Seed starting isn’t rocket science, but having the appropriate equipment gives you an edge. We’ve reviewed the best seed starting trays in this article. Starting your plants from seeds is one of the most gratifying aspects of gardening. It’s fascinating to consider how everything begins with a little seed, whether you’re eating something you produced or admiring a hummingbird as it circles your blooms. Also, starting your seeds is cost-effective. You may easily save hundreds of dollars each year by learning how to develop successful seeds from scratch.
Not only will it save you money, but it will also give you a significant head start in the spring season. You may get strong, robust plants that are ready to go when the threat of frost is gone by starting your seeds indoors or in a greenhouse rather than on the ground. Here are the best seed starting kits to look into:
Best Seed Starting Trays: Our Top 7 Picks
It’s that time of year again. If you want to plant your garden directly outside, now is the time to start seeding and transplanting. But what trays should you use? Are cell packs better than flats? So many choices! We’ve done the legwork for you and found the best seed starting trays on the market today.
#1. 10 Seed Starting Plant Growing Trays (Without Holes): [Reusable seed starting trays.]
These are smaller and more manageable trays than the previous version. The smaller size makes them great for growing microgreens or herbs. They are sturdy, durable, and recyclable. Customers have used these trays to grow wheatgrass, microgreens, kale sprouts, lettuce sprouts, and cut grass. These are tiny and easy to transport, fitting on a windowsill. They’re sturdier, easier to handle, and more convenient than big trays.
We have had great success using these 10 seed starting plant growing trays without holes to grow lettuce, kale, basil, and wheatgrass. The collapsible design makes them perfect for food storage or taking with you on the go.
These seeds starter trays are made from sturdy construction so they will not bend under regular use. They are also dishwasher safe, making them easy to clean. We like these seed starting trays because they don’t require any assembly; you can just take them out of the box and start using them right away.
This is a good place to start seeds or grow tiny greens. It is essential for hydroponics, indoor gardening, or greenhouse growing. It can equally work as wheatgrass trays, microgreen trays, and cut grass.
The tray is made from strong and durable plastics and can be reused and recycled. It is very easy to clean and saves time watering plants as the hole-free growth surface ensures that there are no leaks. The complaint with this product, however, is that it is not as strong as advertised, the sides do easily bend.
Check Price and Reviews On Amazon#2. Heavy Duty 1020 Trays No Holes and Humidity Dome: [Heavy duty seed starting trays]
With this heavy-duty seed tray, you can easily monitor the growth of your plants. As the clear propagation dome lets you easily observe your plants without contaminating their environment.
Maintain control of the growing process with humidity domes that let you regulate the temperature and humidity of your seedling tray environment. These seed starting trays are constructed from high-quality plastics. The heavy-duty design makes it ideal for year-round use, thanks to its durability. It is made from food-grade and non-toxic materials and has UV protection.
The tray measures 10 x 20 inches and is designed with 0 holes, domes, and handles. This tray can be used for sowing grass seeds, planting flower seeds like petunias or salvia, etc. The tray also features vents that let the excess water drain out so you can maintain the humidity level. This product has received numerous positive reviews, but there were complaints about it not being durable and difficult to clean.
We know that transplanting is a pain, this dome work with your existing trays to provide the best transplanting experience possible. our domes let you control your plants’ humidity, temperature, and airflow. Simply place your seeds in one of our seed starter trays, put the dome on top, and water as usual. The model is made from durable plastic that will not crack or break easily. It comes with vent holes that provide air circulation and prevent any kind of mold growth. The clear dome facilitates easy monitoring of the growing process as well as vented sides that help add humidity inside the dome.
These seed starting trays are large enough to accommodate a wide range of plant types and sizes. They have a sturdy design plus some holes on the bottom side for drainage. The domes fit snuggly onto each tray, which allows you to manage humidity and temperature levels while growing your plants.
Check Price and Reviews On Amazon#3. 3-Set Strong Plant Growing Trays with Humidity Domes:
These strong plant-growing trays come in three pieces. Each piece has two different types of vents on the side, allowing you to control airflow and moisture easily. The domes fit perfectly onto each tray and completely seal in humidity while providing a clear view for easy monitoring without risking contamination.
The seed starter trays boast a heavy-duty construction that ensures they won’t bend or buckle under regular use. Because they are dishwasher safe, you can keep your trays clean quickly and efficiently.
They are perfect for indoor gardening so you can grow plants of any kind in your home or apartment without hassle. You’ll also be able to effortlessly transplant sprouts into larger pots when they get bigger after germination. These seed starting trays have the added benefit of the domes, which provide extra protection for your plants when placed on top.
The clear domes let you easily monitor growth without exposing your sprouts to outside influences that might cause them harm. They also allow excess water to drain away in case there’s too much humidity, which can help prevent mold growth in the tray itself.
The bottom of the tray features small holes that allow excess water to disperse and keep your plant’s root system from drowning. And with a sturdy design, these seed starting trays stand up to almost any amount of weight without bowing or buckling under pressure.
