I plant my flower and vegetable seeds indoors to germinate before transplanting the plants outdoors for the season.  One product that helps my seeds grow is the Clear Plastic Dome for the Perma-Nest Tray.


Description

These plastic domes are see-through and designed to fit atop Perma-Nest Plant Trays that measure 22" x 11".  The domes have rounded corners.  A special feature of these domes is that they have a 3" dome height to accommodate growing plants.  The domes are constructed from a heavy-duty reinforced plastic.  They also "nest" into one another for space-saving storage.


My Experiences

These are my favorite plastic domes.  For years I used a cheaper dome that was not as sturdy, or as high, and it didn't fit properly on the Perma-Nest Trays that I use.  However, these clear plastic domes are specifically designed for the 22" x 11" Perma-Nest Trays!  They are a perfect fit.

Not only are these domes an ideal fit for the trays, resting atop the tray with no gaps ... but since they are clear, I can easily see the plants inside.  The high 3" domes are much taller than the cheaper domes I was using.  Now I don't have to worry about fledgling plants hitting the top of the dome.  Once my plants are growing, I remove the domes and place the plant trays under lights.  I have a system where the lights can be placed low to the trays and then raised as the plants gain height.  This prevents the plants from becoming "leggy".

I use a Plant Sprayer/Mister to "water" the plants after I plant the seeds.  Once the plants have germinated, I also add water to the bottom of the tray. 

My one complaint about these domes is there are no ventilation holes in them.  A lack of ventilation can mean excess moisture will build-up inside the lid, which could translate into a mold or mildew problem.  There are two solutions to this.

Solution One - There is a ridge along the long center of the dome.  I have seen it suggested that ventilation holes can be drilled in the ridge.  I'm leery of doing this since I could damage the dome.  I have no idea if the plastic would splinter or crack.

Solution Two - If I see humidity building up too much on the lids, I place something between the lid and the plant tray rim so that there is a ventilation gap.  This works great for me.

I like it that these domes are a true fit for the Perma-Nest Trays.  The other cheaper domes I was using were too short for the tray.  The cats had way too good a time butting their heads beneath the domes and lifting them so that they could drink out of the trays.  I would find plants tipped after their drinking forays, too.  These higher domes are a good fit for the trays and are like a cat force-field.  The felines have examined the trays, and then leave them alone.


Purchasing

I bought these domes from Jung Seeds (item # 52978).  A set of six domes cost $32.95 ($5.49 each).  I bought six domes, liked them so much that I ordered six more.  Jung Seeds also threw in three free packets of seeds with each of my orders (herb, vegetable and flower seed).  In case you are wondering, the domes came very well packaged, all six nested inside each other in a sturdy cardboard box.

I tried finding a less expensive price online but ran into problems.  The IGS (Indoor Gardening Supply) online store sold these same trays for $4.50 each, and if buying in bulk, the price goes down.  Six trays would cost $3.65 each.  However, their website made me register for an account and then said I would receive an email with welcome information.  I was wondering if the email might include a discount coupon, so I waited for an email that never arrived.  I sent an inquiry to IGS using the contact information form on their website ... they never answered me.  Not a good sign for doing business, so I decided not to order from them.

Note: These domes are sold separately from the Perma-Nest Trays.


Summary

I would definitely order these Clear Plastic Domes for Perma-Nest Trays again.  As long as the domes are well cared for and stored properly, they should last a long time.  They are excellent! 

I hope you found this review useful.

Enjoy the day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com


Please read my other reviews:

Perma-Nest Plant Trays

Jiffy Round Peat Pots

Jiffy Square Peat Pots

Jiffy Peat Pot Strips

Professional Plant Care Sprayer/Mister

Seeds: French Breakfast Radish, Small Sugar Pumpkin, Matina Tomato

Cucumber Seed:  Marketmore Cucumber, Spacemaster Cucumber

Squash Seed: Zucchini Italiano Largo, Zephyr Squash, Gadzukes Zucchini

Bean Seed:  Purple Beans, Soleil Yellow Beans

Copyright 2009 Dawn L. Stewart

Recommended: Yes