Seedling Trays: Everything You Need To Know About ...

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A seedling tray is a container used to sow multiple seeds at once. After seed germination, seedlings grow in the seed tray until they are large enough for transplant.  A single seed tray can hold anywhere from 6 seeds to over seeds.

Parts Of A Seed Tray

There are two basic parts to a seed tray, one of which is optional:

• Tray

  &#; this is the outer part that holds soil, individual containers (pots), or a cell flat.  When used with a cell flat, the tray is used for watering from below.

• Cell flat (plug flat)

  &#; this is the optional inner part.  You can put a cell flat inside of a tray to separate seeds from one another.

   

Seedling trays can come in different forms;

• Mesh seed tray

  &#; a mesh seed tray allows water to drain out easily.  A mesh seed tray is best for holding multiple individual containers (pots).  A drawback is that the holes in a mesh seed tray are too large to hold soil without it falling through or washing away when watered.

• Solid seed tray with drainage holes

  &#; a solid seed tray with drainage holes allows for adequate drainage, but allows soil to stay moist enough for seed germination.  A solid seed tray with drainage holes is best for planting multiple seeds together in one place.  A drawback is that the seedlings do not have individual cells, so their roots can get tangled together as they grow.

• Solid seed tray without drainage holes (leak proof seed tray)

  &#; a solid seed tray without drainage holes does not allow for any drainage.  A solid seed tray without drainage holes is best for holding a cell flat.  Since it holds water, it can be used to catch excess water from watering seeds, or it can be used to water from below.

A cell flat (or plug flat) is a container that is divided into multiple cells.  Some common cell counts for seed trays are:

• 50 cell seed tray

• 72 cell seed tray

• 128 cell seed tray

• 200 cell seed tray

• 288 cell seed tray

&#;&#;50 cell seed tray

These trays are a happy medium of saving you space in your seed starting area while still being able to plant a large number of seedlings like lettuce that will be directly transplanted. Because the 50 cell tray has a much larger soil volume than the 72 cell plug trays or 128 cell trays, you will have a bit more wiggle room when you need to transplant for optimal root growth. Plants grown in these trays will be less likely to become root-bound if unsettled weather delays your planting. This size also allows for canopy development of the seedling.

72 cell seed tray

The 72 cell seed tray are the most popular choice amongst market gardeners. They are a good balance between space for growing and seedlings per tray. Each cell is 1.5&#; square and 2.25&#; deep, making them an excellent option for a large variety of plants. These plastic trays are also a good choice for vine plants. However, you will want to transplant the vine plants earlier than you would with the 32 Cell trays to prevent root bound seedlings.

128 cell seed tray

These 128 Cell Trays are a great choice if you wish to start row crops or many baby greens. This configuration is ideal for starting many seeds but is not meant for crops that need more than a few weeks. Each cell is 1&#; square and 2.25&#; deep. You will be able to plant 78% more seedlings with one tray than the more common 72 cell seed starter trays. These 128 seed trays are compatible with the heavy-duty deep tray for bottom watering. You will want to up-pot your seedlings from this size seed tray into a larger pot or grow bag if you do not plan to transplant outdoors for an extended period to prevent seedlings from becoming root-bound.

200 cell seed tray

These 200 Cell Trays are excellent trays if you want to be economical about growing cole crops, lettuces, and other small-seeded crops. You will be able to grow 2.8 times as many plants with one tray as you would with a 72 cell tray. Each cell is 0.75&#; square and 2.25&#; deep. 

Are you interested in learning more about Leak-Proof Seedling Trays? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

If you are using 200 cell plastic trays to start seeds, you will need to transplant your seedlings at an earlier stage. Typically once they have one, at most two sets of true leaves. This plastic tray size is most frequently used by larger-scale farmers and those who intend to pot up their seedlings multiple times before moving outside.

Factors to consider before using seedling trays

  

• Specification of seedling tray

The common seedling tray size is 540mm x 280mm with different cells. The less the number, the larger the cell. The numbers of cells are 50, 72, 105, 128, 200, etc. The selection of plug tray specifications should not only consider the size and shape of the seeds, but also the size of the young plant. Only by selecting the proper size can the seedlings achieve optimal growth.

