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Best Microgreens Growing Trays: 4 Top Trays Compared

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Introduction

Growing microgreens at home or commercially starts with the right microgreens growing trays. This guide compares four 10×20 tray options so you can match a tray to your needs—budget, beginner kit, heavy‑duty reusability, or premium commercial use. Read on for a concise comparison, buying guidance, care tips, and clear recommendations.

Quick comparison: 4 microgreens growing trays at a glance

  • 1020 Trays (10-Pack) – Heavy Duty No Holes — Bootstrap Farmer (Best overall): 10-pack of 10×20 solid, food‑grade heavy‑duty trays described for repeated microgreen and seedling use.
  • 10 x 20 Inch Black Plastic Propagation Tray (10 Pack) — Yield Lab (Best budget): Low‑cost 10×20 10‑pack propagation trays, basic durable plastic and multipurpose.
  • HAMAMA Microgreens Growing Kit Broccoli & Salad (Pack of 2) — HAMAMA (Best for beginners): Complete kit with a plastic grow tray, seed quilts, and optional bamboo frame; easy, lower‑mess indoor option.
  • 1020 Trays, 10 Pack, Pink – Heavy‑Duty (No Holes) — Bootstrap Farmer (Best premium): Pink 1020 trays marketed as commercial‑grade with extra strength and a solid base.

How to choose a microgreens growing tray (buyer’s guide)

Choosing the right tray depends on scale, experience, and workflow. Focus on these factors:

  • Tray size and format: Most microgreens growers use 10×20 trays (often called 1020 trays). These are compatible with shelving and many propagation systems.
  • Material and durability: Trays marketed as food‑grade and heavy‑duty plastics are intended to withstand repeated use. If you plan to reuse trays for many cycles, pick thicker, reinforced options.
  • Drainage and base type: Some trays have holes; the items compared here are listed as solid (no holes). Consider how you’ll water and drain—solid bases mean you’ll need a method for draining excess or bottom‑watering.
  • Kit vs. standalone tray: Beginners may prefer a kit that includes seed media or quilts to reduce mess and setup steps.
  • Commercial vs. hobby use: For frequent, heavy turnover, items marketed as commercial‑grade with reinforced construction are preferable.
  • Color or labeled trays: Colored trays can help organize crops by variety or day‑of‑sowing in larger operations.

Use search phrases like “microgreens growing trays,” “1020 trays,” or “10×20 propagation tray” to find options that match your scale and workflow.

1020 Trays (10-Pack) – Heavy Duty No Holes — Bootstrap Farmer (Best overall)

What you get

  • 10-pack of 10×20 (1020) trays
  • Solid base (no drainage holes) as listed
  • Described as heavy‑duty, food‑grade plastic
  • Sold for microgreens and seedling starts

Why it’s a strong all‑around pick

These Bootstrap Farmer 1020 trays are aimed at growers who want a dependable set of trays for repeated cycles. The listings describe heavy‑duty, food‑grade construction and the 10‑pack format provides enough trays for staggered harvests or a small production workflow.

Pros

  • Marketed as heavy‑duty, food‑grade construction suitable for repeated use
  • Standard 10×20 size fits common shelving and propagation systems
  • 10‑pack provides a consistent set for staging crops

Cons

  • Solid base (no holes) requires attention to watering and drainage routine
  • No additional accessories or seed media included

Affiliate CTA: Shop the heavy‑duty 1020 trays built for repeated microgreen use — https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BKOG6PM?tag=aytxx-20

10 x 20 Inch Black Plastic Propagation Tray (10 Pack) — Yield Lab (Best budget)

What you get

  • 10 x 20 inch tray size
  • 10‑pack
  • Basic durable plastic construction
  • Multipurpose propagation/seedling tray listed without drain holes

Why it’s a good budget option

The Yield Lab 10×20 trays offer a lower‑cost route into microgreens production. They provide the standard propagation footprint without extras, making them a straightforward choice for cost‑conscious growers or those testing whether they want to scale up.

Pros

  • Lower cost per tray when bought as a 10‑pack
  • Durable enough for seedling and microgreen use according to listings
  • Standard size makes them versatile for many setups

Cons

  • No drain holes (you’ll need a water/drain workflow)
  • No included accessories or seed media for beginners

Affiliate CTA: Pick the budget 10×20 propagation tray pack for cost‑conscious growers — https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UW2U27W?tag=aytxx-20

HAMAMA Microgreens Growing Kit Broccoli & Salad (Pack of 2) — HAMAMA (Best for beginners)

What you get

  • Includes a plastic grow tray and an optional bamboo frame
  • Seed quilts (pre‑measured, designed to avoid loose seeds and soil)
  • Pack of 2 kits as listed
  • Marketed for indoor microgreens with an easy setup

Why it’s ideal for beginners

HAMAMA’s kit combines trays with pre‑measured seed quilts, reducing steps like measuring seeds or dealing with loose seed and soil. This can make starting microgreens indoors cleaner and more straightforward for first‑time growers.

