The right tray is......?
 

This is the primary GH used to start my tomatos and peppers. I would like to know what size trays will fit. Can I fit 2 trays per shelf?

[url]https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0735CJ54R/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B0735CJ54R&pd_rd_wg=rGDUv&pd_rd_r=6ZDZR20MTWDPGRZ6B10A&pd_rd_w=1KSqk[/url]

[QUOTE=Black Krim;681460]This is the primary GH used to start my tomatos and peppers. I would like to know what size trays will fit. Can I fit 2 trays per shelf?

[URL]https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0735CJ54R/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B0735CJ54R&pd_rd_wg=rGDUv&pd_rd_r=6ZDZR20MTWDPGRZ6B10A&pd_rd_w=1KSqk[/URL][/QUOTE]

Please secure the heck out of that thing with cable ties on each shelf corner and put heavy items only on the bottom!!!

I have that shelving too, but I have upgraded to several inexpensive garage style plastic storage racks that have holes for stringing lights, and a splurge on a metal rack with slotted shelves sold at Sam's Club, etc. It is amazing and only $50 when on sale.

I used and still use regular 10X20 with a 5X20 that is now hard to find. The other tray I will be using as a replacement for the half size tray is a trough that you use to dip wallpaper. They are super cheap too.


- Lisa

I secure my plastic trays in a perma nest tray makes life lovely with no bowing when pulling out tray to admire or water.

Yes, 2 trays fit per shelf but like mentioned those wire shelves will slip and you'll drop trays, ask me how I know!!! I used zipties.

Looks like the same Aldis greenhouses I use.two 420 trays liners of various cells per shelf.Reinforce the rods with good self tap machine screws.Line with that green plastic coated chicken wire fencing,put it on a inexpensive furniture dolly and in and out the sun/garage porch,360 for those delicates,the shade cloth with the green house a plus,bottom watered trays,easy peasy my wife she says.Be careful pulling on these versions if not reinforced,THEY WILL PULL APART AT THE WRONG TIME,NOTABLY WHEN FULL OF WEIGHT,AND WHEN IT IS A DOWNPOUR,TRUST ME ,IT HAPPENED TO I.

THis will be my second GH. These are NOT durable. THe metal shelving would be secured if I use this GH.

I am rethinking money might be better spent on a 4 tiered workshop shelving.

THank you all for input as to tray size.

[QUOTE=greenthumbomaha;681465]Please secure the heck out of that thing with cable ties on each shelf corner and put heavy items only on the bottom!!!

I have that shelving too, but I have upgraded to several inexpensive garage style plastic storage racks that have holes for stringing lights, and a splurge on a metal rack with slotted shelves sold at Sam's Club, etc. It is amazing and only $50 when on sale.

I used and still use regular 10X20 with a 5X20 that is now hard to find. The other tray I will be using as a replacement for the half size tray is a trough that you use to dip wallpaper. They are super cheap too.


- Lisa

I secure my plastic trays in a perma nest tray makes life lovely with no bowing when pulling out tray to admire or water.[/QUOTE]

Lisa, do mean this is a 3 layer affair. two trays that fit tog perfectly, then filled with dividers , either 6 packs or a tray with many depressions to hold soil and 1-2 seeds......

Sorry still learning the lingo and online pics can be confusing.

Another option. I have several of these, though I haven't used them for plants yet; mostly I use them for home canning and garage storage. They are super sturdy and stable!

[url]https://www.amazon.com/Seville-Classics-5-Tier-Shelving-Wheels/dp/B001A0VYZY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1517874823&sr=8-2&keywords=Seville+14x30[/url]

wow the 4 tiered storage unit linked above looks very nice, and can handle 300 lbs per shelf. Makes the original GH look so very flimsy in comparison.


[url]https://www.amazon.com/Seville-Classics-5-Tier-Shelving-Wheels/dp/B001A0VYZY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1517874823&sr=8-2&keywords=Seville+14x30[/url]

These are sold at the big box stores too, but I have gotten them for $37-$38 on Amazon when on sale.

[QUOTE=Black Krim;681535]Lisa, do mean this is a 3 layer affair. two trays that fit tog perfectly, then filled with dividers , either 6 packs or a tray with many depressions to hold soil and 1-2 seeds......

