Do you dream of a garden bursting with vibrant blooms and tasty vegetables, but feel overwhelmed before you even plant a single seed? That first step, choosing the right home for those tiny beginnings, can feel like a huge hurdle. So many plastic trays, peat pots, and fancy cell systems exist! It’s easy to wonder which one will actually give your little seedlings the best start in life.
Picking the wrong tray can lead to sad, leggy plants or even complete failure before they ever see the sunshine. You want strong, healthy starts, not a tray full of disappointment. That’s why we’re diving deep into the world of seed starting trays today. We will break down the good, the bad, and the best options for your gardening adventures.
Keep reading to discover exactly what features matter most. You will learn how to choose a tray that fits your space, your budget, and most importantly, helps your seeds thrive. Let’s get those seedlings ready to grow!
Top Seed Starting Trays Recommendations
- Upgraded with Adjustable Ventilation - Gardzen seed starter tray has been newly upgraded with two air vents added to the top, allowing you to easily adjust the ventilation for optimal seed growth. Say goodbye to stagnant air and hello to thriving plants!
- High Quality and Durable - These seedling starter trays are made from premium plastic material, ensuring long-lasting use for all your seed starting needs. Comes with thoughtfully attached stickers, you can achieve a tighter fit of dome and base for maximum efficiency.
- 40-Cell Capacity - Each seed starter kit in our set comes with a generous 40-cell capacity, providing ample space for all your seeds to sprout and thrive. Whether you're a beginner or experienced gardener, this plant starter kit is perfect for starting your own garden paradise.
- Easy to Manage Kits - The 40-cell insert tray provides a simple, straightforward way to start seeds and grow plants from cuttings. The drain hole at the bottom of the seed tray prevents over watering. The clear dome allows you to clearly see the growth status.
- Versatile and User-friendly - This seed germination kit is not only suitable for starting seeds but also perfect for propagating cuttings and nurturing young plants.
- EASIER SEED STARTING: Our Burpee SuperSeed tray with 16 extra-large flexible pop-out cells is designed to simplify indoor seed starting. Just add seed starting mix, seeds, water and light to get growing! Rows are labeled alphanumerically for seedling identification with included Plant-o-Gram diagram.
- SMARTER WATERING SYSTEM: Molded corner slots in each cell improve drainage and soil aeration to set your seeds up for germination success. Deep channels in the watering tray draw excess away from the cells, while the raised perimeter edge keeps water contained in the tray - no spills! Seed tray side handles make it easy to lift and pour off excess water or check seedlings daily.
- SIMPLER TRANSPLANTING: Soft food-grade silicone cells cradle seedlings and gently flex to pop out when it’s time to transplant into your outdoor garden! This system is specially designed to reduce stress on your seedlings, so you don't damage their roots. After transplanting, trays are easy to clean and reuse or simply store for next growing season. Top shelf dishwasher safe.
- SEED STARTER TIP: Many favorite vegetables, including peppers and tomatoes, must be started indoors before warmer weather arrives. Start pepper seeds 8-10 weeks before your area’s average last frost date, and tomato seeds 6-8 weeks before last frost. Check your Burpee seed packets for instructions on when and how to plant any of your vegetable, herb and flower varieties.
- 100% GUARANTEED: Burpee is committed to the success of all gardeners. We treat each order with care to ensure healthy seeds, plants, soil mixes and gardening supplies are packaged and sent in excellent condition. If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, we aim to make it right!
- Quality Material: Made from durable, high-quality plastic, 20-inch round nursery pot tray is designed to support your plants with long-lasting stability and reliability, ensuring a perfect fit for your 3.15 inch peat pots. (3.15 inch pots not included in the package)
- Perfect Fit for 3.15 Inch Plastic Pots: Specifically crafted to hold 3.15 inch small plant pots, this cell carrying tray is ideal for use in homes, offices, and gardens, providing a stable base and preventing mess from soil spills or excess water
- Drainage Holes for Healthier Plants: The seed starter tray features 18 interconnected cells, providing ample space for each flower pot while maintaining organization. Each seedling tray features 4 drainage holes, one at each corner, allowing for proper water flow and drainage, which helps prevent root rot and promotes healthier plant growth
- Improved Airflow for Healthier Roots: Each compartment in the seed starting trays features a 0.2-inch gap between the bottom of the pot and the base of the plant tray, promoting better airflow to the soil. This helps increase soil aeration and prevents waterlogging, contributing to stronger, healthier root systems
- Convenient and Easy to Use: These starter plant pots trays are lightweight, easy to clean, and stackable, making them a practical choice for busy plant enthusiasts looking for a simple solution to keep their plants thriving, suitable for long-term seed starting and plant propagation
- High quality transparent plastic cell trays of this seed grow kit make it easy to observe your plants without interrupting the process.
