5 Best Grow Trays and Accessories for Hydroponics and Microgreens(2020)
Planning on growing your own produce hydroponically but still unsure what method to use? Then, you’re at the right website but let’s go a little bit back to this post where I specifically created a hydroponics how-to for beginners.
Have you already decided which method to use? That’s Awesome! Read on as I share my experiences choosing the best Hydroponic or microgreen grow tray that fits my needs (and maybe yours too!).
While having a grow tray is essential in your hydroponic setup, finding the right product can be overwhelming (trust me I’ve been there). I have struggled to find good growing trays that last a long time. Some are so flimsy that you cannot even wash them without breaking or scaring them. A scared or scratched grow tray holds bacteria in the grooves and is difficult to clean. I also want trays that are transportable with the material in them like dirt or water. Do not get me started about accidentally dropping one.
I am both a microgreen and hydroponic gardener in fact I even challenged myself for a 90 day Hydroponic grow, and trust me finding the best grow tray I can is an important part of my indoor growing area.
Assuming you’ve gathered the basic tools like having the medium, grow light, and hydro nutrients, we’ll be highlighting the less “shiny” but equally essential Grow Trays.
Table of Contents
Let’s begin with the basics “What is a grow tray and what are its uses?”
Grow trays or also known as flood tables are designed to contain one or more plants in a hydroponic system. It is used in conjunction with a stand and a hydroponic reservoir. Essentially, grow trays are mini structures that house your plants.
Here are some of the many uses of grow trays in gardening:
1. It holds cell trays that germinate plants
2. It supplies a place to handle dirt for easy cleanup
3. Supplies a great container to grow microgreens or hydroponics
4. Container for holding pots during watering and captures the excess water
5. Transporting anything garden related from one
Now that we know why grow trays are essential, let us discuss the things that we may want to consider in deciding which grow tray you should pick:
First, you have to consider what type of plant you’re growing, does it need a ton of space? how many yields would I want? please research about the plant that you’re going for to ensure that you can provide an optimal place for its growth (and get the best results),
Second, do you want grow trays that have holes in it? Some grow trays can be purchased with pre-drilled holes on it which can be convenient however, some hydroponic growers prefer to drill the hole themselves as necessary. Predrilled grow trays prevent overwatering by draining the excess as you water. You can do this outside or place it in a tray that does not have holes.
Third, most grow trays are designed to fit on a 4′ by 2′ vertical shelving system, so be sure to keep that in mind.
Fourth, the deeper the grow tray, the larger the plants you can grow.
Notes to consider:
I leave my seeds on a grow tray for 14 – 21 days when growing microgreens.
Please be as delicate as you can in transplanting your seedlings as we don’t want to damage the roots we have worked so hard on, most farmers generally transfer their seedling onto a bigger pot/container when it has developed its second set of leaves on them or it is not as “flimsy” as it was. In this step, you should also proceed with thinning them out or carefully cutting or pinching the weaker plants to only allow one strong plant to grow instead of many plants competing.
Lastly, please ensure that your grow lights can reach all of the parts of the grow tray as we won’t want any plants that don’t get enough light.
Still here with me? Great! I have specifically created a review to show you what grow trays are worth investing your money and time on.
Below are my top choices for Flood Tables, 1020 Grow Tray, and Planting Tray:
Flood Tables:
Grow Rack Flood Trays - Shallow Water 2' X 4' By Bootstrap Farmer
This is ideal if you’re planning to grow a huge amount of plants as it can provide the maximum production with the same space needed. You can place four 10 x 20 propagation trays on it.
Specifications:
- can fit to 45½” x 25½” x 3½” chrome wire shelving
- can accommodate four 10 x 20-inch propagation trays
Pros:
- fits the standard chrome wire shelving
- allows the increase of production without sacrificing the space
- awesome customer support, they give out some tips and advice to customers who need them
Cons:
- there’s a little bit of problem with their shipments
- more on the pricey side
Overall:
If you are a hobby or commercial grower, this is the best choice that you can get for your system. its durable, tough, and made from food-safe material. The seller is reliable and responds quickly.
Active Aqua AALR24B Low Rise, Black, 2' x 4' Flood Table by Active AQUA Store
This is ideal for top feeding and has a sloped grid design that helps regulate the drainage flow. The material used is sturdy and built to last.
Specifications:
- 24 x 48 x 3.75 inches
- 5 pounds
Pros:
- perfect for catching runoff from your hydroponic setup
- sturdy and durable material
Cons:
- there are no holes so if you an ebb & flow system you’ll have to drill it on your own
- only available in the color black
- doesn’t update on when it will be restocked
Overall:
This is a great product to have if you’re using the top-feeding method. The seller responds to every question truthfully and gives the best options on how to use it.
