The Right Microgreen Trays Make All the Difference
Microgreen trays are the single most important piece of equipment you need to grow fresh, nutrient-dense greens at home. Whether you want a small countertop setup or a full rack system, the tray you choose determines how well your seeds germinate, how easy watering is, and how clean your harvest turns out.
Here are the top-rated microgreen trays to consider:
| Tray | Rating | Reviews | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIXC 10-Pack Seed Starter Tray | 4.5 stars | 9,890 | Beginners, variety growing |
| 10 Plant Growing Trays (20″ x 10″) | 4.4 stars | 6,531 | Standard home setups |
| Mr. Pen Plastic Growing Trays (5-Pack) | 4.5 stars | 1,200 | Budget-friendly basics |
| MIXC Seedling Trays (5-Pack, 200 Cells) | 4.4 stars | 2,727 | Cell-based seed starting |
| Legigo 10-Pack Green Sprouter Trays | 4.4 stars | 648 | Soil-free sprouting |
| Yield Lab 10×20 Black Trays (10-Pack) | 4.2 stars | 1,189 | Heavy-duty durability |
Microgreens are one of the simplest ways to add nutrition and flavor to your meals — no big garden needed. A few trays on a countertop or windowsill is all it takes.
But not all trays are equal. The wrong tray leads to mold, poor drainage, and wasted seeds. The right one makes growing almost effortless.
This guide breaks down exactly what to look for so you can pick the best option for your space, budget, and growing goals.
Understanding Different Types of microgreen trays
When we first start exploring indoor gardening, the sheer variety of microgreen trays can be a bit overwhelming. Do you need a tray that looks like a giant LEGO brick, or one that fits perfectly on your windowsill? The answer depends entirely on your goals and your “roommates” (by which we mean your plants).
The industry standard is the 1020 tray. These are roughly 10 inches by 20 inches. They are the workhorses of the microgreen world. If you are feeding a large family or want to grow a significant amount of pea shoots or broccoli greens, these are your best bet. A single 1020 tray can produce a surprising amount of food—enough to keep your salads crunchy for a week!
However, if you’re living in a cozy apartment or just want to experiment with different flavors, you might prefer 1010 trays or 5×5 inserts. A 1010 tray is exactly half the size of a 1020, making it a fantastic space-saver. The 5×5 inserts are even smaller—eight of them fit perfectly inside a standard 1020 tray. This “nesting” ability is a game-changer because it allows you to grow eight different varieties of microgreens in the same footprint.
Another critical choice is the depth of the tray. Most experts recommend shallow trays (about 1.25 inches deep) for the majority of microgreens. Why? Because they save you money on growing media (like soil or coco coir) and make harvesting much easier. You can get your scissors right down to the base of the stem without the tray walls getting in the way. On the other hand, deep trays (2.5 inches) are excellent for “tall” crops like sunflowers, wheatgrass, or pea shoots that need a bit more root space and structural support.
To help you decide, we’ve put together a quick comparison:
| Tray Size | Dimensions (Approx.) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1020 Standard | 20″ x 10″ | Large families, commercial use, sunflowers |
| 1010 Space-Saver | 10″ x 10″ | Small families (2 people), variety |
| 5×5 Insert | 5″ x 5″ | Testing new seeds, small herb batches |
| Shallow (1.25″) | Varies | Most microgreens, easy harvesting |
| Deep (2.5″) | Varies | Wheatgrass, peas, corn shoots |
For a deeper dive into making this choice, check out our guide on choosing the best microgreen trays for your home garden.
Key Features of High-Quality Growing Equipment
Not all plastic rectangles are created equal. When we look for high-quality microgreen trays, we aren’t just looking for something to hold dirt; we’re looking for a system that manages water and airflow.
One of the most important features is the drainage system. Most successful growers use a “two-tray system.” This involves one tray with drainage holes (where the seeds live) nested inside a second tray without holes. This setup is essential for bottom watering. Instead of spraying water on top of the delicate leaves—which can lead to mold and “damping off” disease—you pour water into the bottom tray. The soil then wicks up exactly what it needs.
Look for trays with easy-lift indents or finger tabs. There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to pry two wet plastic trays apart while trying not to spill your beautiful seedlings. High-quality trays also often feature a stackable design, which is vital during the germination phase when you want to stack trays on top of each other to provide “weighted” pressure, mimicking the resistance of soil.
If you are planning on a vertical setup, you’ll want to read about choosing the right trays for vertical microgreen growth to maximize your square footage.
Material Matters: BPA-Free and Heavy-Duty microgreen trays
Since we are growing food that we intend to eat for its health benefits, the material of the tray is non-negotiable. We always recommend food-grade, BPA-free plastic. Specifically, look for #5 Polypropylene (PP). This plastic is heat-resistant, durable, and won’t leach harmful chemicals into your soil.
