9 Best Seed Germination Kits in 2024

VKP1200 Deluxe Kitchen Seed Sprouter kit

Daniel’s Plants Plantable Seed Starter Tray

Nature’s Blossom Herb Garden Seed Starter Kit

Selection of seed is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting a germination kit. The seed selection will help to determine the effectiveness of it on your garden.

Raising seeds successfully can be quite tricky for many people, including those who don’t have a green thumb. A lot of people may end up giving up out of frustration. Thankfully, there are some innovations that help to ease the stress of growing seeds. To tap into these innovations, you’d need to invest in seed-germination kits of high quality. This will help turn you to a pro in growing and gardening.

Factors To consider when selecting seeds to grow with a germination kit

Here are a couple of important factors to consider and go through before selecting a seed germination kit.

Light requirements

It is important for you to know the seeds’ light requirements before purchasing it—this consists of the amount of sunlight which the plant requires to survive and successfully grow. For example, chard grows better with occasional light and shade, while beets tend to do better in the full sun each day. Check; Best light for flowering

Seeding depth

The depth of seeding is very resourceful, especially when planting outdoors. However, it is always quite useful to know the depth of which the seedling should be downed.

Plant spacing

This is mainly suitable for row farming in gardening and should be considered because it is of major importance. It is good to know that your plants can be protected from crowding, especially if you’re sowing edibles.

The harvest day and days to maturity is also something that you ought to take into consideration as it is an important factor.

Fertilization and soil

You also have to consider the soil and fertilization requirement of the seed. Using inappropriate soil will most likely result in the death of the plant and would not contribute to the plant’s growth in any way. The nutritional requirements or needs of plants vary based on several factors, so knowing the seed’s fertilization requirements are necessary.

Important things to know when planting with a germination kit

Using a high-quality germination kit is the first step, but for an excellent outcome, these are important factors you need to be aware of:

Ensure that you place the germination kit in a place with surplus provision of sunlight like on a windowsill. Grow lights are another option that can replace this. It can provide the heat and light that you need for germination to be initiated

The correct time to plant seeds is important too. You can check the label that comes with the package and follow the directions given by the manufacturer to know the right time for you to sow the seeds

When the plant gets to an inch or two, then it is time to fertilize so as to provide the nutrients that are important for its growth

Don’t make use of garden soil because it doesn’t have the necessary nutrients required and may also bring about diseases and pests

Once the plant has outgrown its container, you may need to transfer it to a larger pot. This will give the root ball a more spacious room for them to grow. However, if the plant is not transplanted, it may suffer from poor health conditions.

The Best Seed Germination Kits Are Reviewed Below

1

VKP1200 Deluxe Kitchen Seed Sprouter kit

With the help of this germination kit, Your seeds will start to sprout between three to five days, and this is ideal for people who aren’t patient enough to wait for too long. One of the best things about this germination kit is that all the things you need to get started are included in it. It is accompanied with one water collection tray, an instruction manual, four growing trays, an ounce of alfalfa sprouts and one storage lid. This product is also made of recyclable polypropylene.

Key Features:

  • Uses less water
  • Moisture control lid
  • Drain basin
  • Hydrophobic drip irrigation design
  • 4-6’’ diameter stackable sprouting trays
  • Made in USA
  • 2 years warranty

Specification:

  • Dimensions: 6 * 6 * 8.5 inches
  • Brand: VKP Brands
  • Color: clear and green
  • Weight: 1.1 pounds
  • Material: plastic
Pros
  • The design allows the water to flow through each tray and even from tray to tray. This provides the perfect amount of moisture needed for sprouting.
  • FDA approved food-grade class.
  • The unique reservoir lid permits you to water your sprouts without displacing them.
Cons
  • Hard to find a variety
  • A little expensive

2

Daniel’s Plants Plantable Seed Starter Tray

Ceramic and plastic plant pots are mostly good for indoor decorative plants. However, these pea pot trays can help you build your dream garden. These organic seedling pea trays have the perfect size for starting herbs, flowers and vegetable saplings such as; cucumbers and tomatoes. One of the good things about this seed germination kit is that it is produced from natural materials. This is great for the environment and your plants. It is accompanied with ergonomic peat. This helps to speed up the process of germination of the seeds. You can also transplant the peats directly without the need to take it out of the pot before transplanting. This will also help to preserve and keep the root ball. Another lovely thing is that the manufacturer offers a 100% customer satisfaction with the chance of an unconditional refund.

