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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.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
133 of 138 people found the following review helpful
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.
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 112 people found the following review helpful
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.
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 55 people found the following review helpful
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.
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.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Worked as it should
I purchased this after expanding my garden, needing more space to start seeds indoors. It worked great and was really easy, just plant and plug it in! Read more
Published 3 days ago by Mrs D
4.0 out of 5 stars
Love it
Seeds are sprouting like crazy. Mat heats up and I did not buy the thermostat so , so far so good
Published 5 days ago by B. Langhans
5.0 out of 5 stars
Seeding
Great product enabled us to start seed growth in doors and in cold frame earlier this year.
Great to get a headstart
Great to get a headstart
Published 8 days ago by Janet I. Cyford
2.0 out of 5 stars
Nothing to write home about.
I give this 3 stars because it is not what I expected. Although it looks like the picture, it is very cheaply made. Read more
Published 9 days ago by BusyBeeMommy
4.0 out of 5 stars
It works
Plants grew huge and fast I wish the plastic top was taller so I could keep it on longer. Its not the strongest built item but it works for what it needs to do.
Published 10 days ago by J. Johnson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Heating mat for germination
I don't have a lot of experience, but the germination rate I achieved was near 100%. I would highly recommend.
Published 10 days ago by Robert Petersen
3.0 out of 5 stars
lightweight
not sure how it will hold up over time, very lightweight. It does heat well and the cover holds moisture for the soil.
Published 15 days ago by pond guy
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good system, esp for the price but dries out quick
This is a great system for the novice gardener, especially considering the price but I have 4 different systems and this one dries out the quickest of them. Read more
Published 18 days ago by Stephanie M. Corby
4.0 out of 5 stars
Must Purchase Thermostat!
I suspect that this product might work very well IF you were to also purchase the expensive thermostat that the literature shipped with the product references. Read more
Published 18 days ago by rbcallie
5.0 out of 5 stars
does well
My only suggestion would be making sure your seeds have the same growing cycle-/ cucumbers come up much quicker and grow much longer than tomatoes, bell peppers, and eggplants do. Read more
Published 18 days ago by hmj
