Planning to grow some herbs, vegetables or flowers but not sure of your success rate if done outdoors? A seed starter kit can greatly help boost your success in growing seeds even if the weather does not permit any planting. To prepare you for this growing season, we've done the research for you to find the best ones.
We've considered numerous kits available and came up with a 10 best list of the best seed starters. Gardzen's 5-Set Garden Propagator Set takes first place because it makes things easy to grow numerous seeds and eventually transfer them to a more permanent spot. Along with nine other great choices, we've also included a buying guide reviewed by a master gardener and homestead blogger to help you get started on this gardening tool that many cannot live without.
Quick List - Top Seed Starter Kits
Gardzen
Get Lots of Seeds Started and Transferred With This Kit
Gardening and wildcrafting food for her family, Amy grows in a variety of gardens including hydroponic, raised beds, containers, and in the ground. As a master gardener, she has successfully gardened across the country.
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Table of Contents
The buying guide below will explain these propagation systems and point out certain aspects that cater to your gardening requirements. After reading our guide, you will be able to buy a seed starter kit confidently!
The size of the starter kit should match the seed type. For example, if you're planning to grow large vegetables, like tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, or squash, the seedlings may quickly outgrow small one- or two-inch chambers. You will need to transfer them to a bigger pot when this happens, but this transfer could risk damaging the sensitive shoots.
The chambers or cells (where the soil and seeds go) need to be large enough for your seedlings, but you also need to consider if the dome height will accommodate fast-growing and tall plants. You don't want them to get crowded or bent while they grow!
Given that you won’t be keeping your seedlings in the starter kit, the transfer to their permanent spot in a garden or larger pot should be considered.
Some kits include tools, like a seedling dibber and widger, to make it easier to transplant the seedlings. A dibber is a long-pointed stick to create holes or loosen soil, while a widger is a forked spatula that can lift out seedlings with minimal damage to the delicate roots.
You also need to consider the type of plants you’re working with. For example, perennial herbs and flowers, parsley, and peppers are among the slowest to germinate, meaning you will wait a while before they can be transferred.
Some plants can’t tolerate having their roots disturbed, so the entire ball of soil surrounding the roots should be transferred. Tools like dibbers and widgers come into play to help move your seedlings delicately.
We recommend flexible plastic or silicone trays with a pop-up feature or completely biodegradable trays that go straight into the ground to easily transfer extra-sensitive plants. Also, check the reviews to see if the parts fit snugly so you can carry the entire thing easily from one location to another.
When choosing a seed starter kit, ensure that it has a tray underneath for water overflow. This tray catches water so that the soil around your seedlings remains moist but not too wet. This also keeps the surroundings of your kit tidy and mess-free.
Seed starter kits should also include a cover so that you can trap warmth and humidity to speed up germination. This cover usually is a plastic dome, and the dome height is vital in ensuring that your plant type has enough room to grow while inside an optimal environment.
There are other features in seed starter kits that make them more worthwhile. Being dishwasher-safe makes them easy to clean, sterilize, and prep for a new batch.
Air vents in the dome help maintain proper airflow and interior temperature. These also prevent your plants from getting too damp and getting a fungal disease.
A complete starter kit with all the necessities is a perfect fuss-free option. Some kits include seeds, tools, and a growing medium like coco fiber, peat pellets, and perlite (although you may prefer to mix your own). Some even come with plant markers or labels that are especially convenient when working with a wide variety of seeds.
If your space gets chilly or has access to minimal sunlight, you can also check for a warming mat placed under the tray to control the temperature. A grow light can also really help with the process!
Are you looking for a kit with an eco-friendly twist? You can go for pot makers that function as molds for you to create your pots. You wrap some newspaper around the pot maker, and you get a chamber perfect for starting seeds.
It’s a simple, inexpensive, and straightforward process. From there, you can transfer your seedlings directly into the ground since newspaper is biodegradable. Or, you can keep them on a tray during germination.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Gardzen 5-Set Garden Propagator Set|5 trays | ![]() | Get Lots of Seeds Started and Transferred With This Kit | |
2 | Mixc Seed Trays Seedling Starter Tray|10 trays | ![]() | User-Friendly Trays With Adjustable Vents | |
3 | Burpee Seed Starting Greenhouse Kit|2 trays | ![]() | A Kit That Promotes Healthy Root Growth | |
4 | EarlyGrow Medium Seed and Herb Domed Propagator | ![]() | A Versatile Tray With a Customizable Dome Height | |
5 | Jiffy Professional Greenhouse|J450ST-20 | ![]() | Beginner-Friendly Greenhouse With a Tray | |
6 | Super Sprouter Deluxe Propagation Kit |HGC726403 | ![]() | Propagation Kit With a Built-In Grow Light | |
7 | Jump Start Germination Station With Heat Mat Tray | ![]() | Heat-Conducive Kit That Promotes Growth | |
8 | Window Garden Seed Starting Kit|3 trays | ![]() | Complete and Compact Seed Starter Kit for Windowsills | |
9 | Garden Republic Bonsai Tree Seed Starter Kit | ![]() | Grow Your Own Bonsai Trees | |
10 | Burpee Seed Starting Pot Maker | ![]() | DIY Eco-Friendly Seed Starting Kit |
This seed starter kit is perfect for small plants and herbs. You get five trays with 40 cells each, giving you 200 seedling chambers in total. Each chamber has a hole in the bottom for proper watering and easy transfer. The package includes a dibber and a widger to help you relocate. The lid shuts tight over the tray, too.
