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Why do skilled gardeners like to grow their vegetables from seed? The incredible selection, for one thing — it’s a treat to discover and taste new varieties of your favorites. Seeds are inexpensive, and home-tended seedlings are often healthier than store-bought ones. What gardeners enjoy most is the satisfaction of tending a garden from the first tiny seedling to delicious harvest.
Our Garden Starter System was designed for simplicity, so that even beginning gardeners will be successful. It grows twelve large seedlings at a time — enough to start a plentiful kitchen garden. The large 4" x 4" APS growing cells hold plants until they are mature enough to go into the garden, so you avoid the effort (and the stress on the plant) of transplanting into a larger pot. Our one-gallon self-watering tray pampers seedlings with the right amount of moisture automatically, eliminating over- and under-watering that stresses plants. Seedlings will thrive in the glow of the energy-efficient, full spectrum T-5 Grow Light, so bright that plants can’t tell it from sunlight.
We also include 12 quarts of our exclusive Organic Seedstarting Mix, fortified with compost to grow stocky, well-rooted seedlings. In short, this kit includes everything you need to succeed. If you’ve ever considered starting plants from seed — or if you’ve tried before without luck — give our easy system a try
Customers most agreed on the following attributes:
from Greensboro, N.C. on 9/8/2009
Comments about Garden Starter System:
I have used this system for a year. It was a great experience. I really recommend the base that self waters. I did not like the Styrofoam planters at all and used plastic ones. They worked great. The Styrofoam seemed to block the water and did not function well in the the system. I also do not think they are good for the environment.
[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
Comments about Garden Starter System:
I have been using the garden starter system for two months, starting all my seeds in the garage and then transplanting them to my outdoor garden. I followed the directions, including giving the plants down time (turning it off at night) and every single seed has come up healthy and hearty. I have continued to use it through June since we have had so little sun and so much rain. It came in very handy and worked like a charm. My only disappointment is that one of the T5 bulbs has already stopped working. I am hoping the company will replace it for free because I paid a lot for the system and it should not require a replacement bulb already. Other than that, I would recommend it because it really does work. I began tomatoes, corn, watermelon, oregano, pumpkins and flowers with the system, planting them at intervals and then moving them to the outdoor garden.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Carrollton, Texas on 5/29/2009
Comments about Garden Starter System:
Very nice indoor system to start growing. The light fixtures and the basin are very durable. Will not fall apart after one season. Good quality product.
from Woodbridge VA on 5/5/2009
Comments about Garden Starter System:
Price is a bit high, Product is good to grow seedlings indoors. Cabbage and tomatoes coming along nice. Please get rid of the styrafoam
grow beds.
[1 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
from WOODLYN, PENNA. on 5/5/2009
Comments about Garden Starter System:
I REALLY LIKE THE GARDEN STARTER SYSTEM, IT MADE MY PLANTS GROW REAL GOOD, THEY GREW NICE AND TALL, I HAVE ONLY ONE COMPLAINT. I HAVE NEVER BOUGHT A GARDEN STARTER, SO THIS WAS MY FIRST, TIME WITH IT. IT WAS EASY TO PUT TOGETHER ALSO. BUT I DIDN;T GET ANY DIRECTIONS ON HOW TO USE IT, HOW LONG TO KEEP THE PLANTS UNDER THE LIGHT, OR HOW LONG TO KEEP THE LIGHTS ON. I DID THE BEST THAT I COULD DO WITH IT. MY PLANTS TURNED OUT FINE. DOLORES IN WOODLYN,PENNA.
from Pittsburgh, PA on 5/5/2009
Comments about Garden Starter System:
Good for seed starting
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Whitsett, NC on 5/2/2009
Comments about Garden Starter System:
This kit is more rigid than another I considered, making it easier to move. The mat has developed some kind of slimy film, though, and the power cord for the light prevents the light from hanging evenly.
from Weston MA on 4/25/2009
Comments about Garden Starter System:
With a timer great way to control light and moisture for germinating seeds. No brainer.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Beaufort, SC on 4/23/2009
Comments about Garden Starter System:
So easy... especially for a first time user...much faster germination time.
I am growing leaf lettuce for my fresh salads and cucumber from seeds...with plenty to share with friends.
from Brewer, ME on 4/23/2009
Comments about Garden Starter System:
It is easy to assemble and takes up little room on table top. Seemed to have sped up the germination of the seeds also.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Yonkers, NY on 4/18/2009
Comments about Garden Starter System:
it is a very good product. My problem now is that I started squash seeds a month ago and the plants are too big. But I have to wait 3 weeks for the ground soil to warm up to put them in the ground.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from holmes. pa on 4/12/2009
Comments about Garden Starter System:
very sastisfied with product .everything you need to start your seeds. the adjustable light is great.had unit put together & seeds planted in under 2 hours. would have liked more options with seed containers.they will break during transplanting time.
[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
Comments about Garden Starter System:
Disapointing product, not worth the money expended. Bulb is broken, wrong screws sent with the asembly and Stryofoam growbeds!!! let the buyer beware.
