Best Creeping Thyme Plug Trays for Starting Seeds at Home
The best creeping thyme plug tray depends on how many seeds you want to start and whether you prefer reusable cells or planting plugs. The Burpee 36-cell tray is best for flexible transplanting, while the RooTrimmer 54-cell tray suits gardeners who want deeper cells for a larger batch. Gardzen offers multiple small trays, and two plug options provide a soil-free-style starting format. These products are general seed-starting supplies, not trays made specifically for creeping thyme.
| Product | Best For | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Burpee SuperSeed 36-Cell Tray | Gentle transplanting | Reusable silicone cells |
| Gardzen 30-Pack 6-Cell Trays | Small batches and separation | Plastic trays |
| RooTrimmer 54-Cell Plug Trays | Many starts in deeper cells | Reusable plastic plug trays |
| 40 Seed Starter Plugs With Tray | Ready-made growing plugs | Peat moss and coco coir |
| General Hydroponics Rapid Rooter | Plug-based starting | Replacement plugs |
Burpee SuperSeed 36-Cell Tray
Best for: Gardeners who want a reusable tray that makes removing seedlings simpler. Its 36 flexible silicone cells pop out, which can help when moving creeping thyme seedlings from the tray to their next growing space.
The tray measures 11.5 by 10⅜ by 2¼ inches and has alphanumeric row labels plus a Plant-o-Gram diagram for identifying starts. Molded drainage slots and channels in the watering tray help manage excess water. Side handles make it easier to lift the tray, and the cells are top-rack dishwasher safe.
Limitation: It has 36 cells, so it may not suit someone planning a very large batch in one tray. Choose it if transplanting convenience matters more than maximizing cell count.
Gardzen 30-Pack Six-Cell Trays
Best for: Gardeners who want many small trays that can be handled or organized separately. The pack includes 30 trays with six cells each, giving buyers a way to divide starts into multiple groups.
Each tray measures 5.4 by 3.7 inches, and each cell is 1.5 inches square by 2.2 inches deep. Drainage holes help excess water escape, while guide channels at the top direct water toward the cells. The listed features describe the plastic as durable for repeated seed-starting use.
Limitation: Each tray contains only six cells, so this format involves managing many separate trays for a large planting. It is a practical choice when small batches and separation are priorities.
RooTrimmer 54-Cell Deep Plug Trays
Best for: Starting a larger number of creeping thyme seeds in one tray format. This five-pack has 54 cells per tray, and each cell is 2.8 inches deep. The manufacturer describes the trays as suitable for seed starting and small plants.
The trays measure 14.6 by 11.14 inches and are made from thickened plastic for reuse. Their deeper cells may appeal to gardeners who prefer more depth for root development, although creeping thyme seeds still need an appropriate growing medium and careful watering.
Limitation: The listing describes a tray designed for 1015 trays, so check dimensions against your existing setup before choosing it. Its higher cell count may be unnecessary for a small home sowing.
40 Seed Starter Plugs With Tray
Best for: Buyers who want pre-formed plugs rather than filling every cell with loose seed-starting mix. This set includes 40 plugs and a tray. The plugs use a peat moss and coco coir blend, which the product listing says supports moisture retention and airflow.
To use them, soak the plugs in water for three to five minutes, place seeds in the center holes, and arrange the plugs in the included tray. The listing identifies herbs, flowers, and vegetables among the intended uses, making this format relevant to herb seed starting.
Limitation: The set provides plugs rather than a large reusable multi-cell tray. Choose it if convenience is more important than selecting and filling individual cells yourself.
General Hydroponics Rapid Rooter Plugs
Best for: Gardeners who already use a plug-based seed-starting setup and need replacement plugs. This product includes 50 plugs. The listed features say the plugs contain micronutrients and have an air-to-water ratio intended to support early root growth.
Compared with the 40-piece peat-and-coco-coir set, this option is presented as replacement plugs and does not list an included tray. It may suit a gardener who already has a way to hold and water plugs.
Limitation: Tray inclusion and specific creeping thyme instructions are not listed. Check that the plug dimensions and format fit your existing setup before buying.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Creeping Thyme Plug Tray
How many seeds do you plan to start?
Compare cell counts with the number of starts you need. The RooTrimmer trays provide 54 cells each, while Burpee has 36 and Gardzen includes 30 small trays with six cells per tray. A larger count is useful for bigger sowings, but a smaller setup may be easier to manage on a limited growing surface.
Do you want cells or ready-made plugs?
Reusable trays let you add your own growing medium and reuse the container. Ready-made plugs reduce the need to fill each cell, but may require a separate holder if one is not included. Check the product details to confirm what comes in the package.
What matters during transplanting?
Flexible pop-out cells can make removal more convenient. Deeper cells provide more vertical space, while compact trays are easier to split into separate groups. Match the format to your available space and how you plan to move seedlings.
How should you manage water?
Look for drainage features and follow the product’s watering directions. The Burpee tray has drainage slots and channels for excess water; Gardzen lists drainage holes and guide channels. Avoid leaving seedlings in standing water, and use a growing medium appropriate for seed starting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these trays made specifically for creeping thyme?
No. The listed products are general seed-starting trays or plugs. Their features may suit starting herbs, but none is described as specifically designed for creeping thyme.
Which option has the most cells per tray?
The RooTrimmer tray has 54 cells per tray. Its package includes five trays.
Which product is easiest to use without filling cells?
The 40-piece seed starter set includes pre-formed plugs and a tray. The Rapid Rooter listing describes replacement plugs but does not list an included tray.
Can creeping thyme seeds be started in plug trays?
Plug trays are a seed-starting format, but follow the seed packet’s instructions for sowing depth, light, and moisture. The supplied product information does not provide creeping thyme-specific growing directions.
What should I check before ordering?
Compare tray dimensions, cell count and depth, drainage design, included accessories, and whether the tray is reusable. If you already own a tray or plug system, verify that replacement plugs or trays fit it.