Seed Starting Tray Buyer's Guide

Seed Starting Tray Buyer&#;s Guide

 

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Seed trays are essential for starting seeds and cuttings. Seed trays are commoly lightweight plastic, biodegrable paper, or compressed peat trays divided into separate cells, like a muffin tin, for growing individual seedlings.

Seed tray cells are usually 2 to 3 inches deep and up to 3 inches square or round. Some seed tray cells can be as small as 1 inch deep and 1 inch in diameter. Seed trays vary in size from small six packs (approximatley 4 by 8 inches) to as large as 12 by 20 inches or larger. Some seed trays come with a flat tray underneath to catch excess water. Some come with a plastic top or dome to create a small greenhouse.

There are many options available in the market. It can be overwhelming to know which one is the best fit for your needs. Here is a guide to seed trays and how they are used.

Biodegradable seed starting tray

 

 

Types of seed starting trays

 

Choose a seed tray that suits your specific needs. There are various types available, including individual cell trays, multi-cell trays, and open flat trays. Individual cell trays are ideal for larger seeds or plants that require ample space, as each cell provides enough room for seedlings to develop. Multi-cell trays are perfect for smaller seeds or plants that can be closely spaced, as they provide multiple compartments in which to sow your seeds. Open flat trays, on the other hand, are versatile and can accommodate seeds of various sizes, allowing for greater flexibility.

 

 

Plastic sectioned starting tray

 

Lightweight plastic tray divided into separate cells usually 2 to 3 inches deep and up to 3 inches square or round. Plastic trays can be very thin and light or heavier. Some have flexible bottoms that allow rooted seedlings to be pushed out of the tray from the bottom.

 

 

Sectioned fiber seed tray

 

Compressed paper fiber or peat trays are similar in size and depth to plastic trays. Sometimes sold with plastic trays that they fit beneath the setioned tray to catch water that drips through. Some are designed especially to fit onto windowsills, called windowsill sets.

 

 

Open trays or flats

 

Open trays or flats do not have individual cells. Flats are often 6 to 12 inches wide and 12 to 24 inches long. They can be used for starting very small seeds that can be broadcast or scattered across the the starting medium surface. Seedlings grown in open trays or flats often need thinning so that individual seedlings can grow on without competion from neighboring seedlings.

 

 

Self-watering seed trays

 

Self-watering seed trays have drainage holes and capillary matting. An outer tray without drainable holes fit into the bottom of the starting tray. The seedlings are watered indirectly &#; water put in the bottom tray is pulled up into the starting tray.

 

 

Seed trays with plastic covers

 

Seed trays with clear plastic covers provide extra climate control at the germianitng stage. The plastic cover or dome fits over the top of the starting tray. The plainest version of this starting tray looks something like a casserole dish. Some have high domes that allow seedlings to grow to 3 or 4 inches tall. Seed trays with clear plastic lids act as mini-greenhouses, creating a moist and warm environment ideal for germination. Others have adjustable vents that allow for temperature and humidity control. These features can be particularly useful if you are starting seeds in colder climates and want to extend your growing season.

Plastic seed starting tray with tomato seedlings

 

 

Seed tray use tips

 

Sow two or three seeds in each compartment to compensate for poor germination. If more than one seed germinates, thin out the weakest, leaving only one seedling in each section.

All seedlings in each tray should have the same watering requirements and planting times for ease of maintenance.

The growing medium should be premoistened before sowing seed.

Fiber or peat trays can be cut apart and completely buried in the garden (where the material will disintegrate nautrally). Trim off any part of the pot above soil line.

 

 

Seed tray material

 

Seed trays are commonly made of plastic or biodegradable materials. Plastic trays are durable, lightweight, and easy to clean, making them a popular choice among gardeners. Biodegradable trays, made from materials such as peat or coconut fiber, are environmentally friendly options that can be directly planted into the ground, preventing the disturbance of young plants during transplantation.

