Flat trays for microgreens have recently gained popularity as a relatively easy and inexpensive way to introduce vegetables into your diet. There are some distinct advantages to this type of preparation. First, the trays can be used before you plant your own vegetables, which means you don’t have to wait for them to get established and then be set in position when you plant. Second, they’re much easier for people who are new to growing their own vegetables to use than are large pots or tubs of soil, even for those who are more advanced.
You can purchase flat tray for microgreens from just about any gardening store, along with a variety of other specialties for growing microgreens. Typically, the trays themselves are plastic, but there are some that are made of metal or wood. This is often due to a concern over pests that may find their way to the vegetables in the flat tray, since it’s essentially a very small indoor environment for the microgreens. Other factors that will determine what material your flat tray is made of include:
Size: microgreens need to be given plenty of room to grow, so you want to make sure that they are appropriately proportioned in size to the amount of food they will hold. You can use a tape measure to measure the inside dimensions of the trays, or you can purchase an inexpensive food scale. As a general rule, the larger the food, the larger the tray, but you don’t have to go with the latter. Just be aware that if you’re growing a lot of small vegetables (such as a leafy green such as spinach), you may need more than one tray. You can always stack them if necessary.
Shape: because flat trays give the food a nice, consistent shape, they help to keep the root system intact, and ensure that the plant doesn’t develop a distorted root system which will affect the taste and growth. It’s also beneficial to note that the flat surface on which they are growing (such as your countertop) also provides a good growing environment, so the plant will experience less stress and enjoy optimal growth health. When properly cared for, flat trays for microgreens will provide you with beautiful, blooming vegetables with little stress.
There are several types of flat trays for microgreens available, but they all serve the same purpose. The most basic tray is quite simply rectangular, but there are also hexagonal trays, triangle trays, and circular trays available. The main difference between the trays is the shape. Some have a thin clear plastic layer on the bottom to help prevent soil from soaking up the food. This layer also helps to keep the micro green plants growing properly by allowing only air to get to the roots.
If you’re looking for flat trays for Microgreens that are specially designed for growing microgreens, you should be aware that most trays are simply made from perforated, hole-punched, or mesh material. The trays are designed this way in order to let the soil does its job, keeping the roots moist and prevent them from drying out. The mesh acts as an additional barrier against pests, providing a third layer of defense between the roots and the food. However, it’s important to note that while mesh can provide a good barrier, it should not be used as the entire covering. Most often the top layer of the mesh is just a wafer of plastic.
Microgreen flat trays are ideal for growing Microgreens because they allow for greater room coverage. They are also available in several different sizes, depending on how much food you’re growing and how large of a plant you are trying to grow. Typically, the larger the plant, the larger the tray needs to be. Typically, they are only suitable for larger plants, but some specialty varieties like Java Fern can do very well with a microgreen flat tray.
As far as the benefits of flat trays for growing Microgreens, there really aren’t any significant disadvantages. However, there are a couple of minor things you should know. First, some users have reported that the mesh can trap air or moisture, causing them to overheat. Fortunately, this is usually a temporary issue that clears up as you repot the plant. Also, if you’re growing a plant that requires a lot of water, it’s best to use the tray to prevent the food from drying out.