Seed starting trays are the backbone of any successful garden, giving your seeds a cozy home to sprout before they hit the big outdoors. But with prices ranging from free DIY hacks to $200+ commercial kits, how do you know what’s worth your money?
In this 2025 guide, we’ll break down the costs of seed starting trays, spotlight the best buys, and share insider tips to stretch your gardening budget. Whether you’re a newbie sowing herbs or a pro scaling up, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll pay for different seed starting trays, who they’re best for, and top picks with real-world prices.
| Tray Category | Price Range | Best For | Top Picks & Links |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Plastic | $1–$10 | Small-scale starters |
• Walmart 72-Cell Flat ($1.99) • Amazon Heavy-Duty 1020 Tray ($7.98) |
| Biodegradable | $5–$15 | Eco-conscious gardeners |
• Jiffy Peat Pots (50 cells, $5.95) • Etsy Coconut Coir Pack ($12.99) |
| Self-Watering | $15–$40 | Busy gardeners |
• Burpee Smart Irrigation Kit ($29.95) • Gardener’s Supply Watering Mat ($34.99) |
| All-in-One Kits | $20–$60+ | Beginners/indoor growers |
• Johnny’s Seeds LED + Heat Mat Kit ($59.95) • FarmTech Pro 1000-Cell System ($249.99) |
| DIY Materials | $0–$5 | Thrifty gardeners |
• Egg Carton Hack ($0) • Soil Blocker Mold ($35) |
Tray costs aren’t random. Here’s what’s driving the numbers in 2025.
| Cell Count | Price Range | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| 6–12 | $1–$5 | Herbs/spices |
| 24–36 | $3–$10 | Tomatoes/peppers |
| 50–128 | $5–$15 | Large-scale seedlings |
| 1020+ | $10–$30 | Commercial growers |
Your shopping spot can make or break your budget. Here’s the latest.
| Retailer | Best Deals | How to Save |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | 200-Cell LED Kit ($17.89) | Use code “GARDEN20” for 15% off |
| Walmart | 10-Pack of 72-Cell Trays ($15) | Shop Black Friday for 30% off |
| Etsy | Handcrafted Coir Trays ($12.99) | Filter by “vintage” for discounts |
| Gardener’s Supply | 1020-Cell Tray + 50-Pack Seeds ($29.99) | Sign up for email flash sales |
Gardening doesn’t have to drain your bank account. Try these in 2025.
Gardening’s evolving—here’s what’s hot this year.
| Gardener Type | Recommended Tray | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | DIY Egg Carton Starter Kit | $0–$5 |
| Small-Scale | Burpee Self-Watering Kit (72 cells) | $15–$25 |
| Serious Growers | Gardener’s Supply 1020-Cell Tray | $20–$30 |
| Commercial Farmers | FarmTech Pro 1000-Cell System | $100–$200+ |
Final Tip: Check recent reviews—2025 reports flag mold in some biodegradable trays and leaks in cheap plastic. Spend wisely, and your seedlings will thank you.
Seed starting trays range from $0 DIY fixes to $200+ pro setups, but most gardeners thrive with $5–$30 options. Whether you’re reusing egg cartons, grabbing a $17.89 Amazon kit, or investing in a smart-tech system, the goal’s the same: healthy plants, happy gardener. What’s your 2025 seed-starting plan? Share below!
Contact us now for quotes or inquiries, and let Linkwin be your trusted partner in gardening solutions!
The cost of seed starting trays depends on multiple variables. These include the material (plastic, biodegradable, or silicone), the number of cells or compartments, the brand, and whether extras like drainage trays or humidity domes are included. Additional features—such as reusability, size, and durability—along with shipping costs or bulk discounts, also play a role in determining the final price.
The material choice significantly impacts cost. Basic plastic trays are often the cheapest, ranging from $1 to $5 per tray, thanks to their mass production and durability. Biodegradable options, like peat or fiber trays, typically cost $5 to $10 for a pack, as they’re eco-friendly and plantable. Silicone trays, which are reusable and flexible, can range from $10 to $20 but offer long-term savings due to their durability.
Yes, purchasing seed starting trays in bulk often lowers the price per unit. For example, a single 72-cell plastic tray might cost $3, but a pack of 10 could drop to $2 per tray or less. Bulk buys also save on shipping fees and are ideal for gardeners starting large quantities of seeds, making them a cost-effective choice over time.
Plastic seed starting trays are generally more affordable, often priced between $1 and $5 each, depending on size and quality. Biodegradable trays, made from peat, coir, or wood fiber, cost more—typically $0.10 to $0.25 per cell in packs of 36 or 50—because of their eco-friendly materials and the convenience of planting them directly into the soil. While plastic is reusable, biodegradable trays eliminate transplant shock, justifying their higher upfront cost for some gardeners.
The number of cells—or compartments—directly influences the price. Smaller trays with 6 to 12 cells might cost $1 to $3, perfect for small projects. Larger trays with 72 or 128 cells, designed for high-volume seed starting, range from $3 to $10 individually. More cells mean a higher initial cost, but they offer better value per seedling for bigger gardens.
Extras like humidity domes and drainage trays increase the cost but improve seedling success. A basic tray alone might be $2, while a kit with a dome and base could range from $5 to $15. Premium kits with grow lights or self-watering features can climb to $20 or more, offering convenience and better germination rates for the added expense.
To minimize expenses, plan ahead and opt for standard shipping instead of rush delivery, which can add $5 to $10 or more. Buying during off-season sales (like late fall or winter) or from local garden centers can also cut costs. Avoid overbuying by matching tray size to your needs—don’t splurge on a 128-cell tray if you only need to start a dozen seeds.
Well-known brands like Burpee, Jiffy, or Gardener’s Supply often charge a premium—think $10 to $25 per kit—due to their reputation for quality and durability. These trays may include sturdy construction, precise cell sizing, or bundled accessories. Generic or lesser-known brands, available for $1 to $5, provide similar functionality at a lower price, though they might lack in longevity or design finesse.
Purchasing trays can be more affordable than DIY options, depending on scale. A basic plastic tray costs as little as $1, while making your own from egg cartons, yogurt cups, or toilet paper rolls is nearly free but requires time and effort. For large gardens, store-bought trays (especially in bulk) often beat the labor cost of crafting dozens of homemade containers.
To save money, buy in bulk from online retailers like Amazon or garden supply sites, where packs of 10 trays might cost $15 to $20. Opt for simple plastic trays over pricier biodegradable ones if reusability matters. Keep designs basic—skip fancy kits unless you need the extras—and shop sales at big-box stores like Home Depot or Walmart. Planning purchases in advance also avoids rush fees, keeping your budget intact.
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