Choosing the right microgreen trays can be the difference between spindly sprouts and dense, lively harvests, especially in a home setup with limited space and light. From soil-free sprouter trays that simplify germination to extra-strength 1020 trays built for years of use, each design influences airflow, drainage, and root health in subtle but significant ways. Comprehending how these seven tray options compare is where successful growers begin to separate convenience from true performance.
| Legigo Green Seed Sprouter Trays 10-Pack Soil-Free |
| Best Overall | Tray Type / Use: Soil-free seed sprouter tray with inner mesh | Primary Material: Food-grade polypropylene (PP) plastic | Dimensions (Approx.): 13.07 x 9.85 x 1.46 in | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Bootstrap Farmer 10×10 Seed Trays Combo 20-Pack |
| Professional Grade | Tray Type / Use: Heavy-duty seed / microgreen tray combo (with & without holes) | Primary Material: BPA-free plastic | Dimensions (Approx.): Inner 10 x 10 in; outer 11 x 11 x 2.5 in | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Bootstrap Farmer Microgreen 1020 Trays White 10-Pack |
| Most Durable | Tray Type / Use: Heavy-duty microgreen tray with holes | Primary Material: BPA-free recyclable polypropylene (PP #5) | Dimensions (Approx.): 21 x 10.75 x 1.25 in | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Bootstrap Farmer Extra-Strength 1020 Seedling Trays 10-Pack |
| Heavy-Duty Pick | Tray Type / Use: Heavy-duty 1020 seedling / microgreen tray without holes | Primary Material: Food-safe, BPA-free polypropylene (#5) | Dimensions (Approx.): 21.25 x 11.25 x 2.5 in | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Legigo Green Seed Sprouter Trays 10-Pack Soil-Free |
| Best Value | Tray Type / Use: Soil-free seed sprouter tray with inner mesh | Primary Material: Food-grade polypropylene (PP) plastic | Dimensions (Approx.): 13.07 x 9.85 x 1.46 in | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Mr. Pen 5-Pack Plastic Growing Trays |
| Budget-Friendly Pick | Tray Type / Use: General growing tray for seeds, sprouts, microgreens | Primary Material: Sturdy, reusable plastic | Dimensions (Approx.): 17 x 10 x 2.4 in | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Soil Blocking Seed Starter Trays 5-Set 15×12 |
| Editor’s Choice | Tray Type / Use: Soil blocking / microgreen tray with mesh bottom | Primary Material: BPA-free PP plastic | Dimensions (Approx.): 15 x 12 x 2.8 in | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Legigo Green Seed Sprouter Trays 10-Pack Soil-Free
Should you want mess‑free, soil‑free microgreens and like to harvest multiple batches at once, Legigo’s 10-pack Green Seed Sprouter Trays is built for you: you get ten PP food‑grade trays plus ten planting papers, each about 13×10 inches, so you can stagger sowings and keep a steady harvest coming. The concave‑convex mesh lifts out easily and keeps seeds from falling through while enhancing airflow and germination. You’ll grow mung beans, peas, wheatgrass, cat grass, and more in 3–10 days—just add water, avoid overcrowding, ventilate well, and monitor growth through the clear lid.
- Tray Type / Use:Soil-free seed sprouter tray with inner mesh
- Primary Material:Food-grade polypropylene (PP) plastic
- Dimensions (Approx.):13.07 x 9.85 x 1.46 in
- Microgreen Suitability:Yes – designed for microgreens, beans, various seeds
- Reusability / Durability:Sturdy, reusable PP, designed for repeated sprouting
- Indoor/Greenhouse Use:Suitable for indoor and outdoor growing
- Additional Feature:Includes planting papers
- Additional Feature:Inner mesh tray design
- Additional Feature:Transparent monitoring lid
Bootstrap Farmer 10×10 Seed Trays Combo 20-Pack
Serious microgreen growers who want long-lasting, heavy-duty trays in a compact 10″ x 10″ format will get strong value from the Bootstrap Farmer 10×10 Seed Trays Combo 20-Pack, which pairs 10 trays with holes and 10 without for flexible bottom-watering, germination, and harvesting. Each tray measures 10″ x 10″ with outer dimensions of 11″ x 11″ x 2.5″, so you can neatly fit them into standard 1020 setups. Made from ultra-durable, BPA-free plastic, they won’t flex, crack, or get brittle, even after multiple seasons. You’ll use them confidently for microgreens, wheatgrass, fodder, and hydroponics, backed through a one-year warranty.
