Propagation & Seed-Starting Tools You Actually Need (and What to Skip) - Ritchie Feed & Seed Inc.

Propagation & Seed-Starting Tools You Actually Need (and What to Skip)

by Kassandra Eyamie

Starting seeds and propagating plants is one of the most satisfying ways to garden, especially in Zones 4–6, where a head start indoors makes a huge difference. But the tool aisle can feel like a maze: trays, domes, lights, heat mats, kits… what’s essential, and what’s just “nice to have”?

Here’s a simple breakdown of the tools that truly matter, why they matter, and how to build a setup that fits your space and your budget.

1) A greenhouse setup (optional, but a huge upgrade)

You don’t need a greenhouse to start seeds, but it does one important thing: it creates a more stable environment. It holds warmth and humidity, protects seedlings from drafts, and makes your results more consistent, especially in chilly homes.

Best for: anyone starting more than a couple trays, or anyone who wants more predictable success.

Popular options:

2) Trays + domes (the foundation)

Trays keep everything tidy and easy to manage. Domes help hold humidity during germination and prevent the classic “it dried out overnight” problem.

Simple rule for Trays:

  • No holes = holds water (great for bottom-watering and moisture control)

  • With holes = drains water (use with a bottom tray to catch runoff)

Domes:

3) Insert trays with pockets (choose your cell size)

Pocket inserts control spacing, root growth, and how long seedlings can stay in the tray before you need to pot up.

Quick sizing guide:

  • 10–32 pockets: bigger cells → seedlings can stay longer before needing a bigger pot

  • 48–72 pockets: perfect “all-purpose” range for most gardeners

  • 128 pockets: best for tiny seeds (lettuce, herbs, flowers) → plan to pot up sooner

Best for: organized starts, less root tangling, easier transplanting.

Examples:

4) Seed-starting soil or Jiffy discs (your medium matters)

Regular potting soil is often too heavy for germination. A seed-starting mix is lighter, drains better, and gives tiny roots what they need.

Pick soil if: you’re doing lots of trays or want flexibility.
Pick discs if: you want fast setup, less mess, and easy portioning.

Examples:

5) Heat mats (the secret to fast, strong germination)

If you’re growing peppers, herbs, or anything slow to sprout, heat is the difference between “nothing happened” and “wow, it’s working.”

Heat mats warm the soil, not the air, so seeds germinate faster and more evenly.

Best for: peppers, tomatoes, herbs, and improving germination success overall.

Examples:

6) A mister (for gentle watering)

Seedlings don’t like being blasted with water. A fine mist keeps moisture even, prevents seeds from shifting, and is ideal for surface-sown seeds.

Best for: petunias, begonias, tiny seeds, and early germination stages.

Examples:

7) Grow lights (the #1 way to avoid leggy seedlings)

Late winter windows often aren’t strong enough. Grow lights keep seedlings compact, sturdy, and ready for transplant—especially in Zones 4–6.

Best for: anyone starting seeds indoors from January to April.

Examples:

8) Plant markers (don’t skip this)

If you start more than one variety, you will forget what’s what. Labels save time, confusion, and accidental mix-ups later.

Examples:

 

The takeaway

You don’t need a fancy setup to grow strong seedlings, you just need the right basics.

Start with:

  • a tray

  • a good seed-starting mix (or discs)

  • a dome

  • a reliable grow light

Then add heat mats and upgrades as your confidence grows.

Whether you’re starting a few herbs on a windowsill or planning a full garden, we’ve got what you need to make it simple.

 

Ready to build your seed-starting kit?

Shop trays, domes, inserts, soils, heat mats, misters, grow lights, and plant markers here: https://www.ritchiefeed.com

Leave a comment

Back to Advice From The Ritchie Team Experts