Choosing the perfect microgreens tray is a crucial step in the process of growing your own microgreens at home. So whether you’re a novice searching for a beginner-friendly microgreen tray or an experienced fancy farmer in pursuit of a sophisticated setup, this guide will help you get a grip on the best trays available in the market.
What are Microgreens Trays?
Microgreens trays are shallow containers that are extensively used for growing microgreen crops indoors. They are designed with adequate depth to host a soil depth of about 1 to 1.5 inches—ideal for developing roots to grow properly while also allowing adequate water drainage to avoid overwatering the plants.
Types of Microgreens Trays
There are three primary types of microgreens trays, and their choice might depend on the type of microgreens you wish to grow and your personal preferences.
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Standard Propagation Trays: As the name implies, these are typical trays used for general seed propagation. They often come with holes for adequate drainage and have proportions designed to allow sufficient root growth.
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Microgreens-Specific Trays: These are specially designed trays for growing microgreens. They have the optimal depth for microgreen growth and usually come polished with unique features like a bottom watering design or built-in drainage system. The Bootstrap Farmer 1020 trays and the True Leaf Microgreens trays are examples of Microgreen-specific trays.
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Home Kitchen Trays: These are common trays you might find in your kitchen like baking sheets and plastic containers. They can serve the purpose if properly prepared. However, they might lack features you would find in typical propagation or microgreen-specific trays.
Considerations when Choosing Microgreens Trays
Next, let’s discuss the attributes you need to measure before opting for a specific microgreens tray. These varying factors include:
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Size of Trays: The tray size depends on the available space you have for your microgreens. A basic consideration for beginners is to start with standard trays that measure 10″ x 20″.
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Material of Trays: Trays are usually composed of either plastic or stainless steel. Plastic trays are cheap and come in both reusable and disposable variations. Stainless steel trays are comparatively expensive but offer durability and longevity.
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Drainage: Good drainage is vital for the healthy growth of microgreens. Trays without holes increase the risk of overwatering, leading to mold and poor growth. Therefore, trays with adequate drainage or a removable bottom watering tray are a better choice.
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Depth of Trays: A depth of 1 to 1.5 inches is optimal for microgreen trays.
Top Microgreen Trays for Beginners
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Bootstrap Farmer 1020 Trays: Known for superior strength and longevity, these tray systems are ideal for beginners. They are available with or without a drainage system, allowing you to choose based on your specific needs.
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True Leaf Microgreens Trays: Best suited for commercial growers, True Leaf Microgreens trays have a 1.5-inch depth and a dome design that captures and redistributes natural light. These are ideal if you wish to grow larger quantities of microgreens at home.
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Living Whole Foods Plant Growing Trays: From the brand Living Whole Foods, these trays are economical and relatively durable. They are free from BPA and other toxic chemicals, making them safe for growing food crops.
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Handy Pantry Black Plastic Gardening Trays: These trays by Handy Pantry are perfect for beginners due to their adequate depth, optimal drainage system, and affordability.
Microgreen Tray Setup and Care
Once you have selected your preferred microgreens tray, the next step involves setting it up. Fill the tray with a high-quality soilless mix to about the brim, and sprinkle a high-density of seeds over the surface. Lightly cover the seeds with additional soil mix, and then commence watering.
For ongoing care, ensure regular watering based on the needs of the specific microgreens you are growing. Prevent pooling water to avoid mold formations. Lastly watch for pests and diseases, and keep the tray clean after each harvest.
In conclusion, choosing the perfect tray is dependent on factors such as the available space, what microgreens you want to grow, personal preferences, and much more. However, beginning with one of the above-listed trays can start you off on the right foot in the versatile world of microgreens.