[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
from Woodbridge VA on 4/10/2009
Comments about Garden Starter System:
I recently purchased the Gardern Starter System - Item #37-874. I am very disappointed with this product, first because the screws provided were too short to bolt the product together as displayed in your catalog. I will need to go to [...] to purchase two additional 2 inch screws just to assemble this product and second, I cannot believe that the growing beds are made of a Styrofoam material. Styrofoam is not an acceptable material for a growing bed.....It does not look like or mention in your catalog description that the growing beds are made of Styrofoam. McDonalds doesn't even use Styrofoam anymore. I will need to go out and purchase eco friendly seed pots or growing beds to make this product as sold acceptable for use. Not worth the money in my opinion.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from White Oak, Texas on 4/10/2009
Comments about Garden Starter System:
Works great for starting seeds. We had to delay our planting 3 weeks and the plants are doing excellent under these lights.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Boston, MA on 4/8/2009
Comments about Garden Starter System:
I just received mine, so I can not gush about the results yet, but as a system it seems alright. The cord connecting the two lights touches the frame, which throws off the balance, and there were no instructions for the watering tray/matting, but over all it seems okay.
Much better than I could have constructed, and none of the garden centers near me had anything even close - crossing my fingers!
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Cincinnati, OH on 4/7/2009
Comments about Garden Starter System:
This has been my first experience sprouting vegetables and herbs from seed for the garden. I have this set up in my basement and have had terrific results. [...] the unit is very functional. The only suggestion I might have is to add a heating element of some sort for extra warmth. If you're new to sprouting seeds, this kit has everything that you will need to get them started in no time. It does have a limited growing space, so if you're planning on branching out and growing more, you will need to find a bigger unit.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Eldersburg, MD on 4/6/2009
Comments about Garden Starter System:
This kit has everything you need but the seeds. It can sit on top of a table or dresser. I use mine on top of the dresser in our guestroom, and keep the door closed (so the cats stay away). Our guestroom is now a thriving tomato plan nursery!
from Waltham, MA on 4/1/2009
Comments about Garden Starter System:
I found the assembly easy and directions very clear. I now have a no-worry system set up for my seedlings with plenty of light, space and water.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Broadway, Virignia on 3/29/2009
Comments about Garden Starter System:
I can't say enough about this product, the lamp was so easy to assemble, I had everything put together, the seeds planted and watered in under two hours.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Nashville, TN on 3/25/2009
Comments about Garden Starter System:
This wasn't the cheapest buy, and you could build your own for less, but I couldn't be happier with this product. It was easy to assemble and takes up very little space. All of my seedlings are growing beautifully, and thanks to the chain on the light fixture, I can easily accomodate their growth by raising the fixture. I have hooked the light to a timer for 14 hours on / 10 off and the plants need little but water from me!
from Nederland, CO on 3/10/2009
Comments about Garden Starter System:
This light was really easy to put together and it seems like it will be perfect for my seed starting this spring.
from Houston Tx on 3/9/2009
Comments about Garden Starter System:
I would appreciate some choice about the seed starter containers that are availabel with this unit.
from Oly. WA on 3/6/2009
Comments about Garden Starter System:
Super-Cool way to get a head start on the planting season.
from Portland OR on 3/6/2009
Comments about Garden Starter System:
For starting seeds inside due to the inconsistency
of some retailers products that are not labeled correctly.Also due to the fluctuating weather conditions have been experiencing in the last few
years in my neck of the woods.
from Elk Grove, CA on 3/6/2009
Comments about Garden Starter System:
I think it should have a plastic dome to keep the seeds warm until they germinate and while the plants are small.
from Bakersfield, CA on 3/2/2009
Comments about Garden Starter System:
I've enjoyed indoor seed-starting for years, using my own trays, portable clamp-on blue lights -- none of which were very efficient.
This one is well put together and working well for me. The only thing I don't like is the styrofoam boxes. They break easily, and when a certain section of growth is large, it is difficult to remove that section of plants only.
I think separate boxes side by side would be easier. The light is really great, and so is the moisture mat. Thanks.
I think the overall price was steep. Styrofoam is cheap. You're really only buying the light assembly.
from Gordonsville, Va. on 3/2/2009
Comments about Garden Starter System:
Nrver had what is needed to grow my own seeds. Now I am ready to do that and add some new varities to my garden.
from Fremont, CA on 2/14/2009
Comments about Garden Starter System:
APS foam module came broken due to poor packaging and hood was scratched - looked like a return.Quite expensive for the average quality.Foam easily breaks - buy a spare one.Overall, good design with wicking system. [...]
from rockport, MA on 2/7/2009
Comments about Garden Starter System:
The bolts that were supplied with the product did not fit (not long enough). I believe the assembly person who manufactured the item pushed the receiving end too far in so my bolts did not reach. I was able to get some spares from my husband's tool box, but it was a chore. Also the light does not stay balanced. One edge tilts more than the other (the long end, not the short ends I can certainly work the pulleys). It's ok, just not as good as I would have liked.