Top Trays for Seeds: Best Options for Successful Germination

Choosing the right trays for seeds is crucial for germination. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this guide will help you pick the best trays, understand what to look for and how to use them to grow healthy plants.

Key Points

• The right seed tray is key to plant health, dependent on seed size, depth requirements and tray features like drainage and material durability.

• There are individual cell, multi cell and biodegradable seed trays to suit different planting needs, for traditional and eco friendly gardeners.

Selecting the Right Seed Tray

The right seed trays are crucial for your plants, dependent on the plant types and your growing methods. Plants with deep roots need deeper trays to support their growth. Shallow trays are best for microgreens and smaller seedlings.

Lightweight yet durable trays are portable, making it easier to move seedlings around your growing area. The tray size should match your space and the plant size. Big trays are for bigger plants, small trays for smaller seedlings or confined spaces.

Cost is a consideration; reusable containerwise trays will save you money in the long run and reduce waste. Features like removable inserts for easy transplanting or UV resistant material for outdoor use are a bonus.

The number of cells matter: bigger cells for plants with long roots, smaller cells for various seeds.

Seed Trays

Seed trays come in different forms to suit different seed sizes and spacing requirements. Individual cell trays, multi cell trays and open flat trays are popular choices. Plastic seed trays are popular for their light weight, durability and easy to clean. These trays are for those who need a practical and long term solution for their gardening needs.

Eco friendly gardeners may prefer biodegradable trays made from peat or coconut fibre. They can be planted directly into the soil, reducing transplant shock and waste. Open trays or flats are perfect for broadcasting small seeds across the surface. They have plenty of space for seeds to spread and grow.

Recycled material trays have similar benefits to traditional plastic trays and are sustainable. They are durable and reduce environmental impact, for the environmentally conscious gardener.

Mini High Top Base

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Mini High Top Propagator

£3.49

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Heavy Duty Small Seed Tray with Holes

£1.95

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Windowsill Tray with Capillary Matting

£9.99

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Benefits of Seed Trays

Seed trays promote germination and growth, healthier plants. They make space efficient, for sowing many seedlings. Multi cell trays maximize space, for more seedlings in a small area.

Trays with drainage holes prevent water accumulation, protecting roots and promoting growth. Good drainage maintains soil oxygen, essential for root development.

Seed trays make germination and growth easy and seedling management and transplanting a breeze.

What to Look For in Seed Trays

Several factors in seed trays affect gardening success. Consider cell size and depth, drainage holes and tray material and durability.

These factors ensure strong root development and healthy seedlings.

Cell Size and Depth

Choosing the right cell size is crucial for seedling growth and development. Small seeds like herbs and flowers do well in 1.5 to 2 inch cells, larger seeds in 3 to 4 inch cells. Seed cell depth affects root development, drainage and moisture retention. 2 to 3 inch depth is ideal for most seeds.

Seed types have different cell size and depth requirements. Deep rooted plants need more space than shallow rooted varieties. Meeting these requirements helps seedlings develop strong healthy roots.

Drainage Holes

Seed trays should have big drainage holes to remove excess water. Well designed drainage holes prevent water accumulation and waterlogging promoting healthy growth. Waterlogging deprives the roots of oxygen and prevents the carbon dioxide diffusing away. It can also stunt the growth of the plant, cause root rot and may eventually kill the plant. 

Drainage holes should be big enough to allow water to escape easily for optimal performance. This prevents seedlings from sitting in water, avoids fungal issues and poor root development.

Material and Durability

UV stabilised polypropylene trays are resistant to sunlight damage. They can be used multiple times without damage, they are reliable for gardeners. Tougher than softer plastic trays they can last up to 15 years, they are a long term investment.

Their construction affects wear and tear over time. High quality, durable seed trays will stay functional and effective for many growing seasons.

How to Use Seed Trays

Using seed trays correctly is crucial for strong seedlings and a big harvest. Follow proper technique for filling, sowing and maintaining seed trays so your seeds get the best start.

Filling the Trays

When filling seed trays, fill with compost slightly above the top and then level it off. Heap the compost and settle it a few mm below the top edge to prevent water from overflowing when you water. Packing down the compost to create a flat surface helps with even sowing.

Packing down the compost slightly helps to eliminate air pockets which can hinder seed growth. This step is important for creating an environment for seed germination and growth.

Sowing Seeds

Modular seed trays for individual seed placement makes seedling management easy. Place 2 to 3 seeds per cell in modular trays, follow seed packet spacing for optimal growth. Proper spacing and depth is crucial for healthy plant development.

This method makes sowing easy and each seed has space and resources to grow. Proper spacing reduces competition for nutrients and light, resulting to stronger and healthier seedlings.

Watering and Maintenance

Water seedlings from below to keep them stable and not to displace. A watering can with a rose gently waters the soil without saturation. Proper watering is important for stable healthy seedling growth.

Monitor moisture levels regularly to ensure seedlings get half the right amount of water. This will reduce the risk of over or under watering which can affect plant health.

Transplanting Seedlings from Trays

Transplant seedlings when they are young and big enough to handle, usually 3 to 4 weeks after sowing. Handle seedlings by the leaves to avoid damaging the stems during transplanting. Gentle handling will give seedlings the best chance to thrive in their new environment.

Keep the compost moist but not waterlogged for healthy seedling growth. Bottom watering prevents damage and reduces fungal risk. These will make the transition from trays to garden smooth and successful.

FAQs

What cell size for different types of seeds?

• The cell size for different types of seeds is important for germination; smaller seeds do well in 1.5 to 2 inches cell size while larger seeds require 3 to 4 inches.

Why drainage holes in seed trays?

• Drainage holes in seed trays are important as it prevents waterlogging and promotes healthy root growth and roots to get enough oxygen. This will make the plants strong.

How often to water seedlings?

• Water seedlings regularly to keep the soil moist but not saturated. Monitor moisture levels is important for optimal growth.

When to transplant seedlings from trays?

• Transplant seedlings from trays 3 to 4 weeks after sowing when they are big enough to handle. This will make them strong enough to establish themselves in new soil.

What material for durable seed trays?

• UV stabilised polypropylene is the best material for durable seed trays, it can be used multiple times and last up to 15 years.