Seed trays make the process of growing seedlings a whole lot easier. Although it may seem like a simple task to buy a few little seed-starting pots, you will soon discover that there are many different types to choose from. Buying the best-suited seed trays for your seedlings will ensure they grow healthily and quickly. In this guide, we outline everything you need to consider when choosing the best seed trays to start your dream garden.
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Some seed trays with cells can hold up to 70 seedlings while others have only 6 cells. The size you choose will depend on what you are planting, where you are keeping your plants, and how many seedlings you plan to work with. If you have a small greenhouse with plenty of space for your seedlings, a big tray is a good idea. If you want to keep your seedlings on the windowsill in your home, opt for a smaller tray.
Seed starting trays are either made of plastic, which is reusable or they are made from a biodegradable material such as peat which is generally not used more than once.
Both types of trays work well to grow seedlings. The tray material you choose may depend on a few different factors.
If you are an avid gardener and use trays every season, it will be more cost-effective to get reusable trays. The thicker the tray, the more durable it is, however, it is also harder to remove the seedlings from a plastic tray for transplanting.
If you are reusing your trays keep in mind that you will need to clean them and have some storage space to keep them where they won’t get damaged.
Organic veggie gardeners should opt for BPA-free polypropylene plastic seed trays that will not leach chemicals into the planting soil.
Some plastic trays are very thin and intended for one or two uses only. As they are thin, they are easy to manipulate, allowing you to remove the seedlings from the tray without much effort. However, in doing this, you will also likely break them. These types of trays are generally meant to be thrown away after the first or second use, which might not bother you since they are inexpensive. However, plastic waste is not great for the environment.
Biodegradable trays cost more, but they offer many benefits when it comes to the health of your seedlings and the environment. When your seedlings are ready to be transplanted outdoors in your garden, there is no need to remove them from the pots. Simply place the whole pot with the plant in the soil. The pot will break down naturally over time and the roots will spread into the ground. This prevents any transplant shock, stem damage, and root disturbance during the replanting stage. It also makes the entire process less messy and much quicker.
Check whether your seed tray purchase includes any of these items. You can choose a kit that includes all the extra items or buy what you need separately.
Some seed trays come with a dome lid. This clear plastic lid allows you to control the temperature and creates a humid environment ideal for seed germination. Domes will either be solid or have adjustable vents to allow humidity control. If you purchase a dome separately, make sure it matches the size of your seedling tray so that it seals around the edges.
Base trays are fairly flat with no cell structure and are used to keep cell trays organized. Placing your cell tray in the base tray allows you to catch drainage water from the cells and also allows you to water seedlings from underneath to reduce pest and disease problems. Base trays can also be used for hydroponic growing, wheatgrass, and microgreens, and help keep things clean.
Watering mats can be used to draw water to the seed tray cells without oversaturating the soil mix.
Heating mats are usually purchased separately and don’t come with a seed starting kit. They are a great accessory for early indoor growing since they increase germination and growth rates by providing the ideal temperature.
Don’t forget what you have planted. Labeling your seedlings might be necessary, especially if you are new to gardening and not yet proficient at differentiating all your seedlings by just looking at them.
If you’re looking to use a seed to kickstart your winter garden, check out this video below for the tips and tricks to doing so.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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.
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