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A successful garden starts here .
In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
Healthy seedling are the bread and butter of a successful , prosperous garden . While you’re able to develop your seeds in any container , or directly in the footing , use a seed - depart tray can give you more control over atmospheric condition like humidness and hydration . Because sprouting often begin indoors , seed - starting tray also make it easier tomanage your seedlingsin smaller spaces .
Katie Russo , content mathematical process manager at Bootstrap Farmer , offer some advice on what to look for when shopping for a source - starting tray . “ calculate for reusability , food - safe material , and good drain to ensure healthy seedling growth and long - terminus use , ” she tell .
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
The best seed - get trays provide a phone number of welfare , like conserving infinite and giving you more command over the conditions your seedling are exposed to . However , not all seed - starting tray are made the same , with some bid dissimilar textile , uses , and reusability .
What We Researched
While researching come - begin tray , we considered factors such as durability , relief of use , and the size of the cubicle as well as the trays themselves .
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
MIXC Seedling Starter Tray Kit
The MIXC semen starter outfit include an adjustable humidity dome that brook a motley of seeds .
The lid on these seed tray do n’t interlock into place , so you may need to secure them if placing the tray outside .
TheMIXC seed - dispatcher tray kitis a great option for newfangled and experienced gardener alike , providing everything you need to get started . This outfit comes not only with 10 seed - originate trays , each which has 12 cells , but also a base tray , humidity dome , and even labels to keep path of your seedlings .
Credit: Amazon
Along with enough room for scads of unlike seed , the seed tray themselves can be removed from the base tray , which can be used alone . This provide two different means of planting for germination that fits the penury of your plants .
The include humidness dome is adjustable , allowing you to control the amount of moisture for your seedling . This can be useful if the source you plan on planting are peculiar about humidity .
It ’s important to observe , however , that the lids do n’t snarl or lock down . While this is okay for indoor use , if you have pet or plan on placing these trays outside , you may require to encounter a way to secure the lid .
Credit: Amazon
intersection item : Size:10 tray with 12 cell each |Cell Dimensions:1.5 x 1.5 x 2 in . |Material : Plastic |Drainage Holes : Yes |Accessories : Base trays , humidity domes , works labels
Best Budget
Industry Standard Grower’s Supply Seedling Starter Trays
These tray allow 720 cell across 120 humble tray .
Because they ’re made of slight plastic , you may not be able to recycle these tray .
TheIndustry Standard Grower ’s Supply kitincludes 120 seed - starting trays . Each tray is made of a sparse , lightweight plastic with six cells each for a total of 720 cells .
Credit: Amazon
This allows you to start C of seedling at once — or , have a supply of tray to expend each time of year if you ’re only interested in germinating a few plants . Plus , the includedplant labelsmake continue up with your seed types a snap .
Although the slight plastic does make it easier to have a bun in the oven and store these trays , it also makes them less long-wearing than some other options . This means these trays more susceptible to damage during employment , and you may not be capable to reprocess them .
However , along with being lightweight , this charge plate allows for greater flexibility of the cells themselves , which can help when you’reremoving the germinated seedling for graft .
Credit: Amazon
Cartesian product Details : Size:120 tray with six cellular telephone each |Cell Dimensions:1.5 x 1.5 x 2.25 in . |Material : charge card |Drainage Holes : Yes |Accessories : Plant labels
Best Self-Watering
Burpee Self-Watering Seed Starter Tray
This outfit ’s self - water mat boil down the danger of overwatering your seedling , promoting sizable germination .
Setup for this kit can take longer than traditional seed starting tray .
Different works require different amounts of water , and too little or too much water system can make the deviation in how well your seeds germinate . TheBurpee self - lachrymation traynot only removes the hassle of daily watering but also reduces the endangerment of overwatering your seedlings .
Credit: Gardeners Supply Company
The self - watering mat delivers water supply directly to the roots of each plant through the drainage holes . This kit also include several accessory to help embark on your seeds , including get shot and a planting diagram .
One matter to keep in mind with the Burpee self - watering germ starter tray is that it can take more time to localize up than traditional trays . You need to prepare the growing pellet before plant , and you may need to adjust the pellets as they expand for best use . This can be more time - consume compared to traditional trays youfill with seed - start commixture .
Product Details : Size : Two trays with 36 cells each |Cell Dimensions:1.5 x 1.5 x 2 in . |Material : Plastic |Drainage hole : Yes |Accessories : Base tray , humidness dome , self - watering flatness , growing shot , land mixer , plant markers , and planting diagram
Credit: Amazon
Best Silicone
Burpee Seed Starting Tray
This seed tray use food for thought - level silicone that flex for easy remotion when it ’s time to transplant .
It does n’t come with a humidity screening or dome .
Roots are the line of life of your plants , and the roots of young seedlings can be fragile . Because of this , moving your seedlings from the seminal fluid tray to outside or to a sight can be knavish .
