The Best Seed Starting Trays For Beginner Gardeners

The Best Seed Starting Trays For Beginner Gardeners

For more information, please visit Reusable Seed Starting Trays.

Seed starting trays are a fantastic method to kickstart your garden by growing vegetable, flower, and other plant seedlings indoors before the outdoor climate becomes suitable. These trays are available in various sizes, each with distinctive features and materials. But which options suit beginners best?

Are certain seed starting trays superior to others, and if so, why? This curiosity drove me to explore during this year's growing season as part of my mission to cultivate more homegrown vegetables.

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Are Seed Starting Trays Absolutely Essential?

In previous years, I bypassed seed starting trays, opting instead for a mix of solo cups, old flower pots, yogurt containers, and even egg cartons to hold soil. While all these alternatives serve the purpose and are budget-friendly, my success rates with this cluster of containers were less than stellar.

The primary issue with this ad-hoc approach is its complexity in management. Each type of container requires different watering amounts, occupies more space, and makes it challenging to move seedlings individually when necessary for better light exposure or a new location.

In summary, while seed starting trays aren't a strict necessity for novice gardeners, they indeed simplify the process significantly and markedly enhance your chances of success!

Why Recommend Seed Starting Trays?

Seed starter trays streamline the process by organizing seedlings into manageable units.

• Simplified lighting arrangements: When seedlings are grouped together, it’s easier to provide consistent lighting. The trays fit well under grow lights and are easier to move as a collective unit.
• Easier watering: Uniform-sized cells in seed trays make it simpler to manage moisture levels and prevent overwatering, thanks to built-in drainage systems.
• Plant-specific trays: It's easier to dedicate entire trays to specific plant types, making it efficient to manage different plants’ growth phases, such as herbs in one tray and lettuces in another.
• Moisture regulation: Some trays come with clear covers or domes that help retain moisture during the critical germination and early growth stages.

Understanding Different Seed Starting Tray Materials and Designs

Seed starting trays generally come in two types: reusable rigid plastic and thin recyclable plastic meant for single use. Some designs pair a plastic drip tray with biodegradable cells or peat pellets that you can later plant directly into your garden.

The wide variety of designs can be overwhelming for newcomers. Choosing the right tray depends on several factors, and this guide aims to help you pick the best option for your needs.

Choosing the Perfect Seed Tray Size

Most seed starter trays have a standard 10" x 20" dimension but vary in the number of cells—or individual plant compartments—they contain.

High-cell trays: These trays, ranging up to 128 cells, are suitable for plants with short indoor growth periods like some lettuces. They require transplanting relatively quickly.

Low-cell trays: These range from 24 to 48 cells, making them ideal for plants such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers and can maintain seedlings for 4 to 8 weeks.

• High-cell trays excel with fast-growing plants like spinach and kale, which may need transplantation to outdoor conditions sooner.
• Low-cell trays are better suited for longer-growing plants like tomatoes and squashes.

Root vegetables are best planted directly into the garden rather than started in trays.

Bio-degradable Inserts vs. Plastic Cell Trays

Your choice between biodegradable cell inserts and plastic cell trays depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Bio-degradable cell inserts simplify transplanting since the entire cell can be moved into a larger container or garden bed, decomposing naturally. However, they need yearly replacement and can develop mold more easily.

Plastic cell trays are reusable, durable, and offer longevity. The main challenge lies in transplanting, which may require tools like a butter knife to safely remove seedlings without damaging them.

Essential Accessories for Seed Starting Trays

Consider these accessories to enhance your seed starting experience:

• LED Grow Lights: Ensure adequate lighting to prevent growth issues.
• Heat Mats: Maintain consistent soil temperatures to expedite germination.
• Base Trays: Facilitate drainage and allow bottom watering, which minimizes disease and pest risks.
• Clear Dome Lids: Help retain heat and moisture, especially beneficial during the germination phase.

Best Seed Starting Trays for Beginners

Our exploration of the best seed trays for the garden involved trialing three popular styles: biodegradable cell inserts on a plastic base tray, peat pellet inserts with a base tray, and rigid plastic celled trays with a watering base.

Jiffy Professional Greenhouse 72-Cell Starter Kit

Review:

A user-friendly seed starting tray for novices, just add water, and the peat pellets expand. This kit eliminates the need for additional potting soil and retains moisture well due to the clear heat dome. However, the small cell size limits the growth duration before transplantation is required. Perfect for lettuces and plants needing early outdoor transplantation.

Pros:

• Easy to plant and expand peat pellets
• Includes a clear lid for moisture retention
• Comes with a base tray for easy watering
• No extra potting soil needed

Cons:

• Short growth window before transplanting is necessary
• Peat pellets require replacement after each use

32 Cell Peat Pot Strips

Review:

These larger peat pots offer ample space for seedlings to grow for 6 to 8 weeks. Ideal for tomatoes, peppers, and squash. The base tray facilitates easy watering, but care is needed to prevent overwatering and mold growth. Cutting the strips before transplanting reduces plant disturbance. Overall, an excellent choice for most plant types.

