Hydrofarm CK64050 Germination Station with Heat Mat

by Hydrofarm

• Germination station with electric heat, humidity control and 72-cell seedling inserts
• Provides gentle warmth to the planting bed; controls humidity under 2-inch dome
• Humidity dome with dual vent points for optimal airflow
• Includes seed starting booster, instructions with growing tips
• Watertight base tray measures 11 by 22 inches

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 22 x 11 x 4 inches ; 2.1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B000HHO1RO
• Item model number: CK64050
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (230 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #740 in Patio, Lawn & Garden (See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden)
  • #1 in Patio, Lawn & Garden > Gardening > Plant Germination Equipment > Germination Kits

Product Description

Heated Germination Station seed starting system. Offers increased growing success by providing gentle warmth to the planting bed and by controlling the humidity under the dome, much like a greenhouse. Includes 17 watt, UL listed, waterproof heat mat and 11 inch x 22 inch watertight growing tray with a 72 cell seedling insert and instructions.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

134 of 140 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars 100% germination, no problems with damping off July 21, 2011

By Gongura

I used two of these this last spring, and I was extremely happy. My previous year, I used another system for heat, and I had problems with overheating and heat retention.

For those who reported problems with seedlings growing too fast or falling over and dying, I would like to know the larger picture--did you address the potential problem of damping off? And did you provide a grow light at the appropriate height?

I researched several options to address damping off, since that was a huge problem for me last year. I microwaved all of my moistened starting mix, roughly 10 minutes per 2 quarts of moistened soil. If you bake this in an oven, I recommend 30 minutes at roughly 350 degrees. I also bleached and washed any pots that had been previously used. After the seedlings emerged, I sprinkled cinnamon on the surface, and I had no problems with damping off. I was particularly concerned about damping off since there was quite a bit of condensation inside the domes. However, I cleared the condensation at least twice daily, and I did not lose any seedlings out of roughly 150 starts. This was on top of 100% germination, so I gave away lots of starts this year!

I used these for squash, peppers, tomatoes, herbs, eggplants, some flowers, soybeans, shiso, chard, and cucumbers. After transplanting starts into larger pots, I continued to use the heating pad and base for the larger pots. I also had simple fluorescent grow lights that I maintained at proper heights for the plants. You should keep the lights within 2" of the plants, or the plants will be reaching too far for light and will become spindly--a particular problem for tomatoes. For these units, you really need a 4-bulb grow light or the starts on the edges will not receive sufficient light. I had to search around but found a 4-bulb, 4' shop light for a grow light, and I was thrilled with the coverage over these units. No need to buy "grow lights", just alternate cool and warm wavelength fluorescent bulbs.

Because of an unusually cold spring and early summer, I kept my peppers and eggplants inside until mid-June, and a few of them were already blooming and looking extremely healthy. The tallest were roughly 8" tall. The heating pads were wonderful for the peppers and eggplants in particular, but I know the squash also germinated much better because of the heat.

I strongly recommend not using the seed starting mix that is designed for peat pots, unless you use the peat pots in your units. If you use the peat pot starting mix, it will fall all over the place and away from the roots when you pull out your seedlings to transplant them.

Sure, you can make something similar to this with off-the-shelving parts, but I am not commenting on alternatives, just commenting on performance of this system. I highly recommend it but only if you provide appropriate grow lights and address potential damping off.

107 of 113 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars It is exactly what it shows. February 10, 2010

By Snow

Amazon Verified Purchase

Although it may seem a little over priced, it is the convenience that you pay for. The product is exactly what it shows, a plastic tub with a plastic top, plastic dirt moldings, and a heating pad. If you think about the price of the heating pad that fits perfectly with the container, it is well worth the while.

In addition, I have had success with this product. I grow indoor coffee, and I have received a much quicker germination rate; as well as being healthier. Furthermore, it gives you great control of not only temperature, but humidity. In my opinion, that is a major plus.

54 of 56 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Does exactly what it promises February 16, 2011

By Silea TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Amazon Verified Purchase

First, when the package says it comes with an insert, that means the 72-cell tray you put potting mix in, not the potting mix itself.
Second, you're supposed to take the clear plastic lid off once your plants germinate. That's why there's no room for the seedlings to grow under it. (Though the packaging does feature a tray full of robust seedlings under the lid, which may confuse people who can't be troubled to read the instructions.)

With that out of the way, this product does exactly what it promises. The heat mat warms the tray a bit, but not too much. The tray's cells are the right size for tiny seedlings, the kind that need a heat pad, and soft enough that you can pop the seedlings out without much effort.

The whole contraption fits perfectly under the Hydrofarm JSV2 2-Foot Jump Start T5 Grow Light System. If you buy a Hydrofarm TM01715D 7-Day Digital Program Timer, you can plug both the light and the heat mat into it to have the 14-hour light-warm/dark-cool cycle most seedlings enjoy. These three products together make a great indoor seed starting set-up.

For a backyard farmer or gardener who needs to start a bunch of seeds at once, this will do the job.