Credit: Amazon
TheBurpee SuperSeed starting traytargets this problem with a conciliatory bottom that can be used to gently pop out the seedling for well-to-do remotion . Along with being flexible , this silicone starting seed tray is also dishwasher safe so you’re able to easily clean it to reuse for multiple seasons .
While the Burpee SuperSeed tray does n’t let in a dome or lid to exert humidness , each cell does have drainage golf hole . This ensures soil aeration and drainage for right seed sprouting . Each cell in this seed start tray measures 2 x 2 inch , with a deepness of 2 in as well .
We love the fact that this tray has alphanumeric labeling , as well as an let in planting diagram . This facilitate keep track of what you ’ve plant in the tray without the need for additional labels or marker .
ware Details : Size : One tray with 16 cells |Cell Dimensions:2 x 2 x 2 in . |Material : silicone polymer |Drainage Holes : Yes |Accessories : Planting diagram
Best Small
Gardener’s Supply Company GrowEase Seed Starter Kit
This pocket-sized seminal fluid - starting tray includes a water artificial lake and hairlike lustrelessness for ego - lacrimation .
Although this kit includes the needed tray and dome , it does n’t make out with any additional accessary .
come - starting tray do n’t have to clutter up your space . With small tray like theGardener ’s Supply Company GrowEase tray , you could germinate your seedling in your window sill or on shelves withgrow lights . This help oneself transform even modest places into a gardener ’s haven .
Along with its succinct sizing , this seed - starting tray proffer the welfare of a self - lacrimation system . Using the admit water source and mat , you’re able to germinate your seedlings without worrying about over- or underwatering .
This kit get along with a undivided tray with 12 cells , as well the humidity dome , water source , and hairlike gym mat . However , it does n’t include any additional accessory that other option may come with , like plant label , land pellet , orgardening tool .
All in all , we bed the small size of this seed - starting tray and its versatility , grant those without the space for larger germination apparatus to take part in the delight of horticulture .
mathematical product detail : sizing : One tray with 12 cells |Cell Dimensions:2 x 2 x 2.25 in . |Material : charge card |Drainage mess : Yes |Accessories : Humidity noodle , pee reservoir , capillary mat
Best Large
Bootstrap Farmer 1020 Seed Starter Tray
This tray ’s tapered cells make it easy to store at the oddment of each season , balancing its big sizing .
This seed - starter tray only comes with the seminal fluid tray itself ; accoutrement such as a foundation tray will need to be purchased one by one .
If you ’re looking to bourgeon one C of seedlings at once , it ’s significant to prefer a seed - starting tray that balances size with durability . TheBootstrap Farmer 1020 seed - starter traycomes with five tray , each with 72 cubicle . This tray is designed to withstand use and promote proper sprouting while not being too flimsy to transport .
One thing we love about the Bootstrap Farmer ’s tray is the innovation of the cells . Because these tray are meant to be durable enough to outlast the season and be reused , storehouse is important .
However , when it come to with child source - start trays , seasonal storage can be difficult . The cells in this tray are tapered , narrow toward the bottom , which allow for easy stacking in a garage oroutdoor memory board shed .
Although this seed - starting tray does n’t admit a fundament tray , it can fit any standard 1020 tray . The drainage jam grant for proper grime aeration and drain , while also allow for the choice to bottom water when pair with a base tray .
merchandise detail : Size : Five trays with 72 cell each |Cell Dimensions:1.5 x 1.5 x 2.25 in . |Material : charge card |Drainage Holes : Yes |Accessories : None
Best Biodegradable
Syitcun Biodegradable Seed Starter Tray
Since these tray are made of peat , they can be planted directly in your garden after germination .
Biodegradable cum starter tray can often have issues with moisture retention , which requires more care to foreclose over- or underwatering .
If you ’re struggling with your seedlings surviving after transplantation , theSyitcun biodegradable seed starter traysoffer a simple eco - favorable answer .
When you extract a seedling from a plastic or silicone polymer tray , it can be soft to incidentally damage the root . This can lead to insalubrious seedlings after transplant — or even seedling that fail to get entirely .
With the Syitcun trays , you wo n’t demand to worry about transplant your seedlings . Instead , these peat pots can beplanted directly in the ground after germinationwithout disturbing the root of your seedling .
Along with its easiness of purpose , we do it the accessary let in in this outfit . The admit 100 plant labels make it easy to keep up with your seeds , even after transplant , while the transplant tools and spray bottle avail you develop your plants from semen to bloom .
Because these trays are made of peat , it ’s important to play close attention when lacrimation . Peat can absorb and nurse weewee , taking it away from the territory . It can also hold in an excess of water , leave the soil too wet and increasing the potency for problems like mould .
As a effect , monitor the prison cell to ensure you ’re providing the right amount of H2O when caring for your plant .
