Methods and apparatus for facilitating the germination of seeds and growth of seedlings. One aspect of the invention provides a seed kit. The seed kit may comprise a biodegradable germination cup having a base having one or more apertures, a one-piece biodegradable germination pad capable of retaining water and sized to be received in the base of the germination cup without falling through the one or more apertures, and a biodegradable seedling cup sized to receive the germination cup. The seed kit may further comprise other components, such as a growth medium, a seed, a lid/base, a stirring stick, etc. Another aspect of the invention relates to methods wherein a seed is germinated and nurtured to a seedling by using a germination pad, a germination cup, and a seedling cup.