Embarking on the journey of cultivating your own garden from seeds is a gratifying endeavor that promises the joys of witnessing life sprout from tiny beginnings. However, for seeds to flourish into vibrant plants, they require the nurturing care facilitated by the right tools and environment. This is where seed starting kits come into play, serving as indispensable companions for both novice and seasoned gardeners alike. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the realm of seed starting kits, exploring their features and benefits. Among these, Burpee offers the best seed starting kit, renowned for its quality, reliability, and ability to facilitate successful seed germination and plant growth. Selecting the ideal kit is the first step towards cultivating a thriving garden.
Our Top Picks For Seed Starting Kits
- The Best Seed Starting Kit: A Buying Guide
- People Also Asked
- Does a seed starting kit include germination trays, soil pellets, or humidity domes?
- What is the best way to store unused components of the seed starting kit?
- Does a seed starting kit come with nutrient-rich soil mixes for growing seeds?
- How long will it take for my planted seeds to germinate?
- How much water should I give my newly planted seeds?
- Related Articles
The Best Seed Starting Kits
Best Overall
The Burpee Greenhouse Seed Starting Kit is an excellent choice for indoor gardening. With two planting trays, a water reservoir tray, coir pellets, and a dome greenhouse cover, this starting kit provides everything you need to plant succulent herbs, vegetables, and flowers indoors. The trays allow you to easily monitor your plants’ growth without overcrowding them.
The kit has a diagram that allows you to track where each seed has been sown. You’ll also receive six plant markers to keep track of each seedling as they grow. For amazing results, insert the coconut coir pellets flat-side down. Add warm water slowly for maximum expansion. After the sprouts emerge, make use of a grow light. Alternatively, you can place them near a well-lit window. Since this kit combines all the features a gardener could wish for, it is the top choice on our list.
Pros
- Comes with a humidity dome
- Uses a self-watering system
- Third tray for bottom watering plants
Cons
- Misleading size and bigger than expected
Best Portability
The MIXC 10-Pack Seed Starting Kit is an efficient, easy-to-use option. The high-quality and clear plastic trays make it easy to monitor your plants. That way, you can keep track of their progress without interrupting their growth. The adjustable vents on the trays offer total control over the temperature of the environment. These details also affect the humidity, giving you control over the growing process.
The small size of each cell is ideal for smaller plants, such as flowers, vegetables, and fruits. Plus, the drain holes at the bottom of each cell help reduce root oversaturation. They also allow for proper drainage. The kit has ten seed trays, ten watertight base trays, ten humidity domes, and ten plant labels. These features make this option an excellent choice for anyone looking to foster a beautiful and healthy garden.
Pros
- Affordable price for a 10-piece kit
- Seedlings take well to this kit
- Includes a bottom tray and water tray
Cons
- Lids may slide off easily
Most Variety
The Gardzen Five-Set Seed Starting Kit is ideal for professional and amateur gardeners alike. This comprehensive kit contains five seed trays with 40 drainage holes. It also comes with base trays to catch excess water that drains from the seed trays. Last but not least, you will receive five transparent domes to snap over the two bottom trays. Plus, the seed tray insert provides a straightforward way to sow seeds and raise plants from cuttings.
The drain hole at the bottom of the tray prevents overwatering. It also helps to ensure that the seeds are kept in a moist environment. The base tray is ideal for propagating as it allows excess water to drain away while keeping the roots hydrated. This garden propagator set is designed to provide different climate conditions for groups of seedlings. As such, it creates a stable environment for optimal root growth.
Pros
- Lids designed to sit gently on top
- Reusable and sturdy
- 40-cell capacity
Cons
- Plastic not rigid enough for heavy loads
Best for Indoor Use
The Bonviee Seed Starting Kit is an excellent choice for anyone looking to jumpstart their garden. This kit comes with ten seed trays, ten watertight base trays, ten humidity domes, and ten plant labels. This is essentially everything you need to get growing. The trays are made from high-quality clear plastic, making it easy to observe your plants’ progress without disturbing them.
The tray is designed with drainage holes at the bottom of each cell. These ensure proper drainage for the seeds. Furthermore, the vents on the trays are made from PP material. This helps regulate temperature and humidity, making it an excellent choice for starting plants. The tray for each seed is suitable for tiny seeds, including flowers, vegetables, fruits, tomatoes, and a wide array of other plants.
Pros
- Sturdy and long-lasting
- Small and fits in tight spaces
- Easy to set up and fill
Cons
- Top does not snap into place
Best for Beginners
The VIVOSUN Heating Seed Starting Kit is the perfect choice for gardeners looking to start their growing season early. The kit has a 24-cell plug insert tray as well as a unique, square-shaped design. These details are perfect for accommodating various plants. It comes with a heavy-duty heated tray and a vented humidity dome as well. Both of these details help control moisture and temperature levels.
