One of the key elements of any successful plug plant is the tray in which the seed is started. There are a number of homemade vessels that have been used to start seeds over the years, but none compare to ease of using a plant plug tray. Creative gardeners have used anything ranging from old containers or egg cartons to the eggshells themselves.
The use of a plug plant tray is by far one of the easiest ways to manage and control your seedlings. The tray is designed to allow you to start hundreds of seeds, and helps to facilitate the creation of the plug. Some systems even have built in watering systems that ensure your plants are sufficiently watered, even while you are away. This is a feature that works well for busy individuals or those planning a holiday away from home.
Trays come in a variety of different sizes, and can fluctuate between the sources that you choose to buy from. Tray sizes range from small, medium, and large plugs, and can be anywhere from 1 square inch to 3 or 4 square inches. And while there may be larger sizes available, these generally move out of the realm of plug plants.
Not only does the diameter of the tray slots fluctuate, but the depth of the tray is also significant. You want to select a tray size that is the right depth for your seedlings. Trays typically range from 1” to 4” deep.
As indicated above, many tray systems come with a built in watering system. This is often simply a second tray that slides under the plug tray. Whether it works to water your plants or not, a reservoir tray is important for any setup.
You should always water your young seedlings with lukewarm water. This keeps the shock factor to a minimum for your susceptible plants. Having a secondary tray is important to catch any leftover water that filters out the bottom of the tray.
A plant plug tray is an excellent way to jumpstart your garden. Find a tray that meets the size of your garden and the needs of your seedlings. Once your plugs sprout and are ready to plant, you will be amazed at the ease of transplanting your young vegetables.