Self-watering Seed Starters - large 127mm

This is an older V1 version of this seed starter that does not stack.  The newer version, V2, can be found at Large Stacking Starter Units.  The new version does require supports, but the stacking option greatly improves storage options!

 

This is a self-watering seed starter, meant for already established starts from a smaller starter.  It's a standard 127mm unit, with 4 large aerated starter pods.  The center has a small dome and cutouts into each of the 4 pods to wick water from the center into each pod.  This is meant to go with a lid (seen in the photos) that can contain water, and slowly drip into the center.

 

These units are built fairly robust to stand up to years of use and re-use.  They are also meant to be used on incubation pads, so the extra walls and infill are meant to prevent deformation and warping over time.  Feel free to adjust the strength as you see fit!

 

Along with the pod, the project includes a single and full-plate plunger to aid in pushing the established sprout and its dirt from the bottom.  It also includes a tool that has a different scraper on each end.  The large plow-like one is meant for the smaller version of this starter unit (linked below).  The small end is meant to clean out the water channels from the center watering square to each plant pod.

 

This setup is part of a larger series of designs I made for your plant starting adventure.

• Small self-watering starters to begin your initial starts can be found here: Small Starter Units
• V2 Larger self-watering starters (stackable!) to transfer your small starts can be found here: Large Stacking Starter Units
• Large single pot to finish your mature starts before moving to beds can be found here: Large Single Units
• Single and double-wide trays that fit small, large, and largest seed starter units can be found here: Watering Trays
• Giant double-double wide tray that fits small, large, and largest seed starter units can be found here: Double-Double Watering Tray
• Tools for seed depth setting in both Imperial and Metric units can be found here: Seed Depth Gauges
• Tools for spacing planting locations across garden beds can be found here: Seed Spacer Planting Tool
• Self-watering Lids that fit on both the small and large starters can be found here: Self-Watering Lids

The print profiles included are for both PETG and PLA.  I highly recommend printing in PETG, since it is much more resilient to water (PLA will biodegrade eventually).  Also PETG is much more heat-resistant if you intend to use an incubation pad, or have these in a heated greenhouse.  If you intend to have these outside, then ASA is also an option for the UV resistance.

MembershipWant to sell your 3D prints of these garden tools?  Better yet, modify and sell your prints?  Get the commercial license, Standard or Premier tier, to do just that!  Sign up here on MakerWorld.