Setting up Auk Mini

Congrats on your new Auk Mini! Here's how to get started 😊

1. Assemble your Auk

1. Thread the cable through the hole
2. Insert the sticks
3. Attach the plant light
4. Connect the cable, and your Auk will start up💡

2. Add coco fiber

Fill the pots almost to the top. 1 bag is enough for 4 pots.

Tips: Fill carefully to avoid spilling, or fill the pots inside the shipping box.

3. Plant your seeds

Check the seed packaging for info about each seed. In general:

• Use enough seeds (better with too many than too few)
• Cover the seeds with Coco fiber. The fiber ensures they get enough moisture to sprout.

NB: Oregano, mint, watercress, and lemon balm need to be sown on the surface. They need light to sprout, so don’t cover them with coco fiber.

4. Fill 3 liters (0.8 gallons) of water

It’s important to fill 3 liters (0.8 gallons) when starting up. This will give the roots enough time to reach the water reservoir.

The reservoir is full when the water level indicator is at max (the largest dot).

5. Add red and green nutrients

The magic formula:

• 6 pushes of green nutrients (Grow)
• 3 pushes of red nutrients (Flavour)

💡 The nutrients are made from carefully refined minerals, containing all the 14 essential elements plants need to thrive.

6. Lower the plant light to approx. 10 cm (4 inches) above the pots

As your plants start growing, try to keep approx. 10 cm / 4 inches (doesn’t have to be exact) distance to the plants. That way they'll get the best light possible.

And that’s it! Sit back, and let Auk do the rest! 😊

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Key info:

Auk works on a 17.5 hr schedule

The light stays on for 17.5 hours and off for 6.5 hours every day. You can set the light cycle by holding the light button for 5 seconds. The light will then turn on gradually 45 minutes before the set time each day.

Example: You set the light cycle at 7:00 AM. Then, the light will stay on during the day and turn off at night, before it dims on from 6:15 AM the next morning. In the evening, it will start dimming at 11:00 PM and will be completely off by 11:45 PM.

The light will slowly dim back on to confirm the change

3 ways to control the light

Mini's light has 1 button, with 3 control options: 

1. Tap 1x to switch between full light –> soft light –> off
2. Hold for 5 seconds to set the light cycle.
3. 3x-tap to switch to bloom light.

Learn more about using the light here 💡

Refill water and nutrients when empty

It's empty when the water level indicator is red:

Refill to max when empty, and add 6 push of green and 3 push of red nutrients. 

A full water tank normally lasts 9-15 days, depending on how large and thirsty your plants are.

Learn more about refilling water and nutrients.

Harvest regularly for the best growth

Most herbs and salads are ready to be harvested within 4-7 weeks, depending on the temperature. The optimal temperature is 20-25°C (68-77°F), and growth is very slow below 19°C (66°F).

Some tips for harvesting:

• Wait to harvest until the plants are about 10-15 cm / 4-6" tall
• Harvest max ⅓ of the plant at a time. As long as you don't cut off the whole plant, it usually grows back nicely!
• Ensure all plants get enough light

Learn more about harvesting.

Growing tomatoes or chili? 

Start up with normal growing mode (as described above). After 5 weeks: 

• Switch to bloom light by 3x-tapping the light button. The plant light will flash red twice to confirm the change.
• Increase red nutrients to 6 pushes pr full tank. See the nutrient bottles for more info.