 

 

Plastic trays

 

Plastic trays are the most common choice due to their durability and affordability. They are lightweight, easy to clean, and provide good insulation for young plants. Plastic trays come in various sizes and designs. Plastic trays have excellent moisture retention, helping to create optimal conditions for seed germination. However, it is important to ensure that the plastic used is BPA-free to avoid any potential harm to your plants.

Some plastic trays are made from recycled materials such as recycled plastic or compostable materials; these are an excellent choice for reducing waste. Recycled trays often have the same benefits as traditional plastic trays, including durability and lightweight construction.

 

 

Biodegradable fiber or paper trays

 

Biodegradable trays made from materials like recycled paper, peat, or coconut coir are an eco-friendly alternative. These trays can be directly planted into the ground, reducing transplant shock and saving the gardener&#;s time and effort. Peat and fiber trays have excellent water retention capabilities and promote healthy root growth. Once seedlings are ready to be transplanted, the trays can be cut apart and the indivdual sectios can be planted directly into the ground. Peat and fiber trays can be more expensive than their plastic counterparts.

Seed tray with bottom tray to catch water

 

 

Seed tray depth

 

Seed trays can have cells of varying depth. Some types of plants have deeper root systems and require more space to grow, while others have shallower roots and can thrive in smaller cells. Make sure to choose a seed tray with the appropriate depth for the plants you are planning to grow.

 

 

Seed tray drainage

 

Seed trays must have drainage holes. Good drainage is essential for preventing waterlogging and ensuring healthy root development. Look for trays with good drainage capabilities to provide optimal conditions for your plants. Seed trays commonly have bottom drainage which allows excess water to easily escape. If water does not water easily drain away, seedling roots can become waterlogged and develop root rot. Bottom drainage allows for air circulation and prevents the build-up of harmful mold and fungus. Some seed trays feature small holes on the sides of the tray. This can provide a more controlled water supply to seeds.

Open tray or flat; seed is broadcast across the growing medium

 

 

Seed tray buying tips

 

Seed trays come in various sizes, ranging from compact ones with just a few cells to larger ones with dozens or even hundreds of cells. Consider the space you have available and the number of plants you intend to sow before making your decision. If you have limited space or are sowing a small number of seeds, a smaller seed tray would be appropriate. On the other hand, if you have a larger garden or are planning to sow a significant number of seeds, opting for a larger tray will give your seeds more room to grow and develop.

Ensure that the seed tray has adequate drainage holes. Proper drainage is crucial for seedling health as it prevents waterlogging, which can lead to root rot and other problems. Look for trays with sufficient drainage holes to ensure that excess water can easily escape, providing your seeds with the perfect balance of moisture.

Sectioned trays are more expensive than the single flat often used by many professional growers. Sectioned tays are worth the extra money because they prevent root competition among seedlings as roots can devleop only within confines of each section &#; thus reducing transplant shock.

Plastic trays can be reused year after year. Look for stiff, solid fabrication that will not easily break.

Self-watering trays are easy to use and worth the extra cost if you find watering on a regular schedule difficult.

Consider factors such as durability, moisture retention, and eco-friendliness when making your decision. By selecting the right seed tray material, you can create the ideal environment for your plants to thrive and ensure a successful gardening experience.

 

 

Seed trays we like

 

MIXC 10 Packs Seed Starter with Humidity Dome (120 Cells Total Tray) Growing Starting Seed Starting Trays Plant Starter and Base Mini Greenhouse Germination Kit. About $17.

RooTrimmer 3.5 inch Square Nursery Pots 60pcs, Sturdy seed starter trays 5 Pcs, Seeds Starting Germination, Small Planter Nursery Propagation 5 Sets. About $29.

9GreenBox &#; Seedling Starter Trays, 144 Cells: (24 Trays; 6-Cells Per Tray), Plus 5 Plant Labels. About $8.

