The comparison / Seed-starting trays

Find your fit.
Not a winner.

Three approaches to the same beginning. Compare the layout before the brand, and the complete setup before you buy.

Research-based / No hands-on tests / Ordinary seller links

Seller specifications checked November 12, 2026 (UTC). These are different configurations, not equivalent kits.

A little direction, without a ranking

Find a format
for your routine.

This guide matches your organizing preference to a format. It does not score products or verify physical fit.

Nothing is saved or sent. All three formats remain available below.

The shortlist, with the small print

Different by design.

Illustrations are schematic layouts, not product photographs or scale drawings.

Layout illustration · Not a product image

For detachable batches

72-cell nested insertTrue Leaf Market

A full sheet that separates into twelve six-cell sections—an option when you want to organize seedlings in smaller batches.

  • Consider it forA full insert with detachable sections.
  • Check before buyingThe seller describes this polystyrene insert as single-use.
View details at True Leaf Market

Seller website · Confirm current price and shipping

True Leaf Market
72-cell insert

Published seller specifications, checked November 12, 2026 (UTC). No hands-on tests.
Format12 detachable sections of 6 cells
Published cell width × lengthApproximately 1⅜ × 1⅜ inches at the rim
Cell depthApproximately 2¼ inches
DrainageHoles in each cell
Important limitationSeller describes it as single-use
Check the sourceTrue Leaf Market
Layout illustration · Not a product image

For a full-tray layout

50-cell seed trayBootstrap Farmer

A full tray with 50 cells, for growers who prefer handling one tray rather than separate modules.

  • Consider it forA 50-cell layout with published cell dimensions of 1¾ × 1¾ inches; measurement point not specified.
  • Check before buyingWritten dimensions and an image description differ. Confirm the footprint for your setup.
View details at Bootstrap Farmer

Seller website · Confirm current price and shipping

Bootstrap Farmer
50-cell tray

Published seller specifications, checked November 12, 2026 (UTC). No hands-on tests.
FormatOne tray with 50 cells
Published cell width × length1¾ × 1¾ inches; measurement point not specified
Cell depthTray depth listed as 2¼ inches; usable cell depth not separately stated here
Drainage¼-inch drainage holes
Important limitationResolve conflicting overall dimensions before ordering
Check the sourceBootstrap Farmer
Layout illustration · Not a product image

For separate modules

6-cell seed trayEpic Gardening

A modular format for growers who prefer lifting and organizing smaller groups. Each module has six cells with open bottoms.

  • Consider it forSeparate modules rather than one full insert.
  • Check before buyingCompatibility with bottom trays from other brands has not been verified here.
View details at Epic Gardening

Seller website · Confirm current price and shipping

Epic Gardening
6-cell module

Published seller specifications, checked November 12, 2026 (UTC). No hands-on tests.
Format6 cells per separate module
Published cell width × length1 9/16 × 1 9/16 inches; measurement point not specified
Cell depth2¼ inches
DrainageSide slots and open bottoms
Important limitationCheck your specific bottom tray for compatibility
Check the sourceEpic Gardening

Before you follow a seller link

Measure the outside.
Understand the inside.

Outside dimensions determine shelf fit. True Leaf lists approximately 21 × 10½ inches. Bootstrap’s written specification lists 21¼ × 11¼ × 2¼ inches, while an image description lists 21 × 11 × 2¼. Resolve this difference with the seller before ordering.

Small modules still need a complete setup. Epic lists 4 15/16 × 3 5/16 × 2½ inches per module. Its twelve-module arrangement is specified for the brand’s Universal Bottom Tray; compatibility with other trays is unverified.

Published cell dimensions are not soil volume. Measurement points differ or are unspecified. These figures do not establish usable volume, crop suitability, or how long seedlings can remain in a cell.

A few good questions

Choose with
clear expectations.

Do I need a new tray at all?

Not necessarily. Clean containers with good drainage and at least two inches of depth can work, according to University of Maryland Extension. Start with the container guide.

Which format lasts longest?

We have not tested service life. True Leaf describes its insert as single-use. Bootstrap advertises a one-year warranty against breakage or warping; a warranty is not a measured durability result.

What should I confirm with the seller?

Current dimensions, package contents, supporting tray compatibility, price, shipping, availability, and return terms. Compare the cost of the complete setup.

Are these affiliate links?

No. These are ordinary seller links, with no affiliate attribution. No commission relationship is active on this site. Read our transparency note.