosen location (sturdy table is ideal).
  • Do not move your growth unit once you set it up, so choose your location wisely! A good location is on a sturdy table at least 4’ x 4’ near an electrical outlet.
  • The system does not need to be located near a window, but natural light will help with growth.
  • The system does need to be in a room with a stable temperature.
  • You will leave the system (lamps, filter, heater, etc.) on constantly for duration of seed germination. Once the grasses have sprouted and are growing well, you can turn the lamps off at night.
  • Fill tub half full with water.
    
• Set up the pump & filter
  • There are several different types of power head pumps, but all function about the same.
  • If not attached already, attach the cone (or cylinder) shaped attachment to the water intake of the pump (attaches at the bottom of the powerhead pump).
  • Attach suction cups to the suction cup shield, slide the shield into the back of the powerhead pump (you should see the grooves where it slides into place).
  • Suction cup the power head pump to the side of the tub. It’s a good idea to suction the filter in a corner so the pump pushes water in a continuous current that can circulate through the tub (we suggest suctioning the powerhead pump on one of the shorter side of tub, in a corner). 
  • Place the powerhead pump into the tub of water. (It needs to be underwater before you turn it on) 
  • Plug in the powerhead pump to a powerstrip (leave it on). Once plugged in it should immediately being circulating water in the tank.
  • Please note: anything plugged into an outlet or powerstrip should have a “drip loop” to prevent water from accidentally running or dripping into the socket.
    
• Bubble for 24 hours before planting grass
  • This helps to remove chlorine from the tap water
    
• Set up the heater
  • Set the heater to 78 degrees F, place in the water and then plug it into the powerstrip. Please note: the heater turns on and heats up immediately once plugged in and will overheat if not placed in the water first.
  • The heater is submersible and goes horizontal in the tub.
  • Place the heater in the path of the water pump, so the pump will push water over the heater & help circulate the heat.
  • Let the heater run for several hours before planting the seed trays, to allow water to reach optimal temperature of 78 degrees.
• Set up the thermometer
  • Suction thermometer to the inside of the tub (it is okay to have it floating if it does not suction to the side well)

III. PLANTING THE SEEDS:

•   Mix your soil & sand
• • Fill each tray about 1/2 full with all purpose sand (not playground sand, it is too fine and will clog the equipment)
  • Keep about six handfuls of sand aside for use on the top of the trays.
  • Add 2 full cups of potting soil to each tray and mix evenly.
  • Firmly pack your soil/sand mixture down with your hand.
• Prepare your seeds
  • Take your seeds out of the refrigerator and add them to a small cup or container of sand using a spoon to scoop the seeds. This helps to spread the seeds more evenly in the trays.
  • Spread the sand/grass seed mixture across the top of each tray. It may help to do one tray at a time, putting about 1/3 of the seeds you have in each tray.
  • Sprinkle a hand full or two of your extra sand over top of the seeds in the tray, this helps keep the tiny seeds in place.
  • Moisten the top of the soil-- use your hands or a spray bottle to mist the trays, this too will help keep the seeds in place.
    
• Immerse your seeds - You want to disturb the seeds as little as possible. It is very important you take your time submerging the seed trays into the water. There are several approaches to doing this, we suggest the following method:
  • After the seeds are in the trays fill each tray with aired out water (from the bucket/pitcher you let sit out 24 hours or the tub you let bubble for a day) to let the sand/soil mixture saturate.
  • Turn off your powerhead pump before you add the seed trays to the large tub to reduce disturbance. 
  • Slowly lower each tray into the larger tub of water, letting the water slowly sink in and saturate the trays, try not to disturb the top layer and seeds.
  • Once the all 3 trays are submerged, pour your bucket of water into the tub slowly (it helps to push the trays over to one side and pour in water from the other side).
  • If the bucket of water does not fill the tub all the way, fill bucket again and let water sit for a day and then add it to tub. Repeat until the water is above the powerhead pump.
  • Once the water is above the powerhead you can turn the pump back on. (you will want to keep the water above this level, keep the water bucket by the tub and add as needed) 
    
