The Same Grow-Your-Own Edible Seed Art, in a Compact Case
The GrowArt™ Compact Kit is the same hydroponic seed-art project in a smaller, stackable clear case instead of the bucket-style Art Pail. Same growing pad, same red amaranth and basil seeds, same stencils and tools — just packaged to take up less shelf and shipping space, at a lower price.
One difference to know before you order: this kit ships with enough seed for 2 planting rounds, not 3. The Art Pail single and the Deluxe Classroom Bundle both include a third round; this one doesn't.
What You'll Do
Soak the pad with one full bottle of water, punch a stencil, plant red amaranth inside the shape, plant basil around it, mist 15 times, cover for 2 to 3 days, then move to light and water daily until harvest 1–2 weeks later. The two included rounds give you one attempt to learn the stencil technique and a second to apply it — whether that means trying the stencil again for a cleaner result or going freehand is up to you; the seed and pad supply covers either choice, just not both a second stencil attempt and a separate freestyle round.
Built Around a Real Class Schedule
The dark period is 2 to 3 days rather than an exact number on purpose. Plant on one day and cover the tray; teach your other sections while it sits in the dark; when that class comes back around, lift the lid, add water if the pad needs it, and move it into the light. It's built to fit an alternating or block schedule instead of fighting it.
What's in Each Kit
- Hydroponic growing pad (2)
- Red amaranth seeds (red bag) — sized for 2 rounds
- Basil seeds (blue bag) — sized for 2 rounds
- Stencil inserts
- Painting tool
- Misting bottle
- Compact clear case with lid
Red bag first, blue bag second. Red amaranth goes inside the stencil shape; basil fills in around it. Basil turns gel-like and sticky the moment it gets wet, so placing the amaranth first is what keeps a design crisp.
Compare GrowArt kit options
All four grow the same thing the same way — red amaranth inside your stencil shape, basil filling in around it. The only differences are the container and how many planting rounds you get.
Buying for a whole class? The 24-kit bundles work out to $12.50 (Art Pail) or $10.42 (Compact) per student.
FAQ and Q&A
Q: How many planting rounds does this kit include?
A: Enough seed and supplies for 2 planting rounds, compared to 3 rounds in the Art Pail single and the Deluxe Classroom Bundle.
Q: Which seed bag do I plant first?
A: The red bag. Red amaranth goes inside your stencil shape first; basil from the blue bag goes around it second. Basil turns gel-like and sticky as soon as it gets wet, which makes it clump and hard to spread, so planting the amaranth first gives a much crisper design.
Q: Why 2 to 3 days in the dark instead of an exact number?
A: Because it depends on how much water went in, and because classrooms don't run on even days. Plant on one day, leave it covered while you teach other sections, and check it when that class comes back around. If the pad is still damp and the seeds have just started to split, it's ready for light.
Q: Can you actually eat what you grow?
A: Yes. GrowArt grows real, edible microgreens — red amaranth and basil — meant to be harvested and eaten in salads, on sandwiches or pizza, or on their own.
Q: With only 2 rounds, can I still design something freestyle without a stencil?
A: Yes — the two rounds can be used however you choose, including one stencil round and one freestyle round. There just isn't enough seed supply in this version for two guided stencil rounds plus a separate third freestyle round the way the Art Pail versions allow.
Q: Do I need grow lights or anything beyond what's in the box?
A: No. A bright windowsill or a spot under normal classroom lighting is enough. You'll need scissors for harvest, which aren't included.
Q: Is this a good fit for a one-day science activity instead of a multi-week unit?
A: Yes. Since setup and harvest are the two hands-on days, with just a daily watering check in between, this works well as a self-contained activity even with only 2 rounds of seed.
