Microgreens are small tender vegetables, grown from seed, harvested when they are relatively small, generally just after they’ve sprouted their first true leaves. Cultivating microgreens on your own is an appealing hobby because of the increased nutritional benefits they provide, their intense flavors, and the convenience of growing them indoors, at home, all year round. One of the key supplies involved in growing microgreens is the tray. Beginners might find it a bit challenging to identify the ideal tray. This article will review the ideal microgreens trays for beginners.
Commercial Microgreens Growing Tray
Commercial microgreens growing trays are potentially the single best choice for beginners. These trays commonly measure 10 x 20 inches, providing ample room for the young plants to grow. Moreover, they stack, making space-saving easier. They are usually oriented opaque, which prevents light from permeating through. This, in turn, prevents the formation of algae on the development media.
These trays consist of two components- the tray itself, and the lid. The lid isn’t used in germination. Instead, another similar tray stacks onto the first, forcing the seeds into the growing media for better germination. The lid is generally employed only as a propagator lid when the first shoots start to appear. Many Commercial Microgreens Growing Trays are inexpensive and you can reuse them, although not indefinitely.
Bootstrap Farmer Microgreens Growing Trays
Bootstrap Farmer is a renowned and trusted name in the microgreens farming industry. They make an array of equipment relevant to microgreen farming, including trays. Bootstrap Farmer Microgreen Trays are almost indestructible, thanks to their durability. Using heavy-duty plastic in their construction, these trays are reusable indefinitely, offering excellent value over time.
These sturdy trays are available in two varieties, with and without holes. The ones with holes provide good drainage, while the others are perfect for use as a water tray. They are easy to clean and stackable for simple storage and better space utilization.
5×5 Square Tray by Hydrofarm
If you prefer growing microgreens in smaller quantities, the Hydrofarm’s 5×5 inch tray is an exceptional choice. This compact-sized tray is perfect for indoor use, particularly in homes with limited space. Also, this tray accommodates about 1-3 types of microgreens, allowing you to experiment with diverse varieties of microgreens.
Hydrofarm trays are constructed from sturdy, durable plastic, ensuring their endurance against impact, UV rays, and general wear and tear. They can also accommodate a humidity dome that is fantastic for creating the ideal humid conditions for germinating seeds.
GreenEase Microgreens Starter Tray
GreenEase Microgreens Starter Trays offer a great starting place for beginners. They consist of a reusable tray and 12 refills of biodegradable coco coir mat. This setup provides an excellent medium for your sprouting microgreens. As a bonus, the kit includes ‘how to start’ instructions, providing a step-by-step guide to help beginners.
Coco coir is the ideal medium for growing microgreens because it retains water superbly, allowing young plants to stay hydrated. Simultaneously, it supplies oxygen to the roots to enhance the survival rate of your microgreens.
SproutMaster Microgreen Growing Tray
SproutMaster trays are lightweight, compact, and versatile, offering beginners a sophisticated yet simple start to their microgreen journey. With several holes at the bottom of each tray, these SproutMaster units provide sufficient ventilation for growing microgreens, ensuring they don’t get overly humid or waterlogged.
SproutMaster trays are manufactured from high-quality, BPA-free plastic for health safety and durability. Their design also allows them to be used in two ways: For starting the germination process, place the tray flat, fill with your chosen growing medium, and sprinkle the seeds. Once your microgreens have begun to sprout, the trays can be tilted to promote drainage.
Urban Farm Microgreens Tray
Urban Farm Microgreens Trays are specially designed for growing microgreens hydroponically, using a mature fiber soil and germ-tested seeds. Urban Farm trays are made from BPA-free material, ensuring safe use. They are also biodegradable and recyclable, aligning with eco-friendly practices.
With these trays, beginners can enjoy a smooth growing experience, as they come with erasable labels for identification and writing notes. Urban Farm trays contain soil and bio dome, which provide the ideal environment for microgreens to sprout and grow successfully.
These are some of the ideal microgreens trays for beginners, varying in size, form, and depth. The final choice will, however, hinge on your specific needs, objectives, and preferences. Consider factors including the kind of greens you want to grow, space, the density of planting, and growth cycle before making your decision. By choosing the right tray, you can ensure that your investment of time, energy, and resources yields the maximum benefits.
