Sprout uses 1.2 amps 6 watts max on start up. We recommend Apple brand USBC power adapters. Anker brand is a close second. Avoid multi function/port power banks. Avoid excessively long cords due to voltage loss.

When plugging in your Sprout unit, it will take a few seconds to light up. This is due to the capacitor utilized to smooth voltage fluctuations found in power adapters. When you've unplugged, wait 60 seconds before plugging back in to allow the capacitor to discharge. You may have to alternate ports.

The pods of the Aurora+ (25mm diameter/10mm depth) and Sprout (60mm diameter/10mm depth) can be used with any seed that fits and can benefit from one of the two temperature settings available: Aurora+ 80-82 F (27-28 C) and 75-77 F (24-25 C) Sprout 80-82 F (27-28 C) and 77-79 F (25-26 C). Some of our customers have germinated rocotto peppers, monstera, birds of paradise, basket asparagus, fire flash seeds, red sunflower, various types of tomato seeds. The possibilities are endless. We update our Seed Starter Milestones page regularly with updates from our customers.

Sprout will fit any standard size cotton pad (2.25" diameter). Purchase your preferred pad anywhere.
For the Aurora+, the manufacturer hand punches each pad with a hammer and 25mm punch tool. Every factory we've approached wants orders on a scale much larger than we can handle. One of our testers, Mitch Kamp, recommends 1" barrel cleaning pads for firearms cleaning. They're a thin cotton flannel and he uses 3 on the bottom, then seeds and 3 more on top. The tighter weave of these pads helps prevent tap roots from growing through.
Pro Shot Products 300 Count
Pro Shot Products 600 Count
Amazon 7/8" 1,000 Count

Some customers cut makeup pads to size. One customer discovered a 1" hand punch that you can purchase on Amazon.

The human body is approximately 98.6 F making it difficult to feel the temperature settings on Sprout and the Aurora+ as "warm". Throughout a day of testing units, the same reading feels different if I've been holding my warm phone returning emails or holding a cold bottle of water. We use an industry standard stc-1000 thermostat for calibration and testing. Make sure you're using the stick on feet for thermal efficiency. Stay away from low quality power adapters.

When I touch a heat mat, it feels warm.

Heat mats are made of plastic, which is a very poor thermal conductor with low heat capacity. The spot you're touching warms up to body temperature quickly and stays there. Metals are generally good thermal conductors (aluminum is second only to copper) with fairly high heat capacity. The heat your finger adds is rapidly redistributed throughout the metal object, leaving the spot you are touching cold until the whole object is warm. The aluminum is literally pulling warmth from your skin.

To change the temperature of your Aurora+ just unplug it from the outlet, wait a second and plug it back in. This will toggle between the solid light and flashing light settings.
For Sprout, locate the temperature access next to the LED underneath the unit. Carefully insert the provided tool, gently press down on the button inside and release. The LED light will change color.

The temperature setting you select will depend on the type of seed you're germinating. Most seeds, including pepper seeds, prefer the higher, flashing light setting of the Aurora+(Red LED on Sprout). Others, like apples, lemons and strawberries, prefer the lower, solid light setting (Green LED on Sprout).

I just set my seeds in a container on a heat mat/light ballast.

This method of “warming” germinating seeds is inefficient and ultimately impossible to know or maintain the temperature of the environment you're creating. The heat provided is neither even nor consistent. If the temperature is too high, it can lead to stunted growth. If the temperature is too low, it can lead to mold and risk of other plant pathogens. Using the wrong container can leech harmful substances when heated. One method that may seem harmless is putting seeds on a modem/router with a towel over it. Let's forget about germination for a second and talk about expensive electronics. The average router costs at least $100. Setting something on it creates hot spots and limits air flow. Aside from dousing them in water, this is probably the worst thing you can do. This will decrease the lifespan and performance.

I just soak my seeds in a glass of water.

Seeds need oxygen to germinate properly. Leaving seeds soaking in water too long will hinder germination. A few hours soaking before using the Aurora+ is ok if you feel the need.

I just put my seeds right in the dirt.

This is another method that many have found to be effective. While using this technique, it is absolutely critical that the temperature of the soil is warm enough to allow a proper moisture level without risk of fungus and mold. There are many pathogens that can effect germination and growth. When germinating in soil, you must ensure the texture and composition of your substrate is light/fine enough to allow the seedling to push through, while also allowing it to retain the proper mix of moisture to soften the seed and air for oxygenation.

While many people have relied on the paper towel method over the years, there is one detail that is often overlooked. Chlorine and formaldehyde (among other compounds) are often used to process/bleach paper products. Studies show that the use of chlorine in this process leads to harmful cancer causing compounds like dioxins and furans. These compounds “partition off” in our bodies like fat, leading to a build up over time. That is why we include cotton pads that have only been processed with hydrogen peroxide. We recommend replacing them with the same or with unbleached.

Sprout is CNC'd out of aluminum with twice the thermal conductivity of the Aurora+ Gen 2. It is hard anodized for protection.
The Aurora+ Gen 2 is made of a unique, die cast aluminum compound with high thermal conductivity. It is powder coated to protect against wear and corrosion. Both have been tested to extremes and are incredibly durable, unlike mass produced heat mats made of plastic coated wires. Each Aurora+ weighs just under 1 kg and is shipped from Seed Starter (small business) in South Africa where it was invented and manufactured, to Root Nerds (small business) in the United States for distribution. As we grow, shipping costs will decrease.

Depending on the type of seeds you're germinating, they can be expensive for top quality genetics. Some seed banks charge anywhere from $10-40 per seed for the latest and greatest types. With 12 pods in each unit, the first time you fill your Aurora+ you are entrusting it with over $100 in seeds. This is not to mention the hard to get varieties and those you're trying to get back for sentimental reasons, which leave NO margin for error.

Not convinced? That's ok, Seed Starter products may not be for you. I personally love the peace of mind that comes with knowing my seeds are being cocooned in consistent, even heat and hydration. Whatever method you use, we wish you happy growing!

PCT International Patent Application No. PCT/IB2022/053634