Sorry still learning the lingo and online pics can be confusing.[/QUOTE]

Let's use rg's right tray in photo above as an example.

They tray itself measures 10 inches by 20 inches.
Within the tray he has 6 inserts, and in this particular situation each insert has compartments for 6 plants.

I used to be able to purchase trays that were half the size width wise, that being 5 inches wide and still 20 inches long. More flexibility when maneuvering seedlings with different growth rates under the light.

I also have inserts that have 9 compartments, 4 compartments ,and inserts that have no compartments and look like a mini loaf plant for dense planting of one variety. I can mix and match these inserts within a tray. I rinse and reuse everything.

If you run out or run short, in a pinch you can use disposable supermarket items like pie pans , lasagna pans as trays and strawberry clamshells or yogurt cups with a hole for starting seeds. Eventually you will want to get more uniform equipment but these items still work fine.

- Lisa

32 sq pots 2x2x2

[url]https://www.amazon.com/Germination-Propagation-Hydroponics-Bootstrap-Farmer/dp/B06XTXVHYJ/ref=sr_1_4?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1517892556&sr=1-4&keywords=1020%2Bcell%2Btrays&th=1[/url]



60 plug ct 1 5/8" Square X 2 6/8" Deep
[url]https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011JEBKYA/ref=sspa_dk_detail_6?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B011JEBKYA&pd_rd_wg=UDpPo&pd_rd_r=9XNZP19N8YQ5TQ9DXVQZ&pd_rd_w=mo1au&keywords=1020%20cell%20trays[/url]


10 Plant Growing Trays (No Drain Holes) - 20" x 10"
[url]https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0058PTK6M/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B0058PTK6M&pd_rd_wg=j20tB&pd_rd_r=YE3XHQ9XB9JJ6MQY4G1E&pd_rd_w=pPXSt&keywords=1020%20cell%20trays[/url]

1020 Trays - Extra Strength No Holes, 10 pack
[url]https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BKOG6PM/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B01BKOG6PM&pd_rd_wg=j20tB&pd_rd_r=YE3XHQ9XB9JJ6MQY4G1E&pd_rd_w=pPXSt&keywords=1020%20cell%20trays[/url]


100 Pack of 2 Inch pots for Starting seedlings 2" square Durable Reusable Plastic Starter
[url]https://www.amazon.com/Starting-seedlings-Durable-Reusable-Plastic/dp/B00R71FGYU/ref=pd_sim_86_14?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00R71FGYU&pd_rd_r=TEBE9CJ65RSAVNVEWNT8&pd_rd_w=qkDWs&pd_rd_wg=lunN0&psc=1&refRID=TEBE9CJ65RSAVNVEWNT8[/url]

KINGLAKE 100 Pcs 4" Plastic Plants Nursery Pot/
[url]https://www.amazon.com/KINGLAKE-Plastic-Seedlings-Container-Starting/dp/B01N7QROQQ/ref=pd_sim_86_20?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01N7QROQQ&pd_rd_r=TEBE9CJ65RSAVNVEWNT8&pd_rd_w=qkDWs&pd_rd_wg=lunN0&psc=1&refRID=TEBE9CJ65RSAVNVEWNT8[/url]



100 Qty -Dura pots 3 1/2" square x 3" deep Durable and reusable yet -Lightweight & flexible for easy de-potting
[url]https://www.amazon.com/Durable-reusable-Lightweight-flexible-potting/dp/B00QZG1P02/ref=pd_sim_86_82?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00QZG1P02&pd_rd_r=TEBE9CJ65RSAVNVEWNT8&pd_rd_w=qkDWs&pd_rd_wg=lunN0&psc=1&refRID=TEBE9CJ65RSAVNVEWNT8[/url]


Ideas.
288 plug is too small. Looking for similar to start seeds. Then transplant into garden or up pot.

individual pots. One size for selling, therefore 3 x 3 ish, to sell one plant at a time; more popular than 6 pk or 4 pk trays,
High quality is fine for me for reuse; hate loosing these to customers that will trash them.

Larger pot for up potting, trade pots the largest and perhaps a smaller one midsize that are larger than 3 x 3



PLEASE COMMENT on the randomly selected vendors above, the sizing, or other issues I am totally ignorant about. THtanks.

The right tray is......?
 

