The Ultimate Guide to Seed Trays: Grow Your Garden with Ease
Seed trays are a gardener’s best friend when starting seedlings indoors. If you’re in the US and eager to start spring planting, this long-form blog post will walk you through everything you need to know about tray seeds—from choosing the right trays for seeds to DIY hacks, product reviews, and real gardener stories. Plus, we’ve sprinkled in affiliate picks from Amazon to make shopping a breeze!
Why Use Seed Tray for Starting Seeds?
- Better Germination Rates: Seed trays create a controlled microclimate, helping your seeds sprout faster.
- Space Efficiency: A few modular seed trays can hold hundreds of seedlings instead of dozens of pots.
- Easy Transplanting: Plug and seed cell trays allow for minimal root disturbance.
- Cost-Effective: Reusable plastic or biodegradable seed trays save money over time.
Types of Seed Tray to Suit Every Gardener
1. Plastic Seed Trays and Seed Trays with Lids
Durable, lightweight, and often stackable, plastic seed trays with lids are perfect for moisture retention.
- Top Pick: Self-Watering Seed Tray Kit
- Includes 10 trays and clear seed tray lids.
- Built-in water reservoir.
2. Biodegradable Seed Trays
Made of peat, coir, or paper pulp, these trays break down in soil, making them ideal for eco-conscious gardeners.
- Review: “I planted my seedlings directly in the garden with these trays roots penetrated easily” —Jessica, Colorado Springs
3. Wooden Seed Trays
A rustic touch for windowsill seed trays and propagation benches.
- Suitable For: Greenhouses, heated seed tray setups, and home decor.
4. Modular Seed Trays & Seed Cell Trays
Each module is a tiny pot—perfect for seed sowing trays and seed starting trays.
- Pro Tip: Use a seed tray rack or shelf to maximize vertical space.
5. Deep Seed Trays
Deep seed trays give extra soil depth for longer root vegetables or larger plugs.
How to Sow Seeds in Trays: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Choose Your Seed Planting Trays
- Whether you use plastic or wooden seed trays, ensure good drainage (unless you’re using no-hole, self-watering seed trays).
- Fill with Seed Starting Mix
- Use a lightweight, sterile mix. Avoid heavy garden soil that can compact.
- Sow Seeds Evenly
- Follow the packet instructions. For small seeds, drop one per cell in plug seed trays.
- Cover and Water
- Place seed tray covers or seed tray lids on top. Mist gently to avoid displacing seeds.
- Provide Heat & Light
- A heated seed tray base can cut germination time in half. Position the seed tray setup under grow lights or on a sunny windowsill.
- Thin & Transplant
- Once true leaves appear, thin out the most vigorous seedlings and plan to transplant them into larger pots or garden beds.
Seed Trays with Lids: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Retain humidity and heat.
- Prevent pests
- Stack neatly
Cons:
- It can cause mold if overwatered
- Less air circulation (open lids daily)
Deep Seed Trays vs. Shallow Trays: Which to Choose?
- Deep Seed Trays: Great for tap-rooted veggies like carrots or parsnips.
- Shallow Seed Trays: Perfect for lettuce, kale, and herbs with fine root systems.
- Modular Seed Trays: Offer flexibility—mix and match cell sizes based on your seeds.
DIY Seed Trays: Save Money & Recycle
- Egg Cartons: Cut and fill with compost for small seedlings.
- Milk Cartons: Rinse, slice, and punch holes for drainage.
- Soda Bottles: Turn into mini greenhouses by cutting the top and reusing the cap as a lid.
“How to Create a Bird Seed Catcher Tray” tips apply the same concept—use recycled plastic trays to catch spills under bird feeders!
Bird Seed Catcher Trays & Other Uses
Many gardeners use dual-purpose seed trays as under-feeders or bird seed collector trays. Look for:
- Bird feeder with a tray to catch seed
- Large bird feeder seed catcher tray
- Nyjer seed feeder with tray for finches
Benefit: Keeps walkways clean and attracts feathered friends while you tend seedlings inside.
Where to Buy Seed Trays: Amazon, B&Q, and More
If you prefer in-store shopping, check out:
- B&Q seed trays / B and Q seed trays
- Home Bargains seed trays
- Asda seed trays, B&M seed trays
- The Range seed trays
- Garden centers for Charles Dowding seed trays and garland seed trays
Prefer online? Amazon offers:
- Amazon Seed Trays
- Biodegradable Seed Trays
- Self-Watering Seed Trays
- Heavy-Duty Seed Trays
Best Seed Trays on Amazon (Affiliate Picks)
Real Stories: How Gardeners Use Seed Trays
- Sarah from Maine: “I switched to seed trays and lids last year—no more drying out on chilly mornings.”
- Tom in Florida: “My self-watering seed trays let me vacation for a week worry-free.”
- Community Garden Plot: Volunteers share trays for seed propagation, swapping tomato seedlings at spring meetups.
Tips for Caring for Seeds in Trays
- Label each seed tray with the planting date and variety.
- Water from below can be set in trays in a shallow pan.
- Rotate trays to ensure even light exposure.
- Harden off seedlings by moving trays outdoors a little each day before transplanting.
Conclusion
Mastering seed trays is the first step toward a thriving garden. From trays for seeds to seed trays and lids, there’s a perfect setup for every grower. Browse our affiliate picks on Amazon to kickstart your seed-starting journey, and don’t forget to share your seed tray success stories below! Happy gardening!
