5 Best Hydroponic Trays of 2023 🌳 Grow Trays | Friendly-Home.net

One of the best joys in life is growing your own crops and enjoying the harvest after working hard. Doing this in modern times is much easier, thanks to all the technological advancements in farming. You can now opt for hydroponic gardening that yields better quality plants and more produce than traditional farming methods. Hydroponic trays are an essential part of hydroponic gardening because they hold hydroponic growth media, while others hold plants in net pots.

This article will explore the 5 best hydroponic trays of 2021 and what features to consider before buying one.

Best Hydroponic Trays

Jump Start Germination Kit

Pros

• Improved humidity control
• Clear and concise instructions
• UL listed seedling heat mat
• Watertight base tray
• Large dome for growing taller cuttings
• 72 cells

Cons

• Thin dome plastic
• Top does not fit well on bottom

The Jump Start Germination Kit is a fantastic product for beginners and experienced growers. Children can also use it to grow plants. It can be used to germinate seedlings or grow cuttings. Research has shown that the seedling heat mat it comes with leads to better seed germination rates. It also warms the root area to 10°F to 20°F above room temperature, thus promoting the growth of cuttings. The product has a 72-cell-insert tray, and it comes with a vented dome and base tray in addition to the heating mat.

This hydroponic tray comes with a 7.5-inch dome that allows you more control over the humidity. The dome has three adjustable vents and is tall enough to accommodate larger cuttings. It enhances germination and propagation because the waterproof heat mat ensures your seeds and cuttings have the right temperature conditions for growth. You will not experience overheating that often destroys seedlings and fresh cuttings.

Using this product is not hard because it comes with clear and concise instructions. It also offers growing tips that come in handy for beginners and children. Besides, it only requires a little power to work. With this product, you can expect to have healthier seedlings and cuttings with stronger roots because you can control the growing environment as desired.

Living Whole Foods Plant Growing Trays

Pros

• High-quality construction
• Reusable
• Inexpensive
• Lightweight

Cons

• Slits spaced too far
• Quite thin

The Living Whole Foods Plant Growing Trays come in a pack of 10. They are fantastic for seed starting and hydroponic growing. Each tray measures about 21 by 11 inches at the top and 20 by 10 inches at the bottom. This size is ideal because it can accommodate both, micro-mats and grow pads. It also makes the trays portable as you can comfortably carry them from one point to another, especially if you intend to transplant your seedlings to a different location.

Made of durable plastic, these trays will last you a long time and are sturdy. But if the plants are heavy, you may want to double the trays to avoid breaking the trays while you transport the seedlings to another location for transplanting. This product is designed to promote seedling germination and growth by regulating the temperature and humidity.

They also have drain holes that effectively drain any excess moisture that would otherwise ruin your seedlings. The best part is that these trays are reusable and versatile. You can use them in your greenhouse or for your microgreens. Also, they can be used both indoors and outdoors, and are safe for use in households with children and pets. They work with all soil and hydroponic applications.

Botanicare Grow Tray

Pros

• High-quality and durable construction
• Easy to use
• Large drain channels
• Easy to clean

Cons

• Pricey

The Botanicare Grow Trays are black high-quality trays that are constructed with high-grade ABS plastic. Thick, durable, and high-impact, these sturdy trays ensure do not sag or break when holding larger plants or when holding full-capacity water. These trays can be used with pots filled with soilless grow substrates, Rockwool, or even clay grow rock.

These propagation trays have a very smooth surface, making them very easy to clean and maintain after use. They also feature large drain channels that drain away all excess moisture from the plants as overwatering may damage the plants. Although the drainage holes are large, they do not affect the trays’ structural design and support.

The Botanicare Grow Trays are thick and well-designed and come in a variety of sizes to allow you to choose what works best for you. No assembly is required, and they are very easy to use, even for children and seniors. With these trays, you will enjoy growing your seedlings or germinating your seeds.

Wild Green Fingers Plant Growing Trays

Pros

• Sturdy construction
• Lightweight
• Leak-proof
• 10 free plant labels

Cons

• Plastic becomes brittle after a few uses
• Thin plastic

The Wild Green Fingers Plant Growing Trays come as a pack of 10. Their dimensions are 14.5″ x 9.0″ x 2.2″ so they are medium-sized. These trays do not have holes but are very sturdy and easier to carry than many other brands in the market. They are ideal for growing microgreens, salad leaves, herbs, and starting seeds. These trays can be used for hydroponic gardening or in the greenhouse. You can also place them on window sills because the size is just right for such small spaces.