Key Features:

  • 100% natural, organic and biodegradable
  • Safe from transplant shock and root circulation
  • 1.75’’ Diameter that’s great for starters and saplings

Specification:

  • Dimensions: 9.9 * 7.6 * 6 inches
  • Brand: Daniel’s plants
  • Color: Brown
  • Weight: 11.2 ounces
  • Material: Fibers
Pros
  • Eco-friendly materials
  • Risk-free
  • 100 pea pots
  • Organic and biodegradable
Cons
  • They decompose, especially in damp conditions
  • They attract snails and slugs

3

Nature’s Blossom Herb Garden Seed Starter Kit

This complete kit has everything you’ll need to start gardening. Five seeds are included in it: basil, cilantro, sage, thyme and parsley. The seeds in this kit are 100% organic and non-GMO. Biodegradable pots, soil pellets and four types of fresh herb seeds are also added in the package.

You can Soak the soil discs in warm water and allow them to expand. Then squeeze out the water. After squeezing, place the soil in the biodegradable pots and leave 1’’ from the top of the bag and save the remaining soil. You can sow about 5-6 seeds a pot while keeping room between each seed. Cover the seeds up with 1/4 ‘’ of the soil. Also, follow the manual for directions. This indoor herb garden with biodegradable pots can even survive and thrive outdoors. If you’re looking out for a new hobby, then this indoor garden kit is best for you.

Key Features:

  • 100% non-GMO and organic
  • 100% money-back guarantee
  • Biodegradable pots
  • Detailed guide with sowing and growing tips

Specification:

  • Dimensions: 8 * 4.5 * 7 inches
  • Brand: Nature’s Blossom Garden Kits
  • Color: green
  • Weight: 11.2 ounces
Pros
  • It comes with four kinds of fresh herb seeds including, parsley, sweet basil, thyme and cilantro
  • The seeds are sourced in the USA
  • 100% chemical-free
Cons
  • Seeds are tiny and can make planting a bit difficult

4

Gardens Alive! Two-Tiered Seed Sprouter

The innovative design of this two-tiered seed sprouter not only helps the seeds to germinate but will also help to monitor their growth due to the transparent container. Also, it is quite spacious due to the fact that it is multi-tiered.

You can stack more than one unit with this seed sprouter. This germination kit allows for seeds to be able to sprout within a space of two to seven days. However, it is dependable on the kind of seeds that are planted and other conditions. It is made from a durable plastic material. Growing sprouts is an excellent project to share with kids as they would enjoy watering the seeds and also find watching the sprouts grow quite intriguing. This easy-to-use seed sprouter is great and allows you to monitor and view the sprouts and seeds. You can also grow a unique sprout on each tray. Growing several different varieties on this germination kit is quite easy and do-able. Three trays of this sprouter measures 1″ and 3/4 each and the top tray 5/8.

Key Features:

  • No sunlight or soil needed
  • Spacious enough for four additional trays
  • Two-tiered
  • Bottom tray for draining

Specification:

  • Dimensions: 5.5 * 5.5 *4.75 inches
  • Brand: Gardens Alive
  • Color: green
  • Weight: 10.4 ounces
  • Material: BPA-Free-Plastic
Pros
  • You can monitor and view the growing sprouts and seeds
  • You can garden year-round while indoors
Cons
  • Keeping the seeds in the tray for more than 3-4 days may lead to mould.

