Bottom "grating" for seed starting trays?

Greatgardens · May 9, 2018

I've used the green Permanest trays (8" x 12") for seed starting in my home for many years. The only issue I've found with them is that the bottoms are essentially flat, so there is no real mechanism for drainage from the actual pots/packs.

I'd like to use some type of grating that would provide a little extra opportunity to drain from the inserts. This is the only thing I've found:

http://www.greenhousemegastore.com/p...-trays-inserts

Certainly usable, but I'll have to cut a bunch of them, so I'm wondering if there is a smaller alternative that might fit w/o cutting? Or some other "grating" that might be re-purposed for this use? I'm just looking for something to raise the inserts by 1/8" or so. BTW, I prefer to top water, so that is not an issue.

If not, I'll get out my shears! sigh...

-GG

nyrfan · May 9, 2018

Unfortunately, with the 8x12s your options are limited.

I don't think the trimmed daisy trays will help much.

What about lining the trays with sponges or putting a 1/4 inch layer of perlite beneath the pots?

Greatgardens · May 10, 2018

I've been putting a paper towel in some of them, and that does wick off some excess water, but sponge cloth should be even better. Certainly easy to cut to fit to any size. I'll give that a try -- I even have some on hand. Thanks for the suggestion!
-GG

FarmerShawn · May 10, 2018

I’ve just started using capillary mats in my trays, and so far am really impressed with how evenly they keep things watered. I’ve found that shammy cloths (think “Sham-wow!) from Amazon are a bit cheaper, but may not last as long.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

kurt · May 10, 2018

I inherited a plant stand that had trays with 1/2 x1/2 plastic egg crate and topped with the pool table felt .it has hangers for 1x 4
Lite single tubestrip.i still use for interior starts,worn old it still pumps out seedlings for me.

greenthumbomaha · May 17, 2018

I love these racks. They are a strong plastic made by Hydrofarm. It's been years since I bought them (on amazon) and shows as discontinued. Pricey, but wish I could buy more.

- Lisa

Greatgardens · May 17, 2018

Thanks, those are some good options! I found another at Menards -- plastic gutter screen. Cheap, too, and sometimes even "free" with rebate.
GG

Jax&Izzy · May 19, 2018

the grating for an office type light fixture looks just like the photo in the post by "greatgardens" . they are available at the local big box lumber store. I cut them to size and place them in the bottom of a starter tray.

May 9, 2018	#1
Greatgardens Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,124	Bottom "grating" for seed starting trays? I've used the green Permanest trays (8" x 12") for seed starting in my home for many years. The only issue I've found with them is that the bottoms are essentially flat, so there is no real mechanism for drainage from the actual pots/packs. I'd like to use some type of grating that would provide a little extra opportunity to drain from the inserts. This is the only thing I've found: http://www.greenhousemegastore.com/p...-trays-inserts Certainly usable, but I'll have to cut a bunch of them, so I'm wondering if there is a smaller alternative that might fit w/o cutting? Or some other "grating" that might be re-purposed for this use? I'm just looking for something to raise the inserts by 1/8" or so. BTW, I prefer to top water, so that is not an issue. If not, I'll get out my shears! sigh... -GG Last edited by Greatgardens; May 9, 2018 at 06:46 AM.

May 10, 2018	#4
FarmerShawn Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Vermont Posts: 1,001	I’ve just started using capillary mats in my trays, and so far am really impressed with how evenly they keep things watered. I’ve found that shammy cloths (think “Sham-wow!) from Amazon are a bit cheaper, but may not last as long. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk __________________ "Red meat is NOT bad for you. Now blue-green meat, THAT'S bad for you!" -- Tommy Smothers

May 10, 2018	#5
kurt Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Homestead,Everglades City Fl. Posts: 2,500	I inherited a plant stand that had trays with 1/2 x1/2 plastic egg crate and topped with the pool table felt .it has hangers for 1x 4 Lite single tubestrip.i still use for interior starts,worn old it still pumps out seedlings for me. __________________ KURT

May 9, 2018	#2
nyrfan Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: NJ Posts: 123	Unfortunately, with the 8x12s your options are limited. I don't think the trimmed daisy trays will help much. What about lining the trays with sponges or putting a 1/4 inch layer of perlite beneath the pots?

May 17, 2018	#7
Greatgardens Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,124	Thanks, those are some good options! I found another at Menards -- plastic gutter screen. Cheap, too, and sometimes even "free" with rebate. GG

May 19, 2018	#8
Jax&Izzy Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Ca Posts: 8	the grating for an office type light fixture looks just like the photo in the post by "greatgardens" . they are available at the local big box lumber store. I cut them to size and place them in the bottom of a starter tray.