Best Plastic Trays for Seedlings: Five Options for Starting Seeds
The best plastic trays for seedlings depend on whether you need individual growing cells, a flat surface for microgreens, or a waterproof tray to catch runoff. The RooTrimmer tray is best for larger, deeper cells; The Hydroponic City set suits gardeners who want many small cells; and the Whole Foods set offers multiple open trays without drain holes. The Mr. Pen pack is a reusable general-purpose option, while the VUWEZ tray is better suited to containing water beneath pots or seed containers.
| Product | Best For | Configuration |
|---|---|---|
| Mr. Pen Seed Starter Trays | Reusable general-purpose use | Five open trays |
| Whole Foods Growing Trays | Microgreens and water containment | Ten trays, no drain holes |
| The Hydroponic City Seed Starter Trays | Starting many seeds in cells | 144 cells across 24 trays |
| RooTrimmer 72 Cell Trays | Roomier seedling cells | Ten trays, 72 cells each |
| VUWEZ Plant Saucer Tray | Catching water under pots | Two shallow saucers |
Mr. Pen Reusable Seed Starter Trays
The Mr. Pen set includes five plastic trays measuring 17 by 10 by 2.4 inches. The manufacturer describes them as sturdy, reusable, lightweight, and easy to clean. Their open format can hold soil, fertilizer, and water, making them useful for organizing seed-starting supplies or growing plants at home.
Best for: Home gardeners who want several reusable trays for general seed starting or indoor and outdoor growing. It was selected for its practical five-tray quantity and stated ease of cleaning.
Consider: These are open trays, not divided-cell inserts. Choose another option if you need separate compartments for individual seedlings.
Whole Foods No-Drain Growing Trays
This set contains ten durable plastic trays with no drain holes. The listed measurements are approximately 21 by 11 inches at the top and 20 by 10 inches at the bottom. The product is described for seed starting, microgreens, wheatgrass, hydroponic growing, and use as a drip tray.
Best for: Gardeners who need multiple open trays and want to retain water rather than let it drain through the tray. The larger format is useful for growing crops such as microgreens or wheatgrass in a flat area.
Consider: The trays have no drain holes, so water does not escape through the base. Plan watering accordingly, especially when using them with soil.
The Hydroponic City 144-Cell Starter Set
This set includes 24 trays with six cells each, for a total of 144 cells, plus plant stakes. Each cell measures 1.5 inches square by 2.25 inches deep. The listed uses include flowers, herbs, succulents, and vegetables, and the trays are described as reusable.
Best for: Gardeners who want to start many seeds in individual compartments. The cell layout helps keep seedlings separated, while the stated depth provides room for early root growth.
Consider: Each tray has only six cells, so the set consists of many small modules rather than a few large, continuous flats. This may require more organization when handling a large batch.
RooTrimmer Deep 72-Cell Seedling Trays
Each RooTrimmer tray has 72 cells and measures 21.25 by 11 inches, with a height of 2.36 inches. The product comes in a ten-pack. Its deeper, larger cells are described as holding more soil and supporting seedlings that need more room before transplanting. The listing also says the trays suit bottom watering and fit a standard 1020 tray of 2.5-inch height.
Best for: Growers who want many seedlings per tray but prefer larger cells than compact starter modules. The product description names vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruit seedlings among its uses.
Consider: A tray has 72 cells, so it provides less planting capacity per tray than a smaller-cell design might. Choose it for cell space rather than maximum density.
VUWEZ Rectangular Plant Saucer Trays
This two-pack of rectangular plastic saucers measures 11 by 9 inches externally and 1.2 inches high. The product is made from PP plastic and is described as thick, durable, lightweight, and water-resistant. It is intended to catch drainage beneath plant pots and can be used indoors or outdoors.
Best for: People who already have seed containers or small pots and need a shallow tray to collect runoff. Its saucer design makes it a better catch tray than a dedicated multi-cell seed starter.
Consider: The inner dimensions are smaller than the outer measurements, and the listing recommends pots with bottoms under the stated size range. Check your container dimensions before choosing it.
Buying Guide: How To Choose Plastic Seedling Trays
Do you need cells or an open tray?
Choose a cell tray when you want to start individual plants separately and keep seedlings organized. The Hydroponic City set provides 144 smaller cells across 24 trays, while RooTrimmer offers deeper cells for gardeners who want more space per seedling. An open tray, such as the Mr. Pen or Whole Foods option, is more suitable for broad growing areas, microgreens, or holding containers.
Should the tray have drainage holes?
Consider how you plan to water before selecting a tray. The Whole Foods trays specifically have no drain holes, which helps contain water but means excess water will not drain through the base. For any tray where drainage details are not listed, check the product specifications and decide whether you need a separate catch tray.
What size and depth should you compare?
Compare both the outside measurements and the usable growing area. Cell depth matters when seedlings will remain in the tray longer or need more soil volume. The RooTrimmer listing gives a 2.36-inch tray height and describes its cells as larger and deeper. The Hydroponic City cells are 2.25 inches deep, while open trays provide a continuous surface rather than individual compartments.
Will you reuse the trays?
If you plan to use trays across multiple growing seasons, look for product information that states they are reusable and consider how easily you can clean them. Mr. Pen describes its trays as reusable and easy to clean. Handle plastic trays according to their listed features and inspect them before reuse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are plastic trays suitable for starting seeds indoors?
Yes. The listed trays include options intended for seed starting, indoor gardening, or growing plants at home. Choose a cell or open-tray design based on how you want to arrange seedlings.
Which option has the most individual cells?
The Hydroponic City set has 144 cells in total: 24 trays with six cells each. RooTrimmer provides 72 cells per tray in a ten-pack.
Which trays have no drain holes?
The Whole Foods growing trays are explicitly listed as having no drain holes. They are intended for uses including seed starting, hydroponics, and drip containment.
Can plant saucers be used as seed trays?
A saucer can catch runoff beneath pots or containers, but the VUWEZ product is described as a drainage saucer rather than a divided seed starter. Use it when water containment is the main need.