How to choose a seed germinator?

Do you love to sow? And make the most of the year to get new copies? If you have answered yes to either of those two questions, you need a seed germinator. They are not very expensive, in fact there are very cheap models, so it will not be difficult for you to start the season even ahead of good weather.

But, yes, there are different types, and each with its own characteristics, so that so that you can get the one you really need, we are going to show you some of the most recommended.

Selection of the best models

If you want to sow your own seeds, we recommend the following models:

BESTONZON

It is a simple but practical model. It consists of a tray with a lid, and also includes a tray with 12 cells so that sowing is better controlled.

It measures 18 x 14 x 6cm, and weighs only 63,5 grams.

Flower

Are you looking for a simple and practical germinator? This model, in addition to having a lid, has a tray-seedbed with 18 alveoli / holes.

It measures 37,5 x 25 x 8cm and weighs 200 grams, making it ideal for the seeds of practically any type of plant.

Nutley's

Made of recyclable plastic, it has a lid and a 60-cell tray. For those who enjoy sowing lots of seeds 😉.

It has dimensions of 38 x 24 x 5cm and weighs 200 grams, so it can be put anywhere.

Biotop

Do you usually sow seeds of garden plants? This germinator is perfect for you. It consists of a tray and a lid with a couple of "windows" that you can open to allow the air to renew itself.

It measures 30 x 24 x 18cm and weighs 599g.

GEO

A different germinator, which apart from being very useful for sowing is also decorative. It is made of Italian terracotta, and has a double regulation of the air flow, something that will favor the germination of your seeds.

It measures 19 x 19 x 31cm and weighs 3,3kg.

Romberg

If you are one of those who germinate at any time of the year, you will need a heated germinator model; that is, it provides heat so that sowing in winter is just as productive as in spring or summer. This consists of a tray with a lid, and also includes a heating mat with a power of 17,5 watts.

Its measurements are 38 x 24 x 19cm, and it weighs about 610 grams.

Our recommendation

Choosing a seed germinator is not easy, since it will depend a lot on whether we are one of those who like to sow all year round or just a few months, and whether we plant horticultural plants that germinate easily or otherwise. Therefore, we recommend the following model that will serve you for everything, or almost everything 😉:

Advantages

  • Electric germinator with heating mat
  • Clear plastic lid that keeps the heat inside
  • The tray has gutters through which the water is better distributed
  • Ideal for growing flowers, herbs, garden plants, native species
  • Measures 38 x 24,5 x 19cm, which is perfect to place anywhere

Drawbacks

  • It is not recommended if you want to plant palm trees or succulents, since the temperature it reaches is lower - it is usually about 15-20ºC maximum - than these plants need (25-30ºC)
  • The price can be high

What is a germinator and what is it for?

A seed germinator is like a specific greenhouse so that they can germinate. It is a way that we humans "imitate" nature, providing the seeds with the environmental humidity they need to start their life, while protecting them from the cold.

Seed germinator buying guide

Seeds tend to germinate better indoors

You have already decided: you are going to make the most of the season by buying a seed germinator. But…, as we have seen, there are several models: some electric, others with a seedling tray included, some made of clay,… If you have doubts, don't worry: here are a few tips so that you can buy the most suitable one according to your needs:

Heated or not?

Or what amounts to the same: Do you want a simple germinator or an electric one? The first ones are great to sow just when the heat starts, that is, in spring; On the other hand, the seconds allow you to anticipate it, being able to sow in the middle of winter. The price of the latter is higher, but ... it may be worth it.

With seedling tray or without?

There are many germinators that do not include a tray with cells inside, so the sowing is done in it. This may be fine if you sow few seeds, but if not, It will be more useful to sow one or two seeds in each of the alveoli of the seedbed that contain several models.

Plastic or clay?

The truth is that Most models are made of plastic, as it is a much cheaper material, lighter and, depending on its use, with a very long useful life. The clay on the other hand is more expensive, and if it falls ... it breaks. However, to take care of the environment a little, it is worth giving the latter a chance, especially if you are one of those who sow seeds of horticultural plants.

What budget do you have?

Nowadays it is easy to find germinators at a very good price. For an average of 10 euros you can get one, without a heating mat, but of sufficient quality and characteristics so that you can sow, and enjoy it, during spring and summer, and even fall if you live in a mild or warm climate. Now, if you want to sow any type of plant at any time of the year, you will have to spend a lot more.

What is the maintenance of the seed germinator?

Economical seed germinator model

The seeds -viables- are living organisms, although at first glance it may seem otherwise. And, in addition, very vulnerable to microorganisms, such as fungi, bacteria or viruses. To get them to germinate it is very important to clean the germinator with a little dishwasher before sowing, and afterwards, when the seedlings are transferred to individual pots or are planted in soil. In this way, the risk of infection is greatly minimized.

Even so, you have to know that these cleanings will not be enough. If you want these plants to grow and have the possibility of reaching adulthood, you will have to use new substrates, water only when necessary, and treat them with fungicides so that they do not catch any. common seedling disease.

Where to place the germinator?

That is a very good question, because if we put it in the wrong place, the chances are that the seeds will not germinate and that the cuttings will not root. So where do you put it? Well, not to be wrong We recommend placing it in an area with a lot of light but not direct sun.

If you know that they are species that want direct light, such as fruit trees, garden plants, seasonal plants, etc., you can place it in full sun, but be careful: do not do it in summer because the temperature inside the germinator would rise too much, burning the seeds and cuttings you have planted.

Seed germinator uses

Although its own name indicates it, the germinator It serves for sow seeds but also to plant cuttings. It is a very interesting accessory that, as we said at the beginning, helps you to get ahead of the season, to get new seedlings almost for free (depending on the species, of course 🙂, because depending on which seeds come out through a »good peak» as we say times in Spain, which means they have a high cost).

The advantage that germinators for home use have is that they are light, with an adequate size so that they can be put anywhere, since they do not occupy much. In addition, they are easily cleaned with a cloth, water and a few drops of dishwasher.

Where to buy seed germinators?

Amazon

In this macro online shopping center they sell everything, and their catalog of germinators is quite extensive. Choosing one will not be difficult, since you can read the opinions of other buyers about the different models out there.

You make your purchase, and in a few days you receive it at home with total comfort.

Ikea

When we talk about Ikea, we don't usually think that it also has seedlings and seedbeds, but yes, it does. Their models are quite curious, as they are not only practical but also very decorative.. Of course, there are prices for all tastes.

They offer online shopping service and home delivery.

Nurseries

Both in the physical ones and, above all, in those with an online store, they usually sell several models of germinators at prices ranging from the cheapest to the most expensive. Still, it is very interesting to stop and take a look.

How to make a cheap and homemade seed germinator?

When you don't have a budget, or when you want a homemade germinator, there is nothing to worry about. There are several things that serve you as such:

  • Clear plastic tupperware with lid: you can fill them with substrate or sow the seeds as we were taught in school: between cottons or damp napkins.
    Suitable for garden and flower species.
  • Glass containers: the same as the plastic ones, but if you don't have the lid you can put transparent plastic on top and hold it with an elastic band.
  • Plastic bottles: they are cut in half and then, once the lower halves are filled, the lids with plastic.

How to warm them?

The easiest way is to buy a specific accessory for it, such as this thermal mat that goes with electricity, but the truth is that If you are going to sow seeds of garden plants for example, or of native plants, it will be enough to put the germinator near a heat source, such as the internet router.

And if you sow in spring or, let alone, in summer, putting it outside will be more than enough.

We hope you have found the germinator you were looking for 🙂.