RooTrimmer 54 Cell Seed Starter Trays &#; Sturdy and Deep Design, Perfect for Hydroponic Planting and Seed Starting (5-Pack). About $30.

 

Mr. Pen- Plastic Growing Trays, 5 Pack, Black, Seed Tray, Propagation Tray, Plant Trays for Seedlings, Planting Trays, Microgreens Trays, Seedling Starter Trays. About $15.

MIXC Seedling Trays Seed Starter Tray, 5-Pack Mini Propagator Plant Grow Kit Greenhouse with Humidity Vented Domes and Base for Seeds&#; Starting (40 Cells Per Tray, Total 200 Cells). About $17.

Seed Starter Tray, 24 Cells Indoor Seed Starter Kit, Flexible Silicone Designed Seedling Starter Trays, Germination Tray with Humidity Dome & Lids(4in Height), Reusable & Dishwasher Safe, BPA-Free. About $17.

Jucoan 40 Pack Peat Pots Seed Starter Trays, 480 Cells Germination Seedling Pots, Organic Biodegradable Plant Germination Tray. About $20.

GROWNEER 120 Cells Peat Pots Seed Starter Trays, 12 Packs Biodegradable Seedling Pots Germination Trays. About $12.

 

 

Which Seed Starting Supplies Are Worth It? And Which Aren&#;t?

As a gardener, there is no end to what you could spend your money on. Take seed starting &#; what do you really need? Are those peat pellet kits really worth it? Can you start your seeds in yogurt tubs, or is that somehow not&#;.correct?

Here&#;s my opinionated opinion on what should get your money and what shouldn&#;t.

Worth Spending Your Money On

Quality Seeds

It should go without saying, but I&#;ll pound the point home anyway: better seeds make better seedlings. Good seeds needn&#;t be super expensive. In general, OP seeds cost less than hybrid seeds. I feel hybrid seeds offer an advantage for cauliflower and brussels sprouts, and in cool areas like the NW if you aren&#;t seed saving, you might opt for hybrids for the warm season crops like eggplant, peppers, and melons (because we need all the help we can get for those crops).

Otherwise, less expensive open pollinated varieties are a fine choice. For more info, or if seed selection is overwhelming you, check out my post on How to Pick Your Vegetable Seeds Without Going Crazy.

Quality Lighting

Start your early seeds on the kitchen windowsill? Maybe in the Southwest.

Here in Rainyside, grow lights will give a far superior result. See last year&#;s comparison between window-grown starts and grow-light starts for proof. We have T12 florescent grow lights. We upgraded to these T5 fluorescent grow grow lights in &#; they are a dream &#; and are currently () trialing LED lighting options to see if it finally makes financial sense for the home gardener to switch to LED grow lights .

Make your grow light decision based on what it right for you based on your space available, energy cost, and budget. Don&#;t forget that with lights there is an upfront budget and an operating budget, and in the long run it pays to get a more energy efficient setup.

Mechanical Timer

If you are going to put lights on your seedlings, you want a little robot who will turn your lights on at 5 am and off at 10 pm without you having to remember. Make sure you get one with a grounded plug. You&#;re going to be spraying water around this thing, after all.

Propagation Trays

I love solid, heavy-duty plastic propagation trays. You do NOT need the inserts. Although the inserts are space efficient and I use them, almost any container can be modified into a seed starting container. Anything that can hold a bit of soil and a seed can be used as a pot, including newspaper, toilet paper tubes or old yogurt containers.

However, it is good practice to bottom water your seedlings, and I love the heavy duty solid trays for this. If you can find a bunch of old metal sheetpans with a sturdy, high lip all the way around, or have some plastic shoeboxes that will hold water, those all work well too. If you buy propagation trays, try to get them locally so you can inspect their sturdiness. It is worth paying a bit more for a really heavy duty tray that will last.

Liquid Fertilizer

Fish Emulsion. Here, let me say it again: fish emulsion. This is the perfect liquid fertilizer for seed starting. I dilute to ¼ the recommended strength and bottom water seedlings with it every week or two, depending on the crop.

