- Germination station with electric heat, humidity control and 72-cell seedling inserts
- Provides gentle warmth to the planting bed; controls humidity under 2-inch dome
- Humidity dome with dual vent points for optimal airflow
- Includes seed starting booster, instructions with growing tips
- Watertight base tray measures 11 by 22 inches
Product Description
Heated Germination Station seed starting system. Offers increased growing success by providing gentle warmth to the planting bed and by controlling the humidity under the dome, much like a greenhouse. Includes 17 watt, UL listed, waterproof heat mat and 11 inch x 22 inch watertight growing tray with a 72 cell seedling insert and instructions…. More >>
Hydrofarm CK64050 Germination Station with Heat Mat
Tags: CK64050, dual vent, electric heat, gentle warmth, Germination, germination station, GREENHOUSE, Heat, humidity control, Hydrofarm, Station
#1 by Larry F. Rogers on April 16, 2010 - 5:40 am
I find that convenience often outweighs the quality or even usability of the product. The thought that you could just place your plants out of sight out of mind while some miraculous grow kit does the work for you is an ideal based on nonsense. If it was that easy, there wouldn’t be instructions.
I have found that warmth assists in germination over 40 years of gardening. But I don’t buy a dedicated germination kit. The standard seeding kits available for $3.00 are fine. I have one I like for the windowsill, not because I love the brand or soil it contains, but because it FITS ON THE WINDOWSILL!! That makes it convenient for me and agreeable to the wife.
Heating pads are kind of silly. The cost is ridiculous and, if you really want to heat your seedlings, then put an electric blanket or throw under them. You can get a single blanket electric or throw for about $20 and you can sit like 6 of these starter trays on them and warm them all with a totally reusable unit.
I did notice that when on the electric blanket, the seedlings start a bit earlier. And if in a colder area (basement/attic) the blanket was essential to get them to kick into gear. But the blanket is huge and you can cover a much wider starting area. If you want a smaller area, fold the blanket. Low temp is usually enough to keep my kit around 70, but your environment may be different. Don’t put either outside in 20 degree weather or you will get chilling results.
At any rate, these warming seed starting kits are a waste of money. If you have absolutely no sun exposure or are starting so many you can’t keep them in the house on a window sill or near any window, then get a heating blanket and a grow light. Much cheaper in the long run.
Rating: 2 / 5
#2 by Hoobie on April 16, 2010 - 7:58 am
Great heat mat. I’ve had much better success sprouting seedlings with this: more seeds sprout and they seem to sprout faster. I put a square of insulation foam (cut from an old camping pad) underneath to avoid heat loss. Don’t know how well it would work without insulation.
Downside: It should come with a planting try with larger cells. The planting tray squeezes 72 cells into a tray size better suited for 36 cells. With bigger cells, I don’t have to transplant to larger containers before transplanting to the garden. The smaller cells create more work.
Rating: 4 / 5
#3 by James Arlitski on April 16, 2010 - 8:16 am
I like to grow most of my vegetables and flowers from seed. With this kit, my new seedlings are germinating and they are thriving. Starting your plants from seed gives you a sense of pride when they mature later in the year.
Rating: 4 / 5
#4 by Barbara Macdonald on April 16, 2010 - 8:59 am
Item works well. It provides a low level heat perfect for starting seeds or keeping new seedlings warm. I did not purchase the timer and have not felt the need for one.
Rating: 5 / 5
#5 by Adam Elmer on April 16, 2010 - 11:49 am
I’ve been using this for a couple of months. The only problem I’ve had, is that condensation on the dome will leak out when you move the tray. Other than that, it works well and is priced well.
Rating: 4 / 5