The heating element built into the base of the tray efficiently uses energy. It only uses nine watts or 110 Volts to provide gentle warmth to the planting bed. In turn, this warmth works to encourage root growth. Everything you need to successfully germinate or propagate your plants is included in this package.
Pros
- Very sturdy construction
- Easy to use and simple setup process
- Unique and convenient design
Cons
- Must add water frequently for best results
The Best Seed Starting Kit: A Buying Guide
When shopping for the perfect seed staring kit, numerous factors must be considered. The following factors can ensure your success when growing your plants. Check out this buyer’s guide to ensure that you make the right purchasing decision.
Price
The seed starting kit’s price varies depending on the quality and type of materials used. You might be able to pay less for a low-quality kit. However, a more expensive seed starting kit cannot always guarantee the desired results. Consider buying from a reliable, reputable seed starter company. Ensure the company guarantees high quality and good customer service. Look for kits that reasonably price the products based on what you receive.
Quality of Materials
When looking for the right seed starting kit, you should consider the type of materials and the quality of them. Make sure you look for durable, reusable materials that won’t break easily or deteriorate over time. High-quality materials, such as heavy-duty plastic trays and containers, can provide long-term use. Make sure you think about whether or not the kit comes with materials that will keep your plants adequately warm in the early stages of growth.
Number of Trays and Pots
The number of trays and pots that come in the seed starting kit should be enough to house all of the seeds you want to plant. Check to see if you can purchase additional trays if needed. Some kits offer customizable options. This can allow you to choose different numbers of trays based on your needs.
Ease of Use
The size, shape, and depth of the tray or pot are essential details to consider when shopping for a seed starting kit. You should look for a kit that comes with trays and pots that are easy to use. Make sure you can easily fill them with soil. The shape and depth should make it possible for you to fit the pots or trays on windowsills and shelves. Make sure these locations can provide optimal conditions for seeds to germinate and thrive as well.
Soil and Compost
The quality of the soil is an essential factor to consider when determining which seed starter kit is right for you. Look for kits that include nutrient-rich soil or compost. These can help the seeds successfully germinate and grow into vigorous plants with healthy harvests. Ensure you also check if additional soil amendments or fertilizers are included in the kit for added nutrition.
Types of Seeds
The types of seeds included in the seed starter kit will depend on where you purchase the kit from and what type of kit it is. Some examples include annuals, vegetables, and herbs. Check to see if you will need any additional seeds to complete your garden setup. Consider whether the kit includes rare or heirloom varieties of seeds. That way, you can add something unique to your garden this season.
Additional Accessories
Some kits won’t always include all the items you need. If that’s the case, you might have to buy them separately. Peat pellets provide extra warmth and insulation during cooler weather. On the other hand, seedling marking sticks offer an easy way to track progress over time. Plus, they can do without disturbing valuable crops during their growing process.
Instructions for Using and Growing
To ensure successful outcomes when sowing seeds with a seed starting kit, make sure the kit comes with comprehensive instructions. This will ensure that every step in the seeding process is carefully and correctly completed. That way, your plants will grow as optimally as possible. Look for other helpful resources, such as instructional videos or online communities that offer helpful advice when using your seed starter kit.
Durability and Portability
Durability is essential when choosing which seed starter kit is right for you. Since the kit will be exposed to different environmental elements both indoors and outdoors, these details are vital to consider. Look for products made from heavy-duty materials that can withstand long periods of usage and uneven surfaces over time. It’s important to make sure they won’t become brittle or unreliable in the process. Seek out options with portable designs. They are beneficial in situations where you move around frequently while gardening outside.
People Also Asked
Does a seed starting kit include germination trays, soil pellets, or humidity domes?
Most standard seed starting kits include germination trays, soil pellets, and humidity domes. All three of these features help create an ideal seed-growing environment.
What is the best way to store unused components of the seed starting kit?
The best way to store the unused components of a seed starting kit is to keep them in a cool, dry place. This will ensure that they are not exposed to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
Does a seed starting kit come with nutrient-rich soil mixes for growing seeds?
Most seed starting kits do not come with nutrient-rich soil mixes. However, they might include pre-packaged nutrient supplements that can be added to the soil to provide essential nutrients to your plants.
How long will it take for my planted seeds to germinate?
The time it takes for seeds to germinate will depend on the type of seeds you're working with and the environmental conditions. In general, it typically takes anywhere from two days to two weeks to germinate.
How much water should I give my newly planted seeds?
When watering newly planted seeds, it is important to provide them with enough moisture. However, do not over-water them. Aim for anywhere from a quarter cup to half a cup of water per day. This should be plenty of water to provide adequate moisture for your plants.
