Why the Burpee SuperSeed Seed Starting Tray Is Your New Best Friend

So here’s the deal: I’ve been gardening for years, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this—nothing, and I mean nothing, tests your patience quite like trying to start seeds. Sure, I’ve had my share of victories, but oh boy, the defeats are still seared into my memory. Remember the time I accidentally overwatered my starter tray and turned my kale seedlings into swamp dwellers? Yeah, I still lose sleep over it.

But then came the Burpee SuperSeed Seed Starting Tray. It’s like the gardening gods took pity on me and handed me the Holy Grail of seed-starting gear. No exaggeration. Well… maybe just a little.

My First Encounter with the Tray of Legends

Picture this: it’s early February, the kind of cold that convinces you spring is a myth. I’m in my garage—aka my “indoor gardening lab”—surrounded by bags of soil, packets of seeds, and the haunting memory of seedlings past. Enter the Burpee SuperSeed Tray, a sleek, sturdy number that promises (and I quote) “easier seed starting with healthier plants.” Big talk for a plastic tray, right? I was skeptical.

But the moment I unpacked it, I knew this was different. For starters, the cells in the tray are huge compared to the sad little compartments in my old starter kits. No offense to my past trays, but they weren’t exactly giving my seeds room to breathe. This one, though? Spacious, luxurious, downright Kardashian-level accommodations for my future plants. I might’ve whispered, “You’re gonna love it here” to my seeds. Don’t judge me.

A Game-Changer for Over-Waterers Anonymous

Okay, confession time: I’ve killed more seedlings with overwatering than I care to admit. But the Burpee tray has this magical self-watering mat that basically does the thinking for you. You just fill the reservoir, and the mat keeps the soil perfectly moist. No guessing, no drowning, no shame. Honestly, it’s like a built-in babysitter for your plants.

The first time I used it, I kept poking at the soil, convinced it couldn’t be this easy. Spoiler: it is. My tomato seeds sprouted faster than ever, and they actually looked… happy? Is that a thing? Can seedlings look happy? Either way, I was grinning like an idiot every time I checked on them.

Little Details That Make a Big Difference

Another thing I love? The dome lid. It’s like a greenhouse in miniature, trapping just the right amount of heat and humidity for your seeds to thrive. Plus, it’s clear, so you can peek at your little plant babies whenever you want without disturbing them. (Yes, I call them my plant babies. No, I don’t need therapy. Probably.)

And let’s not forget the material itself. The tray is made from this durable plastic that feels like it’ll actually last more than one season—shocking, I know. I’ve had trays in the past that practically disintegrated the moment I looked at them wrong. This one? Built to endure my clumsy handling and occasional drops. Trust me, that’s saying something.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Spacious cells that give seedlings room to thrive.
• Self-watering mat that simplifies the watering process and prevents overwatering.
• Durable, long-lasting material that withstands wear and tear.
• Clear dome lid for heat and humidity control (and obsessive plant-checking).
• Great for improving germination rates and healthier plants overall.

Cons:

• A bit more expensive than basic seed-starting trays.
• May take up a bit more space due to its larger cell size.
• The self-watering mat takes some time to set up perfectly (but it’s worth it).

FAQ on Seed Starting and Germination Guide

i. How to Use the Burpee SuperSeed Tray

The Burpee SuperSeed Tray is designed to make seed starting simple and efficient. Here’s how to use it:

1. Fill each cell with a seed-starting mix. Try not to use regular garden soil, as it often doesn’t drain properly and can become too compact for seedlings to grow well.
2. Make a small hole in the center of each cell and place 1-2 seeds in it.
3. Sprinkle a thin layer of soil over the seeds and press it down softly to ensure good contact with the soil.
4. Water the tray carefully until the soil feels moist but not overly wet.
5. Place the clear dome over the tray to create a greenhouse effect and keep the soil warm and moist.
6. Once the seeds sprout, remove the dome and place the tray in a sunny spot or under grow lights.
7. Water whenever the soil starts to feel dry to maintain consistent moisture. Once the seedlings have grown sturdy and healthy, carefully move them to their new homes in the garden or larger pots.

ii. What Size Tray to Start Seeds In?

The ideal tray size can vary based on the type of seeds you’re working with and their growth requirements:

• Small seeds: Use trays with smaller cells, such as 72-cell trays, for herbs and flowers.
• Medium seeds: 50-cell trays work well for vegetables like lettuce and brassicas.
• Large seeds: 32-cell trays are ideal for tomatoes, peppers, and squash.

Choose a tray size that fits your growing space and the number of seeds you plan to start.

iii. How Do You Start Seeds in a Seed Tray?