5

This is custom heading element

The heat mat is an essential feature and major significance of this germination kit. It helps to preserve the right temperature range, and this is between 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit and above ambient air temperature. This is perfect for cutting propagation and seed starting. The sensor probe also delivers accurate and precise readings in both warm and cool environments or conditions. It gives reliable results and professional reliability. It also has a sound ventilation system.

Its propagator is located at the top, and it allows for air to spread and circulate. It is accompanied by a high-quality sensor that helps to provide a precise temperature reading. This helps to equip you with immediate notice in case you may need to adjust the temperature based on the kind of seeds or plants.

Key Features:

  • Adjustable vent on the top for humidity control
  • MET safety certified
  • Stable temperature range between 68-108 degree Fahrenheit
  • Professional heat map maintains the temperature around 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit

Specification:

  • Dimensions: 22.05 * 12.6 * 5.51 inches
  • Brand: VIVOSUN
  • Color: black
  • Weight: 3.56 pounds
Pros
  • Competitive product assurance with timely service
  • High-quality control standard
  • Professional indoor gardening
  • Perfect for seed starting and cutting propagation
  • An excellent combination of high dome propagator, heat mat and digital thermostat
  • The vented dome at the top of the propagator helps to preserve humidity to ensure successful germination.
Cons
  • A bit expensive

6

Jiffy J450 42mm Professional Greenhouse 50-Plant Starter Kit

A gardener invented the jiffy pot in the city of Oslo in the early 1950s. This planting pot is produced from compressed peat. It becomes fully united with the root system and is also transplanted with the plant. For gardening lovers, this germination kit proves to be an excellent option. With a size of 42mm, it is capable of accommodating up to 50 plants. These plants can be well germinated with this efficient product. Each of its cells is accompanied by a dome capable of preserving its warmth and humidity, which aides the process of germination. All that is required for you to get started is to put a seed in each pot then add water. When it is watered, the pea pots will expand, which helps to provide the needed environment for the seeds to germinate.

You can place the pea pots in the tray and use the lid to cover it. This helps keep the environment humid and warm while ensuring that the soil doesn’t get dried out. This method is beneficial and relatively simple too. Suppose you have good seeds, you’d see that using this setup will give you a high proportion of germination and you’d watch them grow into plants.

Transplanting with this is also a breeze because there are no plastic pots so you can transplant everything as it is to a larger pot or garden. This helps to prevent potential harm from disruption during the process of transplanting.

Key Features:

  • Can keep up to 50 plants
  • Size of 42mm

Specification:

  • Dimensions: 21.25 * 11 * 2.5 inches
  • Brand: Jiffy
  • Color: black
  • Weight:1.45pounds
Pros
  • Greenhouse gardening
  • Indoor gardening
  • Affordable
  • Simple
  • Very effective
Cons
  • Old version
  • May be boring when used as an educational item

7

Jolly grow seed starter kit

Among other advantages, one of the things you’d like most about this product is that it is biodegradable and certified for USDA organic use. Every pot included in this kit has five germination kits along with ten plastic plant markers and cells each(Making fifty in total). The starter trays are biodegradable, and each cell is 2’’ deep and 1.75’’ square. This product is excellent for seedlings, seeds, vegetables, flowers and plants. The all-natural pots help plant roots to naturally air prune as they come out of the pot. This product is made in Canada and with Canadian materials too. If you’re looking to save money and grow your very own healthy garden, vegetables and flowers, then this 50 cell seed starter kit is an excellent opportunity for you. The brand also offers a 100%guarantee refund policy that is quite convenient and should ease your worries to a reasonable extent. Suppose you’re unhappy or unsatisfied with the product’s performance, then you can request for a refund. They offer a 100% guarantee of satisfaction. However, ensure that you do not overwater them but only water them when required and avoid frost. When exposing them to the sun, do this gradually. You can easily keep them moist with a spray bottle.