Pros:

• Biodegradable inserts simplify planting and transplanting
• Large cell size supports long indoor growth
• Base tray facilitates easy watering
• Allows extended growth periods before transplanting

Cons:

• Inserts require yearly replacement
• Needs a solid watering tray (often sold separately)
• Potting soil required for filling

Re-Useable 72 Cell Plug Tray

Review:

This reusable tray just needs fresh potting soil each time. Deep 1.8-inch cells allow for solid root development, making it suitable for herbs, peppers, and lettuces for up to 6 weeks. Removing plugs without damaging roots can be tricky and might require loosening with a utensil.

Pros:

• Reusable tray
• Each cell comes with a drainage hole
• Deep cells support better root growth

Cons:

• Requires a base tray for drainage
• Seedlings are harder to remove compared to biodegradable inserts

Summary

Overall, each seed starting tray style has its own advantages and drawbacks, making them suitable for various purposes. Planting 2-3 seeds per cell and thinning back to one seedling post-germination yielded the best outcomes.

Jiffy peat plugs: Ideal for lettuces, herbs, and brassicas that can be quickly transplanted outdoors. Not suitable for tomatoes and cucumbers due to limited root space.

32 peat pots: Great for plants needing longer establishment periods, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash. May require spacing adjustments as plants grow.

Re-usable 72 cell trays: Worked well even for larger plants like tomatoes and peppers, thanks to deep cells. However, plug removal can be challenging.

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Seed Starting Tray Buyer's Guide

Seed trays are indispensable for initiating seeds and cuttings. Commonly made from lightweight plastic, biodegradable paper, or compressed peat, these trays are divided into cells for individual seedlings, akin to a muffin tin.

Seed tray cells typically measure 2 to 3 inches deep, with some as small as 1 inch. Tray sizes vary from small six-packs (around 4x8 inches) to larger trays (up to 12x20 inches). Some trays come with flat trays underneath to collect excess water, and others include a plastic cover or dome to create a mini-greenhouse effect.

The abundance of choices can be overwhelming. This guide aims to clarify various types of seed trays and their uses, helping you make an informed decision.

For more information on Multi-cell seedling trays, feel free to contact us.

Types of Seed Starting Trays

Select a seed tray that meets your specific gardening needs. Choices include individual cell trays, multi-cell trays, and open flat trays. Individual cell trays are suitable for larger seeds or plants that need ample space. Multi-cell trays are ideal for smaller seeds or closely spaced plants. Open flat trays offer flexibility for various seed sizes.

Plastic Sectioned Starting Tray

A lightweight plastic tray divided into cells, typically 2 to 3 inches deep. The plastic can be either thin and light or heavier and more durable. Some models feature flexible bottoms to ease the removal of rooted seedlings.

Sectioned Fiber Seed Tray

Compressed paper fiber or peat trays resemble plastic trays in size and depth. Often sold with underlying plastic trays to catch dripping water, some of these are designed to fit snugly onto windowsills.

Open Trays or Flats

These trays lack individual cells and are generally wider, accommodating smaller seeds that are broadcast or scattered across the growing medium. Seedlings from open trays often require thinning to allow for individual growth without competition.

Self-watering Seed Trays

Featuring drainage holes and capillary matting, self-watering trays have an outer tray without drainable holes that fits beneath the starting tray. Water poured into the outer tray is absorbed by the matting, indirectly hydrating the seedlings.

Seed Trays with Plastic Covers

Plastic covers provide added climate control during germination. The cover fits over the starting tray, acting like a mini-greenhouse. Some versions have vents for temperature and humidity adjustment, beneficial in colder climates to extend the growing season.

Seed Tray Use Tips

• Sow 2-3 seeds per compartment to counteract poor germination; thin out the weakest seedlings.
• Select trays where all seedlings share similar watering needs and planting schedules for easier maintenance.
• Pre-moisten the growing medium before sowing seeds.
• Biodegradable trays can be planted directly into the garden, but trim off any parts above the soil line.

Seed Tray Material

Seed trays come in plastic or biodegradable varieties. Plastic trays are durable and easy to clean, while biodegradable trays, made from peat or coconut fiber, decompose in the soil, reducing transplant shock.

Plastic Trays

Widely chosen for their durability and lightweight nature, plastic trays retain moisture well but ensure the plastic is BPA-free. Recycled plastic options are available and offer similar benefits.

Biodegradable Fiber or Paper Trays

Made from eco-friendly materials, these trays can be planted directly into the ground, promoting healthy root growth and reducing transplantation effort.
However, they can be more expensive than plastic trays.

Seed Tray Depth

Choose trays with cell depths suited to your plants’ root systems. Deeper cells are necessary for plants with extensive root systems, while shallower cells work for plants with minimal root needs.

Seed Tray Drainage

Essential for preventing waterlogging and promoting healthy roots, good drainage systems, typically with bottom holes, are crucial. Some trays offer side holes for more controlled watering.

Seed Tray Buying Tips

• Consider the size based on your available space and the number of seeds you're planting.
• Ensure adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
• Sectioned trays, though pricier, minimize root competition and transplant shock.
• Look for durable, reusable plastic trays.
• Self-watering trays can simplify maintenance.
• Evaluate factors such as durability, moisture retention, and eco-friendliness.

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.

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