A few reviewers commented that the material is too flimsy and warps in hot weather or intense direct sunlight. Meanwhile, many others liked the size of the trays and cells, saying they're easy to work with. They added that the tools are well-made and perform well.
These trays are more compact for convenient setup in tight spaces. The dome lids have an adjustable valve so that you can properly control the humidity and moisture for optimal germination. You also get nifty plant markers to keep track of the different seedlings.
According to a few reviewers, the quality of the trays might not be durable enough for repeated use. Some also found the drainage holes to be poorly made. Meanwhile, many others said that their size and setup were perfect for their plants to grow. They also liked that this kit is easy to use and germinated their plants quickly.
This seed starter kit includes two trays with 36 cells each. You also get growing pellets that transform into growth-inducive soil for seeds. After four weeks of growth, you can also add Burpee's organic starter plant food to promote strong roots.
A few reviewers noted that excess moisture might be an issue. Some also had difficulty expanding the pellets. Still, many others reported that it successfully grows seedlings if you follow the instructions. They also liked that this kit is easy to use.
If you're working with taller or larger plants and require a different-sized cell, this propagator will address your needs. The tray doesn't come with chambers, allowing you to customize it. Furthermore, this one has one of the tallest dome heights available on the market, and the height can be extended using detachable side panels.
A few reviewers said that the dome and extenders don't hold humidity well because there isn't a tight seal. On a positive note, many others said this is a solidly-built kit that can be reused. They added that the size of the tray holds a good amount of seedling pots.
This portable greenhouse lets you start seeds in a fool-proof way. The kit comes with pellets in each cell that expand with water. You also get plant markers, a watertight tray, and vitamins for the seedlings. The cells are lifted slightly for better water intake, too.
A few reviewers experienced issues with mold. However, others noted that you have to follow the instructions properly. Overall, many reviewers said this was one of the best propagation systems on the market, especially with the vitamins and pellets. They liked that it's very easy to use and helps seedlings grow well.
This propagation kit is equipped with a fluorescent grow light to boost seedling growth. The tray is also compatible with a heat mat to increase the growth rate. The base tray also fits most standard seedling pots and plug trays. All you need are your seeds and soil, and you're good to go!
A few reviewers complained that the plastic is too thin and flimsy, while some had issues with the light flickering after continued use. Still, most reviewers said this is a reliable propagation system with a high success rate. They liked that the dome has a good seal for humidity control.
This propagation kit comes with a waterproof heating mat to boost the germination process of your seeds. It has 72 cells that are perfect for smaller plants and herbs. The dome is two inches tall and comes with an adjustable valve that lets you control the humidity.
A few users complained that the dome doesn't fit tightly onto the base tray, causing moisture to drip out. Meanwhile, most reviewers said that it successfully grows seeds at a fast rate. Some reviewers said they were concerned about the pad's heat, but they said it actually sprouts all of their seeds very well!
These growing trays are only ten by four inches, making them perfect for windowsills and small areas. You get everything you need to start growing, including seed starters, domes and trays. By keeping your seedlings by the window, you give them access to direct sunlight, which boosts germination.
A few reviewers said that the peat soil starters make it difficult to transfer the seedlings to their permanent spot, noting that the soil breaks off. Meanwhile, many reviewers had no issues growing different plants and vegetables by their windows. They noted that the kit was easy to use and gave them great results.
This kit allows you to grow bonsai trees indoors or outdoors. It comes with everything you need, including shears for tending. It comes with Brazilian Rosewood, Flame Tree, Black Spruce, and Colorado Blue Spruce seeds. If you're new to bonsai growing, it comes with an instruction booklet for guidance.
A few reviewers noted that the material is mold conducive. Meanwhile, many others shared that the trees take time and patience, but they do grow. They added that the seeds grow in different climates which affects the success rate. Others also loved the gift-friendly packaging.
Newspaper is biodegradable, making it a great eco-friendly option for starting seeds. Simply wrap a piece around the wooden mold to make a pot. Burpee's soil pellets also fit the pots perfectly. Once your seeds have started, you can transfer them directly to the ground. There's no need for delicate transplanting!
Users said that this pot maker works well, saying the included instructions help them form the pots perfectly. They shared that you can use any paper material to make pots. Plus, they said that this wooden mold lasts for years.
Looking for more ways to enjoy gardening? We have a few suggestions to get you started!
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
No. 1: Gardzen|5-Set Garden Propagator Set|5 trays
No. 2: Mixc|Seed Trays Seedling Starter Tray|10 trays
No. 3: Burpee|Seed Starting Greenhouse Kit|2 trays
No. 4: EarlyGrow |Medium Seed and Herb Domed Propagator
No. 5: Jiffy|Professional Greenhouse|J450ST-20
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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