• Set-up and attach lamps
  • Lamps clamp on the side corners of the black tubs.
  • Adjust lamps to hover about 6 inches from the water, they should shed light evenly over the seeds.
  • Use regular 75 Watt bulbs for the lamps. You do not need flood or heat lamp bulbs. You can use 75 Watt Compact Fluorescent bulbs to conserve energy.
• Start your journal
  • Please take note of the day you plant your seeds.
  • Also take note of the day they start to sprout, the approximate number of sprouts you have, and any problems you experience along the way.
  • This information will be entered into an on-line form towards the end of the program, located at www.cbf.org/grasses.

IV. DAILY MAINTENANCE:

• Check water level
  • It is important to keep the water level a couple inches above the outflow of the filter pump.
  • The water level should also be above the rims of the small trays.
  • If you leave your grasses unattended for a few days, make sure there is enough water to stay above the trays & filter pump for the duration of your absence.
  • Please note: If the water level drops below the filter pump intake or the heater, they will break and an electrical shock could result.
• Clean filter and algae
  • As algal growth builds, you may see a green sheen on the plants, sand, water surface, and/or tub.
  • Use your fingers (or damp cloth) to gently wipe algae off of the plant stems and trays.
  • If a film appears on the surface of the water, mix the water around (you can use something simple like a fork or spoon). This will oxygenate the water and help rid the tub of algae.
  • A fine mesh net works well for skimming the water surface to remove algae or debris from the soil.
  • The tub can be wiped with a cloth or sponge. DO NOT USE BLEACH or other cleaning agents.
  • The filter attachment on the pump will need to be rinsed as it accumulates build-up. Check it periodically but remember that it houses beneficial bacteria, so don’t use any cleaners or rinse it too often.
  • To rinse the filter, simply unplug the powerhead pump and remove the bottom filter attachment. Rinse in the sink.
  • Please DO NOT add any living creatures such as snails, fish, etc. to your grasses system. We do not want to risk adding any exotic species to the rivers when we plant.
• Monitor temperature
  • Check the floating thermometer regularly to make sure you maintain 78 degrees F (the optimal conditions for germination and growth).
  • Adjust the heater accordingly to maintain 78 degrees F.
    

V. PREPARING FOR THE GRASSES PLANTING:

• Count your grasses
  • Count the number of grass plants you have (count sprouts coming out of the soil/sand mixture, not individual leaves).
  • Identify the longest stem length and measure it.
  • Approximate the average stem length for your grasses.
  • Add these three pieces of information into your grasses journal at www.cbf.org/grasses.
• Disassemble the growing equipment
  • Disassemble the lights, the filter pump and the heater.
  • Rinse and wipe off the filer pump and pieces as best you can; the next grower using it will really appreciate it and it will help the pumps last longer!
  • Pack all the growing equipment in the large zip lock bag it came in.
  • If any equipment is broken label it BROKEN with masking tape (please do not write on the actual equipment or boxes).
  • Drain water from the large black tub but keep water in the 4 small trays. The plants must stay wet.
  • Cover your grasses with strips of wet newspaper. This helps to retain the moisture and minimizes splashing.
• Bring the following with you to the planting
  • Your grasses and all equipment
  • Clothes you can get wet in
  • We suggest a change of clothes for the ride home as well. 
  • Close toed shoes or sturdy sandal that strap down —no flip flops or crocs (they will get stuck in the mud!)
  • Water boots, water shoes, or waders are great if you have them
  • Water, sunscreen, sunglasses or hat, and a snack
  • CBF wavier form (please fill out prior to the planting)

QUESTIONS?
Please use the MyGrass Google Group to post your questions and share with other grass growers how your grasses are doing. The group is free and easy to join, the site link is: http://groups.google.com/group/cbf-grasses---2010

If you have any immediate questions or concerns please contact Jess Barton at Jbarton@cbf.org, 804-780-1392