Seed trays make the process of growing seedlings a whole lot easier. Although it may seem like a simple task to buy a few little seed-starting pots, you will soon discover that there are many different types to choose from. Buying the best-suited seed trays for your seedlings will ensure they grow healthily and quickly. In this guide, we outline everything you need to consider when choosing the best seed trays to start your dream garden.
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Some seed trays with cells can hold up to 70 seedlings while others have only 6 cells. The size you choose will depend on what you are planting, where you are keeping your plants, and how many seedlings you plan to work with. If you have a small greenhouse with plenty of space for your seedlings, a big tray is a good idea. If you want to keep your seedlings on the windowsill in your home, opt for a smaller tray.
Seed starting trays are either made of plastic, which is reusable or they are made from a biodegradable material such as peat which is generally not used more than once.
Both types of trays work well to grow seedlings. The tray material you choose may depend on a few different factors.
If you are an avid gardener and use trays every season, it will be more cost-effective to get reusable trays. The thicker the tray, the more durable it is, however, it is also harder to remove the seedlings from a plastic tray for transplanting.
If you are reusing your trays keep in mind that you will need to clean them and have some storage space to keep them where they won’t get damaged.
Organic veggie gardeners should opt for BPA-free polypropylene plastic seed trays that will not leach chemicals into the planting soil.
Some plastic trays are very thin and intended for one or two uses only. As they are thin, they are easy to manipulate, allowing you to remove the seedlings from the tray without much effort. However, in doing this, you will also likely break them. These types of trays are generally meant to be thrown away after the first or second use, which might not bother you since they are inexpensive. However, plastic waste is not great for the environment.
Biodegradable trays cost more, but they offer many benefits when it comes to the health of your seedlings and the environment. When your seedlings are ready to be transplanted outdoors in your garden, there is no need to remove them from the pots. Simply place the whole pot with the plant in the soil. The pot will break down naturally over time and the roots will spread into the ground. This prevents any transplant shock, stem damage, and root disturbance during the replanting stage. It also makes the entire process less messy and much quicker.
Check whether your seed tray purchase includes any of these items. You can choose a kit that includes all the extra items or buy what you need separately.
Some seed trays come with a dome lid. This clear plastic lid allows you to control the temperature and creates a humid environment ideal for seed germination. Domes will either be solid or have adjustable vents to allow humidity control. If you purchase a dome separately, make sure it matches the size of your seedling tray so that it seals around the edges.
Base trays are fairly flat with no cell structure and are used to keep cell trays organized. Placing your cell tray in the base tray allows you to catch drainage water from the cells and also allows you to water seedlings from underneath to reduce pest and disease problems. Base trays can also be used for hydroponic growing, wheatgrass, and microgreens, and help keep things clean.
Watering mats can be used to draw water to the seed tray cells without oversaturating the soil mix.
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Heating mats are usually purchased separately and don’t come with a seed starting kit. They are a great accessory for early indoor growing since they increase germination and growth rates by providing the ideal temperature.
Don’t forget what you have planted. Labeling your seedlings might be necessary, especially if you are new to gardening and not yet proficient at differentiating all your seedlings by just looking at them.
If you’re looking to use a seed to kickstart your winter garden, check out this video below for the tips and tricks to doing so.
The cost of seed starting trays depends on multiple variables. These include the material (plastic, biodegradable, or silicone), the number of cells or compartments, the brand, and whether extras like drainage trays or humidity domes are included. Additional features—such as reusability, size, and durability—along with shipping costs or bulk discounts, also play a role in determining the final price.
The material choice significantly impacts cost. Basic plastic trays are often the cheapest, ranging from $1 to $5 per tray, thanks to their mass production and durability. Biodegradable options, like peat or fiber trays, typically cost $5 to $10 for a pack, as they’re eco-friendly and plantable. Silicone trays, which are reusable and flexible, can range from $10 to $20 but offer long-term savings due to their durability.
Yes, purchasing seed starting trays in bulk often lowers the price per unit. For example, a single 72-cell plastic tray might cost $3, but a pack of 10 could drop to $2 per tray or less. Bulk buys also save on shipping fees and are ideal for gardeners starting large quantities of seeds, making them a cost-effective choice over time.
Plastic seed starting trays are generally more affordable, often priced between $1 and $5 each, depending on size and quality. Biodegradable trays, made from peat, coir, or wood fiber, cost more—typically $0.10 to $0.25 per cell in packs of 36 or 50—because of their eco-friendly materials and the convenience of planting them directly into the soil. While plastic is reusable, biodegradable trays eliminate transplant shock, justifying their higher upfront cost for some gardeners.
The number of cells—or compartments—directly influences the price. Smaller trays with 6 to 12 cells might cost $1 to $3, perfect for small projects. Larger trays with 72 or 128 cells, designed for high-volume seed starting, range from $3 to $10 individually. More cells mean a higher initial cost, but they offer better value per seedling for bigger gardens.
Extras like humidity domes and drainage trays increase the cost but improve seedling success. A basic tray alone might be $2, while a kit with a dome and base could range from $5 to $15. Premium kits with grow lights or self-watering features can climb to $20 or more, offering convenience and better germination rates for the added expense.
To minimize expenses, plan ahead and opt for standard shipping instead of rush delivery, which can add $5 to $10 or more. Buying during off-season sales (like late fall or winter) or from local garden centers can also cut costs. Avoid overbuying by matching tray size to your needs—don’t splurge on a 128-cell tray if you only need to start a dozen seeds.
Well-known brands like Burpee, Jiffy, or Gardener’s Supply often charge a premium—think $10 to $25 per kit—due to their reputation for quality and durability. These trays may include sturdy construction, precise cell sizing, or bundled accessories. Generic or lesser-known brands, available for $1 to $5, provide similar functionality at a lower price, though they might lack in longevity or design finesse.
Purchasing trays can be more affordable than DIY options, depending on scale. A basic plastic tray costs as little as $1, while making your own from egg cartons, yogurt cups, or toilet paper rolls is nearly free but requires time and effort. For large gardens, store-bought trays (especially in bulk) often beat the labor cost of crafting dozens of homemade containers.
To save money, buy in bulk from online retailers like Amazon or garden supply sites, where packs of 10 trays might cost $15 to $20. Opt for simple plastic trays over pricier biodegradable ones if reusability matters. Keep designs basic—skip fancy kits unless you need the extras—and shop sales at big-box stores like Home Depot or Walmart. Planning purchases in advance also avoids rush fees, keeping your budget intact.
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