We recommend Apple brand USBC power adapters. 20W 5v 1.5 amp draw. Samsung brand is a close second. Avoid no name brands. Avoid multi function/port power banks. Avoid smart/wifi outlets. Avoid excessively long cords due to voltage loss. If you have power issues at your location (flickering lights, bulbs /electronics wearing out quickly) you should use a surge protector with power adapter. Do not plug into the USBc port on a surge protector. Seed Starter products need their own dedicated power adapter, preferably Apple brand.

Seed Starter products can be used for any seed that fits and can benefit from the temperature settings available: Sprout 80-82 F (27-28 C) and 77-79 F (25-26 C). Heat Pack- adjustable in 1C increments with +/- buttons. Full range is 20-35C.

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. Our Seed Starter Milestones page is full of customer success stories.

Seed Starter products were designed for use with any standard size cotton pad (2.25" diameter) sold in drug stores, grocery stores, big box stores etc. Also called makeup pads. You can also use sphagnum moss or loose root plug material.

For the older model, Aurora+(12 pods 1" diameter each), someone has recommended 1" barrel cleaning pads. They're a thin cotton flannel and they use 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.

***Using sphagnum moss or loose root plug material is a wonderful and effective substitute for cotton pads.***

The human body is approximately 98.6 F making it difficult to feel germination temperatures 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.

The factory tests each component before populating the pc board. They then test the pc board and calibrate to proper temperature. After installation and assembly, every unit is checked with an HKMicro thermal camera to verify temperature accuracy and stability. Before shipping to the customer, we use an industry standard stc-1000 thermostat with a physical probe to verify proper function.

Stay away from low quality power adapters. They don't supply proper, consistent voltage. This can cause damage and malfunctions.

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 as seen here:

Pulling Warmth From Your Hands

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.

For Heat Pack, the +/- buttons on the bottom of the unit change the temperature in 1C increments (defaulting to 27C with a range of 20-35C). To reset, hold down the '+' button for 6 seconds. The light will flash rapidly indicating reset, then flash 3 times to indicate the temperature has been saved.

The optimal germination temperature depends on the species of seed, as well as the seed’s age and storage condition.

Some seeds, such as peppers, germinate best at warmer temperatures, typically 27 °C (80 °F) or higher. Other seeds, including apples, lemons, and strawberries, generally prefer cooler conditions around 20–25 °C (68–77 °F).

Seed quality also affects temperature selection. Older or improperly stored seeds often have reduced energy reserves. Germinating these seeds at slightly lower temperatures can reduce metabolic demand, allowing the seed to use its limited resources more efficiently and potentially improving germination success.

Paper towels and plastic bags can limit oxygenation and air flow. There is still the issue of temperature stability.

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

This method of 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. Water goes stagnant quickly at germination temperatures. A few hours soaking before using Seed Starter products 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.

This proprietary technology has been developed and tested to extremes. High thermal conductivity aluminum and thermally insulating silicone are incredibly durable, unlike mass produced plastic soaking trays and heat mats. These precision pieces of equipment maintain unmatched temperature stability.

Some seeds, especially premium genetics, rare cultivars, or specialty breeding lines, can be expensive and difficult to replace. In certain markets, individual seeds may cost $10–$40 or more depending on the variety.

Growers may also work with heirloom, discontinued, or sentimental seeds that cannot easily be replaced. Because each seed represents a limited opportunity, careful germination practices help maximize success and reduce the risk of losing valuable genetics.

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.

Whether you purchase or not, use our resources to improve your own method. However you germinate, we wish you happy growing!

PCT International Patent Application No. PCT/IB2022/053634