There were complaints about the domes being difficult to take off and put on, which can make working with them a bit frustrating. The domes are made from durable plastic that won’t crack or break easily, but if you take off and put them on often, they may lose their seal eventually. The domes also have vent holes to help keep the air circulating inside while preventing mold growth.
They come in a set of three trays to make it easy for you to get up and sprouting quickly, though some buyers were disappointed at the lack of instructions. The domes are reusable and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning after germination has taken place. The vent holes may become large over time with frequent use, but you can always trim them down as needed to keep them opening and closing properly.
There were complaints about the plastic being too thin or weak, which can make them prone to cracking under regular use. But overall, these strong plant-growing trays are an excellent choice for anyone looking to grow their plants at home without spending a fortune or using up much storage space in the process.
Check Price and Reviews On Amazon#4. J&D 5 Packs Propagation Starter Seedling Tray :
It is a high-quality tray with no hole that is perfect for seed starting, cutting propagation, plant growing, hydroponics, and more. The clear walls let you monitor the growth process without worrying about contamination from outside forces.
These seed starting trays have a sturdy design that can hold up to most regular use, but they are dishwasher safe so your work is simplified even further. They boast a vent hole system on the side that makes it easy to control the airflow and moisture levels inside. The domes create a protective seal around each tray, trapping in humidity and excess water while preventing mold growth (which is very common with plastic trays).
The trays come in three pieces to make them easier for you to manage and use. They allow excess water to escape through the bottom holes, which keeps your plant’s roots from drowning in too much moisture. The design of these trays is simple, effective, and reliable for both experimental growers and frequent gardeners alike.
The flexible plastic construction makes it easy to use but can pose a risk if you drop them by accident. Some users also noted that they are a bit smaller than they seemed from the pictures, which makes them a little less useful if you’re trying to germinate large numbers of plants at once.
These seed-starting trays are a great choice for anyone looking to get their experience started quickly and effectively with no frills or fuss. They provide an excellent design that is easy to use and very simple to clean up after use.
The bottom of the tray features small holes that allow excess water to disperse and keep your plant’s root system from drowning. The domes create a protective seal around each tray, trapping in humidity and excess water while preventing mold growth (which is very common with plastic trays).
They come in a set of three trays to make it easy for you to get up and sprouting quickly, though some buyers were disappointed at the lack of instructions. The domes are reusable and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning after germination has taken place.
Check Price and Reviews On Amazon#5. Thick 1020 Microgreens Sturdy Seeds Nursery Seedling Flats Trays : Best Reusable seed starting trays
These thick microgreens seedling trays are made from durable and high-quality material, making them suitable for your seed growing requirements. The tray is very sturdy with no breakable spots. You can carry an entire tray of soil with just one hand, which will save you lots of time moving around the work area.
You can separate these Microgreens Sturdy Seeds Nursery Seedling Flats Trays with your bare hands, which will not damage them when separating. This is also a good size for carrying normal plug trays. It’s the size of a 10/20 plug tray. It is strong enough to carry 500g of soil in a single hand.
The Bulge Lines on the bottom of the floor make it stronger. They will help to hold up any dirt that has been put in the tray. It also makes the air circulation better at the bottom.
The bottom of the tray features small holes that allow excess water to disperse and keep your plant’s root system from drowning. The domes create a protective seal around each tray, trapping in humidity and excess water while preventing mold growth (which is very common with plastic trays).
These Microgreens Sturdy Seeds Nursery Seedling Flats Trays can be used for many different types of propagation, plant growing, hydroponics, and more. The clear walls let you monitor the growth process without worrying about contamination from outside forces.
All these seed starting trays have a sturdy design that can hold up to most regular use, but they are dishwasher safe and easy to clean. They provide an excellent design that is easy to use and very simple to clean up after use. The domes are reusable and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning after germination has taken place.
Check Price and Reviews On Amazon#6. Tierra Garden Deep Rootrainers Seed and Cutting Propagation Kit: [Deep Root Seed Starting tray]
This deep root propagation kit provides a safe and effective way to germinate seeds, start seedlings, cuttings, roots, and more without worrying about its condition. The Deep Rootrainers are designed specifically to grow plants faster with straighter and deeper root systems for superior plants.
It comes with 1 holding tray and 100 Deep Rootrainers Seedling Tray. This is a great tool to have for your seedlings and cuttings. The design provides 50% more root room than standard propagation trays. Each tray can hold up to 4 seedlings or cuttings with plenty of soil space around the roots for optimum growing conditions.
The deep rooting cells open like a book, making transplanting easy and root disturbance minimal. In addition, the unique design allows every cell to be filled with soil and water – no wasted space here.
These Deep Rootrainers easily snap together and fit into the holding tray. Each cell has a small, round indentation at its base to allow air pruning of plants’ roots, helping them grow deeper grooves that will become stronger and better adapted to handling stress.
The bottom of the tray features small holes that allow excess water to disperse and keep your plant’s root system from drowning. The domes create a protective seal around each tray, trapping in humidity and excess water while preventing mold growth (which is very common with plastic trays).