- Adjustable vents on the humidity dome of this seed starter kit allow you to regulate the temperature and humidity of your seedling environment, so you have total control over the growing process.
- Please read the size of each parts carefully. Cells size: 1.5"x 1.5"x 2"(suitable for small seeds); Dome height: 2.75"; Product size: 14.6"x 9.84"x 5.1"
- Bottom trays of our seed starter trays can be stacked one by one to save space. Therefore, you can stack the bottom trays before the seeds germinate to save your operating space, wherever indoor or outdoor.
- MIXC Seed Starter Tray contains: 5 x seed tray, 5 x bottom tray, 5 x humidity dome, 2 x garden tools, 10 x plant labels (A must have for seedling)
- Promotes Healthy Root Development: Each cell measures 1.5" square by 2.25" deep, designed to promote healthy root development and ensuring your seedlings get a strong start for robust growth.
- Durable and Reusable: Crafted from durable materials, these seed trays are reusable, promoting sustainable gardening practices.
- Ideal for a Variety of Seeds: Whether you're growing flowers, herbs, succulents, or vegetables, these seedling starter trays accommodate a wide range of seeds, offering versatility for all your gardening endeavors.
- Efficient Drainage: Each seed starter tray is equipped with strategically placed drainage slits, ensuring proper water drainage to prevent overwatering and promote optimal soil moisture for seed germination and seedling growth.
- Bonus Plant Stakes: Order comes with (36) 6-cell trays and (5) THCity plant stakes for labeling and organizing your seedlings. Equivalent to 3 standard 1020 tray inserts.
- Mr. Pen seed starter tray kit includes a 10-pack of 40-cell germination trays with matching bases, humidity vented domes, and a shovel and scoop for easy planting.
- The kit includes 10 durable base trays, 10 seed trays, and 10 transparent domes that create the perfect environment of warmth and humidity for young seedlings.
- Clear domes make it easy to monitor growth while enhancing the greenhouse effect to encourage faster, healthier sprouting.
- Also included are a dibber and a widger, giving you the right tools to sow seeds accurately and transplant seedlings with ease.
- Ideal for home gardens, classrooms, or greenhouse projects, this all-in-one kit helps ensure strong, healthy plants ready for transplanting.
- 【Reusable & Safe Design】Crafted from flexible, BPA-free plastic, these nursery pots trays are smooth, have rounded edges, and are incredibly easy to clean. They are built to last for multiple growing seasons, ensuring safety for both you and your plants.
- 【5 Trays & 5 Mesh mats】Each set includes 5 seed starter trays, 5 removable mesh mats, 5 detachable rubber plugs, and 2 long drain tubes (trimmable). The mat elevates plants for faster watering and prevents soil stains. The trays are strong enough to carry a full set of plants, eliminating the need to move pots individually.
- 【Size for Various Projects】Tray Dimensions: 17.52" L x 11.89" W x 3.46" H. Mesh Mat: 15.91" L x 10.35" W x 0.71" H. The generous size and depth are ideal for seed starting, growing microgreens, potting mixes, and combination plantings, both indoors and in greenhouses.
- 【Water Management System】The mesh mat features numerous tiny holes for instant drainage and improved airflow to roots. Combined with the bottom drain hole and rubber plug, you can easily switch between water collection and full drainage modes to prevent overwatering and root rot effectively.
- 【Sturdy & Easy to Handle】Each tray weighs only about 1 lb (453g), making them lightweight yet remarkably durable. Their sturdy construction provides reliable support, allowing for easy transportation of your plants without bending or breaking.
- Adjustable Vents: The seed trays have adjustable vents that allow you to regulate the temperature and humidity of your seedling environment for total control over the growing process.
- Drainage Holes: The seed trays have drain holes at the bottom for proper drainage, reducing the risk of root rot and promoting healthy growth.
- Mini Greenhouse: The seed starter kit includes 10 trays and a humidity dome to create a mini greenhouse for starting seeds and fostering a healthy garden.
- Reusable and Portable: The seed trays are made of durable plastic and can be reused for multiple growing seasons. They are also lightweight and easy to transport.
- Complete Seed Starting Kit: The MIXC seed starter kit includes 10 trays, 10 watertight base trays, 10 humidity domes, and 10 plant labels for a complete seed starting solution.
The Essential Seed Starting Tray Buying Guide
Starting seeds indoors is a rewarding way to get a jump start on your garden. Choosing the right seed starting tray makes all the difference. This guide helps you pick the best tray for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
Good seed starting trays offer several important features. These details help your tiny seedlings grow strong before they move outside.