Key Features:

  • All-natural
  • Seed starter pots
  • 100% guarantee refund policy

Specification:

  • Dimensions: 10 * 4 * 2 inches
  • Brand: Jolly grow
  • Weight: 6.4 ounces
  • Material: plastic
Pros
  • It is biodegradable
  • It is certified for USDA organic use
  • It is affordable
  • They have a convenient refund policy
  • The natural pots make it easy for the roots to air prune naturally
Cons
  • They are biodegradable pots. Therefore they may become damaged when overwatered.

8

Aerogarden Bounty Indoor Herb Garden

Although this product may be on the expensive side, it’s worth it, It is battery powered and designed with a 45-watt LED lighting system that efficiently helps the seeds germinate. An exciting highlight of this product is the touchscreen that is also quite interactive. This is one of the primary reasons for its steep price. Its control panel has the essential notifications on display, so knowing when to add some food or when its time to water the seeds isn’t a problem. You can enjoy pleasant and fresh herbs all through the year with this germination kit. This germination kit makes planting with seed pods easy and exciting. All you have to do is place in the pre-seeded pods in your garden, and then you can add some water and plant food too. With this kit, your plant is likely to germinate between 7-14 days and can be ready for harvest in about 4-6 weeks. This kit also consists of seeds like Italian parsley, Thai basil, chives, thyme, etc. You can grow salad greens, vegetables, flowers, fresh herbs and many more.

Key Features:

  • Battery-powered
  • Touchscreen
  • Control panel with notifications

Specification:

  • Dimensions: 17.25 * 11.25 * 15 inches
  • Brand: AeroGarden
  • Weight: 11.88 pounds
Pros
  • It works effectively
  • It is easy to use
  • It has a year warranty
Cons
  • Very expensive

9

Bootstrap farmer Seed Starter Kit 72 Cell

This product is a high quality one that may be quite expensive. However, if you’re willing to pay for a product that is superior to the standard products, then this could be worth the try. Although many other starter kits are designed for re-usage as far as they don’t get broken, The trays that come with this bootstrap starter kit are designed to resist any form of rough treatments that they may be subjected to in their environments. The dimensions of these trays are quite large, and they are also very durable and long-lasting. This product’s older models may have a significant gap between the tray underneath and the growing cells. This means that the tray has to be filled with a good amount of water, promoting watered roots. This starter kit is also an ecological option and suitable for growing any kind of seeds in large scale.

Key Features:

  • Ultra-durable 72 cell starter tray kit
  • Flat and dome
  • Heavy-duty humidity dome
  • Gift set

Specification:

  • Dimensions: 21.25 * 11 * 7.5 inches
  • Brand: Bootstrap Farmer
  • Color: Black
  • Weight: 5 pounds
  • Material: Plastic
Pros
  • It has an interior space of up to 4.5.’’
  • It is durable and tough
  • It is long-lasting
Cons
  • A bit expensive
  • The seeds have to be transplanted manually, and this can be disruptive for the roots

Buying Guide Questions

What is a seed starter, and what is the best seed starting kit?

A seed starter is a kit that helps to ease up the growth of healthy and vigorous seedlings. One of the best seed starting kits is the VKP1200 Deluxe Kitchen Seed Sprout. It is quite effective even though it uses less water. It is designed and made in the USA and FDA approved.

What is the fastest way to germinate seeds?

An easy way to speed up the germination process is by soaking the seedlings for about 24 hours in a container that isn’t too deep and is filled up with warm tap water. However, the seeds shouldn’t be soaked for more than 24 hours.

Is it better to sprout seeds before planting?

Yes, sprouting seeds prior planting helps to germinate the seeds, and it saves you time, conserves space and even helps to get rid of thinning.

What are the best seed trays?

The most famous choice of seed trays is the 72 cell trays. It serves as an outstanding balance between seedlings per tray and space for growth. They are also a good option for a good variety of plants.

Do seeds germinate better in the dark?

Many seeds germinate better in the dark and can sometimes be hindered by light—seeds like Allium spp and Phacelia and so on. However, there are other species that require light to germinate. That being said, all seeds need sunlight

Can you put seeds straight in the soil?

