I admit it - the gardening bug is biting me a bit early this year, so I pulled out this Burpee Eco-Friendly Greenhouse Kit I bought on clearance sale last year.

Now mind you, not if I was winter seed sowing because that date began on December 21.

However, I was so busy preparing for my wedding on December 22 that the date came and went without my cold frames being put up or a single seed sown.

Since the wedding there has been a flurry of activity - people to visit for the holidays, posts to get written and rearranging of the house which included taking the Christmas tree down.

Tonight was the first time I have had a chance to sit down and really think about starting seeds.

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Reasons Why You Need This Burpee Eco-Friendly Greenhouse Kit

The number one reason you need this, is because you want to start seeds indoors.

The greenhouse kits are nice all-in-one ways to simply add water, add seeds and grow.

They are a little bit pricy in comparison to using soil blocks or even newspaper or toilet paper roll seed starter pots.

However, if you are only starting a few seeds or you simply want to convince, these are the way to go.

If you pick them up at the end-of-the-season clearance events most big box stores have, you can get them for really cheap and then you save money in the long run.

Order Seeds Online If They Aren't In Stores

If you're looking in the stores for seeds or seed starting products to buy, it is too soon.

I bought mine last year during the clearance sales.

Of course, you can order seeds and supplies online.

I've already ordered some black Incan corn seeds from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds and they sent me a free pack of melon seeds.

I love their seeds because they are non-GMO and they have some very unusual varieties.

Some of my other favorite places to order seeds is J.L. Hudson Seeds, Bountiful Gardens and Trade Winds Fruit.

Preparing The Growing Pellets Is The First Step

Anyway, back to the seed starting. I bought a couple of the Burpee eco-friendly All-In-One 25-Plant Greenhouse Kit last fall.

It came with some herb seeds, but I had some seeds of my own I wanted to plant, so I set the seeds that came with it aside.

The first step was to hydrate the growing pellets in the kit.

I used two large cups (about 4 ¾ cups) of hot water to do this with, then I put the lid on and set it aside for a few minutes so the pellets would absorb all the water.

Once The Pellets Expand You Can Plant The Seeds

Once the pellets expanded, it was time to plant the seeds.

I simply laid the seeds in the pre-made holes.

For the smaller seeds, I pushed some of the soil around to fill the holes in and laid the seed on top.

The smaller seeds I will not cover.

The larger ones get covered with a light layer of vermiculite.

I put the plant markers in, filled out the Burpee Plant-O-Gram and put the clear plastic lid on, then set the whole flat in a warm place.

Now I wait until the seeds begin to sprout - and as soon as they do, I remove the clear plastic lid.

Contents Of The Burpee Eco-Friendly All-In-One 25-Plant Greenhouse Kit

This kit comes with plant markers plus the handy paper Burpee Plant-O-Gram.

I liked this because as we all know, plant markers sometimes get moved on accident.

What was really neat about the Burpee Plant-O-Gram was the fact that the seed flat had letters on it and so did the paper - so no matter what direction your seed flat gets turned you can look for those embossed letters and figure out what's growing.

I really like this feature.

I can't tell you how many times I've planted something, marked it well (or so I thought) and then ended up with missing tags and no way to tell what was growing until it sprouted and grew big enough - and sometimes that meant letting it flower.

Yes, I am guilty of planting lots of the same plants with different colored flowers in the same flat.

What I Planted In The Burpee Eco-Friendly All-In-One 25-Plant Greenhouse Kit

By now you may be wondering what I planted. Here is my list -

Sapindus saponaria (soapberry)
Honey date palm (thanks Jacinda!)
Dianthus superbus (a very unusual form of this plant)
Mentzelia decapetala (Giant Evening Star)
Asclepias sublata (rush milkweed)

My Thoughts On The Burpee Eco-Friendly All-In-One 25-Plant Greenhouse Kit

I liked this kit, but I do like most of these all-in-one greenhouse kits.

I thought the coconut coir pellets expanded easily enough but when it came time to transplant the seedlings, the pellets wanted to fall apart which left me handling the seedlings roots.

I honestly don't feel the coconut coir pellets are as good as the peat pellets, but that could be personal preference.

I was able to get the seeds to germinate and the plants to grow, so the greenhouse kit did work.

I felt it was well made and the lid fit the base well - at least on the one I got.

The greenhouse lid and base were PLA which is degradable and I love that the whole kit was eco-friendly.

The biggest downside to me was this kit only has room for 25 plants.

So for the home gardener that doesn't want to start a lot of plants, it's great, but for those of use who start hundreds of plants every spring, it's not very economical.

Alternative Seed Starting Greenhouse Kits

When I went online to make sure this particular eco-friendly greenhouse kit was still available, it shows it as unavailable, so I wanted to leave you with a few other options that I recommend.

The 72-cell greenhouse seed starter kits have always been one of my go to choices when starting seeds.

I love that I can start 72 plants in a small, compact area and that I can choose my own potting mix to put into the little trays.

I typically do not choose the self-watering seed starting kit option, but that's just personal preference.

I go with the the standard 72-cell greenhouse seed starter kit.

For those wanting a smaller seed starting kit, Burpee offers several options:

I normally make my own seed starting mix, but if you like coconut coil for seed starting, try the Burpee 8 quart compressed seed starting brick.

FAQ: Getting Started with the Burpee Eco-Friendly Greenhouse Kit

Q: Why should I consider using the Burpee Eco-Friendly Greenhouse Kit for seed starting?

