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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.
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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.
Are you interested in learning more about Seedling Trays Price? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
- 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.
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.
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.
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!
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Epic 6-Cell Seed Starting Trays.
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