Once your crops are up and growing outside, if something looks like it needs help &#; dilute fish emulsion. If your spinach looks at you funny &#; dilute fish emulsion. Cilantro going to seed to fast? Dilute fish emulsion. Basically, fish emulsion is like lemon ginger tea: it might not be the exact perfect cure, but it won&#;t hurt, and it&#;ll probably make your plant feel better. When in doubt, dilute fish emulsion.

A Small Fan

If you are starting your seeds in an out of the way area, I highly encourage you to introduce some constant airflow around your seedlings.

This does two very important things. First, it reduces the possibility of soil fungus and whitefly buildup around your seedlings. Second, constant light air movement forces seedlings to grow stronger and tougher, and put a bit more energy into growing a nice sturdy stem. It is important that your seedling&#;s first exposure to airflow isn&#;t a 45 mph wind gust just after your transplant them outside. I have a little soft bladed fan like this:

 

Seed Warming Mat

Not essential, but a seed heating mat is very nice to have if you are starting tomatoes, peppers or (especially) eggplant from seed in the Maritime Northwest. Obviously not needed if you live someplace where you put pepper seeds in the ground and they grow.

Warmer soil means a faster germination and less chance your heat-lovin&#; seeds are going to up and rot on you. I&#;ve had a pair of Hydrofarm seed mats like the one below for seven years, I use them every year, treat them like crap, and they&#;ve both held up very well. They are the same size as the propagation trays, so everything plays together really well on my seed-rack.

 

Not Worth Spending Your Money On

Ok, remember this is just my opinionated opinion. If you disagree, please feel free to (respectfully) make your case in the comments. Maybe you&#;ll change my mind!

Specialty Seed Starting Mix

Particularly the overpriced kind sold the small little bags from high-end nurseries in upscale malls. Grrrrr&#;..that kind of thing makes me cray-zay. If you only want to start five or six transplants, honestly you are probably better off just buying well-grown transplants from a good nursery. Once you get to the point where you start a lot of seeds indoors, you have to look at ways to make your seed starting medium more economical.

In the past I&#;ve used massive bags of standard Miracle Gro, Black Gold or E.B. Stone soilless potting mix and I&#;ve had great results with all of them. If your ethics allow it, the Miracle Gro is fine for seed starting. These days, my preferred potting soil is this DIY homemade mix.

My problem with dedicated seed starting mix in general is that I think it is too light and I don&#;t like the total lack of background nutrition. My goal isn&#;t just to get the maximum possible germination and growth from my seeds, as it might be for a commercial grower. My goal is to grow seedlings that will do well outside without forcing me to spend every waking minute babying my transplants.

A slightly heavier mix that holds more moisture, a slightly larger pot, and added background nutrition in the mix means my transplants can go a day or several without me fussing over them. I do still believe that a sterile mix is a probably a good idea for seed starting, though I have not seen any problems when using not-sterile vermicompost.

Super Expensive Grow Lights&#;Not Worth It, Yet

LED grow lamps are generally very expensive and are probably overkill for getting a little broccoli up and going. Both these types of lamps are mostly designed for professionals who want to take a crop through it&#;s full life cycle indoors or in a greenhouse with precise levels of supplemental light &#; a much more demanding lighting task than growing stocky, well-rooted transplants for outdoor growing.

There is one cash crop whose value probably justifies the expense of these kind of lights (::cough::pot::cough::) and I don&#;t grow it. Homebrew Husband and I are closely watching LED grow light technology. We think in a couple years the startup cost of this technology and the diversity of options for hobbyist set-ups will be where it needs to be for us to make the leap from our old, crappy fluorescents.

Update: LED lights have come down in price radically since I first published this post, and have always held the advantage in long-term operating costs. We are trialing value-priced LED lighting this spring to see if the performance and durability matches our T5 fluorescents. If it is, my recommendation will be for gardeners to start their seedlings under LED grow lights.

