If you are spending a fortune on starter plants because you’re having a hard time getting your own seeds to sprout, seed starting trays may be the answer to your woes.
We all know that growing a tiny seed into a beautiful plant is a special feeling. However, this can sometimes be harder to do than many beginning gardeners expect.
Succeeding at growing a plant from seed requires a lot of nurturing. And that tender-loving care is necessary right from the very start. Seed starting trays can make the process much easier.
They allow you to get a head start and begin your spring planting before the weather outside is warm enough. And many experienced gardeners rely on them to grow their gardens.
But like most things, what kind of seed starting tray you use can make all the difference in how well your plants grow. So, what should you look for when you start shopping and what brands are likely to give you the most success?
There’s no need to stress because we’ve got you covered. Here’s what you need to know to turn your thumb green in no time.
Purpose of Seed Starting Trays
Seed starting trays are specially designed to hold numerous seeds that start at the germination stage until they’re ready for transplantation. Using the trays helps to ensure that each seed gets its nutrients, and it also dismisses the need for multiple plantings.
Seed starting trays keep the seeds contained as well. The trays are typically plastic, and certain ones come with a dome to help increase humidity, while others include heating pads that help to speed up germination.
There are many different reasons why gardeners use their own starter seeds, but there are a few common reasons. One primary reason is to have the ability to plant rare and hard-to-find vegetation.
You’ll probably find less than a dozen varieties of unique plants at a garden center, but you’ll find hundreds of seed options. It also saves you money as well. Packets of seeds are cheap, and they contain dozens of seeds. But, often a single starter plant will cost a great deal more than seeds.
Using seed starting trays is also a good way to get your gardening fix through the winter months. Plus, it gives an even better sense of accomplishment to take care of a plant from the very beginning.
Furthermore, there are a few seeds you can try out that are awesome for beginning indoors. The most common seeds are peppers, basil, tomatoes, marigold, and cosmos.
You can also try zinnias; they’re one of the most simple flowers to grow from seed. But, all of these tend to germinate and grow rather quickly. Once you’ve gotten the hang of these, you can move on to more complicated plants.
Related Read: FLOWERS AND PLANTS
When to start seeds
Timing means everything when you’re starting your seeds indoors. You want to grow the seedlings to the perfect size for transplanting to the garden at the right time.
The date you begin sowing depends on your approximate last spring frost date, the conditions preferred by that type of plant, and how fast the seed germinates and begins growth.
If you don’t know the last frost date, ask a local gardener or a staff member at a gardening center. The exact date of the last spring frost differs year to year, so you probably won’t know the actual time, but finding out an approximation will help.
Type of seeds to use
You can begin your seeds in anything with decent drainage. Seed starting trays drain freely, which helps to prevent rotting. You have the choice to use biodegradable pots or reusable trays. However, all-in-one seed-starting systems are the easiest.
The Steps to Help Your Seeds Grow
Your main goal is to get your seeds to grow so that you can successfully transfer them into your garden, but you have to make sure you’re following the right procedures.
Find the right seed starting tray
Start by finding a seed starting tray that’s two to three inches deep with drainage holes. Next, you need a soil mix designed for germination. You should not use soil from a pot or from your garden if at all possible.
For one, it’s not ideal for germinating seeds, and for two, it’s possible that there are diseases in the old soil. It’s best to start fresh.
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Prepare the potting soil
Also, before filling the trays, dampen the planting mixture. You don’t want it soaking wet — that will starve the soil of oxygen and promote disease. Then, fill the trays in tightly with the soil.
You should also be aware that most soils don’t have enough nutrients for the seedlings, so add some fertilizer once the plants have grown a bit. Often, seedlings are transplanted from a seed tray into four-packs or other pots that are using a different, pre-fertilized mix of soil.
Be sure to read the packaging or consult other resources to determine how deep in the soil you should place the seeds. Every plant germinates differently.
You can sprinkle small seeds on top and bury the larger seeds. Place the seeds in the pivot and cover them. Be sure to water the seeds, too, once you plant them!
Give the seeds light
Seeds require tons of light. If you’re going to sprout them inside, be sure and choose a south-facing window to make the most out of daytime sunlight. Also, rotate the pots on a regular basis to keep the plant from leaning towards the light.
If you’re doing them indoors and using lights, place them a few inches above the seedlings. The goal is to emulate springtime sunlight to encourage germination, so 15 hours a day of light is a good place to start.
