Apr. 07, 2025
Having a successful farm or garden starts with proper planning and preparation, and that includes choosing the right tools and supplies. One of the most important tools for starting plants is the seed tray.
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There are several types of seed trays available, and each one has its own benefits and uses. In this article, we will explore the different types of seed trays and how to use each of them effectively.
Starting seeds in cell trays, especially in the larger ones, gives the grower the advantage of being able to start more seedlings in their growing space. This is especially handy for row crops where the grower may want to plant 100 or more of each variety.
Growing this many seedling starts in larger seed pots would take up way too much space. The other advantage is that you will waste less growing media starting out your seeds and then up-potting the successfully germinated starts into new pots.
There are two basic parts to a seed tray, one of which is optional:
Tray – this is the top part that holds soil, individual containers (pots), or a cell flat. When used with a cell flat, the tray is used for watering from below.
Cell flat (plug flat) – this is the optional lower part. This is the part that holds the water to keep you from watering the seedlings very frequently.
Seedling trays come in different forms, including mesh seed trays, solid seed trays with drainage holes, and solid seed trays without drainage holes (leak-proof seed trays).
A mesh seed tray is a type of seed tray that allows air, water, and light to pass through it while also providing support and protection to seedlings as they grow. It typically consists of a frame made of durable plastic or wire mesh, with a tray or pot placed inside it to hold the soil and seeds.
Mesh seed trays are specifically designed for seed starting, and they are often used in commercial and home gardens to start seedlings before transplanting them into larger containers or into the ground. They are also commonly used for microgreen production, which is the practice of growing germinated seeds into small, edible plants that are harvested a few weeks after germination.
By allowing air, water, and light to pass through, mesh seed trays help to reduce the risk of damping off, a disease that can kill young seedlings. They also allow for better drainage, reducing the risk of root rot and other diseases associated with overwatering.
Where to buy:
Amazon
Shopee
Lazada
A cell seed tray is composed of small, individual cells, each of which is typically about 5 to 10 millimeters wide, long, and deep. The cells are arranged in a grid-like pattern, with rows and columns, and they're separated from each other by small walls. Cell seed trays are often used for growing seedlings, particularly when growing crops in a commercial setting.
Cell seed trays are beneficial because they allow for efficient and convenient seedling production.
The small cells allow for even distribution of water and nutrients to the sprouts, and they provide a secure and stable base for the seedlings to grow and mature. This makes it easier to transplant them into larger containers or directly into the ground, and it decreases the risk of damage to the seedlings.
Overall, cell seed trays are a versatile and efficient tool for growing seedlings and they're a popular choice for commercial growers or those who want to start their own miniature farm.
Where to buy:
Amazon
Shopee
Lazada
Solid seed trays with drainage holes allow for adequate drainage, making them suitable for planting multiple seeds together in one place.
The drainage holes prevent the soil from becoming saturated with water and promote healthy root growth. However, the lack of individual cells makes it impossible to move seedlings to separate containers once they grow larger.
Where to buy:
Amazon
Shopee
Lazada
Solid seed trays without drainage holes (leak-proof seed trays) do not allow for any drainage at all. They are best used for holding cell flats and allowing for bottom watering. By holding water, the tray can be used to catch excess water from watering seeds, or to water seeds from below.
WHERE TO BUY:
Amazon
Shopee
Lazada
A seed tray with a humidity dome is a growing system that provides an ideal environment for seed germination and early plant growth. It consists of a seed tray, which is a tray with small, individual cells or pots, and a humidity dome, which is a clear plastic cover that fits over the tray.
The humidity dome creates a warm, moist environment that is essential for seed germination and early plant growth. The cover traps moisture and moisture-laden air around the seedlings, providing them with a consistent supply of water. This can be particularly beneficial during dry periods or when the air is particularly dry.
Seed trays with humidity domes are particularly useful for growing plants that require a warm and humid environment, such as tomatoes, peppers, and other vegetables. They are also popular for growing herbs, flowers, and other outdoor plants.
WHERE TO BUY:
Amazon
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Leak-Proof Seedling Trays.
Shopee
Lazada
Biodegradable seed trays are the environmentally friendly solution to traditional, plastic seed trays.
Instead of being made from synthetic materials that can take hundreds of years to decompose, biodegradable seed trays are made from natural materials such as recycled paper, biodegradable plastic, or plant-based materials.
