Choosing the Best Microgreen Trays and Equipment in New Zealand

Growing microgreens does not require a greenhouse full of expensive equipment. A simple shelf, some sturdy trays and a handful of practical tools are enough to keep a family supplied with fresh greens year round.

Over time, though, most growers discover that buying equipment designed for microgreens saves time, reduces frustration and produces more consistent harvests.

What Are the Best Trays for Growing Microgreens?

There is no single perfect tray for every grower.

Different trays suit different growing methods, crops and personal preferences.

Slotted Trays

Slotted trays are our preferred choice for growing in soil. They are also great for hydroponic growing as well. Simply add a grow mat and you're good to go. The slots allow excess water to drain away while holding seed raising mix or gorw mat in place. Used inside a solid tray, they make bottom watering simple and reliable.

Our heavy-duty slotted propagation trays work particularly well for:

• Broccoli
• Radish
• Mustard
• Kohlrabi

Mesh Trays

Mesh trays are designed for hydroponic growing with larger seed like peas and sunflower. They allow roots to access water below.

These specialized hydroponic mesh trays are ideal for:

• Peas
• Sunflower
• Wheat Grass

Solid Trays

Solid trays sit underneath slotted or mesh trays and hold water for bottom watering. Most growers eventually find they need a good supply of solid base trays because almost every growing method benefits from them.

Are Bootstrap Farmer Trays Worth It?

In our opinion, yes.

Bootstrap Farmer trays cost more initially, but they are built to last.

Compared with thinner trays they are:

• Less likely to crack
• More resistant to twisting
• Better for stacking
• Food safe
• Available in several colours
• Available as slotted, mesh and solid trays
• Available in several sizes from 1020, 1010 and 5x5 modular trays

If you are growing microgreens regularly, they will probably save money over time simply because they do not need replacing as often.

Silicone Mats and Wool Hemp Mats

Hydroponic growers now have several reusable and compostable options available. Silicone mats can be washed and reused many times.

We are also excited about natural, sustainable wool hemp mats manufactured right here in Christchurch New Zealand. These are made from renewable fibres, compost readily and fit neatly inside our shallow Bootstrap Farmer trays.

What Soil Should I Use?

Our preferred growing medium is Daltons Seed Raising Mix. It is consistent, drains well and is widely available throughout New Zealand. For home growers who only need a small amount, The Warehouse stocks smaller Daltons bags with wheatgrass pictured on the front. Of course, many other seed raising mixes will work too.

Do I Need Hydrogen Peroxide?

Hydrogen peroxide is optional. Some growers use a weak solution, about 0.2% during germination to help reduce mould pressure and improve hygiene. Wine box style containers are often available online if you find yourself using it regularly.

Handy Tools for Filling Trays

You do not need specialised equipment, but a few simple items can make sowing and filling trays much quicker and tidier.

Raven Deluxe Dustpan

We find the dustpan from the Raven brush and pan set works surprisingly well for moving seed raising mix. One scoop is about right for filling a 1010 tray, while two scoops fills a standard 1020 tray.

Raven Hearth Broom

The hearth broom is useful for sweeping up spilled seed and soil and keeping the growing area tidy.

Large Tub or Tote

We like to work inside a large tub when filling trays. Any excess seed raising mix falls back into the tub instead of onto the floor, making cleanup much easier. It also means you can comfortably fill trays indoors without turning the kitchen, garage or spare room into a potting shed.

Wooden Levelling Stick

Rather than buying a specialised tool, we simply use a straight piece of timber to scrape excess mix back into the tub. This leaves a nice even surface ready for sowing.

One Cup Measure

A one cup kitchen measure is handy for filling small 5×5 trays. We find roughly one cup of seed raising mix gives a good depth for most crops.

Spray Bottle

A spray bottle is useful for moistening seed during germination without disturbing it.

Do I Need Heat Mats?

Not everyone does. Heat mats can be useful in cooler parts of New Zealand, particularly during winter. Many crops germinate more quickly when temperatures remain above about 20°C.

Are Coloured Trays Better?

If you are growing outdoors or on a sunny windowsill, lighter coloured trays can help keep root temperatures lower. Under LED lights indoors, tray colour makes very little difference but our coloured Bootstrap Farmer trays are great for organising crops and differentiating between top and bottom trays.

What Shelving Works Best for Growing Microgreens?

One of our favourite options for home growers is the six shelf heavy duty storage rack sold by Bunnings. It is approximately 2020 mm high, 1200 mm wide, and 540 mm deep across its six shelves. For around $180–220 it provides enough growing space for most families.  It's a bit unconventional, but we prefer the solid shelf over the more common wire mesh shelf. It holds the mess and spills in top of the shelf instead of letting it all drop onto your lights, fans and produce on the next shelf down.  

The upper shelves are also useful for storing your seed, soil, empty trays, labels, spray bottles, peroxide, and harvest containers.

Do I Need Humidity Domes?

Usually not. Most microgreens germinate perfectly well using stacked trays and a little weight. Humidity domes can still be useful in very dry environments or for starting some herbs. For delicate microgreens, you can simply use an extra solid tray upside down as a temporary dome for germination or as a blackout cover.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best trays for growing microgreens?

Heavy duty trays such as Bootstrap Farmer trays tend to last much longer than thin disposable trays.

Are Bootstrap Farmer trays worth it?

For growers producing microgreens regularly, they often pay for themselves by saving time, preventing structural messes, and avoiding constant replacements.

What tools do I need to grow microgreens?

A tray, seed raising mix, dustpan, broom, spray bottle, measuring cup and a simple levelling stick are enough to get started.

What shelving works best for microgreens?

A sturdy six shelf storage rack around 1200 mm wide works very well for most families.