All these seed starting trays have a sturdy design that can hold up to most regular use, but they are dishwasher safe and easy to clean. They provide an excellent design that is easy to use and very simple to clean up after use. The domes are reusable and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning after germination has taken place.
Reusable cells fit into the holding tray and snap together. This is easy to transplant. The cells open like a book for easy transplantation. You can use the included holding tray and propagating lid to create different configurations of the Deep Rootrainers.
Check Price and Reviews On Amazon#7. 15 x 11 Inches Plant Growing Trays Seedling Starter Trays
These 11- inches plant-growing trays are ideal for seed germination, hydroponics, and drip trays. These black plant-growing trays may be reused many times if properly maintained and handled. It is made of durable plastic that is guaranteed to not crack or break under normal circumstances. The reinforced edges and lips provide additional strength and durability.
It doesn’t contain holes in the bottom, so water and nutrients can stay inside, keeping your plants moist for their entire growing cycle. Plant labels are included to help you keep track of what you’re growing!
It has heavy-duty polycarbonate for strength, reinforced edges and lips, and UV-protected plastic for long-term use.
The seed tray is durable, reusable, and less prone to cracking. These growing trays can be reused several times. They’re great for growing wheatgrass in your kitchen, as they’re very tiny and portable. In addition to growing wheatgrass, they may be used to create seedlings, microgreens in soil, and more.
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Buyer’s Guide: Choosing The Best Seed Starting Trays.
If you’re a serious gardener, then you already understand the value of starting your seeds indoors ahead of time. When you do it correctly, they can be transplanted in to your garden with no trouble at all. Of course, making certain that the seedling is strong enough to survive tends to be a point of concern for beginners.
No matter what kind of greenhouse you’re growing your seedlings in, it is important that the container functions as intended. Fortunately, there are all kinds of options on the market and we’ve put together a list to show you some of them.
When considering starting seeds indoors or in a greenhouse, one must prioritize the following factors when choosing a seed starting kit:
Portability: In the case of the latter, when you’re using a dome greenhouse, it can be helpful to have something that comes with wheels so that you can easily move it around in your yard or the house if needed. Look for kits that use a material such as soft fabric or canvas to make it easier to move.
Reusability: Reusable pots and trays are made from durable materials that can be washed, sanitized, and reused year after year.
Moisture: Another factor to consider is moisture retention. You’ll need to make sure that your seedling container allows for proper drainage, yet still holds just enough moisture so that your plants have the strength they need to grow. Water must be able to seep through into the bottom without any problems. There are seed starting kits that come with pots, drainage material and other components to help you get started.
Temperature control: When considering the best seed starting kits, it’s important to remember that they aren’t just for indoors. Rather, many of them can be used in a greenhouse or garden environment with ease. That means that you should consider the temperature range and if it will provide enough warmth for your seedlings. Some kits come with heat mats and other devices to keep your seedlings from getting too cold.
Material composition: While some materials have been used in home-based greenhouses for many years, others may not be as well Whether you are looking for biodegradable seed starting trays, or want materials that are resistant to mold and mildew, choosing between plastic, peat moss or soil will have a significant impact on your success in germination rates.
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FAQs About Seed Starting Trays
How big should seed starting trays be?
The size of the seedling tray that you use is very straightforward. It needs to be big enough for each plant and its roots, without being too large and leaving a lot of wasted space. If your plants get too large before they are ready to transplant, it can stress them. If your tray is too big after you transplant it to the garden, it can take up space in your garden and not function as efficiently.
How long should seedlings stay in starter trays?
Seedlings do best when they are left in their starter tray until they have developed their “true” leaves, which typically takes about two weeks. This is known as the time before “true” leaves.
The seedling tray can be used more than once if it’s cared for properly. Make sure to use a disinfectant every time you reuse your seed starting tray to prevent contamination or disease. After each re-use, clean the soil out of the tray and let it dry completely. When you’re ready to plant, put a fresh coat of soil in your tray and place media that are appropriate for the size of your seedlings into the tray.
These trays may become dirty over time so it’s best to keep a few extras on hand when they start looking worn out. Just put them into a bin and use them for compost or potting soil.
Are seedling trays reusable?
Seedling trays are not designed to be reused more than once. Once the soil in the tray becomes too compacted or contaminated from disease, it’s important to replace it with fresh soil. For this reason, seedling trays are not reusable.
How do I choose a seedling tray?
Seedling trays are available in many different styles, with various mediums to plant into. You can use peat pots that you simply remove the bottom of or plastic cell packs. Jiffy trays are also great for starting seeds and they can be used more than once.
Good seedling trays have drainage holes built-in so the soil can dry out between watering and you can even purchase a tray that has a greenhouse effect, which allows for earlier growth of your plants. Seedlings should be watered from below with a watering can or misting bottle until they are established. Once your seedlings have their first set of true leaves, you can remove the plastic covering and place them in a sunny location.
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Conclusion
Whether it’s your first time gardening or you’re a seasoned pro, starting seeds indoors is an easy way to get an early start on your garden every year. With the right supplies, proper timing, and good gardening practices, you can be harvesting fresh herbs, vegetables, and flowers from your garden all summer long.