Peat Pellets

I hate, hate hate those pop-up, peat/coir, seed-starting pucks. Some people love them. If you look on the Amazon reviews, apparently most people love them. Count me as not among those people.

First, they are typically too small for all but the smallest transplants (like lettuce or chard). The mesh that surrounds the peat may, in some theoretical sense, be biodegradable but it certainly doesn&#;t break down quickly &#; I was finding those mesh liners in my raised beds for three years after I swore off the peat pellets forever.

What peat pellets are really good for is air pruning roots to encourage a well-branched root system at transplant. Soil blocks give you the same advantage without the mesh, and are less expensive in the long run. Or, recycle old newspapers into really biodegradable seed starting pots.

Propagation Dome Lids

Propagation domes are the clear plastic lids you put over your seed propagation tray to keep humidity and moisture in and stop the potting mix from drying out while seeds are germinating. You know what works just as well? A plastic bag or a sheet of plastic wrap.

I have used propagation domes, and I find them flimsy unitaskers, for the most part. As soon as seeds start popping up, take any covering off your seeds or risk mold and damping-off disease in your seedlings. Exception: if you are rooting cuttings, prop lids might be great for you.

What do you think &#; what are your favorite seed starting tools and toys? What&#;s worth it to you, and what isn&#;t?

 

 

 

 

Seed Starting Buying Guide

I've been gardening and writing about gardening for more than 20 years, yet I find I'm always learning new things about the plants, insects and other critters that call my backyard home. That's the great thing about gardening &#; it's never boring! I've worked as a landscaper, on an organic farm, as a research technician in a plant pathology lab and ran a small cut-flower business, all of which inform my garden writing. Someone once asked me when I'll be finished with my gardens, to which I replied, "Never!" For me, gardening is a process, not a goal.

Whether you're new to starting seeds or looking for fresh ways to grow your healthiest plants, we have supplies and systems that ensure success. With so many choices, how do you decide which is right for you? We're here to help.

Factors to Consider

Although you can start seeds in just about any container as long as it has holes for drainage, as with any task you're more likely to have better success using equipment designed specially for that purpose. And if you're new to seed-starting or introducing a friend to growing from seed, why not start with the systems that ensure success? Here are some considerations to help you choose.

Reusable pots and trays are made from durable materials that can be washed, sanitized, and reused year after year.

Plantable pots are made from biodegradable materials so the seedlings can be set in the garden pot and all, eliminating root disturbance. Cleanup is easy, and there are no bulky pots to store.

DIY pots includes those made from recycled materials, such as newspapers, as well as pot-free soil blocks.

Deep-root pots encourage more extensive and robust root systems that help plants make an easy transition to the garden.

Self-watering systems deliver water to seedlings as they need it, reducing the risk of over- or under-watering.

High volume systems allow you to grow a garden's worth of seedlings in a compact space.

 

Gardener's Best® XL Seed Starting Kit: Deep-Cell Kit Grows Extra-Large Seedlings

This innovative self-watering seed starting system is 30% deeper than our Deep Root, growing full-size, garden-ready seedlings that are hardier and healthier. Optional add-ons, sold separately, include: additional Seed Starting Trays and Humidity Domes for fast germination.

Self-watering system extends time between waterings

Durable, reusable & dishwasher-safe

Large pop-out hole in each cell makes transplanting easier

Perfect for:

peppers, zinnias, and other seedlings that would benefit from a BIG starting space; no need to transplant up in a larger pot!

 

Gardener&#;s Best® ECO XL Seed Starting Kit: Deep-Cell Kit Made with 25% Less Plastic

All the benefits of our original XL Seed Starting Kit, but made with hemp fiber and 25% less plastic! Grow extra-large seedlings with an extra-green self-watering seed starting system. Additional Seed Starting Trays and Humidity Domes for fast germination, sold separately.

