Discover a curated selection of trays designed for soil blocks, seed starting, and microgreen growth. This guide highlights durable mesh and solid trays that promote drainage, air flow, and easy drainage management. Each product is evaluated for materials, design features, and versatility to support greenhouse, indoor, and hydroponic setups. Use this overview to compare options and pick the trays that fit your workflow and space requirements.
| Product | Brand | Type | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| ILITING 1020 Mesh Tray | ILITING | Mesh Tray | Enhanced drainage and durable construction |
| ILITING 1020 Trays Set | ILITING | Mesh Tray Set | Multiple trays for versatile germination |
| Aoriher Mesh Bottom Trays (10 Pcs) with No-Hole Trays | Aoriher | Mesh Bottom / Solid Trays | Mesh drainage plus solid backup trays |
| RooTrimmer 10 Pack 1020 Trays | RooTrimmer | 1020 Trays + Mesh Bottom | Heavy duty, professional microgreen setup |
| RooTrimmer 5 Pack Soil Blocking Trays | RooTrimmer | Soil Blocking / Seedling Trays | Includes blocking and solid trays for easy relocation |
ILITING 1020 Mesh Tray
Product overview: The ILITING 1020 Mesh Tray uses 100% virgin PP plastic for durability and odor-free safety. A dense mesh bottom with 0.19-inch holes promotes drainage and aeration, reducing overwatering and boosting seedling survival. Reinforced edges provide a sturdy build that resists bending under soil load, making it suitable for microgreens, wheatgrass, and diverse seedlings.
ILITING 1020 Trays Set
Product overview: This 5-pack mesh tray set includes 5 mesh trays and 5 standard 1020 seed trays, designed to fit together for efficient germination and planting. The high-density mesh optimizes drainage and air flow, supporting soil blocking, hydroponics, and Rockwool cube plugs. It helps maintain a tidy workspace by allowing excess water to drain through while standard trays catch spills.
Juvale Rectangular Plant Tray And Drip Catcher
Product overview: Juvale’s 8-pack rectangular terracotta red plant trays combine drainage, water containment, and decorative appeal. They’re built from high-quality polyethylene to resist cracks and leaks, serving as reliable drip trays for indoor plants and outdoor pots while protecting surfaces from moisture and soil spills.
Aoriher Mesh Bottom Trays Set
Product overview: Aoriher offers a 10-piece mesh bottom tray set with 10 solid no-hole trays. The mesh bottom allows excess moisture to escape, maintaining airflow for healthy root growth, while the solid trays serve as compatible catchers for water, making it suitable for soil blocking, hydroponics, and seed starting.
RooTrimmer 10 Pack 1020 Trays
Product overview: This RooTrimmer kit combines 10 heavy-duty mesh trays with 10 standard 1020 flat trays. The full mesh base ensures superior drainage and aeration for robust root development, making it ideal for professional microgreen production. The trays measure 21″ x 10.6″ x 2.36″ and fit standard shelving, supporting high-density planting.
RooTrimmer 5 Pack Soil Blocking Trays
Product overview: This RooTrimmer set includes 5 microgreen trays and 5 solid trays, designed for soil blocking workflows. The BPA-free plastic is durable, reusable, and easy to clean. The lightweight design (14.96 oz per set) supports safe relocation of multiple plants, reducing water leakage and root disturbance during transfers.
Buying Guide
Key considerations when choosing trays for soil blocks and seedling production:
- Material and safety: Look for virgin plastics or stainless steel for durability, odor-free performance, and chemical resistance. BPA-free options are preferable for long-term reuse.
- Drainage and aeration: Mesh bottoms improve drainage and air flow, which supports healthy root systems and reduces overwatering. For some setups, combining mesh trays with solid ones provides versatility.
- Size and compatibility: Common 1020 trays fit standard shelving and racking. Confirm dimensions (length x width x height) to ensure proper stacking and accessibility in your workspace.
- Durability and weight handling: Heavy-duty trays endure soil load and frequent handling. Reinforced edges and thick walls help prevent warping and cracking.
- Set composition: Multi-pack sets can save time and money, offering a mix of mesh and solid trays for different stages of germination and growing.
- Cleanability and reuse: Easy-to-clean surfaces and BPA-free materials reduce cross-contamination and simplify post-harvest cleanup.
- Special features: Some trays include built-in drip or catch features, or are designed specifically for soil blocks, hydroponics, or Rockwool plugs. Consider your core method and preferred workflow.
- Storage and handling: Light-weight designs facilitate moving multiple trays, while larger metal trays provide longevity for commercial operations.
When comparing options, balance the need for drainage efficiency, tray rigidity, and the size of your growing area. For microgreens and dense seedling production, mesh-bottom trays paired with solid backup trays tend to offer the most flexible and clean workflows. For display or decorative purposes, non-draining square or rectangular trays with drip-catching capacity provide surface protection alongside aesthetic appeal.