Regardless of your age or experience level, there’s never a wrong time to try out home gardening. Whether you’re interested in gardening as a hobby, a side hustle or simply want beautiful blooms in your space, you’ll need to learn the basics. In addition to durable gardening shears, raised garden beds and other gardening supplies, an easy-to-use seed starting tray is a great way to jumpstart your journey.
Want more information on Reusable Seed Starting Trays? Feel free to contact us.
SKIP AHEAD What is a seed starting tray? | How we picked the best seed starting trays | The best seed starting trays | How to shop for seed starting trays
To help you choose the best seed starting trays, we consulted gardening experts for shopping advice and compiled a list of their recommendations — bestselling brands like Gardener’s Supply and Burpee are included.
What is a seed starting tray?
Seed starting trays are shallow trays with multiple small plots (called cells) organized in a grid, which help to germinate seeds for gardeners of all skill levels. Trays are typically made from plastic, biodegradable or compostable material, the latter of which can be planted directly into the ground. “[A seed starting tray] differs from planters or pots in that the space for the seed and eventual plant to grow is much smaller,” says Carmen DeVito, a professional garden designer and the founder of Garden Cult.
Some people use seed starting trays as a starting point for sprouting seedlings — “They are essentially temporary homes for your seedlings to grow until they are ready to go out into the garden or into their permanent homes in containers,” says DeVito. Seed starting trays also have drainage holes to prevent overwatering.
How we picked the best seed starting trays
We spoke with DeVito and horticulturalist Nathan Heinrich, both of whom emphasized the following factors when recommending the best seed starting trays:
Material: Seed starting trays are available in either plastic or some sort of composted material, such as peat, wood pulp and coir (coconut fibers). Seed trays made from peat, for example, are beneficial because you can plant them directly into native soil once the seeds have germinated and sprouted. That said, trays made from composted material are sometimes not as durable as plastic options. Plastic seed trays are prized because they hold up well against root growth and different elements that may disturb the plant. If you do use plastic trays to grow edible plants, look for ones that are BPA free.
Soil type: Soil is foundational to plant growth, and different types may be better suited for certain types of plants. You can buy a seed starting mix that’s premade or you can make your own using a mix of soil and fertilizer.
Light exposure: Plants sown in seed starting trays should be placed wherever they can get sufficient light exposure. If using artificial light, however, make sure those plants are easy to grow under such conditions, according to DeVito. “I recommend using [seed starting trays] to start plants like tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, zucchini and some flowering perennials that do best when they are started indoors under lights,” she says. “This gives them a head start for the season to flower or produce fruit and other edible parts quicker.” You can also buy seed starting trays with grow light attachments if your access to natural light is limited.
Watering: Seedlings also need sufficient water to grow. In addition to watering cans, you can often buy watering trays, sometimes called a reservoir, bottom tray or propagation tray, which goes under the cells of the seed starting tray. Depending on what you’re planting, you can water seedlings in seed trays by either watering them from above or by adding water to the tray below. Since seed starting trays have small holes on the bottom, it allows the plants to absorb water from below. Ensuring you have the space, supplies and time to do this regularly is important if you plan on using a seed starting tray.
The best seed starting trays in 2024
Below, we rounded up seed starting trays recommended by our experts and ones that have at least a 4-star average rating from at least 500 reviews on Amazon. All of them are either made of plastic, silicone or biodegradable material.
This plastic seed starting tray from Gardener’s Supply Company comes recommended by DeVito, who says it’s a great option for beginners. The seed-starting kit has two 24-cell seed starting trays with a propagation tray for watering, two germination dome covers which regulate temperature, a six-quart bag of seed starting soil mix, a capillary mat and wooden seedling marking sticks. While the seed starting tray is suitable for both indoor and outdoor gardening, it’s best if used for growing indoor or greenhouse seedlings, according to the brand. The propagation tray underneath the seed tray helps maintain water over time, so your plants receive continuous self-watering, according to the brand.
This biodegradable seed starting tray, also from Gardener’s Supply Company, comes recommended by DeVito, who says it’s good for gardeners who want an eco-friendly option. As is common with biodegradable seed starting trays, you can plant these pots directly into the ground due to the organic material. The wood fiber cells are both durable enough to help promote plant growth for seedlings but they’re also easy to work with when transplanting them into your garden bed.
Burpee SuperSeed Seed Starting Tray (8 XL cells)
This vibrant, modern-looking silicone seed starting tray from Burpee is a perfect option for gardeners with limited space, like a windowsill, according to DeVito. The tray has the same features of a typical plastic or biodegradable tray, such as small holes underneath for soaking up and draining water. The most unique aspect, however, is the pliable silicone bottoms that allow you to easily press the seedlings out of the cells and transplant into native soil or a large pot when ready.
This Mixc seed starting tray has everything growers want to sow multiple types of seeds. The plastic tray kit includes a cell tray and a propagation tray, both of which fit together underneath a plastic humidity dome, also included. The dome cover also has adjustable vents on the top that you can change by hand, depending on the weather or climate you want to expose your plants to. The tray is also safe to use with a heat mat, according to the brand. That means you can have even more control over the temperature around your plants, which is important if you live in a particularly cold environment. The model has a 4.4-star average rating from over 8,000 reviews on Amazon.