These heavy-duty plastic flats are friendly to the environment because they are reusable and recyclable. They save the planet from further degradation by plastics. The overall construction is made considering people who might not have gardens at home.

They are leak-proof, so you do not have to clean messes now and then. To use them effectively, you need to stand the cell inserts and plant your pots in the trays for them to soak up the water. The unique thing about the Wild Green Fingers Plant Growing Trays is the free plant labels. You get 10 free labels that will come in handy. When using these trays, remember to use them to soak your plants from below. Doing this will prevent seed or seedling disturbance and ensure they get the perfect amount of water to grow well.

Home Microgreen Hydroponics Seed Sprouter

Pros

• Double tier trays
• Package comes with spray bottle
• Made of food-grade plastic
• 20 sheets grow paper

Cons

• Poor quality spray bottle

The Home Microgreen Hydroponics Seed Sprouter allows you to grow your microgreen vegetables at home. You can grow these even if you do not have a garden as these can be harvested within 7 to 12 days only. You can also use it for other plants that require transplanting after germination. When you buy this product, you get 2 sets of double-tier hydroponics trays, a 300 ml spray bottle, and 20 sheets of paper. The trays have a top transparent cover, and each measures 33 x 26 x 8.5 cm.

The double-tier hydroponics trays make it easy to plant microgreens or germinate other seeds without requiring frequent watering. The trays are designed to be used soil-free, and this goes a long way in preventing contamination. Besides, the trays are made of food-grade plastic that is very safe and durable. The durable construction saves you frequent trips to the stores to make plastic replacements, which saves the environment.

You will note that the trays have netted in two sizes, one for smaller seeds and one for the larger ones. The Home Microgreen Hydroponics Seed Sprouter can be used for various projects in the house, including your children’s school agriculture projects because it is safe for kids. The microgreens planted in this spouter do not require chemicals, so you are sure that your greens are safe and healthy to eat. They also contain a higher concentration of nutrients and essential plant compounds such as antioxidants.

What to Look for When Buying a Hydroponic Tray

By now, you already know that not all hydroponic trays are the same. They vary in size, construction materials, and other aspects. What exactly should you consider before picking one brand over another? Read on to find out.

Sturdiness

A hydroponic tray made of high-quality materials will serve you a long time compared to one made of flimsy ones. By buying a tray that lasts a long time, you get rid of the need to replace your trays every season. We can all agree that frequent replacements are expensive and inconvenient. Besides, a sturdy tray will save the planet because there will be fewer broken or old trays in the garbage. A sturdy and long-lasting hydroponic tray should be made of thick plastic that can withstand the weight of plants and water.

Size/Capacity

Each person’s needs are different when it comes to various things, including hydroponic trays. If space is not a challenge for you, you can easily choose larger hydroponic trays. If you have limited space, then you should consider more compact trays. It is important to mention that some trays may have larger dimensions than described because they have thick exteriors. If you have a tight space, you should put this into consideration to avoid having trays that do not fit in the grow tent.

Environmental Impact

Today, most people are very concerned about environmental conservation and sustainability. Anyone who cares about our planet is very cautious about buying products made of plastic. However, when it comes to hydroponic trays you can still buy and use trays made of plastic but the ones that are friendly to the environment. You should find out the exact material used in the construction of your hydroponic tray before buying. Always choose plastic that is recycled or can be recycled to save the planet from further degradation.

Value for Money

While you can find very cheap hydroponic trays in the market, you must know that some are made of very cheap plastic that is not durable and harmful to the environment. Choosing cheap plastics may mean that you will face leakages and breakages after a single-use. To avoid this, it is essential to buy high-quality hydroponic trays that last a long time. Pick the one that’s sturdy enough to last for many seasons, thus saving you the cost of frequent replacements. Choose brands that offer a guarantee so you can get replacements if you encounter a problem.

Summary

Hydroponic trays produce the highest quality plants with a greater yield than traditional methods hence they are becoming more and more popular. With so many options in the market today, choose a hydroponic tray that is sturdy, offers value for money, and does not contribute to environmental degradation. The list of the 5 best hydroponic trays of 2021 explored above narrows down the options for you, making it easier to make an informed decision.