Self-watering seed starter makes it easy

In my tenure at Gardener's Supply, I've been staff horticulturist, retail nursery supervisor, and product information specialist. For a natural teacher, avid gardener and plant geek, my work here is a perfect fit.

Twenty-five years ago, the yard around our old farmhouse was a blank canvas of lawn waiting to be planned and planted. The native shrub and tree borders I planted back then now shelter and feed scores of songbirds. Our fertile soil supports productive vegetable gardens and flowering perennial beds. I've also added fruit and nut trees, blueberries, raspberries and elderberries that feed my family and visiting wildlife. Fussing with chickens and tropical houseplants keep me occupied during the long New England winters. My education is in horticulture and landscape design, and I've authored four gardening books.

The GrowEase Seed Starter Kit is a convenient, self-watering system.

How it works:

• Clear cover speeds germination.
• Growing tray is dishwasher-safe.
• Platform supports growing tray.
• Leakproof reservoir supplies water for up to a week.
• Capillary mat delivers water as plants need it.

HOW do I grow basil?" my daughter asked. Kate is a college student on a tight budget, but she likes to eat well and make fresh food. "I want to make tons of pesto this summer."

"Starting your own plants from seed is the least expensive way to go," I replied.

She's a new gardener whose enthusiasm surpasses her experience, I knew exactly how to help her get started. "I've got a foolproof solution for you." I gave her our new GrowEase Seed Starter Kit. With enough space to start 24 basil plants, the kit includes everything she — and the basil seedlings — needs to get growing, all in one tidy package.

Self-Watering Success

Knowing when and how much to water causes a lot of anxiety for newbie seed starters. Too much water and the roots rot. Too little and the sprouts wilt. Plus, alternating over-watering and under-watering stresses seedlings and stunts their growth. The self-watering seed-starting kit takes the worry out of watering. The seed tray sits on a capillary mat that wicks water from the reservoir below, giving the young plants moisture, as they need it. All Kate needs to do is keep the reservoir full. A clear greenhouse dome keeps the humidity high until the seeds sprout.

With Easy Grow, left, and without.

Feed 'Em and Reap

The Seedstarting Grow Kit includes Easy Grow Fertilizer. After her basil seedlings sprout and grow their first true leaves, she can simply add the odorless, fuss-free fertilizer to the water in the reservoir. Easy Grow amazed Deborah, our test gardener, when she tested it in our lab. When she compared seedlings growing side-by-side, some fed with Easy Grow and some fed with other fertilizers, the seedlings fed with Easy Grow were healthier, with deeper green foliage and sturdier stems than any of the others. When it's time to transplant them outdoors, Kate's vigorous basil seedlings will acclimate quickly, grow faster and yield her first batch of pesto that much sooner. I hope she invites me to dinner!

Clean Up is a Breeze

The reservoir, growing tray and platform are all dishwasher-safe, making it easy to clean and disinfect them between plantings. Clean equipment is important to get seedlings off to a good start and prevent disease problems.

The sturdy GrowEase Seed Starter Kit will hold up to many seasons of use, as our family's newest gardener gains experience and confidence from her seedstarting success. I can't wait to see what she else she grows this year!