A: The primary reason to choose this kit is if you want to start seeds indoors. It offers a convenient, all-in-one solution where you simply add water, seeds, and watch your plants grow. While it may be a bit pricier than other seed starting methods, it's perfect for beginners or those looking for a hassle-free option. Plus, if you can find it on clearance, you can save money in the long run.

Q: Can I find seeds in stores for seed starting at this time of year?

A: If you're looking for seeds or seed starting products in physical stores, it's likely too early, especially if it's still winter. Consider purchasing seeds online if you can't find them locally. Many online seed suppliers offer a wide variety of non-GMO and unique seed options.

Q: What is the first step in using the Burpee Eco-Friendly Greenhouse Kit?

A: The initial step is to hydrate the growing pellets provided in the kit. You'll need to use hot water for this, and once the pellets expand, you can proceed to plant your seeds.

Q: How do I plant seeds in the Burpee Greenhouse Kit once the pellets have expanded?

A: After the pellets have expanded, you can simply place your seeds in the pre-made holes. For smaller seeds, gently push some soil around to cover them, but for larger seeds, a light layer of vermiculite should suffice. Remember to use the provided plant markers and fill out the Burpee Plant-O-Gram for easy identification.

Q: What does the Burpee Eco-Friendly Greenhouse Kit include?

A: This kit comes with plant markers and a convenient paper Burpee Plant-O-Gram. The unique feature of the Plant-O-Gram is that it matches the embossed letters on the seed flat, making it easy to identify your plants even if the markers get misplaced.

Q: What did the author plant in the Burpee Eco-Friendly Greenhouse Kit?

A: The author planted several interesting varieties, including Sapindus saponaria (soapberry), Honey date palm, Dianthus superbus (a unique form of this plant), Mentzelia decapetala (Giant Evening Star), and Asclepias sublata (rush milkweed).

Q: What are the author's thoughts on the Burpee Eco-Friendly Greenhouse Kit?

A: The author found the kit to be effective but noted that the coconut coir pellets used for planting tended to fall apart when transplanting seedlings. The author also mentioned a personal preference for peat pellets. Overall, the kit worked well, and the eco-friendly aspects were appreciated. However, it's worth noting that it only accommodates 25 plants, which may not be suitable for gardeners who start a large number of plants each spring.

Q: Are there alternative seed starting greenhouse kits recommended by the author?

A: Yes, the author suggests alternative options for seed starting kits. They recommend the 72-cell greenhouse seed starter kits for those who want to start more plants in a compact space and prefer to choose their own potting mix. Additionally, Burpee offers smaller seed starting kits, such as the 8 XL reusable cell seed starting tray, 36 cell reusable seed starting tray, and the 36 cell seed starting kit. If you prefer coconut coir for seed starting, you can also try the Burpee 8-quart compressed seed starting brick.

Q: Where can I purchase the Burpee Eco-Friendly Greenhouse Kit?

A: You can often find the Burpee Eco-Friendly Greenhouse Kit at various gardening and home improvement stores, especially during the gardening season. Additionally, you may find it online through Burpee's official website or other e-commerce platforms.

Q: Can I reuse the Burpee Eco-Friendly Greenhouse Kit for multiple growing seasons?

A: While the kit is designed for one-time use, some gardeners have found ways to reuse certain components, such as the plastic lid and base. However, keep in mind that the coconut coir pellets are made for one use, and you will need to replace them.

Q: Is the Burpee Eco-Friendly Greenhouse Kit suitable for all types of seeds?

A: Yes, the kit can be used for a wide range of seeds. However, it's important to adjust your planting method based on the size of the seeds. Smaller seeds may require a different approach than larger ones, as mentioned in the author's experience.

Q: Are there any tips for successful seed starting with this kit?

A: To maximize your success, ensure that you follow the instructions provided with the kit, including proper hydration of the growing pellets. Additionally, monitor your seedlings closely, and once they begin to sprout, remove the clear plastic lid to promote healthy growth. Adequate lighting and temperature control are also key factors in successful seed starting.

Q: Are there any other eco-friendly seed starting options besides the Burpee kit?

A: Yes, there are alternative eco-friendly seed starting options available. You can explore biodegradable seed starting pots, reusable trays, and sustainable soil mixes. Many garden supply stores offer environmentally friendly alternatives for gardeners who want to reduce their environmental impact.

Q: Can I use the Burpee Eco-Friendly Greenhouse Kit for different plant varieties, such as vegetables and flowers?

A: Absolutely! The kit is versatile and can be used to start various types of plants, including vegetables, herbs, flowers, and more. Just adjust your seed choices and planting method according to the specific requirements of each plant.

Q: How long does it typically take for seeds to sprout in the Burpee Greenhouse Kit?

A: The time it takes for seeds to sprout can vary depending on the type of seeds and environmental conditions. Generally, seeds may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to germinate. It's important to be patient and maintain optimal conditions for successful germination.

Q: Can I use the Burpee Eco-Friendly Greenhouse Kit for seedlings and young plants beyond the germination stage?

A: While the kit is primarily designed for germination, you can certainly continue to grow your seedlings in it until they are ready for transplanting into larger containers or your garden. Just ensure that the plants have enough space and nutrients to thrive as they grow.

Q: What are the benefits of starting seeds indoors with a greenhouse kit?

A: Starting seeds indoors with a greenhouse kit offers several advantages, including greater control over environmental conditions, protection from pests and harsh weather, and the ability to extend the growing season. It also allows you to grow a wider variety of plants and experiment with unique varieties that may not be readily available as established plants.