The advantages and disadvantages of using seedling trays

The advantages and disadvantages of using seedling trays

Using seedling trays has become common among commercial growers and home gardeners alike. They provide an efficient means of seedling production, offering benefits such as reduced transplant shock and improved seedling quality. However, they also have their drawbacks, such as increased costs and possible complications in maintenance.

Advantages and disadvantages of using seedling trays

Transplanting with seedling trays offers several benefits over traditional direct seeding, although certain crops are better suited for transplanting than others. For instance, crops such as beans, sweet corn, and peas are typically not grown as transplants.

Advantages

The growing season can be shortened while maximizing land use efficiency.

Uniformity in crop growth is significantly enhanced.

The expected harvest date can be predicted with more accuracy.

Seedling survival rates have been greatly improved.

It allows for an extended growing season.

Expensive hybrid seeds can be utilized more effectively.

Seedling trays can be operated in conjunction with machinery, leading to significant improvements in production efficiency.

Disadvantages

One of the primary drawbacks includes the need for initial investment in seedling trays, increasing upfront costs.

Seedlings generated using trays tend to be pricier than those grown in seedbeds, partly due to the investment required to purchase the trays. That said, plants produced in trays generally have distinct advantages over those grown in traditional seedbeds.

Some vegetable and flower producers opt to create in-house nursery production units. This requires careful planning and design of the seedling growing area, akin to that of a commercial nursery.

What Propagation Tray Do You Need?

Choosing the right propagation tray can be overwhelming due to the variety of options available, including module trays and seed trays, along with soil block makers and nursery pots. I documented my search for the best propagation trays in a blog post. If you're interested in why Containerwise trays are my preferred choice, you can check out my post on Containerwise Trays.

What Containerwise Tray should you get?

Let’s discuss our use of module trays and determine which tray is suitable for different plants. We currently offer seven varieties, each with its unique features and benefits.

My favorite is the 40 cell shallow module tray, ideal for starting a variety of seeds, except for deep-rooted vegetables like peas and artichokes. I frequently use the 40L for beetroot, onions, radishes, cabbages, tomatoes, and brassicas.

Some plants may require longer time in trays due to their rapid root growth, making deeper trays preferable. Below, find a list of trays we offer, including their specific benefits and specifications.

The 15 Cell shallow tray

Cell Size:
69mm x 69mm x 90mm
Best Application:
Tomatoes, Eggplant, Artichoke, Peppers
Plants per m²:
204
Drainage Hole:
24mm
PROS:
Spacious cell size, accommodates plant foliage, and maintains plants for extended periods.

CONS:
Lower plant density, requiring more compost.

The 28 Cell shallow tray

Cell Size:
49mm x 49mm x 65mm
Best Application:
Brassicas, Corn, Zucchini, Pumpkins, Winter Squash, Cucumbers
Plants per m²:
372
Drainage Hole:
22mm
PROS:
Spacious cell size, holds plants for longer durations, and provides good drainage.

CONS:
Lower plant density.

The 40 Cell shallow tray

Cell Size:
42mm x 42mm x 55mm
Best Application:
Beetroot, Onion, Radish
Plants per m²:
531
Drainage Hole:
20mm
PROS:
Usual cell size, high plant density, and good drainage.

CONS:
Not suitable for deep-rooting plants.

The 77 Cell shallow tray

Cell Size:
30mm x 30mm x 50mm
Best Application:
Spinach, Lettuce, Herbs
Plants per m²:
[Data missing]
Drainage Hole:
18mm
PROS:
High plant density, good drainage, and ideal for small sprouting plants.

CONS:
Not suitable for deep-rooting plants and the small cell size may be restrictive.

The 60 Cell Charles Dowding shallow tray

Cell Size:
29.5mm x 29.5mm x 44mm
Best Application:
Spinach, Lettuce, Herbs
Plants per m²:
815
Drainage Hole:
14mm
PROS:
High plant density and excellent drainage.

CONS:
Not suitable for deep-rooting plants due to small cell size.

The 28 Cell Deep tray

Cell Size:
49mm x 49mm x 120mm
Best Application:
Peas, zucchini, pumpkins, and trees like oaks and walnuts.
Plants per m²:
372
Drainage Hole:
22mm
PROS:
High plant density, considerable space for root growth, and extreme depth.

CONS:
Requires a large amount of compost.

The 40 Cell Deep tray

Cell Size:
42mm x 42mm x 85mm
Best Application:
Peas, artichokes, eggplants, pumpkins, beans, cabbages
Plants per m²:
531
Drainage Hole:
20mm
PROS:
High plant density, ample root growth space, and considerable depth.

CONS:
Needs a considerable amount of compost.

Conclusion

I am an enthusiastic supporter of Containerwise trays due to their durability, user-friendliness, and excellent drainage properties.

My top choice remains the 40 cell shallow tray, as its size suits my needs perfectly for starting vegetables and facilitates easy removal of seedlings thanks to the large drainage holes.

To learn more, please visit our website Seedling Trays Price.