The Gardzen seed starting tray has all of the basics required for setting up your seedlings. The model has the usual multi-cell seed tray, draining holes on the bottoms and a plastic humidity dome for temperature regulation. Since the brand offers large capacity cell trays, with both 40-cell and 70-cell options, each of the tray kits have domes with multiple adjustable vents on the top for optimal temperature regulation. It also has a 4.6-star average rating from over 6,000 reviews on Amazon.
The Growneer seed trays are made from peat, a biodegradable material made of composted organic material, which makes them ideal for planting the seedlings directly into the ground once they sprout. The brand sells 10-cell and six-cell trays, both of which come with T-shaped plant labels that you can stick into each cell with soil. A benefit of peat seed starting trays like this one, is that you can cut and separate each cell however you want.
If you plan on using your seed starting tray indoors, consider purchasing one with a grow light. While many plants and seedlings thrive while growing indoors, a grow light can help make the germination process smoother and faster. A grow light also makes it easier to provide your plants with light, regardless of where in your home they are, especially a space with limited natural light. The light on this tray has adjustable settings that can be controlled with a remote. Plus, it has a 4.3-star average rating from over 3,000 reviews on Amazon.
How to shop for seed starting trays
If it’s your first time shopping for seed starting trays, it’s important to keep certain features in mind, such as the material of the tray, the size and number of cells, and where you plan on transplanting the seedlings. It’s also crucial to make sure you have the proper space to transfer them to, such as a large flower pot or garden bed.
Types of seed starting trays
The type of seed starting tray you choose also matters. Seed starting trays are either made from plastic or composted material such as peat or wood fibers. Both work fine for growing seedlings, but there are benefits and drawbacks to using each type, which we explain below.
Plastic seed starting trays
Plastic trays are a popular choice for growing seedlings because they’re durable enough to use multiple times. “The plastic [seed starting trays] are theoretically reusable and usually cheaper,” says DeVito. “[And] depending on the type of plastic, possibly recyclable.” That said, plastic seed starting trays are less environmentally friendly compared to peat trays since you have to remove the seedlings by hand to transplant them into garden beds or native soil.
Biodegradable seed starting trays
Biodegradable trays are also commonly used for starting seeds because they don’t require disturbing the plant roots while transplanting. Since they’re made from organic material, they’re safe to plant directly in the ground. That said, if you’re an experienced gardener and plant seedlings often, keep in mind that using peat trays requires buying new ones annually, which can be costly for some.
Frequently asked questions
Seed starting trays are helpful tools for beginners, but they’re also something that even experienced gardeners can use to grow seedlings in a safe and organized way. “One of the main reasons for using seed trays with individual ‘grow cells’ is spacing,” says Heinrich. “By placing one or more seeds into a seed tray with individual ‘cells’ or ‘plugs,’ you allow the seeds to sprout in their own tiny space without being over-crowded and having to compete with their fellow seedings for root space, water, and sunlight.”
Plus, since the seedlings are divided into individual plots, they’re easier to transplant compared to open seedling trays because the roots of each plant are separated. “While some people like to sow seeds in ‘open seed trays’ that do not have individual grow cells, this method has a much lower success rate with most varieties,” says Heinrich. “While it is a faster way to sow your seeds initially, you end up with more labor when it comes time to divide the seedlings for transplanting.”
Yes, seed starting trays, even ones that you make from more common biodegradable material, such as egg cartons, need drainage holes on the bottom. This is to ensure that the roots aren’t overwhelmed with too much watering. Also, if you have seed trays with a propagation tray, the holes on the bottom allow you to water the plants from the underneath rather than from above.
Something important to keep in mind when using a seed starting tray is that you can use them both indoors and outdoors. Since seeds starting trays are meant for growing seedlings that will be transplanted later, whether or not to start them indoors depends on your preference and the type of plant. Some varieties are fine to plant indoors or outdoors, while some are more suited for one or the other.
Depending on what you’re planting and when you expect it to sprout, you should start seeds around six weeks before your last expected frost date, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac. A frost date is the date that the last freezing cold temperature is projected to happen where you live. This helps prevent your plants from dying in the cold. You can use resources such as an Almanac, to see what the expected frost dates are for your area.
Professional gardeners look at planting zone maps, also called plant hardiness zones, to choose the optimal time to start their seeds, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Planting zones are regions throughout the United States with their own climate profile, each of which has its own letter and number combination related to a certain type of climate. Planting zones range from 1a to 13b, with 1a being the coldest and 13b being the warmest. This helps gardeners and farmers know what is best to plant where they live and when.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Carmen DeVito is a professional garden designer, certified New York state landscape professional and the founder of garden consulting company Garden Cult.
- Nathan Heinrich is a gardening designer and horticulturalist.
Why trust NBC Select?
Cory Fernandez is a commerce editor at NBC Select, where he covers food, cooking, cleaning, lifestyle and wellness. He spoke with professional gardeners and horticulturalists for their insight, recommendations and guidance.
Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
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.
- 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.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Multi-cell seedling trays.
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 1020 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!
The company is the world’s best plant seedling trays manufacturer supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
Comments
Please Join Us to post.
0