Made with hemp fiber and 25% less plastic &#; each kit keeps nearly 3 pounds of CO2 out of the atmosphere!

Self-watering system extends time between waterings

Durable, reusable & dishwasher-safe

Large pop-out hole in each cell makes transplanting easier

 

 

Perfect for:

peppers, zinnias, and other seedlings that would benefit from a BIG starting space; no need to transplant up in a larger pot!

 

 

 

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Seedling Trays Price.

 

This heavy-duty, recycled-plastic seed starter includes an efficient and effective self-watering system that solves the challenges of over- or under-watering. Simply fill the reservoir and plants get the water they need, when they need it.

Capilary mat delivers water from reservoir to soil

Dishwasher-safe for easy sterilization between uses

Clear cover holds in heat and moisture to maximize seed germination

Perfect for:

the brand new gardener. The included humidity dome helps seeds germinate and a bottom-up watering design will support veggies, herbs, and flowers

 

Paper Pots Seed Starter Set: Earth-Friendly Paper Cells

Expandable paper honeycomb creates a whopping 50 cells. When you're ready to transplant into the garden, pots tear apart so you can plant them, paper liner and all.

Plantable pots are biodegradable and minimize transplant shock

Ideal for high-volume growing

Reusable perforated tray; paper cell refills available

 

 

Perfect for:

cucumbers, sunflowers, and other seedlings that don&#;t like being handled due to transplant shock

 

 

 

Paper Pot Maker: Make an Endless Supply of Plantable Pots

The ultimate in upcycling! In seconds you can transform strips of newspaper into seed-starting pots, ready to nestle into a waterproof tray and fill with soil mix. Easy, fun, and economical for high-volume growing.

Biodegradable pots minimize transplant shock

Make as few or as many as you need

Eliminates the clutter and storage hassles of plastic pots

Perfect for:

radishes and other quick-growing seeds that don't need to spend weeks in a seedling-sized pot

 

Biodegradable Pots and Tray: Plantable Pots Minimize Transplant Shock

These fully biodegradable pots ease transplanting woes and work, allowing you to plant directly into the garden &#; pot and all. The wood fibers immediately begin to biodegrade, ensuring adequate moisture and aeration as well as restriction-free root growth.

Plantable pots transplant directly into the soil

Heavy-duty plastic tray is reusable year after year

Suitable for organic gardening! No binders or glue in the pots.

Additional biodegradable seed trays sold separately

Perfect for:

cucumbers, nasturtium, squash, and other seedlings that grow quickly and do not appreciate having their roots disturbed

 

Cowpots: Plastic-Free Pots with Fertilizer Built In

An ingenious farmer makes these transplanting pots from odor-free, 100% composted cow manure. As your seedlings grow, the pots gradually degrade, releasing organic nutrients. Plant pot and all in the garden for healthy root growth without transplant shock.

Biodegradable pots transplant directly into garden

Roots grow through and take natural fertilizer with them

Eliminates transplant shock

Perfect for:

heavy feeders&#; like tomatoes, squash, and broccoli will appreciate the slow release of nutrients as this manure-based pot degrades.

 

Soil Blocker: Make Perfectly Sized "Pots" with No Waste

Never run out of starter pots again! This clever device presses moistened soil into compact blocks with a small divot in the top, ready for dropping in a seed. Roots grow freely, get oxygenated, and grow more robustly as a result.

Make blocks as you need them &#; no need to store plastic pots

An easy, no-waste, DIY solution that's perfect for high-volume growing

Minimizes transplant shock.

Perfect for:

peppers, tomatoes, and other seeds that would benefit from a BIG starting space; no need to plant up in a larger pot!

 

Galvanized Seed Starter: Stylish Design and Smart Features

An attractive seed starter worthy of display on a tabletop or under lights. The leakproof tray holds 24 individual, tapered cells, so you can bring the ready-to-transplant seedlings to the garden without disturbing the other plants.