Pros

  • All‑in‑one kit reduces setup complexity
  • Seed quilts minimize mess and dosing steps
  • Includes an optional bamboo frame for tidy indoor use

Cons

  • Pack of 2 may be fewer trays than needed for staggered harvests
  • Seed quilts are consumables—growers wanting full control over seed density or media may prefer standalone trays

Affiliate CTA: Start easily with the HAMAMA Microgreens Growing Kit (tray + seed quilts) — https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2JG5LLB?tag=aytxx-20

1020 Trays, 10 Pack, Pink – Heavy‑Duty (No Holes) — Bootstrap Farmer (Best premium)

What you get

  • 10‑pack of pink 1020 trays marketed as commercial‑grade
  • Solid base (no drainage holes) as listed
  • Described as extra strength / heavy‑duty construction

Why it’s the premium option

These Bootstrap Farmer pink 1020 trays are presented as a tougher version intended for commercial or frequent use. The color option can help with organization, and the reinforced construction is described for higher turnover scenarios.

Pros

  • Marketed for commercial‑grade durability and heavy use
  • Colored option aids organization and identification
  • Dimensions and other specifics are provided on the product listing for planning shelving and rack layouts

Cons

  • Solid base requires a planned watering/drainage approach
  • Premium construction likely means a higher upfront cost compared to budget trays

Affiliate CTA: Shop the premium commercial‑grade 1020 trays for heavy use — https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074LRSLP3?tag=aytxx-20

Tray care, setup tips, and common mistakes to avoid

Care and setup will extend tray life and improve crop consistency:

  • Clean between cycles: Wash trays with warm, soapy water and sanitize to reduce disease carryover. Heavy‑duty trays tend to tolerate more rigorous cleaning.
  • Watering approach for solid‑base trays: Because these trays are listed without drainage holes, avoid overwatering. Consider bottom‑watering by placing trays in shallow water to let media wick moisture, or tilt and drain carefully after overhead watering.
  • Staging and labeling: Use different colored trays (like the pink Bootstrap Farmer option) or labels to track sow dates for staggered harvests.
  • Use appropriate media: If you’re using seed quilts (HAMAMA), follow the kit instructions. For loose seeds and soil, ensure even seed distribution and consistent moisture.
  • Storage and stacking: Stack trays when dry and clean to prevent warping and mold growth.

Common mistakes

  • Overwatering solid‑base trays without a drainage strategy
  • Reusing trays without thorough cleaning or sanitation
  • Mixing indoor lighting plans and tray sizes without checking fit on shelves

Which one should you choose? Quick recommendations by use case

  • Best overall (balanced durability and value): 1020 Trays (10-Pack) – Heavy Duty No Holes — Bootstrap Farmer.
  • Best budget (cost‑conscious growers just starting or scaling slowly): 10 x 20 Inch Black Plastic Propagation Tray (10 Pack) — Yield Lab.
  • Best for beginners (low‑mess, guided setup): HAMAMA Microgreens Growing Kit Broccoli & Salad (Pack of 2) — HAMAMA.
  • Best premium (commercial strength and organization): 1020 Trays, 10 Pack, Pink – Heavy‑Duty (No Holes) — Bootstrap Farmer.

Where to buy (affiliate links)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are these trays the standard 10×20 (1020) size?

A: The Bootstrap Farmer trays and the Yield Lab trays are presented as 10×20 format; product listings will show dimensions and fit details.

Q: Do these trays have drainage holes?

A: The product listings for the items compared here indicate they are sold with no drainage holes (solid base). Check the listing details if drainage is a requirement for your workflow.

Q: Is the HAMAMA kit reusable?

A: The HAMAMA kit includes a plastic grow tray and seed quilts; the tray component is listed as reusable, while seed quilts are consumable according to the product description.

Final Verdict

For most growers who want a reliable balance of durability and capacity, consider the 1020 Trays (10-Pack) – Heavy Duty No Holes — Bootstrap Farmer (Best overall). If you’re cost‑conscious and need a simple set of 10×20 trays, the 10 x 20 Inch Black Plastic Propagation Tray (10 Pack) — Yield Lab (Best budget) is a straightforward entry point. New growers who prefer an easy, lower‑mess start should consider the HAMAMA Microgreens Growing Kit Broccoli & Salad (Pack of 2) — HAMAMA (Best for beginners). Commercial or high‑turnover operations that want extra strength and organizational color can opt for the 1020 Trays, 10 Pack, Pink – Heavy‑Duty (No Holes) — Bootstrap Farmer (Best premium).

Ready to add durable 1020 trays to your setup? Shop the heavy‑duty 1020 trays built for repeated microgreen use — https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BKOG6PM?tag=aytxx-20

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