Durability is another factor. Cheap “big box store” trays are often flimsy and will crack the first time you try to move them while they’re full of wet soil. Investing in heavy-duty trays—some of which have a 50-pound weight capacity—is much more sustainable in the long run. Some premium options, like the Microgreens 1020 Trays Multicolor – no holes extra strength shallow 1.25 inches deep, are built to last for five years or more. Some are even made from recycled ocean-bound plastic, which helps the planet while you’re helping your body!
Best microgreen trays for Beginners and Kits
If you’re just starting out, a kit can take the guesswork out of the process. Seed starter kits often come with everything you need: trays, humidity domes, and sometimes even grow lights.
For beginners, we love kits that include humidity domes with adjustable vents. These domes create a miniature greenhouse effect, keeping the seeds warm and moist during those first critical days of germination. Some kits also feature cell configurations (like 120-cell or 200-cell trays). While these are often used for starting garden transplants, they can be used for microgreens if you want very specific, separated portions.
A great example of a beginner-friendly setup is the 5×5 Microgreens Kit – Bootstrap Farmer, which uses small inserts to keep things manageable and organized.
Professional and Soil-Free Sprouting Solutions
While many of us love the smell of fresh earth, there is a whole world of soil-free or hydroponic microgreen growing. This is often cleaner (no dirt in the kitchen!) and can be faster for certain varieties.
Hydroponic setups usually involve mesh trays or trays with very fine holes. Instead of soil, you use grow mats made from materials like hemp, jute, or coco-fiber. You simply soak the mat, spread your seeds, and let the roots weave into the fabric. This is a popular choice for “sprouter” trays, often used for alfalfa, mung beans, or wheatgrass.
When choosing between these methods, it’s helpful to compare the pros and cons. You can find a detailed breakdown in our article on soil-vs-hydroponic-trays-for-microgreens-a-comparison. If you’re looking for the hardware to get started, the 1020 Microgreen Trays | Shop Heavy Duty Shallow Trays for Microgreens – Bootstrap Farmer – Bootstrap Farmer collection offers options for both soil and hydroponic configurations.
How to Use and Maintain Your Trays for Longevity
Once you’ve picked out your perfect microgreen trays, you’ll want to make sure they last. These aren’t disposable items; with a little care, they can serve you for dozens of harvests.
The most important maintenance step is cleaning. After you harvest your greens, you’ll be left with a “root mat.” This needs to be removed and composted. Once the tray is empty, give it a good scrub. Many high-quality heavy-duty trays are dishwasher safe (just make sure to turn off the “heated dry” cycle to prevent warping).
For a professional-level clean, many growers use a diluted solution of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or a mild bleach solution to sterilize the trays. This kills any lingering mold spores or bacteria, ensuring your next crop starts in a healthy environment. You can find more tips on this in our guide to finding-easy-to-clean-microgreen-trays-for-your-home-garden.
If you’re feeling handy, you can even learn the steps-to-set-up-a-diy-microgreens-tray system using standard components.
Frequently Asked Questions about Microgreen Trays
Do I need trays with or without holes?
In our experience, you actually need both. To grow microgreens successfully, you need a tray with drainage holes to hold the growing medium and seeds. This prevents water from pooling at the bottom, which is the number one cause of mold. However, you should place that tray inside a second tray without holes. This allows you to bottom-water your plants and keeps your counters dry!
How do I clean and sterilize my trays?
Cleaning is simple: remove the old roots, wash with hot soapy water, and rinse. To sterilize, we recommend a quick soak in a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. If you use a dishwasher, always place the trays on the top rack and avoid high-heat drying cycles. Always allow your trays to air dry completely before stacking them for storage to prevent any “funky” smells.
What is the best tray size for a home setup?
For most home gardeners, the 1010 tray is the “Goldilocks” size—not too big, not too small. It’s easy to handle, fits on most windowsills, and provides enough greens for a few days of meals. If you are a “super-user” who adds handfuls of greens to every smoothie and sandwich, go for the full 1020 standard.
Conclusion
At Financelyx, we believe that healthy eating should be both accessible and delicious. Growing your own microgreens is a fantastic way to ensure you always have nutrient-dense, flavorful ingredients on hand for snacks, salads, and garnishes. As our expert writer Elena Monroe often says, “A sprinkle of home-grown microgreens can turn a simple meal into a gourmet, nutrient-packed experience.”
By choosing high-quality microgreen trays, you’re investing in your health and your kitchen’s productivity. Whether you opt for a heavy-duty 1020 tray or a versatile 5×5 kit, the right equipment will make your journey into home gardening much more successful.
Ready to level up your indoor garden? You can find more info about tools and supplies on our site to help you grow like a pro! Happy growing!
