Best grow trays to kick start planting season

Best: overall

The Noa grow table is one of the higher-end options on our list but it’s a great all-rounder for growing flowers, fruit, vegetables and herbs. Made from 100 per cent recycled plastic produced using wind energy, this tray has clever integrations that make plant care easier, including an internal water system and water level indicator, which help keep plants nourished rather than waterlogged.

There’s a useful tray underneath for storing twine, clippers and other garden essentials so you have everything easily to hand, plus the legs are removable so the full tray can be stored away when the growing season is over. This set comes with a plastic cover to keep pests and animals away from your newly sprouted produce and a vent on the lid can be adjusted to vary the temperature within the tray itself. Overall, a quality choice that will last year after year.

Best: eco-friendly option

Who said gardening is expensive? This affordable seed tray is the perfect starter home for your plant babies, all for under £10. Nurse your seedlings from their earliest beginnings into established plants in this grow tray made from natural bamboo and rice. Simply break up some compost around the tray, firm down the soil to create a flat surface, evenly scatter your choice of seeds, and then place it on a windowsill or an area that gets lots of natural light.

Once seedlings have been transferred into larger pots this biodegradable tray can be broken up and scattered into active compost and will decompose completely in 6-12 months. This is an ideal sustainable alternative to traditional plastic grow trays and an easy, cost-effective way to reliably germinate plants.

Best for: grow bags

An alternative to a traditional grow tray, this useful wooden planter holds grow bags making it easier to manage plants or vegetables from their earliest beginnings. It is designed to be used with a standard 100cm long x 40cm wide grow bag and features a cross-bar for securing support canes.

This would be the ideal choice for growing tomatoes or plants that tend to have longer stems. It is also a good height for ongoing plant maintenance, protecting the gardener’s back from bending and stretching, making it a savvy choice for those with limited mobility. This planter arrives flat-packed and is simple to assemble, with a 15-year anti-rot guarantee for peace of mind.

Best: reusable choice

This flexible grow tray is an ideal starting point for your delicate seeds. Compost can be divided up into each of the cells, then once seedlings are established it is easy to peel back the silicone and transport them into larger pots, without leaving a muddy mess.

Each tray has six cells with a drainage hole and the tray can be reused throughout the growing season to get plants and vegetables off to the best start. To help keep track of different varieties this tray can be written on with a pen and can even be washed in the dishwasher, ready to be used all over again next year.

Best: self-watering kit

This seed starter kit has space for 72 plants across two different trays, making it larger than some of the others on our list, with a huge scope for seed cultivation across different varieties. The main benefit of this option is found in its self-watering mat and reservoir tray that supports early growth in young seedlings.

The pack comes with coconut fibre growing pellets that should be placed in warm water so they can expand and help get the seedlings off to the best start. There is a clear greenhouse-style cover that keeps the seeds cosy and encourages growth. Seedlings look very similar in their early days, so it’s helpful to keep track of their varieties with the extra plant markers, so you can easily remember which is which.

Best: tray with lights

For gardeners with limited indoor space, a windowsill tray is an ideal option to get started with seed growing. Each of the five trays in this set comes with a base tray and 12 cells with their own drainage holes. A circular vent can be adjusted to vary the heat and humidity within the tray.

In each tray, a USB light sits within each vent and can be connected to any USB power source with the handy 2-metre cable. When connected, the lights can be manually turned on and off, or the timer function can be used to provide light at set times each day. This is particularly useful on darker days when natural daylight is limited.

Vegetable leaves and tomatoes can be started earlier in the season under lights which then extends the crop throughout the summer. The set also includes plant labels so it’s easy to keep track of each seedling variety.

Best: heated grow tray

If you’re keen to grow plants all year round, rather than waiting for spring, an indoor propagator provides all the light and warmth your seedlings will need to flourish. This 100 per cent recycled plastic and aluminium grow tray can be used for flowers, salad leaves, herbs or some smaller vegetables. Early in the season, the grow lights can supplement low light levels, then when spring arrives, lights can be turned off or used for an hour or two each day.

The low-energy bulbs within this tray mimic sunlight and are just 11 watts with a consistent and solid glow. Each bulb lasts up to 10,000 hours and consumes 20 per cent less power than a standard domestic light bulb meaning you don’t have to worry about a surge in electricity bills. The canopy is adjustable up to 38cm meaning plants can be accommodated as they grow upwards. This tray comes with a 12-month guarantee for extra piece of mind.

Best: vertical grow tray

This vertical garden frame with five removable plastic trays is both practical and visually appealing. Each tray is detachable, meaning they can be kept inside when seedlings are young, and then taken outside to live on a patio or balcony when plants are more established.

This tray is also a space saver, allowing you to grow more plants, and maintain them easily. An ideal option for those with limited mobility who want to avoid bending down to maintain lower garden beds. Each charcoal grey 10-litre tray features drainage holes and enough space for flowers, vegetables or herbs. Plus these trays are easy to store away when not in use.

Best: windowsill option

Best for small spaces, this windowsill growing tray is ideal for beginner gardeners who have limited space but still want to stretch their green fingers. Made from durable plastic, this simple growing kit includes a propagator with a lid.

The tray itself has 36 cell inserts with plenty of space for the flowers, fruit or vegetables of your choice. Simply fill the cells with compost, place on a warm windowsill and watch closely as the seeds begin to germinate. Once the seedlings are established they can be moved from this tray into individual pots to encourage further growth.

Best: all-in one tray

A solid choice for keen vegetable gardeners, this grow tray is small and perfectly formed, with thoughtful details like a lower shelf for storing garden supplies and a self-watering system which keeps vegetable growth steady and consistent. This durable resin tray can be used as an alternative to a raised bed and like a few others on our list, it’s a good choice for those who don’t want to bend and stretch to maintain their garden.

There is also space for varieties of vegetables to be sectioned out evenly and given full care and attention. The built-in drainage tap gets rid of any excess water, preventing roots from rotting and giving your plants the perfect balance of hydration depending on their needs.