I use two of those mini green houses to harden off my plants for a week or two before they get planted out. They will work fine as long as you learn how to work with them!

Tie them down well (secure a rope on the ground at one side, run it up over the second or third shelf, then back down the other side). Otherwise on the first windy day your plants will be strewn all over the ground.

If I remember correctly, they will not fit two 1020 trays per shelf. I use foil casserole pans I buy in bulk at Costco as I can fit them on the shelves better than the 1020 trays.

And if you wait too long to unzip and roll up the front flap on a sunny day, you'll cook your seedlings.

And if I pack them up after everything is planted out, I can easily get three to four years out of a plastic cover. If left out all summer, the sun destroys the cover in just one season.

Good to know the GH will last 3-4 season and not just the one , If packed up and put away from sunlight.

I had forgotten how easily this GH blows over. I prefer to set it up in a bathroom that gets warmth from wood stove and a window to provide some of the lighting.

IN the past, draping 3 sides with glossy parchement paper bounces the light around more. And which of the light heads back out the window. Not sure what the net gain is given growlights are also in use as the winter sun is weak ( and a north window). Considering a white shade to pull at sundown. WOuld be interesting to see if better growth by keeping shade down 24/7.....




Im tracking down resources to better organize my seedlings. Initially tomatos but also other veg. In the past when planting out seed I struggle to know where seed is, and the weeds seema lways a step ahead.

My plan is to start almost everything, letting the seedlings be 1-2-3 inches tall , then transplant into the garden. Hopefullly puts me ahead of the weeds when I can clearly see what is a weed and what is not.

[url]https://www.harrisseeds.com/collections/all-supplies/products/40345-dillen-144-cell-plug-tray?variant=28920995985[/url]
quality Dillen propagation trays and domes are perfect for starting all types of flower and vegetable seed. Use along with our heat mats and light stands for seed starting success. Cell size measures 1" x 1" x 1-1/2" deep.

[url]https://www.harrisseeds.com/collections/all-supplies/products/41611-128-deep-cell-plug-tray?variant=38829397073[/url]
These heavy duty, semi-rigid Blackmore 128 deep cell plug trays allow you to easily separate species in one tray, reducing potential disease spread, and easing transplanting. The plug trays measure 11"x 21 1/4" and easily fit into our 1020 no drainage trays, web trays, and permanest trays (lip of plug trays rest on top of other trays so that cells are in the trays. Depending on cell size, the bottom of the cells may not touch bottom of tray.) Use along with our heat mats and light stands for seed starting success. Cell size measures 2" deep and 1 1/8" wide.

[QUOTE=Black Krim;681561]wow the 4 tiered storage unit linked above looks very nice, and can handle 300 lbs per shelf. Makes the original GH look so very flimsy in comparison.


[URL]https://www.amazon.com/Seville-Classics-5-Tier-Shelving-Wheels/dp/B001A0VYZY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1517874823&sr=8-2&keywords=Seville+14x30[/URL][/QUOTE]

I see these every day at work in cafeteria storage rooms, in freezers and coolers with all sorts of heavy meats and such on them.
Plus any number of other places I haunt.
They can hold up to just about anything you put on them.
In my opinion there is no better option at any price.

Worth

I shopped at local discount store where the small GH is available. FOr $20. Put two in cart.

WHen I reached the far side of the store there was a fair number of different utility type storage racks. I looked each over. Used trays to check fit. Plastic. Metal. Short. Tall.

Opted for moderate height unit as 9 trays fit on top 3 shelves and only 7 on the plastic unit. ( Used top 3 shelves to compare because third shelf down is at same height for two tallest units) Holds 250# per shelf.
$39

ANd the unit looks just like just like the one everyone recommended, minus wheels!!!!!!!!!!
[url]https://www.amazon.com/Seville-Classics-5-Tier-Shelving-Wheels/dp/B001A0VYZY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1517874823&sr=8-2&keywords=Seville+14x30[/url]

THANK YOU EVERYONE for your valuable input.

[QUOTE=Black Krim;682591]

........
ANd the unit looks just like just like the one everyone recommended, minus wheels!!!!!!!!!!
[url]https://www.amazon.com/Seville-Classics-5-Tier-Shelving-Wheels/dp/B001A0VYZY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1517874823&sr=8-2&keywords=Seville+14x30[/url][/QUOTE]

the wheels are usually optional. you buy them separately for another $20.00.

ahhhhh...no wheels necessary where its going.