- Tray Type / Use:Heavy-duty seed / microgreen tray combo (with & without holes)
- Primary Material:BPA-free plastic
- Dimensions (Approx.):Inner 10 x 10 in; outer 11 x 11 x 2.5 in
- Microgreen Suitability:Yes – for microgreens, wheatgrass, fodder, hydroponics
- Reusability / Durability:Ultra-durable, multi-season, one-year warranty
- Indoor/Greenhouse Use:For indoor propagation with heat mats, domes, hydroponics
- Additional Feature:Combo holes/no-holes
- Additional Feature:Compatible with 1020 trays
- Additional Feature:One-year tray warranty
Bootstrap Farmer Microgreen 1020 Trays White 10-Pack
Should you want a tray set you can buy once and use for years, the Bootstrap Farmer Microgreen 1020 Trays, White, 10-Pack stand out for their extra-strength, leach-resistant polypropylene construction and 2-year no-break warranty. These white 1020 flats measure 21″ x 10.75″ x 1.25″ and feature drainage slits for healthy roots. Made from durable, BPA-free #5 PP plastic, they’re built to last and resist breaking. They work great with heat mats, humidity domes, and are ideal for microgreens, wheatgrass, fodder, and hydroponics.
- Tray Type / Use:Heavy-duty microgreen tray with holes
- Primary Material:BPA-free recyclable polypropylene (PP #5)
- Dimensions (Approx.):21 x 10.75 x 1.25 in
- Microgreen Suitability:Yes – for microgreens, wheatgrass, fodder, hydroponics
- Reusability / Durability:Extra strength, long-term use, 2-year warranty
- Indoor/Greenhouse Use:For indoor setups with heat mats, domes, hydroponics
- Additional Feature:White color trays
- Additional Feature:Drainage slit design
- Additional Feature:Two-year break warranty
Bootstrap Farmer Extra-Strength 1020 Seedling Trays 10-Pack
Growers who are tired of flimsy flats and want a long-lasting, heavy-duty base tray will gravitate toward the Bootstrap Farmer Extra-Strength 1020 Seedling Trays. You get a 10-pack of rigid, no-hole trays made from ultra-durable, food-safe, BPA-free polypropylene #5 that won’t warp, crack, or crumble during transport. With outer dimensions of 21.25 x 11.25 x 2.5 inches, they fit standard 1020 cell inserts and planting kits, making them ideal with heat mats, humidity domes, and bottom watering. Use them for microgreens, wheatgrass, fodder, or hydroponic germination, backed with a one-year warranty.
- Tray Type / Use:Heavy-duty 1020 seedling / microgreen tray without holes
- Primary Material:Food-safe, BPA-free polypropylene (#5)
- Dimensions (Approx.):21.25 x 11.25 x 2.5 in
- Microgreen Suitability:Yes – for microgreens, wheatgrass, fodder, hydroponics
- Reusability / Durability:Extra strength, long-term use, one-year warranty
- Indoor/Greenhouse Use:For indoor propagation with heat mats, domes, hydroponics
- Additional Feature:No-hole tray style
- Additional Feature:Standard 1020 compatible
- Additional Feature:One-year warranty coverage
Legigo Green Seed Sprouter Trays 10-Pack Soil-Free
Offering one of the best soil-free, budget-friendly setups, the Legigo Green Seed Sprouter Trays 10-pack suits individuals looking to grow plenty of microgreens, beans, or sprouts with minimal mess and effort. Each food-grade PP tray measures 13.07 until 9.85 inches, giving you ample space for indoor or outdoor harvests. You’ll get 10 trays plus 10 planting papers, handy for tiny seeds that may slip through.
The concave-convex inner mesh lifts out easily, improving air circulation and drainage so roots don’t rot. Just add water, avoid overcrowding, keep ventilation high, and expect germination in 3–10 days.
- Tray Type / Use:Soil-free seed sprouter tray with inner mesh
- Primary Material:Food-grade polypropylene (PP) plastic
- Dimensions (Approx.):13.07 x 9.85 x 1.46 in
- Microgreen Suitability:Yes – designed for microgreens, beans, various seeds
- Reusability / Durability:Sturdy, reusable PP, designed for repeated sprouting
- Indoor/Greenhouse Use:Suitable for indoor and outdoor growing
- Additional Feature:Includes planting papers
- Additional Feature:Inner mesh tray design
- Additional Feature:Transparent monitoring lid
Mr. Pen 5-Pack Plastic Growing Trays
For budget-conscious microgreen growers who want reusable gear, the Mr. Pen 5-Pack Plastic Growing Trays deliver solid value. Measuring 17 x 10 x 2.4 inches, these sturdy plastic trays accommodate seed germination, sprouts, microgreens, and various plants. You’ll appreciate their lightweight design and easy-to-clean construction, which reduce maintenance hassle. The one-piece design contains soil, fertilizer, and water effectively while maintaining a neat work area with raised edges. These trays work seamlessly with heat mats, humidity domes, and hydroponic systems. Since they’re reusable, you’ll cut costs and waste over time, making them ideal whether you’re a beginner or experienced gardener tackling indoor or outdoor cultivation.
