Seed starting tools we use for seed germination and seedlings

Starting herbs and vegetables from seeds does not have to be complicated. In the simplest form, you need seeds, soil, a container, and water. And most people have come in contact with this simple and natural process.

So why not keep it simple, you may ask?

As I see it, it comes down to expected results, available space, and how fun you want it to be.

I can give you 3 reasons why I invest in proper tools.

1. A more plentiful harvest:

Adopting a few helpful tools will make your seed-starting process more efficient – and vastly more enjoyable.
When you grow herbs and vegetables for consumption, you want to get the most from every seed you plant. And this is where using the proper tools and equipment can help.

2. Maximizing available space:

As we grow more plants – because we always do – we realize that space becomes a factor.
You may live in an apartment or, like me, have a family who fails to see the charm of keeping seed starter trays and seedlings scattered all over the house. Proper tools and equipment help get you organized.

3. Making gardening fun and easy

Using the appropriate tools, equipment, and sometimes gadgets makes gardening a lot easier. Gone are the mess and the constant use of kitchen knives and other utensils having to double as makeshift gardening tools. Over the years, I have learned to go for quality as it will last several seasons, and it does save you money – often already year 2.

Seed starting & germination tools we cover:

1. Seed starting trays
2. Nursery pots
3. Deep nursery pots for seedlings
4. Repotting mat to keep things tidy
5. Heat mats
6. Full spectrum grow lights (3 options to fit most budgets)

Growing your own food is a fun and rewarding hobby and helps you save money in the long run. We have found that using the tools, equipment, and gadgets we list below helps us achieve better results while staying organized.

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1. Seed starting trays

Ensure you get seed starting trays that will last you more than one season. It is not only about cost; we should also do our part by purchasing durable goods that can survive the handling associated with seed starting.

Avoid the flimsy, cheap, attractive-looking options that become fragile and break over time. And yes, I have bought more cheap seed starting trays than I would like to admit over the years.

Buying a seed starting tray with a heat mat is a good idea. But from my experience, the seed trays with built-in grow lights deliver low-intensity light, and you are better off buying a separate lighting fixture.

2. Nursery pots

Ideal for pot-ups and transplanting for both space management and plant health. Again, go with a sturdier plastic and ensure it is made from recycled, food-safe, and UV-resistant plastic.

Recycled plastic is an environmentally sound choice when you buy durable products that will last you for many more seasons.

3. Deep nursery pots for seedlings

Tomato seedlings should be transplanted deep to let new roots develop along the stem. And for this task it is really helpful to have deep nursery pots at hand.

I like the soft but durable alternatives like the pots below, but I know that some gardeners feel that soft equals poor quality. I tend to disagree, and for me, these are a good option at a fair price.

4. Repotting mat to keep things tidy

If you also work indoors for large parts of the year, this repotting mat can help keep things neat and tidy.

And for the price, it is hard to make one cheaper yourself.

Finding space to work can be challenging when we need to report plants or seedlings indoors. Covering kitchen tables with cloths or cardboard works, but as you know, it still gets messy.

Having a repotting mat is a true lifesaver; if you ask me, bigger is better.

5. Heat mats

You do not need a heat mat to start plants from seeds. But it is an affordable “luxury” when starting, for example, hot peppers and other plants that are slow to germinate. Heat mats with thermostats are even handier as they give you more control.

But again, not necessary, but for many of us an affordable luxury to be used for those plants we love the most.

6. Full spectrum grow lights (3 options to fit most budgets)

Grow lights are great, and anyone who says otherwise is not being entirely truthful. But whether they are indispensable is another question.

If you live in a climate with full sun year-round, your window sill will do an excellent job for you. But for me, growing year-round in a four-season climate and starting seeds indoors – grow lights are necessary.

If you are not convinced, keep doing what you are doing, or try one of the many entry-level grow lights available at a reasonable price. Below you can find three options at different price points.

Below, you will find 3 great options to fit most budgets and levels of ambition.