Ultimate Guide to Burpee Seed Starting Kits: From 36-Cell Basics to Self-Watering Innovations

As gardening enthusiasts gear up for the 2025 growing season, starting seeds indoors has never been more accessible or efficient. Burpee, a trusted name in horticulture since 1876, offers a versatile lineup of seed starting kits designed to simplify germination and nurture robust seedlings. Whether you're a beginner coaxing herbs on a windowsill or an experienced grower scaling up for vegetables and flowers, Burpee's kits—from the compact Burpee 36 Cell Seed Starting Kit to expansive Burpee 72 Cell Greenhouse Kit options—provide everything you need. In this guide, we'll explore key models, including self-watering variants and SuperSeed trays, to help you choose the perfect setup for your indoor seed starting journey.

Why Choose Burpee for Indoor Seed Starting?

Burpee's seed starting systems stand out for their all-in-one design, promoting healthier root development and minimizing common pitfalls like overwatering. Developed and tested by Burpee experts, these kits guarantee bigger, hardier plants—backed by a 100% success pledge. Core features across models include:

• Super Growing Pellets: Biodegradable coir pellets that expand with warm water, creating a sterile, peat-free medium ideal for seeds.
• Clear Greenhouse Domes: Vented lids that trap humidity and warmth, mimicking a mini greenhouse for optimal germination.
• Plant-O-Grams and Markers: Handy diagrams and labels to track varieties, ensuring organized growth.
• Eco-Friendly Materials: Many trays are made from renewable resources, aligning with sustainable gardening practices.

These elements make Burpee indoor seed starting a breeze, whether you're sprouting tomatoes, basil, or zinnias. Plus, kits are stackable and compact, fitting seamlessly into apartments or greenhouses.

Exploring Burpee's Core Seed Starting Kits

Burpee's lineup scales with your ambitions, from petite trays for small spaces to high-capacity systems for prolific planters. Here's a breakdown of popular options:

1. Burpee 36 Cell Seed Starting Kit and Burpee 36 Cell Greenhouse Kit

Perfect for beginners or limited-space growers, this compact kit measures about 10" x 10" and holds 36 cells (each roughly 1.5" x 1.5" x 2"). It includes a planting tray, watering tray, 36 Super Growing Pellets, a dome cover, and essentials like markers.

• Best For: Herbs, flowers, or small veggie batches. Users rave about its simplicity—one gardener noted tomato seedlings reaching 3 inches in just a week under grow lights.
• Pros: Affordable, easy to monitor, and portable. The self-contained design reduces mess.
• Tip: Place pellets flat-side down and add warm water slowly for full expansion.

For an upgraded twist, the Burpee Seed Starter Tray 32 XL Cells Self Watering variant offers larger cells (up to 2.5" deep) in a 36-cell eco-friendly setup, measuring 10.5" x 10.75". It's ideal for root veggies and includes a self-watering base to prevent drying out—great for vacations, as one reviewer left it unattended for two weeks with thriving results.

2. Burpee 72 Cell Seed Starting Kit and Burpee 72 Cell Greenhouse Kit

Double the capacity without doubling the footprint: This 10" x 20" powerhouse uses two 36-cell trays to accommodate 72 seedlings. It comes loaded with dual planting trays, a watering tray, 72 pellets, a large dome, two Plant-O-Grams, and six markers.

• Best For: Ambitious gardeners starting a full veggie garden. It's a staple for peppers, eggplants, and brassicas.
• Pros: High germination rates (up to 100% in tests) and efficient space use. The Burpee 72 Cell Seed Starting Tray 72 Cells emphasizes reusability for multiple seasons.
• User Insight: Forum reviews highlight its edge over basic trays—seedlings emerge stronger thanks to consistent moisture.

The Burpee 72 Cell Seed Starting Greenhouse Kit adds ventilation tweaks for better airflow, reducing mold risks in humid setups.

Elevate Your Setup with Self-Watering Innovations

Watering woes? Burpee's self-watering lines automate hydration, drawing moisture upward via capillary action for even distribution. These are game-changers for busy folks or forgetful waterers.

Burpee 72 Cell Self Watering Seed Starting Kit (Including Black Variant)

This ultimate system shines with two 36-cell trays, two plant stands (for elevation), a self-watering mat, reservoir tray, 72 pellets, dome, and markers. The black version offers a sleek, light-absorbing finish to warm soil faster. Patented (US D495,621), it measures 10" x 20" and pairs perfectly with a 9" x 19.5" heat mat for cooler climates.

• Best For: Large-scale indoor seed starting like a pro setup. Reviewers love how it sustains seedlings for weeks without daily checks.
• Pros: Minimizes root rot, boosts growth uniformity. One Amazon user called it "worth every penny" for 100% success on diverse seeds.
• Pro Tip: Recommended for under-dome use to maintain 70-80% humidity.

Burpee Self Watering Mat, Burpee Self Watering Seed Starter Tray, and Burpee Self Watering Seed Tray

Standalone or add-ons, these mats (like the one in the 72-cell kit) fit under trays, wicking water from a reservoir. The Burpee Self Watering Tray integrates seamlessly with any Burpee starter, while the full Burpee Self Watering Seed Starting Kit bundles it all for 36 or 72 cells.

• Eco Note: Trays are recyclable and made from plant-based plastics, appealing to green gardeners.

SuperSeed Trays: Reusability Meets Versatility

For eco-conscious repeat users, Burpee's SuperSeed series delivers durable, washable trays without disposable pellets—fill with your preferred soil mix.

• Burpee SuperSeed 16 XL Cell Seed Starting Tray: Oversized cells (about 2" x 2" x 2.5") for bigger seeds like beans or squash. Compact at 10" x 10", it's a favorite for Burpee Super Seed 16 XL Cell enthusiasts.
• Burpee SuperSeed 36 Cell Seed Starting Tray: Standard size for flowers and herbs, reusable season after season. The Burpee SuperSeed Seed Starting Tray 36 Cell includes drainage holes for easy cleanup.
• Burpee SuperSeed XL Cell Seed Starting Tray and Variants: Larger cells prevent crowding; options like Burpee SuperSeed 16 XL Cell Seed Starting Tray suit transplants.

These Burpee Starter Tray staples are stackable and vented, ensuring airflow. Users appreciate their longevity—one reported five years of use with zero wear.

How to Get Started: A Simple Step-by-Step

1. Prep Pellets/Soil: Hydrate Super Growing Pellets or fill SuperSeed trays.
2. Sow Seeds: Plant 1-2 per cell, label with markers.
3. Assemble: Add water to the tray/mat, top with dome.
4. Position: Place in bright, indirect light (or under LEDs) at 70-75°F.
5. Monitor: Vent dome as sprouts emerge; transplant when true leaves appear.

Pair with Burpee's Burpee Self Watering Mat for hands-off care, and you're set for success.

Final Thoughts: Pick Your Perfect Burpee Kit

From the beginner-friendly Burpee Seed Starting Kit 36 to the powerhouse Burpee 72 Cell Self Watering Seed Starting Kit Black, Burpee's range covers every need. Opt for greenhouse kits if humidity control is key, self-watering for low-maintenance, or SuperSeed for sustainability. With prices starting around $15-40 (check retailers like Home Depot or Amazon), investing in one yields seasons of vibrant gardens.