Sandustry WikiPlanter Guide
Set up Planter Boxes and automate harvesting without flooding the line.
Researched 17 Aug 2026 · Official facts separated from community observationsControl input, growth space and output independently before copying a planter module.
Unlock and prepare
The captured Research page lists Planter Boxes under Refining 3 at 2,000 Gold. Unlocking the building is only the first step; the surrounding material flow determines whether the module stays stable.
Reserve separate spaces for input, the planter row, harvesting and output collection.
Build one planter module
Start with a single contained row. Make every planter reachable for inspection and ensure harvested material leaves without crossing the input path.
Run the module long enough to reveal missed pixels and output congestion before copying it.
- One controlled input.
- Accessible planter row.
- Dedicated harvest zone.
- Separated output and overflow.
Automated Lava harvesting
One selected tutorial focuses on setting up Planters; the second demonstrates plant harvesting with Lava. Together they show a complete intent from placement to automation.
The Lava harvesting method is community-observed. Test it with a small module and current-version save before treating it as the permanent best design.
Common failure modes
If output mixes with new input, separate the lanes. If heat escapes, rebuild containment before restarting. If one row succeeds and a copied row fails, compare pixel geometry rather than assuming the research unlock is broken.
- Do not scale before a full growth/harvest cycle.
- Keep Water and Lava systems isolated.
- Leave room to edit filters and clear jams.
- Refining 3 unlocks Planter Box.
- Lava harvesting is community-observed.
- Containment reduces mixed-material jams.
Version boundary: Unlock information is official; planter geometry and Lava harvesting are versioned community practices from two focused tutorials.
Research behind this guide
This page was written from its own keyword material file. The sources below are not shared filler from another guide.
Planter Guide FAQ
Five practical answers covering setup, troubleshooting and version-sensitive decisions.
When do Planter Boxes unlock?
The captured official Research information places Planter Boxes under Refining 3, recorded at 2,000 Gold. Because costs can change during Early Access, confirm the current node in your Research panel before planning an exact savings target.
How should I build my first Planter module?
Separate the input, growth space, harvest method and output route. Start with one contained box, observe a complete growth-and-harvest cycle, and make sure harvested material leaves cleanly before copying the module.
Why does a Planter line flood or jam?
The output may have nowhere to go, loose material may be entering the growth area, or the harvest method may release more pixels than the route can accept. Pause inputs and trace one complete batch instead of adding more storage blindly.
Is Lava harvesting an official Planter rule?
It is treated here as a versioned community-observed technique, not a universal official formula. Match the tutorial version, test a disposable small module and keep heat separated from the rest of the production line.
When is a Planter layout ready to scale?
Scale only after the module completes repeated cycles with stable inputs, predictable harvesting and clear output capacity. If it requires manual cleanup or timing corrections, copying it will amplify maintenance rather than production.