Microgreens trays, an essential component for successful cultivation of microgreens for beginners, significantly affect the quality, yield and health of your crops. Therefore, it is crucial to understand various parameters before investing in a microgreens tray. This article aims to provide an in-depth review on the ideal trays according to the type of microgreen you choose to cultivate, emphasizing on important considerations such as drainage, size, material and price.
When starting your journey in the world of microgreens, selecting an appropriate tray becomes one of the first decisions you make. A commonplace misunderstanding among beginners is the presumption that all trays serve the same purpose. However, trays differ greatly in terms of quality, material, design and efficiency, thus having substantial impact on the growth of your microgreens.
1. Size of the Tray
Arguably, one of the most important factors to consider while purchasing a microgreens tray is its size. The standard measurements for a typical microgreens tray are roughly 20″ x 10″, with a depth of about 1.5″ to 2″. This size is large enough to provide adequate space for the microgreens to grow, but compact enough to fit on most countertops or dedicated growing areas.
A company worth mentioning for appropriately sized trays is Bootstrap Farmer. Their Standard 1020 Trays are an excellent choice for beginners owing to their versatility and size. Their 2” deep trays allow ample room for the root development, due to which a larger variety of microgreens can be cultivated, including the longer-growing crops.
2. Quality of the Tray
Quality is another pivotal component to look out for while deciding on a microgreens tray. In the market, you’ll likely find a range of options varying greatly in durability and sturdiness. As a beginner, it is recommended to go for heavy-duty trays that won’t crack under pressure or during transportation.
TrueLeaf Market’s Heavy Duty Trays are a valuable addition in this category. These trays are built with a sturdy design and thicker plastic, preventing them from bending or breaking. This long-term durability offers beginners a sense of reliability and convenience, making the microgreens cultivation process significantly smoother.
3. Presence of Holes for Drainage
A quintessential factor to keep in mind is that microgreens require proper drainage to grow and thrive. A tray with holes provides a passage to drain excess water, thus preventing problems like waterlogging and the subsequent risk of root rot and diseases.
Living Whole Foods’ 10×20 Tray with Holes is a noteworthy contender in this criterion. Their trays feature pre-drilled holes, which promotes freer draining and a healthier root system. For beginners, this eliminates the stress of manually creating drainage holes and aids in maintaining plant health.
4. Material of the Tray
Another vital criterion when choosing microgreens trays is the material. Plastic is a popular choice due to its lightweight nature and affordability, but it’s important to ensure it is BPA-free and food-grade to avoid any health risks.
The Handy Pantry’s Black Plastic Gardening Trays fit well in this category. They are manufactured using BPA-free plastic, ensuring your microgreens are safe to consume. Moreover, these trays are reusable and easy to clean, making them an environmentally-friendly option.
5. Price
Price is a major determinant for many people when selecting their microgreens tray. It is thus important to remember that quality comes at a cost. However, several reasonably priced options offer high quality and durability for their price.
Hydrofarm’s Jump Start CK64060 Trays stands out in this regard. It presents an optimal balance between price and performance, being comparably affordable while maintaining good quality. For cost-conscious beginners, this can be a great entry-level tray to start the journey of microgreens cultivation.
To sum up this comprehensive review, selecting the ideal microgreens tray as a beginner primarily centers around factors such as the tray’s size, quality, the presence of holes for drainage, the material used, and the cost. Brands like Bootstrap Farmer, TrueLeaf Market, Living Whole Foods, Handy Pantry and HydroFarm offer excellent products in their respective sectors. Starting with a high-quality, reliable tray ensures a solid foundation for the growth and cultivation of a variety of microgreens.
Finally, always remember that while factors such as price and aesthetical appeal may play a role in your choice, the utility, durability, and functionality of the tray should never be compromised.
