This all-in-one unit ensures steady supply of water for seedlings. Just keep the reservoir filled and the soil will remain perfectly moist.
Customers most agreed on the following attributes:
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
They are great. Put seeding soil in, add one seed
and you are good to go. Watch them sprout and
then grow.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
Love the idea; size; ease of use; however two parts of the APS-12 are strong enough for repeated use, and two are NOT. The styrofoam cells unit is week. If handled the least bit uncarefully, they chip/break. Also the green water resevoir is weak. Once set it out to dry and it simply blew off the deck in a gentle wind. When I retrieved it, I found it creased and therefore leaked. On the other hand, I'm pleased with the strength of the greenhouse top & the "stand-pop out" piece. REALLY LIKE THE PRODUCT CONCEPT and hope the manufacturer strengthens the two parts that are weak and reproduces this GREAT little seed-starter.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
I have used the APS-12 units since they first came out in Gardener's Supply. I think they are wonderful. I still have the first ones I ordered and use them every year to start the plants for our garden. I tried other products, but nothing beats the APS-12. Easy to use, easy to maintain, and everything sprouts.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
My plants grew very well, and all you have to do to get the plants out is to push the hole in the bottom of the styrofoam container.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
We received the starter unit and the germinating soil as a gift. My husband planted the seeds on a Saturday. By that Wednesday we had plant growth. Now a week later, they're all growing like crazy! It's fun. It was ez. I bring them outside on warmer, sunny days; bring them in at night. Directions are ez, assembly was ez. Probably the "most difficult and time-consuming" aspect will be the transplant.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
These wicking trays are a good idea, but they're pretty flimsy. One out of four is leaking.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
The product is very flimsy. The base and the top cover are made out of a cheap plastic and the seedlings container is made out of styrofoam. I'm not sure how it fill hold up for future uses.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
I have purchased several APS units from here and loved them, as they work beautifully for seedstarting. But I am very sad to say the new light green, translucent water reservoir trays that came with my new APS 12 units are an utter disaster. First, the pegged stand fits so tightly in the reservoirs that I could barely squeeze it in and had to break off a small piece a couple of times. Second and worst of all, the new reservoir is so flimsy that after moving the units a half dozen times, they started springing leaks, rendering the self-watering system useless. Please bring back the old black plastic trays, they were much sturdier!
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
Individual unit pieces don't fit together very well, with seedling tray laying at a slight tilt, and clear lid balanced unsteadily on top. But the water reservoir works well, and my seedlings are flourishing.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
The APS-12 is working as advertised. So far, so good. I am impressed with the wicking fabric and the size is perfect for my vegetable starts. I was slightly disappointed in how thin the plastic of the base is, but with a little careful handling, it should not be an issue.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
If the capillary mat dries out, it is almost impossible to get it to wick again.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
Recommend with reservations. I have used these seed starters for years, but this year the construction of the water reservoir has changed. They are now translucent, which helps to see the water level, but are paper thin and crack easily - especially in the corners. Luckily I had some older trays that I could swap in. The new capillary mats are not as durable as the older felt mats and only last 1 or 2 seasons. The felt mats lasted about 4 seasons. I like the size of the planting cells, as compared to others on the market, and that's why I continue to use these units. Hopefully, they will return to the quality they used to have.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
great and reusable! easy to keep seedlings alive, the water basin holds plenty.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
I have never had a seed starter like this one but it makes sense.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
Good concept but the plastic construction needs to be hardier. It would be nice if the pots were a little bigger. It does the job but it is to flimsy.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
Germination almost always 100% with these. Easy to use yet you have to be careful how you handle them, the styrofoam does break easily after repeated use.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
Really like the way it is basically self-watering. Wish the Soil section Box was more stable on the base...Could be fastened or inset?
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
Bottom plastic tray was so badly manufactured that it had holes it . Did not hold water without silicone treatment.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
These systems are great for seed starting. The mats wick water up so there is not the watering that has to happen everyday. Seedlings stay moist longer
so it is less work to grow your own veggies and flowers from seed. I have used two 24 slot systems for many years and this year decided to get 4 of the 12 slot for larger seedlings like cucumbers and squash. The only thing
that is a bit of a drawback is that the styrofoam is fairly fragile and if you
are not careful, bits of the side will break off.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
The germination rate on my seedlings has increased about 200% since using APS units to start seeds. The seedlings are sturdy and strong for transplanting and grow into very healthy and prolific plants.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
they last from year to year
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
Great for starting seedlings for the garden with the need to transplant to larger containers.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
While it is intended for seed starting, we are using it for propagation through cuttings. I saw these in the catalog and knew they were perfect for my son's school science project. A stable environment where the soil (in our case sand) would not dry out or get too saturated. I look forward to having lots more geraniums in my garden as we use this for growing more plants!
Science fair project just begun!
Tags: Using Product
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
These are just to right size, to place at the edge of my grow light center. Also just rigt when starting only a certain number of the same plant.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
I like the smaller 12 space size as opposed to the 24 space APS.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
APS units increase seed germination and produce VERY healthy seedlings that transplant well. One of the great features is the wicking material that brings constant water to the root zone of the seedlings, which is a problem with overhead watering systems and tiny seelings. I've been using them for over 15 years and still use the first APS-24 unit. It's a little worn at the edges, but it still works. I recommend this to every seed starter who wants high germination rates and healthy seedlings.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
FOR PREPERATION FOR GARDEN
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
The watter pad could be a little longer,also a easy way to add water when it gets low.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
The new green color is good in that you can see water levels. The material is still very thin at corners and needed to be reinforced some.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
I've never had healthier more robust seedlings. Removing them was a little difficult as the styrofoam is a little flimsy between the compartments.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
All-in-one kit to start larger plants (e.g., tomatoes, eggplant, peppers).
