How FlowGrow Works
Growing with FlowGrow is a simple cycle
FlowGrow moves water and nutrients through the tower in a repeating cycle, helping roots access what they need as they grow.
Choose a bright, well-lit spot with easy access to power and water. Once your tower is set up, it becomes part of your everyday routine, something you can check, enjoy and watch grow over time.
How it works in 4 simple steps
Here’s what’s happening inside the tower.
Timed watering cycles
FlowGrow towers run on a timer that moves water through the system at regular intervals.
This keeps the roots hydrated, oxygenated, and fed, without needing constant attention.
Once it’s running, day-to-day care is simple. You’ll simply check in from time to time, top up the water, and enjoy watching your plants grow.
A cleaner way to grow at home
Hydroponics is a way of growing plants without soil.
Instead, plants receive water, oxygen, and nutrients directly at the roots as water moves through the system. This steady flow helps create a consistent growing environment.
For home growing, it means less mess, less guesswork, and a more reliable way to grow fresh food.
No digging, no muddy pots. Just clean, contained growing that fits into everyday life.
What grows well
FlowGrow towers are ideal for herbs, leafy greens, strawberries, and compact vegetables.
-
Leafy greens
Lettuce, baby spinach, rocket, microgreens
-
Herbs
Basil, mint, parsley, chives, coriander
-
Compact vegetables
Cherry tomatoes, chillies, peppers
-
Other favourites
Strawberries and edible flowers
Some plants naturally grow faster and more easily than others, especially when you’re just getting started. Leafy greens and herbs are often the easiest place to begin.
Water & nutrients
The reservoir holds water mixed with FlowGrow nutrients, which provide the minerals plants would normally get from soil.
As water moves through the tower, nutrients are delivered to the roots, then recirculated through the system.
As your plants grow, you’ll simply top up the water and add nutrients as needed. From time to time, it is also helpful to check your pH, especially while you’re getting familiar with the system.
For a deeper dive, read: Understanding hydroponic nutrients
FlowGrow nutrients are simple to use, with clear mix guidelines to help take the guesswork out of feeding your plants.
Light Matters
Like all plants, your FlowGrow tower needs good light to grow well.
A bright indoor space near a window, or a covered outdoor area with consistent sunlight, will give the best results. In warmer, sunnier months, plants tend to grow faster, while in cooler or lower-light seasons, growth slows down.
Some plants, like cherry tomatoes, peppers, and strawberries, perform best in summer when light levels are higher.
If your space doesn’t get enough natural light, compatible indoor grow lights can be used, especially during winter. Most people start by placing their tower in the brightest suitable spot available, then adjust as they learn what grows best in their space.
If light is coming from one side, you may notice plants naturally leaning towards it. Turning the tower daily will help keep growth even.
Starting with seeds or seedlings
Seeds are started outside the tower in a simple germination tray, where they sprout and develop early roots.
They’re grown in planting sponges or rockwool cubes, which hold moisture and support the seed as it develops.
Once the seedling has a few leaves and a small root system, it can be placed into the tower to continue growing.
 💡 Quick Start Tip
You can also start with small seedlings from a garden centre. If they’re grown in soil, gently rinse the roots clean before placing them into a sponge.
Planting sponges are included with FlowGrow towers.
You can also add a Starter Kit, which includes nutrients, a measuring cup, rockwool cubes, a germination tray, and net pots. It’s a good way to have everything ready from the start.
Seeing those first small leaves come through is often the moment it clicks. You realise you’re actually growing your own food.
One system, multiple sizes
Whether you choose a 6, 9, or 12-layer tower, the system works in the same way.
The difference comes down to how many plants you want to grow.
You can start small and expand over time, or go straight to a larger setup, depending on your space.
-
FlowGrow 6 Layer Tower
Regular price From $349.00 NZDRegular priceSale price From $349.00 NZD -
FlowGrow 9 Layer Tower
Regular price From $399.00 NZDRegular priceSale price From $399.00 NZD -
FlowGrow 12 Layer Tower
Regular price From $449.00 NZDRegular priceSale price From $449.00 NZD
Start growing at home
Once you understand how it works, the next step is choosing a setup that fits your space and lifestyle.
frequently asked questions
A few helpful things to know
How does a FlowGrow tower actually work?
A FlowGrow tower circulates water from the base up through the centre, then lets it gently flow back down through the roots.
As it moves, it delivers water, nutrients, and oxygen to the plants. Any unused water returns to the reservoir and is reused again.
Once it’s set up, the system runs on a timer and quietly takes care of itself in the background.
Do I need soil to use a FlowGrow tower?
No, there’s no soil involved.
Plants sit in small support sponges while their roots grow inside the tower where the water flows through.
It’s a clean, contained way to grow, with no digging, no heavy pots, and no mess.
Does FlowGrow need direct sunlight to work?
FlowGrow needs good natural light to grow well.
A bright indoor space near a window, or a sheltered outdoor spot with consistent sunlight, will give the best results.
If light levels are lower, growth may slow down. Grow lights can be used if needed, but many people simply use the brightest spot in their home.
What can I grow in a FlowGrow tower?
FlowGrow works best with everyday plants you’d use in your kitchen.
Leafy greens, herbs, and compact vegetables all grow well. Things like lettuce, basil, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and chillies are great options.
If you’re just getting started, herbs and leafy greens are the easiest and most rewarding place to begin.
How long does it take to set up a FlowGrow tower?
Most people have their tower set up and ready to plant in around 20 minutes.
The process is straightforward, with no complicated parts or tools required.
Once it’s running, it becomes something you check and enjoy rather than something you need to manage closely.
Is FlowGrow suitable if I’ve never grown anything before?
Yes. FlowGrow is designed to feel approachable from day one.
You don’t need prior experience or technical knowledge to get started. Once it’s set up, the system settles into a rhythm and becomes part of your routine.
It’s often more about enjoying the process than learning something complicated.
Grow your confidence
Explore practical guides, setup tips, and growing advice in Learn to Grow.
Popular with Growers
-
FlowGrow 9 Layer Tower
Regular price From $399.00 NZDRegular priceSale price From $399.00 NZD -
FlowGrow 6 Layer Tower
Regular price From $349.00 NZDRegular priceSale price From $349.00 NZD -
FlowGrow Starter Kit
Regular price From $59.00 NZDRegular priceSale price From $59.00 NZD -
FlowGrow Home pH & EC Testing Tools
Regular price From $24.94 NZDRegular priceSale price From $24.94 NZD