Related Read: How to Grow Broccoli Sprouts At Home Easily, and Why You Should
Slowly move the plants to your garden
Lastly, you should gradually transfer your seeds from indoors to your garden. They have to go through a slow transition which is often referred to as “hardening off.” So, before putting them in your garden, put them outside in a partially shaded area that’s away from the wind.
You should still bring them inside at night, but make sure they get a few hours outside during the day. Over about 10 days, slowly expose them to more time outside. Your goal is to “harden” the plants against the elements, primarily wind, so that they do not die upon transplant.
What Happens If Your Seeds Didn’t Grow
The first possibility is poor germination. Certain plants tend to have low germination rates, and often that warning is stated on the seed packaging. The information will usually indicate planting more than one seed together to improve your chances of successful growth.
Soil that is too wet or too cold can cause bad germination, which causes the seeds to rot. Dry soil can also interfere with growth and prevent germination. Plus, sometimes seeds are outdated or haven’t been properly stored, and that keeps the seedling from growing as well.
Mold and algae
If you notice white growth or green spots on the surface of the planting mixture, or on the outside of the pots, it’s most likely mold or algae.
It’s usually harmless to the seedlings, but it’s a good sign that the soil mix is too wet. Give it time to dry out a little between watering, and increasing air circulation through the use of a fan or better ventilation.
Seed Starting Trays Pros and Cons
The great thing about starting your own seeds is that it allows you to grow food and plants organically from your own hands. It’s a long process, but if you like gardening, you’ll enjoy every minute of it.
Not to mention, it’s less expensive to buy seeds than it is to buy organic fruits and veggies from the market. And if you handle your trays correctly, you can reuse them, which helps save you money. So it’s a win-win.
On the contrary, nurturing your own seeds is tedious. For some people that might present a problem, especially if something goes wrong with the growth process.
Pros
- Allows you to grow plants organically
- Reusable if they are handled well
- Save on food and vegetables
Cons
- Growing seeds may be tedious
The Best Seed Starting Trays
We’ve compiled a list of the best seed containers we could find that had the best customer satisfaction. So hopefully, you can pick one that’s well-suited for you and your gardening level of expertise.
Bootstrap Farmer 1020
This tray consists of ultra-durable BPA-free polypropylene plastic and no drain holes. The flats are heavy-duty and can hold heavy loads without breaking.
You can use these for fodder, wheatgrass, hydroponic systems, sprouting, soil blocks, microgreens, and heat mats. Plus, it fits most cell plug trays and humidity domes.
Gardzen Seed Tray Kits with 200-Cell
The whole package contains a 5 x seed tray with 40 drainage holes, 5 x base tray that holds the excess water that drains from seed trays, 5 x transparent dome that snaps over the two bottom trays quite nicely. The Gardzen 40-cell insert tray provides a simple, straightforward way to sow seeds and raise plants from cuttings. Also, the drain hole at bottom of the seed tray prevents overwatering.
Plus, the transparent lid plays roles of humidity and warmth, allowing you can see seedlings’ growth process clearly. Additionally, the drain holes help the plants grow faster, and this tray fits well in a germination station.
SOLIGHT 2 Set 60-Cell Seed Starter Kit
The SOLIGHT package includes 2 seed growing trays with 60 cells in each, 2 trays to fit underneath, 2 clear matching humidity domes, and two 10” x 20.75” seedling heat mats, making it a complete set and ideal gift for gardeners! In addition, the high-quality plastic is durable, reusable, and recyclable – perfect for starting seeds, plant cloning, growing herb, and salad leaves. Trays feature no hole – save you time to water the soil and prevent leaking.
Also, its high-rise, transparent domes have 2 adjustable circular vents designed into the top – provides smooth airflow control, maximum light penetration, and the best viewing angle of your plants. The dome and seed starter tray fit tightly together, forming a seal that helps maintain both heat and humidity inside the trays – ensuring the healthy and robust growth of your seedlings and plants.
Comparison Table
Product |
Image |
Buy Now |
---|---|---|
Bootstrap Farmer 1020 |
$38.99 |
|
Gardzen Seed Tray Kits with 200-Cell |
$22.99 |
|
SOLIGHT 2 Set 60-Cell Seed Starter Kit |
$50.99 |
Are You Excited About Growing Your Own Plants?
Seed starting trays are a fun way to grow plants and veggies, and we feel like they’re worth investing in. They’re far superior to DIY solutions, minus cost – and the cost isn’t too high anyway.
So, are they worth it? Absolutely. These trays are for growing indoors, so unless something happens to interfere with germination, you’re sure to get the results you’re looking for. Plus, they’re reusable. So you can continue to use them and repeat the growing process as much as you’d like.
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