- Tray Type / Use:General growing tray for seeds, sprouts, microgreens
- Primary Material:Sturdy, reusable plastic
- Dimensions (Approx.):17 x 10 x 2.4 in
- Microgreen Suitability:Yes – for microgreens, sprouts, various plants
- Reusability / Durability:Durable, reusable plastic to reduce waste
- Indoor/Greenhouse Use:Ideal for indoor and outdoor plant growth
- Additional Feature:One-piece tray design
- Additional Feature:Raised spill edges
- Additional Feature:Lightweight, easy cleaning
Soil Blocking Seed Starter Trays 5-Set 15×12
Compact, mesh-bottom Soil Blocking Seed Starter Trays (5-set, 15×12 inches) suit gardeners who want reliable drainage and sturdy support for soil blocks, microgreens, and seedlings in tight spaces like windowsills, shelves, or greenhouses. Their mesh bottom prevents waterlogging and encourages healthy root growth. Made from durable, BPA-free PP plastic, they’re odor-free and built to last. Lightweight yet stable, they’re easy to move even at the time they are full. Use them for seed starting, microgreens, wheatgrass, hydroponics, or as transport trays for succulents and bonsai.
- Tray Type / Use:Soil blocking / microgreen tray with mesh bottom
- Primary Material:BPA-free PP plastic
- Dimensions (Approx.):15 x 12 x 2.8 in
- Microgreen Suitability:Yes – for microgreens, wheatgrass, soil blocks, hydroponics
- Reusability / Durability:Durable, sturdy PP, suitable for repeated use
- Indoor/Greenhouse Use:Fits windowsills, shelves, greenhouses for indoor use
- Additional Feature:Mesh drainage bottom
- Additional Feature:Suits soil block use
- Additional Feature:Works as transport tray
Factors to Consider When Choosing Microgreen Trays
Upon choosing microgreen trays, a grower must balance size and dimensions with the available growing area and the types of crops planned. Material and safety, along with drainage and airflow, directly influence plant health, while stacking and space use determine how efficiently a setup can be scaled. Finally, in general durability and longevity affect long-term cost, maintenance, and reliability of the trays.
Size and Dimensions
Size and dimensions play a central role in tray selection, as options range from compact models around 10″ x 10″ or 13.07″ x 9.85″ to larger formats near 21″ x 10.75″, each suiting different yields and space constraints. Larger trays offer more planting surface, supporting higher production per sowing, while smaller units are simpler to move, clean, and position on shelves or windowsills.
Deeper trays, up to about 2.5 inches, better support root development and water retention for varieties with more extensive root systems. Growers also benefit from matching tray footprints to standard accessories—such as 1020-sized heat mats, humidity domes, or cell inserts—to streamline setups. Finally, specific microgreen species might demand more spacing, influencing ideal tray size.
Material and Safety
Although yield and footprint matter, the material and safety profile of a microgreen tray is just as critical, since the container is in constant contact with a food crop often eaten raw. Choose trays made from food-grade, BPA-free plastic, typically high-quality polypropylene (PP), which resists cracking and degradation over repeated use. This material is durable, lightweight, and stable under growing conditions.
Verify the plastic is leach-resistant to prevent harmful chemicals from entering the growing medium or plants. Opt for non-porous, reusable trays that can be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized between crops. For sustainability, select trays made from recyclable materials, such as certified ocean-bound or recycled plastics, which support eco-friendly growing practices without compromising safety or performance.
Drainage and Airflow
Airflow around and beneath the tray helps regulate humidity during germination, reducing the likelihood of damping-off and other fungal issues. Features such as raised bases, breathable plastics, and open-mesh inserts further improve circulation. Together, these design elements create a balanced root-zone environment that supports dense, clean, and resilient microgreen growth.
Stacking and Space Use
Beyond managing drainage and airflow, tray selection also affects how efficiently a grower can use limited space through stacking and vertical organization. Stackable trays designed with lightweight construction enable growers to build vertical growing systems without compromising stability or risking breakage. Standard 1020 tray dimensions integrate seamlessly with existing greenhouse shelving and grow racks, maximizing space efficiency and improving operational organization.
Trays featuring mesh bottoms or patent-pending water bubble designs facilitate air circulation even while stacked, preventing moisture accumulation that could jeopardize plant health. Maintaining adequate spacing between stacked trays guarantees sufficient light penetration and airflow reaches lower levels, both critical for vigorous microgreen development. Nestable designs further optimize storage by allowing trays to compact when not in use, freeing essential growing space for active cultivation cycles.
Durability and Longevity
Upon evaluating microgreen trays, durability and longevity are determined largely through material quality, structural design, and resistance to wear from repeated growing cycles. Trays made from BPA-free polypropylene offer reliable strength, resisting cracking and deformation under daily use. Ultra-durable models designed to last for many seasons reduce replacement frequency and lower long-term costs. Manufacturer warranties further signal expected lifespan and provide assurance against premature failure. Sturdy construction with reinforced edges and drainage slits helps prevent waterlogging damage while supporting healthy root systems. Tray weight and stability also matter: heavier trays are less prone to bending, especially as they are moved while full of growing medium and plants, maintaining structural integrity and protecting crops over time.
Ease of Cleaning
Material choice also matters. Durable, high-quality plastics tolerate frequent washing, soaking, and sanitizing without warping, cracking, or becoming brittle, preserving both safety and fit with humidity domes or bottom trays. Dishwasher‑safe trays can streamline sanitation for busy growers, while lightweight designs make it easier to lift stacks of wet trays, maneuver them in sinks, and transport them for drying.
