Our Smart Seedling Grow Shelf: A High-Tech Start to the Season

Starting seeds indoors can be the key to a successful gardening season. which is why we created a Smart Seedling Grow Shelf. It allows us to control growing conditions, maximize germination rates, and ensure strong, healthy plants before they go outside.

This year, we’ve upgraded our setup with a multi-zone, smart-controlled grow shelf featuring high-quality LED grow lights, heated propagators, and full automation through Google Home. This hands-free system ensures our seedlings get exactly what they need at each stage of growth.

We’ve also put together a video tour of our grow shelf so you can see it in action! Be sure to watch it below and let us know what you think.

The Setup: Three Growing Zones, 3 Grow Lights

Our Costco shelving unit is divided into three growing zones, each optimized for different stages of plant development. perfect for our Smart Seedling Grow Shelf. Every zone includes heated propagators to maintain optimal temperatures and promote strong germination.

Top Shelf – Two High-Intensity Zones for Bigger Plants

Grow Lights: Two Viparspectra P1000s (one per zone)

Light Intensity: 250 µmol (PAR reading)

The top shelf is split into two separate zones, each lit by a Viparspectra P1000 grow light. This setup ensures even light coverage for our more established seedlings. These plants require higher light intensity to develop strong stems and leaves, so they receive 250 µmol of PAR light.

Bottom Shelf – Early Seedling Development

Grow Light: Spider Farmer SF300

Light Intensity: 100 µmol (PAR reading)

The bottom shelf is ideal for young seedlings that have recently germinated. The Spider Farmer SF300 provides softer, even coverage, reducing the risk of light stress for delicate seedlings.

Heated Propagators in Every Zone

Temperature: 28°C (thermostatically controlled)

All three zones feature heated propagators to increase germination rates and maintain stable root temperatures. The heat mats are set to 28°C, providing optimal warmth for our chillies, tomatoes, and other vegetables.

Smart Automation with Google Home

Light Cycle: 16 hours on, 8 hours off (Google Home automation)

One of the best upgrades this year is Google-controlled automation. By using smart plugs, we’ve eliminated the need to manually adjust light cycles and temperatures.

Lights automatically turn on/off on a 16-hour daylight cycle (16 hours on, 8 hours off).

Everything can be adjusted via Google Home, either by voice commands or through the app on our phone.

This level of automation saves time, prevents errors, and ensures consistency, giving our seedlings the best possible start without constant monitoring.

Watch Our Smart Seedling Grow Shelf in Action!

We’ve put together a video showcasing our full seedling setup, including a breakdown of the lights, smart automation, and what’s growing. Watch it here:

Do you have a grow shelf? Drop a comment below and tell us what you’re growing this season!

Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel, “This Family Loves”, so you can follow our gardening journey on Spicy, Saucy and Homegrown

What’s Growing in our Smart Seedling Grow Shelf?

At three weeks old, most of our seedlings are thriving, though some of the super hot chillies have only just started to germinate.

Chillies: Wartryx, CC Jigsaw Brain, Primotalii Red, Primotalii Chocolate, Big Mustard Mama, 7Pot Orange, Cayenne, Scotch Bonnet, Piri Piri, Jalapeno, Apache.

Tomatoes: Paste tomatoes, Super Marmande, Cherry tomatoes—perfect for fresh eating, sauces, and canning.

Other Plants: Cucumbers, cucamelons, melons, basil, and even zombie pumpkins for some spooky fun later in the season!

We’re especially excited to grow enough chillies for a year’s worth of homemade hot sauce and to harvest tomatoes for homemade pizza sauce.

Lessons Learned & Next Steps

So far, the setup has been running smoothly without any major challenges. However, we’re keeping an eye on:

Light height adjustments – Ensuring seedlings don’t get too leggy or scorched.

Watering schedules – Preventing overwatering, especially in the propagators.

Tracking progress – We’re logging germination rates and plant health using SeedsIO.com, a great tool for tracking seedlings.

As we move forward, we’ll continue adjusting light intensity as the plants grow and begin potting up those that are outgrowing their cells.

Equipment We Used

Our Indoor Growing Setup:

40-Cell Propagators:https://amzn.to/41NTCki  

Heat Mats with Thermostats: https://amzn.to/3Rb02oB

Viparspectra P1000 Grow Light: https://amzn.to/3FrfWJ2

Spider Farmer SF300 Grow Light: https://amzn.to/3FpYvso  

PAR Meter for Light Levels: https://amzn.to/4hsILSz

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