1020 Grow trays
1020 Extra Strength Trays By Bootstrap Farmer
The title pretty much says it all. It is made from a highly durable material which they have conducted their test on over 50 lbs of weight without breaking. Perfect if you’re using the fodder system.
Specifications:
- Outer dimensions: 21” x 10.75” x 2.5” Deep
- Inner bottom dimensions: 19.625″ x 9.25″
Pros:
- fits any standard 1020 cell tray
- made from recycled food-safe plastic (plus one for being environment friendly)
- designed for “repeated use and abuse” (their words not mine)
- easy to carry and move around
- offers free shipping when you spend over $49
- available in white and black color
- there’s an option to purchase with or without holes
Cons:
- only available in Bootstrapfarmer
- non-black tray promote algae and moss growth
Overall:
Ideal for long time use. Easy to transport. The option to choose the color would be both an advantage and a disadvantage as the white color option pops up the greens you’re planning to grow but it can also promote algae build up as the sun can go through them. It really depends on your personal preference.
5-Pack 1020 Garden Growing Trays Without Drain Holes - 10" x 20" Plastic Plant Trays By Handy Pantry Store
Specifications:
- 21 x 11 x 3.5 inches
- 1.65 pounds
Pros:
- The brand used and trusted by popular true leaf market
- 100% BPA-free and made from recycled plastic
- Cost-effective for light use
- Leach Resistant
Cons:
- Warps if not stored correctly
- Will not stand up to heavy scrubbing
- Flimsy and Difficult to move once filled with dirt or water
- Not made for heavy loads
Overall:
If you plan on only doing light and occasional gardening, then this is the product for you. The material is flimsier but is not utter garbage and is easily replaceable once damaged.
5-Pack 1020 Garden Growing Trays Without Drain Holes – 10″ x 20″ Plastic Plant Trays No Holes – Wheatgrass Sprouting Tray, Microgreens Seed Tray, Hydroponic Trays, Nursery Flats, Greenhouse Supplies
Planting Seed Trays
50 CELL SEED PLANTING TRAYS By Bootstrap Farmer
This stray is best used for starting seeds indoors and for bottom water feeding.
Specifications:
- Cell dimensions: 1¾” x 1¾”
- Seed tray outer dimensions: 21¼” x 11¼” x 2¼”.
- Plug trays have ¼” drainage holes
Pros:
- has a large drainage hole
- made with durable material but flexible which helps when you’re trying to get out something and don’t want to mess with the whole tray
Cons:
- the edges are a bit extended, it may cause some problems if you’ll use this with domes
- the hole placement on each tray is slightly inconsistent
- a bit pricier compared to its competitors
Overall:
This is useful if you’re planning to commit to gardening or if you’re working around kids you won’t have to worry about it getting shattered as it can be dropped and still be intact. This is a little bit on the expensive side but considering its sturdiness this is definitely worth investing in. The customer service is really approachable and they announce when the next stocks will come in which is very helpful if you’re planning on buying one and is currently out of stock.
50 CELL SEED STARTER KIT By Bootstrap Farmer
This is highly recommended for beginners as it includes a little bit of everything.
Inclusions: 50 Cell Tray, Clear Humidity Dome, 1020 Propagation Flat Seed Tray (no holes)
Specifications:
- Humidity Dome is 5″ height, 4½” interior space
- 1020 Flat Outer Dimensions: 21¼” x 11¼” x 2.5″
- Outer Dimensions: 21¼” x 11¼”
Pros:
- ideal for bottom water feeding
- made from sturdy food-safe plastic
- the dome included has adjustable vents
- beginner-friendly
Con:
- A little bit pricy
- sold in a bundle
Overall:
This might be a go-to product for beginners who don’t want to order a bunch of products from five different stores. I really love the idea of them coming up with a bundle like this. The only downside that I see with this product is that it’s a little bit pricy but since it’s material is highly durable, it is worth considering.
These are the things that I personally recommend as a hydroponic grower. It may or may not work for you but that really depends on what suits you best. The only one that knows what you need is you. Haven’t decided which product to get yet? That’s totally fine, you reading this far into this article means that you’re doing your best at researching. Perhaps you’re still planning to switch on to hydroponics? You can check out this blog where I enumerate the difference between a hydroponic set up to soil based planting.
Have any products that work for you that you think we should mention? Please don’t hesitate to share it with us and comment down below.