• Hole shape of seedling tray

There are two shapes of holes in seedling trays: round and square. The round hole has a smooth inner wall, without corners of the square hole, which is conductive to the winding of the root of the plant on the inner wall. The square hole is good for guiding the roots to extend downward, and the substrate capacity is about 30% more than the round one. The water is distributed evenly and the roots can grow better.

• Thickness of seedling tray

The thickness of the common seed trays on the market is 0.6 to 1.2 mm. 0.6-0.8 thickness plug trays are mostly used for manual sowing or one-time use, for example, if selling the young plants with seed trays, the seedling company can choose 0.6-0.8mm thickness trays. 1.0~1.2 mm thickness trays are suitable for machine sewing and reuse after disinfection.

• Depth of seedling tray

The depth of the seed tray on the market is 3-5 cm, the deeper the tray depth, the larger substrate quantity and the greater the substrate water retention, then the more conductive to roof growth. There are also special-purpose seedling trays with a depth up to 9-11 cm.

• Suitable trays for vegetable and fruit seedlings

Generally, a 50 cell tray is fixed for fruit plant seedlings, such as cucumbers, melon, watermelons, pumpkins, etc. The 72 cells one seedling tray is mostly for vegetable propagation, such as eggplant, tomatoes, etc.

105 cells and 128 cells are mostly for leafy vegetable propagation, such as lettuce, cabbage, kale, spinach, cabbage, broccoli, etc.

• Material of seedling tray

At present, the seed trays used for seedling cultivation mainly include plastic seed trays and polystyrene foam trays. The main materials of the plastic plug are polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polypropylene (PP). The polystyrene is resistant to high temperature, not easy to deform in summer, has good toughness, and does not break easily in harsh climates.

Benefits of using seedling trays

There are many advantages to using a nursery tray as opposed to other solutions, like growing in larger containers. It is incredibly simple to handle, sow, and plant seeds, and it also makes transplanting easier as seedlings grow. If you want to improve your chances of growing healthy plants and make sure they have enough room to grow and thrive as they should be anticipated to do when they become fully grown plants in only a few months or years from now, it&#;s crucial to utilize nursery trays. The benefit of employing a nursery tray is that seeds can be sown indoors under the safety and supervision of a grower. Here are some of its benefits:

• Grow a variety of plants

• Improve Germination success rate

• Fertilize easily

• Excellent water drainage

• Effectively manage the temperature

• Transferring plants to larger containers is simple.

• Boosts productivity

• Saving money

Mazero Agrifood ltd has a variety of quality seedling trays that are of high quality and cost effective. Contact us today on + to order.