Longlasting and resuable, year after year

Chic galvanized metal complements home decor

Seedlings remove easily with little root disturbance

 

 

Perfect for:

starting a variety of seed types; separate pots make it easy to transplant individual plants one at a time 

 

 

 

 

Deep Root Seed Starter: Grow Bigger, Healthier Plants

This self-watering system features deep growing cells that result in more root mass &#; the secret to vigorous seedlings that thrive when transplanted. The smart design is inspired by the systems used in European horticulture laboratories.

Heavy-duty system can be reused for many years

Self-watering system ensures proper hydration

Perfect for:

peppers, tomatoes, zinnias, and other seeds that would benefit from a BIG starting space with plenty of root space

 

Pop-Out Pots: Seedlings Grow 40% Larger with No Transplant Shock

Pop-Out Pots are the secret to seedlings that are primed for robust growth in the garden. Transplant young seedlings from seed starting trays into these self-watering pots. When it&#;s time to set plants in the garden, simply lift the fabric strips to &#;pop out&#; plants without disturbing roots.

Self-watering system ensures perfect hydration

Easy-lift line minimizes root disturbance

Compact design fits on a windowsill

 

 

Perfect for:

cucumbers, squash, sunflowers, and other seedlings that don&#;t like being handled due to transplant shock

 

 

 

Self-Watering Galvanized Seed Starting Tray: Galvanized Individual-Cell Seed Tray Has Self-Watering Convenience

We designed this system for season after season of successful seed-starting. The leak proof tray holds 24 individual cells, so you can bring the ready-to-transplant seedlings to the garden without disturbing seedlings that aren't quite big enough.

Enjoy seed-starting success year after year

Tapered pots let you easily remove seedlings

Wire grid with moisture-retaining mat keeps seedlings hydrated

 

 

Perfect for:

starting a variety of seed types; separate pots make it easy to transplant individual plants one at a time

 

 

 

Sili Seedlings Seedling Tray, 6-Cell: Eco-Friendly, Silicone Seed-Starting System is Reusable

These sustainable silicone seed-starting trays are durable, reusable, and easy on tender young roots. Because they're so flexible, you can pop seedlings out with ease &#; no tugging or tearing required.

Pop seedlings out quickly and easily

BPA-free, food-grade silicone

Dishwasher safe

Perfect for:

starting seeds with kids (crush-proof!) or gardening in colder climates (frost-proof!)

 

Sili Seedlings Seedling Tray, 10-Cell: Silicone Seed-Starting Trays Are Dishwasher Safe

These silicone trays make seed-starting so much more fun! Like other systems they have base drainage so that soil doesn't stay soggy and rot your seeds. Unlike plastic trays, they won't snap, crack, or break from use. Plus, they're flexible and twistable &#; so when seedlings are big enough to go out to the garden, it's super easy to pop them out. Use 5 to a base tray and you have 50 plants in a 10" x 20" space!

Durable and flexible

Reduces risk of transplant shock

5 trays fit perfectly in our Heavy Duty planting tray

Perfect for:

starting A LOT of seeds with kids (crush-proof!) or gardening in colder climates (frost-proof!)

 

Coco Coir Seed Starting Discs and Tray: No-Mess Seed-Starting System with 50 Plantable Coir Discs

You'll love this reusable, no-mess seed-starting system. Just hydrate the 50 individual coir discs in their cells, add your seeds, and wait for the little shoots to appear! Water as needed until they're ready to transplant into the garden, coir and all! Replacement coir discs available separately.

No soil to mix or scoop

Start a lot of seeds in a small space

Perfect for:

s

 

tarting a whole garden; 50 pre-fi

lled cells make it easy to start many, many seeds at once

 

 

Whether you&#;re a seed starting beginner or a long-time grower experiencing new challenges, you&#;re not alone! We&#;ve collected some of the most common questions we get asked about seed starting with helpful answers and troubleshooting advice.

Finding the right seed starting system is only half the battle! Explore our deep dive on seed-starting to learn the ins and outs of growing flowers and veggies from seed, so you can graduate from novice sower to master grower!

