IKEA’s $15 Growing Kit Replaces My Flimsy Seed Trays – and It’s the Prettiest Design I’ve Ever Put on My Windowsill
It's space-saving, has everything you need for indoor growing, and is much prettier than cheap plastic alternatives
Seed starting season is in full swing and if there's one thing I can never seem to have enough of it's seed trays. In an effort to be more sustainable, I'm swapping flimsy plastic ones for sturdier types I can reuse for decades, and IKEA have just dropped one that combines functionality and durability with sleek design.
If you're also looking to sow seeds indoors in the coming weeks, the IKEA DOFTRIPS plant starter set is one to consider. Not only does it include four roomy cells, but it also has a beautiful ribbed humidity dome to lock in moisture and warmth. I'm particularly obsessed with the cream color which will make my windowsills look less like a science project when adorned with germinating seeds.
The IKEA DOFTRIPS plant starter set has everything you need to give your seeds a strong start. It has 4 cells, each with drainage holes, a saucer to catch excess water, a humidity dome with ventilation, and plant stakes to offer support to seedlings. The off-white color and ribbed dome make it effortlessly chic, as it sits on your windowsill. Plus, it's made of powder-coated steel for long-lasting use and durability through many growing seasons.
Designed for Successful Growing
Seeds need enough warmth, light, and moisture control to germinate successfully
Not only is the IKEA DOFTRIPS plant starter set beautiful, it's been designed to support successful seed sowing and help you avoid seed sowing mistakes.
One of the most key features is the drainage hole on each of the cells. This allows excess water to drain away so those young roots don't become oversaturated and experience root rot.
Plus, the humidity dome helps maintain moisture levels and warmth to encourage seed germination – ideal if you only have an indoor windowsill space to work with, rather than a heated greenhouse.
The dome features a ventilation hole, too, to stop the build-up of excess moisture and the development of mold and fungal diseases.
Why Shoppers Love It
Each cell is large enough to support early seedling growth
Looking at the design, I have no doubts this set works well for starting seeds and supporting early growth, so long as you pair it with optimal placement (like a bright windowsill) and the right soil (like this seed starting potting mix from Amazon).
Shoppers who have already tested it out confirm this with a 5-star rating on the 'works as expected' category.
Customers also love the fact its made from galvanized steel with a powder-coated finish:
'The powder-coated steel pots and tray will last for years,' one five-star reviewer writes.
Likewise, the humidity dome seems to be much better quality than thinner plastic options online (like these humidity domes from Amazon).
'The top is very sturdy,' one shopper says. '[It has a] taller and more durable greenhouse top than you can get in a hardware store,' another adds.
The product description also notes the humidity dome has been designed to act as a stand for the tray when not in use, so it always sits neatly together.
There's no doubt it's space-saving, measuring just 6 1/4x6 1/4x5 3/4", and the plant supports are a bonus that can double as small houseplant trellises.
Though, the one downside is it only provides room for four plants at a time, where other seed trays with bigger capacity are available (like this Burpee seed starter tray with 16 cells on Walmart).
For this reason, it may not be the most efficient choice if you're starting lots of flower seeds or if you have a large kitchen garden.
But, for just $14.99, this IKEA seed tray will last for years to come and is great addition to indoor gardening kits for those looking to start a few seeds on their windowsill.
With your seed starter kit to hand, you can now start sowing your flower seeds for March.
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