Product Details : Size:10 trays with 10 cells each |Cell Dimensions:1.8 x 1.8 x 2 in . |Material : Peat |Drainage Holes : Yes |Accessories : Transplanting tools , sprayer bottle , and plant life labels
The Bottom Line
Overall , due to its durability , reusability , and effectualness as successful germination , theMIXC Seed Starter Tray Kitis a expectant option for gardener of all attainment levels . Its medium - sized and adjustable humidity bean allows you to grow dozens of seedling at once while tend to their specific needs .
TheBurpee SuperSeedis another seed - depart tray option for father and veteran gardeners alike , with elastic cell bottoms that make remove your seedlings for transplanting soft .
What to Know About Seed Starting Trays Before Shopping
Size
The sizing of a seeded player - starting tray can bear on how many seedlings you could develop at a time , as well as howlongyou can grow them . When you cultivate with big trays , like theBootstrap Farmer 1020 tray , you may bourgeon hundreds of seedlings at once .
However , in many cases , this quantity amount at the expense of cell size of it , with larger trays often total more but smaller cells . This mean that seedling growing in larger trays may want to be transplanted to gravid trays or pot sooner than those grown in their littler counterparts .
humble tray take up less outer space and can burgeon forth most seedlings until they ’re quick to be sow into the basis , but they miss as many cell as their large twin . As a result , if you ’re wanting to germinate several plant life at once , you may cease up with a big investment if you ’re only purchasing small trays .
Overall , when looking for the right-hand size of it cum - start tray for your need , it ’s crucial to consider factors like how many plants you require to germinate , how much blank you have available , and whether you need to transpose directly from tray to garden .
Material
“ Polypropylene ( # 5 BPA - free ) charge plate is an excellent choice for semen - take off tray due to its durability , food safety , and price - effectiveness , ” Russo says . Thicker charge plate trays tend to be more durable than thin tray , and many are resistant enough to be recyclable .
However , charge card is n’t the only material available for come - starter tray . Silicone is also becoming a popular choice due to its durability and reusability . Many silicone tray , like theBurpee SuperSeedtray , offer up enough flexibility to mildly pop your seedling out of the tray . This can make removal for transplantation easier , as well as can thin the likelihood of damage the seedling ’s fragile theme .
Biodegradable , or compostable , trays are n’t as common as plastic or silicone polymer , but they extend their own benefit . Namely , while they are n’t reusable like other stuff options , biodegradable can reduce the hassle of the organ transplant process wholly .
harmonise to Russo , biodegradable seed - starter tray " supply a sustainable alternative that allow seedlings to be transplanted at once into the soil . ” This removes the risk of damaging the seedling ’s rootage while also providing good nutrients to the grease .
Drainage Holes
When you ’re growing plants of any geezerhood in soil , it ’s of import that the grunge is oxygenize and well - drain . If you ’re using a seed - originate tray without any drainage holes , you run a high risk of infection of unsuccessful germination , unhealthful seedinglings , or issues like quaggy ancestor or even mold .
Many of the ejaculate - starting trays we mentioned above include drain maw . Although the independent purpose of drainage hole is to keep the filth — and thus the roots of your works — goodly , drain hollow can also be used for bottom tearing . This can advance stronger root while reducing the peril of pests and mold .
TheBurpee Self - Watering seed starter trayis a majuscule exercise of this , with a self - watering mat that you instal in the fundament tray for hassle - free watering . This grant you to bottom - water your seedling with less fear of overwatering .
Your Questions, Answered
Where can you buy seed-starting trays?
Seed - starting tray are useable at most major retailers and local nurseries , especially during the spring and summer . This includes brick - and - trench mortar locations as well as online at popular retailers such as Amazon , Walmart , The Home Depot , and Lowes . you’re able to also buy seminal fluid - starting tray straightaway from your favorite stigma likeBurpeeorGardener ’s Supply Company .
Do you need grow lights to grow seeds in trays?
turn lights are n’t all-important to growing healthy seedling in tray , but they can be helpful .
“ turn lights ensure seedling receive coherent sparkle , which is especially good during shorter days in winter and other springiness , ” Russo say . “ While not strictly necessary , they can improve growth if natural light is limited . ”
Like water and soil aeration , lighting play a large role in the success of your seedling ’s germination . “ If seedlings do not find enough visible light , they can become too magniloquent , resulting in frail stems , ” Russo say .
While mature lights are n’t a requirement if you acquire seeds in tray , if you inhabit somewhere with scurvy rude light , grow lights can avail promote higher success rate for your seedling .
Who We Are
Megan Newtonis a author specializing in domicile and garden topics atBetter Homes & Gardens . To pen this news report , she search seed - starting trays to find the best choice online , as well as spoke toKatie Russo , substance operations manager at Bootstrap Farmer , to get her insights .
