Grow trays

What are grow trays and what do you use them for?

You use a grow tray to let seeds germinate, get cuttings going and let young plants grow bigger at their own pace. That can be very compact, for example with a tray for herbs, lettuce or small plants, but also in a larger container in which several varieties grow together. An elongated grow tray is described by elho  as suitable for vegetables, herbs and cuttings, and can be used in the garden, kitchen or on the windowsill.

There are also taller and more spacious versions for anyone who prefers to grow at working height. A grow table on legs gives more comfort while sowing, caring and harvesting. It is also possible to grow several herbs and plants in one and the same container. Matching grow lids or grow houses help plants grow faster.

What is the difference between grow trays and grow pots?

A grow tray gives you more room to grow several small plants together. That makes it handy for a small vegetable garden plan, a row of herbs or a first sowing round where you want to keep an overview. In a tray or container you often work wider and flatter, so you quickly see what is where and how everything is developing. A grow tray is therefore also a real solution for vegetables, herbs, lettuce and cuttings in a longer, open container.

A grow pot works differently. You use it more often per plant or per small group. That is handy when you want to grow something separately or let a plant keep growing a bit longer in its own pot. Grow pots are often nicer for repotting, moving and letting a plant grow bigger step by step. A tray feels more like growing together. A pot feels more like guiding separately.

When choosing between the two, you therefore mainly look at how you want to grow. If you want to keep several seedlings, herbs or young plants neatly together, a grow tray is more logical. If you want more control per plant or to be able to move something easily later, a grow pot makes more sense. In practice they often simply complement each other well.

What dimensions are best for a grow tray for a small vegetable garden

With a small vegetable garden, a lot comes down to reachability. You want to be able to reach everything properly without leaning over the tray or having to support yourself in it. Then working stays more pleasant and everything you sow also gets more attention.

A few dimensions give quick guidance

• Width with access from one side: about 60 to 70 cm
• Width with access from both sides: maximum 120 cm
• Length: usually pleasant between 120 and 240 cm
• Height on open ground: about 20 to 30 cm
• Height on tiles or a patio: preferably 30 to 40 cm
• Working height for a raised tray on legs: around 80 cm

Raised grow trays on legs suit a small vegetable garden in a limited space well. They do not take up excessive room, but do give enough volume to grow several herbs or young plants together. The working height also feels pleasant while sowing, caring and harvesting.

Handy addition when choosing

A small vegetable garden container does not have to be large to work well. It mainly helps if the size suits your space and what you want to grow. A compact grow table on a small balcony can be enough for a few herbs, while larger or XXL models give more room for several herbs and vegetables.

Checklist for using grow trays

Use this as a simple guide from the start to the next harvest:

Step 1: determine what you want to grow

Herbs and lettuce ask for something different than tomatoes or plants with deeper roots. Deep-rooting crops such as potatoes, pumpkins or sweetcorn are less suitable for a standard grow table.

Step 2: choose the size that suits your space

Starting small often works better than thinking too big. Around growing and harvesting it is also emphasised that vegetable gardening is perfectly possible in small spaces such as a balcony or small garden.

Step 3: look at the design

A low tray works well for sowing and pre-germinating. A raised grow tray on legs is nicer if you want more comfort. A model with a cover or lid helps to create a favourable climate for young plants more quickly.

Step 4: make sure drainage is good

With the tray, a system with small holes drains excess water, so roots are less likely to rot. With the large grow tables, water is often drained through the hole in the hollow legs.

Step 5: start sowing or taking cuttings

Sow calmly, keep an overview and give young plants time to become stronger. You can start indoors early in the year and transplant later into larger grow pots or a grow table.

Step 6: transplant at the right moment

As soon as seedlings become stronger and get leaves, they can move on to a more spacious spot. That can be a larger pot or a more spacious container or table.

Step 7: clean after use

After harvesting it helps to remove old plant remains and soil and to clean the tray. This is a simple way to keep a grow table looking good for longer and to be able to use it more often.

With a few calm steps, working with a grow tray becomes a lot clearer. You give young plants a better start and at the same time make it easier for yourself while sowing, caring and transplanting.

Frequently asked questions about grow trays

Can I use a grow tray without a garden?

Yes, that works fine. Vegetable gardening also succeeds in small spaces such as a balcony or in a small garden. The grow tray is also mentioned for use in the garden, kitchen or on the windowsill.

Is a grow tray with a lid handy?

Yes, especially at the start. A cover or lid helps to create a more favourable climate for young plants. It stimulates and protects growth enormously.

Is a raised grow tray on legs nicer to use?

For many people, yes. It means you do not have to bend down to the ground or stand hunched over unnecessarily long. For ergonomic use it is a lot more pleasant.

Can you leave a grow tray outside in winter?

Yes, that is often possible. The grow tables can stay outside (https://www.elho.com/en/collection/outdoor/) in winter, because the plastic material can withstand extreme weather conditions. If there are no plants in it and you want to store the tray, we recommend emptying it, cleaning it and storing any detachable legs separately.

Which plants are less suitable for a standard grow tray?

Plants that need a lot of depth or a great deal of space are less suitable. Think of deep-rooting crops such as potatoes, pumpkins and sweetcorn, and also trees or plants with heavy fruit, as less suitable for a standard grow table.