An essential piece of kit for gardeners, seedling trays are the best way to protect tiny seedlings, and begin the planting process. Not only do seedling trays let you sow lots of seeds at once, but many designs can be planted directly into the ground, so you can avoid issues such as transplant shock which can have a negative effect on your plant's growth.

There are a number of different seedling tray options to go for, and in our roundup you'll find peat free fibre pots, bamboo trays and reusable rubber designs - all plastic free so you can keep your garden as green as possible. We've also included a couple of sturdy wooden seedling trays that are ideal for transporting tools, pots, seeds or even a cup of tea, around the garden.

For detailed advice on sowing seeds, head to our detailed guide to planting seeds, and discover the best place to buy seeds online. Don't miss our round up of the best seed storage boxes and heated propagators if you're looking for other growing accessories.

Best seedling trays for

Sili-Seedlings Seed Starter Tray

If you're fed up of thin plastic seedling trays cracking and tearing, you may want to invest in a reusable design made of a more durable material. This silicone option from Sili-Seedlings offers a flexible nature so you can gently ease the soil out without effecting the integrity of the roots.

There are drainage holes on the bottom, and the vibrant green colour is a nice change from the more typical black trays that are commonly used.

It's even dishwasher safe so you can keep your garden equipment nice and clean, ready for the next batch of seedlings. You get two trays in a pack, each with six cells.

Biodegradable Seedling Starter Trays

Opt for a biodegradable seedling tray, and save yourself the hassle of having to remove the soil from the cells before repotting. When germinated, the roots grow through the fibre pot, so you can plant them directly into the soil. An easy, eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic. You can also cut between the cells and tailor them to your gardening needs.

This set comes with 24 plant labels too so you can keep track of what you've planted. With ten trays, each with ten cells, there are plenty to keep you going for a while.

Grow It Round Fibre Pots

A similar principle, these round, peat free fibre pots can be planted directly into the ground, or into a larger pot if you fancy. The pots are made from biodegradable wood pulp and you get 96 in a pack. Why not plant a cutting and gift to a friend? A pot that you don't need returning!

Natural Rubber Seed Tray

If you're looking for a more robust and reusable seedling tray, you could go for a natural rubber design. Just like silicone, it's a flexible and durable choice. This 20 cell rubber seedling tray can be cut in half - ideal for a narrow windowsill or shelf.

Copper Seed Tray

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This option is not only a practical way to grow seedlings, but it also makes a beautiful addition to any windowsill or greenhouse. We love the warm copper tones of the tray, and its rustic, aged look.

If you're after a slightly different shape, you could try the longer, shallower brushed copper tray, also available at Crocus.

And if you love the rustic metal look, you might like Crocus's galvanised steel tray with 24 individual grow pods.

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Bamboo Seed Tray

The soothing sage colour of this bamboo and rice seedling tray makes it an appealing choice, and it's a super option if you want to plant your seedlings in one large batch rather than working with individual cells. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor planting and as an added bonus, the tray is compositable.

The seedling tray should have a life of around five years, but once you're done, just break it up and add the pieces to your compost heap.

Verve Natural Tray

For an easy and inexpensive choice, you can't beat these natural trays from B&Q. Just use the Click&Collect option to pick them up at your local store.

These trays are made from recycled paper pulp and you can compost them at home once you've finished.

Spruce Seedling Tray

Buy from Garden Trading (£15.00)

More of a garden tray for carrying fresh garden vegetables, pots and bulbs rather than a tray for sowing seeds, but a lovely garden accessory nonetheless. The tray is made of spruce, and the 'seedling' text stencilled on the side is a nice touch. A perfect gift for a messy gardener in need of some greenhouse organisation.

Looking for planting inspiration? Take a look at the best meadow seed mix packs to create a wildlife haven.

For more Epic 6-Cell Seed Starting Traysinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.