Seed Starting Stand

It's that time of year! Time to start seeds. Pamela asked me about recommendations for seed starting stands, 1-3 trays for about $250 dollars. For Christmas a couple of years ago, Rob got me a Burpee stand for $500, and with slight modifications, it is perfect for my 4-8 trays of seedlings each year. https://www.burpee.com/gardening-supplies/grow-lights/-deluxe-led-glow-n-grow-light-garden-cart-prod001258.html

So, I started by searching for that stand, hoping there would be a smaller and cheaper option. Which is here: https://www.burpee.com/gardening-supplies/grow-kits/single-led-light-glown-grow-light-garden-cart-prod001786.html $339 (I would still put a 2' x 4' piece of wood on this shelf) Most other options, as Pamela pointed out, most options are either cheapy plastic and mildly expensive or metal and super expensive.

Necessary Accessories:

Seed starting mat: https://www.burpee.com/gardening-supplies/heat-mats/premium-seedling-heat-mat---ul-listed-prod001232.html (currently out of stock in the necessary 48" x 20" size) Available at Gardeners Supply: https://www.gardeners.com/buy/seed-starting-heat-mats/8609781.html#q=Seed+Starting&start=13

Timer for light fixture: https://www.gardeners.com/buy/power-strip--with-timer/38-972.html

Here is my list of requirements for a good seed starting stand:

LED light fixture for 2' x 4' coverage Lights are easy to raise and lower

Solid shelf

Seed starting mats (48" x 20"): https://www.gardeners.com/buy/seed-starting-heat-mats/8609781.html#q=Seed+Starting&start=13

Timer for light fixture: https://www.gardeners.com/buy/power-strip--with-timer/38-972.html

Putting a Cart together is pretty easy too though:

Start with a Lowes metal stand (Wheels are helpful, and storage for supplies would be a nice addition to the one I have) ($220): https://www.lowes.com/pd/edsal-Muscle-Rack-18-in-D-x-48-in-W-x-74-in-H-6-Tier-Wire-Freestanding-Shelving-Unit-NSF-Safety-Listing/1001328024

LED Light ($169): https://www.ledgrowlightsdepot.com/collections/3-x-3-or-about-9-sq-ft/products/4-light-4-ft-grow-light-fixture-w-led-tubes-64-watts

Easy to raise and lower lights ($17): https://www.gardeners.com/buy/adjustable-grow-light-hangers/8587918.html#q=grow%2Blight&start=72&sz=40&simplesearch=submit Seed starting mat (48" x 20") ($90): https://www.gardeners.com/buy/seed-starting-heat-mats/8609781.html#q=Seed+Starting&start=13

Timer for light fixture ($35): https://www.gardeners.com/buy/power-strip--with-timer/38-972.html

Total for self construction: $531