Thank you.

[QUOTE=Black Krim;681576]

PLEASE COMMENT on the randomly selected vendors above, the sizing, or other issues I am totally ignorant about. THtanks.[/QUOTE]

Thanks for posting these links, Black Krim! It led me to the Bootstrap Farmer website where I ordered 1010 and 1020 trays, 6-cell tray inserts, 32-cell trays with 2" pots and didn't have to pay shipping! They arrived in 3 days and are really heavy duty. I only wish I ordered them years ago instead of buying cheap replacements annually.:evil:

kath

You are welcome. Durabilty is a good thing!! And 3 day shipping is impressive. I havent ordered yet, so I'll check out Boostrap Farmer.

[QUOTE=Black Krim;683710]You are welcome. Durabilty is a good thing!! And 3 day shipping is impressive. I havent ordered yet, so I'll check out Boostrap Farmer.[/QUOTE]

For what I needed, it was cheaper ordering directly from them rather than Amazon, which only carries certain combinations.

Hi Guys If you have a local Hydroponics Store check to see if they have what you need, I have one here close that has most of the that stuff and they are cheer than Amazon. Mike

Agree with local hydro store on selection and price. They buy in bulk and price accordingly. I find Amazon expensive on tray supplies. Harris Seeds when they have free shipping is my go to. I didn't upgrade but got delivery in 3 business days. When I had big orders greenhousemegastore.com was cheapest even with paid shipping factored in.

-Lisa

Amazon was just my goto for information. A starting point that leads to better options!!
Hummert was too confusing for a newb.

Ultimately I bought a few trays at a local discount store because I could see them and test the fit live and in person. A learning curve....

Dang you, Kath! :lol: LOL!
I went to the Bootstrap website and ended up ordering trays and inserts! I love the green color, and also got some heavier black ones. When the snow melts, I'll have to do some sorting to get rid of a nest of old flimsy cracked trays I've kept around to double and triple up for safe carrying. Thanks for mentioning the Bootstrap website! :cute:

[QUOTE=ddsack;683802]Dang you, Kath! :lol: LOL!
I went to the Bootstrap website and ended up ordering trays and inserts! I love the green color, and also got some heavier black ones. When the snow melts, I'll have to do some sorting to get rid of a nest of old flimsy cracked trays I've kept around to double and triple up for safe carrying. Thanks for mentioning the Bootstrap website! :cute:[/QUOTE]

:lol: You're welcome, Dee- happy to help! Here's to sorting, recycling and no more doubling, tripling, taping, and accidents from failing trays! Not cheap, but to me, worth every penny.:yes:

kath

Late to the game, but a few comments:
1.I just picked up the bigger brother of that wire rack at Costco for $89. I know its more expensive, but the size is 48"x20"x72". It comes with wheels, 6 racks and each rack supports 800 pounds (so the packaging claims).
2. As others have suggested, there are cheaper options for the seedling trays than Amazon. For example, the 1020 trays are $13 / 10 pack and $63 / 100 pack for different sized 1020 inserts at GreenhouseMegaStore (warehouse is local to me so no shipping).

Congrats on the bigger brother wire wrack. Will serve you well!

Yes, I too, have been looking over the Greenhouse mega store offerings. Much better prices, especially for larger quantities.

[QUOTE=HappyLittleAcreMark;684969]Late to the game, but a few comments:
1.I just picked up the bigger brother of that wire rack at Costco for $89. I know its more expensive, but the size is 48"x20"x72". It comes with wheels, 6 racks and each rack supports 800 pounds (so the packaging claims).
2. As others have suggested, there are cheaper options for the seedling trays than Amazon. For example, the 1020 trays are $13 / 10 pack and $63 / 100 pack for different sized 1020 inserts at GreenhouseMegaStore (warehouse is local to me so no shipping).[/QUOTE]

get the 100 packs if you haven't yet. throw away the used inserts when you are done with them. it isn't worth the disease aspect when you reuse them. loss of all your potting media and your seeds if they get diseased. I have reused things and it does work as long as you sanitize them well, but if you get in a hurry and don't you are wasting your resources and sometimes that means no crop of that variety because you ca't get new seeds on time or at all.