These innovative trays provide all the benefits of traditional seed trays, including protection for seedlings and support for roots, but with the added bonus of being gentle on the environment. Biodegradable materials are non-toxic and they won't pollute the soil or water systems when they're discarded.
Biodegradable seed trays are a great choice for gardeners who want to reduce their environmental impact while still nurturing their plants. They're also an excellent choice for commercial growers who need to minimize their waste output and meet sustainability goals.
WHERE TO BUY:
Amazon
Shopee
Lazada
An ergonomic pop-out seed tray is a growing tray designed for the comfort and productivity of gardeners.
Soft food-grade silicone cells cradle seedlings and gently flex to pop out when it’s time to transplant into your outdoor garden! This system is specially designed to reduce stress on your seedlings, so you don't damage their roots. After transplanting, trays are easy to clean and reuse or simply store for next growing season. Top shelf dishwasher safe.
The tray is made from lightweight, durable materials that are easy to clean. These trays are a popular choice among commercial growers and home gardeners who want to maximize their seedling production while minimizing their physical strain.
Where to buy:
Amazon
Are you growing a large number of one variety of plants for transplanting row crops?
Are you planting smaller numbers of a wide variety of plants?
Will you be planting your crops all at once, or will you be using the succession planting method?
What type of seeds will you be planting? Peppers, tomatoes, lettuce, watermelon, etc.?
How large are the seeds?
How long will your seedlings need to stay in the cell trays?
Will you be potting up your plant starts or planting out directly from the plug trays?
How much protected growing space do you have to start seeds in?
Will you use a heat mat or a dome or rely on ambient temperatures and humidity for germination?
Plastic Seed Trays Plastic seed trays are one of the most popular types of trays for starting plants. They are lightweight, durable, and easy to clean. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and are a budget-friendly option.
Yes. It is possible to overwater seedlings growing in cell trays. A common mistake growers make though is to leave water in the bottom of a plug tray at all times. This will eliminate your seedling’s ability to get oxygen.
Bottom-watering can be properly done by adding just enough water to allow the cell tray to evenly absorb it during the watering and no more. You want to discard the excess water as it will become stagnant and invite anaerobic bacteria to wreak havoc on your newly established seedlings.
Why Should You Use Seed Starting Trays
When plants are healthy from the start, they're more likely to grow vigorously and look their most beautiful when fully grown. Plant trays and flats provide a safe place for young plants while they sprout, making them a must for casual and expert gardeners.
Some people also use planting trays for permanent indoor growing to produce a beautiful, lush environment. Unlike large, potentially messy outdoor pots, these trays are made to be used inside with leak-proof designs. They're also very affordable, saving you money compared to regular outdoor pots.
Propagation Trays, Seed Trays and More
Shop dozens of bulk plant trays that are made for the way you garden.
Our trays are available in three different thicknesses to meet all budgets and demands. These standard-size garden trays are perfect for inserts that help you get a jump on spring as a seed-starting tray, or fill them up with soil and seeds for a handy fodder tray. The heavy-duty open design allows for easy community watering, and they're available with or without drainage holes. You can get colored trays for an extra pop or some daisy trays for your bedding plants.
Make sure to check out our lineup of inserts, propagation trays, black form trays, plug flats, carrying trays and humidity domes. They're made of durable materials such as thermoformed plastic and terracotta to prevent leakage.
Not a fan of plastic? We have biodegradable tray pots, mesh drainage trays, plant irrigation waterbeds and much more in various shapes and sizes. Grow your plants while respecting the environment with trays that make the most of every resource used to grow your garden.
You can get a giant garden tray to use as an irrigation table for potted plants or a seed-starter kit that simplifies those crucial early growth stages. There are kits for organic seed starting, kitchen herbs, high-humidity seedlings and much more.
The Best Plant and Seedling Tray Collection
Greenhouse Megastore supplies hobby gardeners and commercial planters with the planting trays, expertise and fast shipping they need to grow amazing flora. Whether you need a seed starting tray for your greenhouse grow table, a propagation tray to place on the windowsill or a flat to showcase plants during a farmers market, we have the right trays in stock.
You also get the best deal on planting trays and seed starters. Greenhouse Megastore will match any online competitor's advertised price and give volume discounts on many items as part of our Price Match Policy. Contact our team today to discuss your planting goals and how our selection of Greenhouse Megastore trays can help you meet those goals.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website cheap seed starting trays.
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