You Don’t Need Expensive Grow Trays to Start Seeds

A Shop Light, Plastic Cups & Common Sense Will Do

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There is a misconception that you need expensive grow trays, specialty domes, and professional lighting to start seeds.

You don’t.

You need light.
You need drainage.
You need observation.

Let’s simplify this.

💡 Shop Lights Work — And They Work Well

A basic shop light around 5500 lumens (daylight spectrum) is more than enough for seed starting.

Why?

• 5500K mimics natural daylight.

• It prevents seedlings from becoming leggy.

• It provides even, consistent light.

• It costs far less than many “grow systems.”

You don’t need a branded “plant grow tray kit.”

What matters most:

• Keep the light close (2–3 inches above seedlings).

• Run it 12–16 hours a day.

• Adjust as plants grow.

Strong light = strong stems.

🥤 Clear Plastic Cups Save Money & Teach You

Using clear plastic cups (with drainage holes) is one of the best beginner tools.

Why?

• You can see root development.

• You can monitor moisture levels.

• You learn when roots are actually ready for transplant.

It removes guessing.

Roots tell you when they’re ready.

That understanding builds real gardening confidence.

🥚 Egg Cartons? Yes — With Limits

Egg cartons are fine for:

• Germination

• Very early starts

But they are temporary.

Once roots begin to develop, you’ll need to move seedlings into something deeper.

Use them to start.
Don’t expect them to finish the job.

💰 Save Your Money Where It Matters

Instead of spending money on:

• Fancy trays

• Domes

• Trendy starter systems

Invest in:

• Good soil

• Compost

• Strong lighting

• Quality seeds

Your plants don’t care about aesthetics.
They care about light and soil.

🌿 What This Really Teaches You

When you simplify your setup, you learn:

• How roots develop

• How moisture moves through soil

• How light affects growth

• When to transplant

And that knowledge is worth more than any pre-packaged kit.

Gardening should not start with overwhelm.
It should start with understanding.

🌱 Final Thoughts

You do not need expensive systems to grow food.

A 5500 lumen shop light.
Plastic cups with drainage.
Good soil.
Daily observation.

That is enough.

Keep it simple.
Grow strong.
Learn your plants.