Cell Size and Depth
- Cell Size: Different seeds need different space. Small seeds like lettuce need shallow cells. Larger seeds like squash need deeper cells for strong roots. Look for trays that match the size of the seeds you plan to grow.
- Depth: Deeper cells allow roots to grow downward without circling. Deep roots mean stronger plants later.
Drainage System
Proper drainage is vital. If water sits, roots rot. Check the bottom of the tray. Good trays have many small holes. Some trays use a two-part system: a solid bottom tray that holds water, and a top tray with holes that sits inside it. This “bottom watering” method is very popular.
Durability and Reusability
Will the tray last for one season or many? Thicker plastic trays last longer. If you plan to use the tray year after year, invest in a sturdier option.
Important Materials Used in Trays
Seed starting trays come in several materials. Each has pros and cons.
Plastic Trays (The Most Common)
Most trays are made of plastic. This material is lightweight and affordable. High-quality, UV-resistant plastic holds up well under grow lights. Cheaper, thinner plastic can crack easily when you try to remove seedlings.
Biodegradable Options
- Peat or Coir Pots/Pellets: These pots break down in the soil. You plant the whole pot directly into the garden. This reduces transplant shock because you do not disturb the roots.
- Newspaper or Cardboard Trays: These are eco-friendly choices. They break down quickly but may not last as long as plastic during the initial watering stage.
Sturdy Metal or Ceramic (Less Common)
These are usually used for decorative purposes or long-term propagation, not typically for standard indoor seed starting because they can be heavy and expensive.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of a seed starting tray affects your success.
Improving Factors
- Strong Bottom Tray (for Wicking): A solid base tray allows you to water from below. This encourages roots to grow down toward the moisture.
- Individual Cell Separation: Trays where cells are clearly separated prevent roots from tangling together. This makes transplanting much easier.
- Lids or Domes: Clear plastic humidity domes keep moisture in while seeds germinate. These are crucial for creating a mini-greenhouse effect.
Reducing Factors
- Thin, Brittle Plastic: This plastic breaks when you try to flex it to pop out seedlings. You risk damaging the young plants.
- Poorly Spaced Drainage Holes: Too few holes lead to soggy soil. Too large holes let soil wash out easily.
- Lack of UV Protection: If you place plastic trays near a sunny window without UV protection, the plastic can become weak and degrade quickly.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the tray matters for your experience.
For Beginners
Beginners should choose simple, multi-cell plastic trays with a humidity dome. These are forgiving and easy to manage. Look for kits that include everything you need.
For Large-Scale Growers
If you start hundreds of seeds, look for 72-cell or 98-cell trays (flats). These maximize space under grow lights. Durability becomes a bigger concern since you will handle them often.
For Small Spaces
If you only start a few herbs, smaller 4-cell or 6-cell trays are perfect. Biodegradable pots are great if you want zero cleanup and direct planting.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Seed Starting Trays
Q: What size cell is best for starting most vegetables?
A: For standard vegetables like tomatoes or peppers, cells that are 1.5 to 2 inches wide and deep give roots enough space to develop before transplanting.
Q: Should I use a humidity dome?
A: Yes, domes are very helpful! They keep the soil moist and warm until the seeds sprout. Remove the dome once you see the first tiny green leaves appear.
Q: How do I clean used plastic trays?
A: You must clean them well to stop disease spread. Wash trays with warm, soapy water. Rinse them thoroughly. Then, soak them for about 10 minutes in a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water before rinsing again.
Q: What is “bottom watering”?
A: Bottom watering means you pour water into the solid bottom tray, not directly onto the soil. The soil sucks up the water it needs through the drainage holes. This keeps the soil surface dry, which discourages fungus gnats.
Q: Are biodegradable trays always better?
A: Not always. They reduce transplant shock, which is great. However, they break down faster, so you must plant them outside quickly once the weather warms up.
Q: Can I use egg cartons instead of proper trays?
A: You can try it for a few seeds, but egg cartons usually lack good drainage. If you use them, poke extra holes in the bottom carefully.
Q: How many times can I reuse a plastic tray?
A: A thick, high-quality plastic tray can be reused for many years if you clean it properly after each use.
Q: What causes “damping off” disease?
A: Damping off is a fungus that attacks seedlings at the soil line. It usually happens when the soil stays too wet, which is why good drainage in your tray is so important.
Q: Do I need a separate tray for every seed type?
A: No. You can plant different seeds in one large flat tray. Just make sure you plant seeds that need similar amounts of light and water together.
Q: How long should I keep my seedlings under a grow light?
A: Most seedlings need 14 to 16 hours of light per day. Place the light source close to the tops of the plants, usually just a few inches above them.