GWD Blog &#; January 26,

The Ultimate Guide to Garden Shed Materials

Overview Choosing the right garden shed material boils down to balancing your priorities across durability, aesthetics, customisation, security, and price. Here's a quick overview: Metal Sheds: Known for their exceptional durability and security. However, they may lack in aesthetics and customisation options. Metal sheds are typically made from steel or galvanised aluminium, offering a robust solution against weather elements but may experience temperature extremes due to poor insulation&#;&#;&#;&#;. Plastic Sheds: Valued for their affordability and low maintenance. These sheds, often made from vinyl or resin, provide a durable option that's resistant to rust, rot, and insects. However, they might not offer the same level of aesthetic appeal or customisation as wood and may be susceptible to damage from strong winds&#;&#;. Wooden Sheds: Stand out for their natural beauty and high customisation potential. Wood sheds can be tailored to individual needs with options for partitions, insulation, and various styles. They require more maintenance but offer natural insulation, making them comfortable to use throughout the year&#;&#;. In essence, if you need a sturdy, low-maintenance option, metal might be your best bet. For a cost-effective solution, consider plastic. If aesthetics and customisation are your primary concerns, go with wood. Insights Durability: Metal sheds are highly durable with minimal maintenance, though their internal temperature can vary significantly with the weather. Plastic sheds are durable and low-maintenance but may degrade under UV exposure. Wooden sheds offer durability with proper care, benefiting from natural insulation properties&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;. Aesthetics: Wooden sheds lead in aesthetic appeal, offering a classic look that can be customised to match garden landscapes. Metal and plastic sheds serve more functional purposes and might not blend as seamlessly into garden aesthetics&#;&#;. Customisation and Security: Wood allows for extensive customization, from design to features like insulation and partitions. Metal sheds offer superior security, making them a safe choice for storing valuable tools and equipment. Plastic sheds, while secure, might not offer as much strength against forced entry&#;&#;&#;&#;. Price: Plastic sheds are the most budget-friendly, whereas metal sheds fall in the mid-range, and wooden sheds can vary widely in price based on quality and customisation&#;&#;.   Expanding on the basic overview of garden shed materials, we delve into the specifics of durability, aesthetics, customisation, security, and price, integrating the latest insights and data. Comparison Table Feature Metal Plastic Wood Durability High Medium to High Varies (High with maintenance) Aesthetics Functional Utilitarian Natural and Customisable Customisation Low to Medium Low High Security High Medium Medium to High Price Medium to High Low Varies (Low to High) Durability Metal sheds stand out for their robustness, offering a weatherproof solution that withstands the elements without significant maintenance, save for occasional lubrication of door hinges. They're primarily constructed from steel or galvanised aluminium, materials chosen for their endurance. On the downside, metal's poor insulation can make sheds unbearably hot in summer and cold in winter, a factor worth considering based on your climate and intended use. Plastic sheds, noted for their affordability and low maintenance (requiring just a hose-down for cleaning), present a mixed bag in terms of durability. Although some plastic sheds are UV protected, exposure to sunlight can lead to material degradation over time, including yellowing and cracking. Their lightweight nature, while beneficial for mobility, can make them susceptible to damage in strong winds unless securely anchored. Wooden sheds, offering a range from basic to high-end options, provide natural insulation, making them comfortable year-round with appropriate lining and insulation. Timber's natural insulating properties mean it maintains more consistent internal temperatures throughout the seasons. Aesthetics Wooden sheds excel in aesthetics, offering a classic look that complements garden landscapes. Their natural appearance and potential for customization through painting, staining, and choice of windows and doors make them a popular choice for those prioritising visual appeal. Metal and plastic sheds, while functional, typically lack the natural aesthetic appeal of wood. Metal sheds can be painted, though it requires more effort to maintain the appearance over time. Plastic sheds, often designed with practicality in mind, may not offer the same level of aesthetic integration into garden environments. Customisation Wooden sheds lead in customisation options. Their structure allows for additions like partitions, insulation, and varied window and door styles, making them highly adaptable to specific needs. Metal sheds offer some degree of customisation, primarily through paint, though the effort and maintenance for customisation are higher compared to wood. Plastic sheds lag in this area, often limited by the material's nature, which can restrict modifications and additions like shelving or hooks unless included in the original design. Security Metal sheds provide superior security, being difficult to breach, thus offering a safe haven for valuable tools and equipment. The strength and durability of metal make it the preferred choice for those prioritising the protection of contents. While plastic sheds can offer a reasonable level of security, they may be more susceptible to forced entry compared to their metal counterparts. Wooden sheds, despite their sturdiness, might be easier to break into without additional security measures. Price Plastic sheds emerge as the most budget-friendly option, appealing for those seeking a cost-effective storage solution without a high upfront investment. Metal sheds, with their balance of durability and maintenance ease, sit in the mid-range price category. Wooden sheds span a wide price range, from affordable basic models to premium, highly customisable structures that command a higher price. Conclusion Choosing the right shed material involves weighing your specific needs against each option's strengths and weaknesses. For those prioritising durability and security, metal sheds are a strong contender. Wooden sheds are ideal for those valuing aesthetics and customisation, albeit with more maintenance. Plastic sheds offer an affordable, low-maintenance choice but may not meet all aesthetic or strength requirements. Considering these insights, reflect on your garden's needs and aesthetic preferences to select the best material for your shed, keeping in mind factors like climate, intended use, and budget constraints. Sources RenoQuotes: Price guide and materials : Sheds My Backyard Life: The Best Shed Material (Cost, Durability, Appearance, & More) Crane Garden Buildings: Which Shed Material is the Best? Construction How: Building a Metal Shed: The Basics, Best Materials, and a How-To Guide

Contact us to discuss your requirements of cheap seed starting trays. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.