Algae in Your Tower Garden: How to Prevent and Remove It

🛡️ How to Keep Algae From Getting Comfortable

You'll have a much easier time keeping algae under control if you deal with the places it likes to grow. Take a quick look around your Tower:

• Is the reservoir covered? Make sure the lid and access cover are properly closed.
• Is the shower cap lid on? Don't leave the top uncovered! That gives light a direct route to the shower cap.
• Are the sections sitting together properly? Check for gaps and make sure everything is seated and aligned.
• Have you got empty growing ports? Cover unused openings so light can't shine into the Tower.
• Does the same spot keep getting wet? Check where the water is coming from rather than wiping it away over and over.
• Spotted a little green buildup? Give it a wipe now. It's easier than leaving yourself a bigger job later.

🧽 Already Got Algae? Let's Clean It Up

A small green patch doesn't mean you need to cancel your afternoon and dismantle the whole Tower. Start with what you can see.

A Little Algae on the Outside

A damp sponge, toothbrush or small cleaning brush will usually do the job. Just give it a quick wipe.

We recommend giving the outside a quick clean about once a week to stay on top of it. Little and often is much easier than a big scrubbing session!

Algae in the Reservoir

If algae is collecting in the nutrient solution, it may be time to empty the reservoir, clean it and start with a fresh refill. Check where light is getting in too, or you could find yourself doing the same job again.

Unplug the pump before draining. Empty the reservoir, clean away the algae and rinse before refilling with fresh water and correctly measured nutrients.

A Lot of Algae Inside the Tower

If there's heavy buildup throughout the Tower, a full clean may be needed. If you're still growing crops, put the roots in some water in a storage tote so they don't wilt while you clean it.

Our step-by-step Tower Garden cleaning guide will walk you through the job.

Before You Call It Done

Check the pump filter for leftover debris. Once everything is back together and running, make sure water is reaching each growing port.

For the regular jobs that keep your Tower ticking along, see our Cleaning & Maintenance Guide.

🔧 Why Does Algae Keep Growing Between the Sections?

Keep scrubbing the same green ring between two sections? Have a closer look at that join. If it stays damp and gets light, algae has a handy little place to grow.

• Check that the sections are seated and lined up properly.
• Look for gaps or water escaping around the join.
• Clean the outside with a damp sponge or small brush.

A little algae doesn't automatically mean you've put the Tower together incorrectly. But if that spot keeps getting wet or leaking, it's worth checking the fit rather than just reaching for the sponge again.

🌱 Empty Growing Spot? Cover It Up!

You've harvested your lettuce, enjoyed your salad and left an empty net pot behind. Easy to do! But that opening now lets light into the damp inside of the Tower.

Until you're ready to plant something new, cover the unused opening. Here are two options:

As you harvest and replace crops, check for any empty spots you've missed. It's a small job that can save you some cleaning later.

❓ A Few More Algae Questions

Is a Little Algae Something to Worry About?

A little on the outside usually isn't a big deal. Give it a clean and keep an eye on it. If there's a lot inside the Tower, debris is collecting or water isn't flowing properly, it's time for a closer look and a more thorough clean.

Can I Get Algae Indoors Too?

Yes! Grow lights can help algae grow just as sunlight can. Keep covers in place, cover empty growing ports and check for light getting into the wet areas of your Tower.

I've Cleaned It. Why Is It Back?

You've removed the algae, but it may still have everything it needs to grow again. Look for an uncovered opening or a damp join that gets light. Fixing that will help more than endlessly scrubbing the same spot.

Should I Use Less Nutrient to Stop Algae?

Keep feeding your plants at the correct strength for their age and growing conditions. Start with covering openings and cleaning, rather than changing their nutrient routine just because algae has appeared.

Do I Really Need to Clean the Whole Tower?

For one little patch on the outside? Usually not. Start with a quick scrub. Heavy buildup inside or problems with water flow may need a full clean.