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
This product will meet its initial requirement to start seeds (assuming you've handled the fragile foam tenderly enough that it hasn't crumbled). But after that, the rigors of moving around under lights, hardening off, and then digging the small plants out of the compartments is sure to wreck the unit. I'm not sure the wick mat worked evenly, because plants at that end of unit did much better than those at far end.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
Found these to fit in a small space. The "water tray" does a good job of keeping the plants watered and is easy to fill. Looking forward to warmer weather to put them outside in the garden. I planted more than one seed in eash section, and when I thinned them down to one each, found great root systems on very small plants!
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
This is a great seed starter. I just bought 2 more and they are good but the bottom part which holds the water is not as sturdy as the black one.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
I started using these several years ago and just love them. I've tried many other starter kits but these are absolutely the best. I get 99% germination every year with my APS. The 12-cell works well for me because it allows me to separate my tomatoes and peppers by type, and they are easy to move around. Recently my sister-in-law was complaining that the starters she was using were turning mushy and losing their shape. So I ordered her a few sets of the APS and she is now replanting her seeds in them. I'm confident you will have another satisfied customer!
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
I don't have a lot of room to start my seeds, so this has been so much help. The size is perfect for my windows and the plants are growing well.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
Great for small number of specific plants.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
Excellant results starting seeds
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
So easy to use and the seeds germinate every time!
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
The growing system is perfect for new or experienced gardeners. I want another set of them.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
Started tomato seeds in it in greenhouse window. So far all look good.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
We're trying to buy only those items that are easily reused, repaired, etc. (Lower our carbon footprint over time...) The fact that these have separate parts, all of which can be ordered (as replacements) was a big selling point.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
I used three of these systems in my classroom and was amzed at the results. The broccoli popped up within a week and my students were excited and anxious to see the plant produce something edible. The product sits on my windowsill and only needs to be watered once a week. Easy to care for with great results!
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
Very easy to use, and my seedlings are performing well.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
I have been using this product for about four years they are very useful and durable with reasonable care. I purchased some additional units this year.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
This seed started gets its job done, it provides the greenhouse effect to get seed germinated fast.
However overall it is a little flimsy, the individual components just loosly sit on top of each other and you have to be careful to not accidently push it or kick it (mine are sitting on the garage floor), otherwise it will "disassemble" itself very fast.
But it is a very good deal for its price.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
I have been using APS to start seeds for years. Since I travel in the spring, it is a great system for watering and don't have to worry about the seedlings drying out. Transplanting the plants is a piece of cake due to the make up of the product.
I set them on a table facing SW in RI during Feb and Mar and get great results. I'll have tomatoes and peppers early this year.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
Wouldn't be without this....makes starting my seeds so much easier!!!
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
I start plants in my window sill. very useful. I am replacing old ones that I have worn out.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
Should be called"seed starting for dummies".This is the only way to go if you can't be there every day> A propigation mat helps,but removecover at first sign of green.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
My daughter used these for a science project comparing growth rates.
For a child to remember to water every day is pretty hard, so this was one factor in the project that could not fail.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
This seed starter is amazing. I am a newbie gardener and haven't had much success germinating eggplants. After I bought this seed starter I've had a 100% germination rate. I didn't have to wonder how much water to give and when. It was so easy. I would highly recommend this item.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
I like starting my own seeds, and the APS trays work better than anything else I've tried. I've never used the APS-12, with its larger cells, and I expect it to be great for growing tomatoes.
I did like the older APS system, with the styrofoam base that held the water tray.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
The APS system is very easy to use. The roots on the seedlings were huge, and they transplanted better than anything I've ever used before!
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
I have used APS starting systems for years and have had great success. The old, thin wicking material works much better than the new heavy material. You must remove the foam pot unit and resoak the wicking material everytime you rewater during the growing period. Even then I have come back to find the material completely dry on the end end away from the water feed. I wish for the old material which I still have and use for six, 24, two inch pod units. The only plus is the roots will not grow onto and attach to the new material.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
This item really does fit on the windowsill, which automatically makes it easier to use than most seed starters. Used in combination with the water gauge, seeds grow quickly and healthier. It is great since it allows the plants to absorb water as needed without the chance of overwatering.
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
I use the APS for seed starting every winter. It is really a fail-proof method--I love them! I have great germination rates.
I wash and re-use them the next season. You need to be careful of the styrofoam edges while washing--I have had a couple of pieces break off.
Other than that, they are perfect!
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
If you want to be certain of seed starting success, the APS system should be your choice. I've been gardening over 30 yrs and this is the most fool-proof way to guarantee nearly 100% germination and healthy starts. APS starts are so healthy and stocky, I'm able to skip the transplanting step and plug my seedlings right in the ground. They take right off and flourish. I love that the APS system saves me time, effort and produces excellent results.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
Comments about APS 12, Set of 2:
My daughter and I started alot of our seeds with this product. We had very good success.