Yes, seedlings can be tucked directly inside the soil outdoor or in your garden. This process is called direct sowing.

Can you germinate seeds with tap water?

Pre-soaking seedlings with some warm tap water can aide the germination process.

How do you germinate seeds indoors?

First, you can pot with a seed-starting mix. Next, you need to ensure that the containers you intend to use, have drainage holes. Now, plants the seeds using an accurate depth. When you’re done sowing, you can place the containers in a warm location. Ensure that the seed-starting mix remains moist, and once the seedlings start to emerge, you can put the pots in a location with light. Remember that the best temperature for your seedlings is a cool one. Next, you can start your weekly fertilization, and when the seeds have a set of two leaves, you can thin them. See, Best indoor heaters for your grow room

Should seeds float or sink?

If your seeds float when placed in a container of water, then they may not sprout so its best to discard them. However, the seeds are still viable if they sink.

What can I use as a seed tray?

You can use ice cube trays, eggshells, toilet paper rolls, newspaper, ice cream cones and so on.

How do you start seeds in egg cartons

You can start by mixing the coffee grounds with potting soil and then place it aside. Next, you want to cut the egg carton cups and fill each egg cup up to half with the grounds/soil mixture. Now, you can add the seeds. Once this is done, cover up the seeds with a thin layer of the soil mixture and place the cups in a waterproof container. Water the seeds cups, place your seed cups where they can be exposed to sunlight, and remember to water the cups frequently.

List of starting kits available in 2024 with their features and pros and cons:

  1. Window Garden Seed Starting Kit (Best Compact)
    • Pros: Affordable, compact, suitable for small spaces.
    • Cons: Not as durable, no heating mat.
    • Ideal for: Small spaces or windowsills.
  2. Jiffy 72 Peat Pellet Pro Seed Starting Greenhouse (Best Budget)
    • Pros: Affordable, fits up to 72 plants.
    • Cons: Not reusable, not suitable for larger plants.
  3. Jiffy Biodegradable Seed Starting Peat Strips (Best Biodegradable)
    • Pros: Biodegradable cells, easy to use.
    • Cons: Water tray and cover not included.
  4. Rootrainer (Best for Vegetables)
    • Pros: Suitable for longer root systems.
    • Cons: Not as durable, soil not included.
  5. Bootstrap Farmer 50 Cell Seed Starter Kit (Best for Starting Lots of Seeds)
    • Pros: Reusable, fits up to 50 plants.
    • Cons: Soil not included.
  6. Gardzen 40-Cell Plant Tray (Best Overall)
    • Pros: Comes with reusable plastic trays, base trays, and domed lids.
    • Cons: Shallow cells.
  7. Aifusi 10-Pack Seed Starter Kit (Best Bang for the Buck)
    • Pros: Affordable, durable, reusable, large capacity.
    • Cons: Shallow cells, accessories not included.
  8. Burpee 32-Cell Self-Watering Ultimate Grow System (Best Self-Watering)
    • Pros: Large cells, includes base tray and greenhouse lid, easy-to-use self-watering design.
    • Cons: High price.
  9. Bonviee 10-Pack Seed Starter Trays (Best Domed)
    • Pros: Affordable, includes vented domed lids.
    • Cons: Small trays.
  10. Eco Pots Seed Starter Trays (Best Biodegradable)
    • Pros: Made with eco-friendly recycled paper, completely biodegradable.
    • Cons: Accessories are not biodegradable.
  11. Burpee SuperSeed Seed Starting Tray (Best Reusable)
    • Pros: Flexible cells for easy transplanting, designed to prevent water buildup.
    • Cons: High price per cell.
  12. Jiffy 36 Peat Pellet Seed-Starting Greenhouse Kit (Best Kit)
    • Pros: Comes with peat pellets, fertilizer, domed lid, and base tray.
    • Cons: Not reusable.

Conclusion

Using germination kits can be of great help and make planting easier. They are definitely worth the try and written above are the best germination kits you can find on the market. You can find more here; Best propagation kits for growing weed