Starting seeds in a tray is straightforward:

1. Add seed-starting mix to the tray, spreading it evenly across the cells to create a smooth and level surface for planting.
2. Make small holes in each cell and place seeds according to the depth recommended on the seed packet.
3. Sprinkle a light layer of soil over the seeds, then gently press it down to ensure good contact with the soil.
4. Water the tray evenly, making sure the soil stays moist but not overly soaked or dripping.
5. Position the tray in a cozy, warm spot or on a heat mat to help kickstart the germination process.
6. Once the seeds sprout, move the tray to a bright location and water as needed.

iv. What is the Tray Method for Seed Germination?

The tray method involves using a seed tray to germinate multiple seeds at once. Here’s how it works:

1. Fill the tray with seed-starting mix and plant seeds in individual cells.
2. Gently water the tray to moisten the soil, then cover it with a transparent dome to keep the environment humid and cozy.
3. Position the tray in a warm area to promote faster germination and support healthy seed growth.
4. When the seedlings start to emerge, take off the dome and ensure they get enough light to grow strong.
5. Once the seedlings are sturdy and well-developed, carefully transplant them into larger pots or directly into the garden.

v. What Are the 7 Steps of Seed Germination?

Seed germination follows these seven steps:

1. Imbibition: The seed absorbs water and swells.
2. Activation: Special enzymes within the seed wake up and kickstart the growth process, signaling the seed to begin its journey.
3. Respiration: The seed taps into its stored nutrients, converting them into energy needed for development.
4. Radicle Emergence: The first root, known as the radicle, pushes out of the seed coat, anchoring the plant and seeking water.
5. Plumule Growth: The initial shoot, called the plumule, rises upward, reaching for light and signaling the start of above-ground growth.
6. Leaf Formation: The first leaves (cotyledons) appear.
7. Seedling Development: The plant begins photosynthesis and grows stronger.

vi. What Are the 3 Methods in Germinating Seeds?

There are three common methods for germinating seeds:

• Paper Towel Method: Using the paper towel method, sandwich the seeds between damp paper towels, place them inside a sealed plastic bag, and store the bag in a warm area to encourage sprouting.
• Soil Method: Plant seeds directly in seed-starting mix in trays or pots.
• Water Method: Soak seeds in water until they sprout, then transfer them to soil.

vii. How Do You Use a Burpee Seed Starter Kit?

To use a Burpee Seed Starter Kit:

1. Place the self-watering mat in the tray with the black side up.
2. Fill the cells with seed-starting mix or expand the included pellets with warm water.
3. Place seeds into the individual cells and gently cover them with a thin layer of soil to protect them.
4. Fill the water reservoir below the tray to maintain steady moisture levels for the soil.
5. Use the clear dome to cover the tray, creating a warm and bright greenhouse-like environment for the seeds to grow.
6. Once the seedlings emerge, take off the dome and continue watering as needed to keep the soil consistently moist.

viii. How Do You Use Burpee Super Growing Pellets?

Here’s how to use Burpee Super Growing Pellets:

1. Place the pellets flat-side down in the seed tray.
2. Slowly add warm water to the pellets until they expand fully.
3. Fluff the expanded pellets with a fork or stick to create a uniform planting surface.
4. Place the seeds directly into the pellets, then gently cover them with a thin layer of soil to ensure they stay secure and ready for growth.
5. Water as needed to keep the pellets moist.

ix. How Do You Store Burpee Seeds?

To store Burpee seeds properly:

• Keep seeds in their original packets or transfer them to airtight containers.
• Store the containers in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a refrigerator or pantry.
• Label the containers with the seed type and date for easy identification.
• Avoid exposing seeds to moisture, heat, or light to maintain their viability.

By following these simple tips, you'll set yourself up for a rewarding journey into seed starting and creating a thriving garden!

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Conclusion

Look, I get it. It’s just a seed tray. But when you’re knee-deep in soil and covered in dirt, trying to coax life out of a tiny seed, every little advantage counts. The Burpee SuperSeed Tray isn’t just a tray—it’s a lifeline for anyone who’s ever felt personally victimized by finicky seedlings.

Since I started using it, my germination rates have gone through the roof. My peppers, cucumbers, and herbs are thriving, and I haven’t accidentally waterboarded a single seedling. If that’s not progress, I don’t know what is.

So, if you’re on the fence, give it a shot. Worst case, you’ll have a high-quality tray to show for it. Best case? You’ll finally have the thriving garden you’ve been dreaming of. Just don’t forget to talk to your plants—science says it helps, and I swear it’s not that weird.

Happy gardening! 🌱