1020 Shallow Microgreen Trays – Heavy-Duty, New Zealand

Bootstrap Farmer® 1020 Shallow Microgreen Trays

Unlike flimsy trays from big box stores, Bootstrap Farmer® 1020 Shallow Trays are built to last. These are commercial grade microgreen trays and are perfect for NZ microgreen growers. Made from extra-thick, BPA-free, food-safe polypropylene (#5), these trays are food-safe growing trays. They resist bending or breaking, keeping your microgreens, wheatgrass, or fodder safe throughout the growing cycle. We're so confident in their durability that we offer a 2-year replacement warranty under normal use.

The shallow 3.2 cm depth allows you to cut microgreens close to the base, reducing labour while maximising harvestable yield. Trays are designed for hydroponic or soil-based systems, and cutouts on the sides make bottom-watering simple and convenient.

Key Features

Extra-thick (1.8–2.0 mm), BPA-free, food-safe PP #5 plastic
Outer dimensions: 53 cm × 27 cm × 3.2 cm deep, fits standard 1020 flats
Shallow 3.2 cm depth for fast, efficient harvesting
Built to last for many years, reducing replacement costs
Perfect for microgreens, wheatgrass, and fodder systems
USA manufactured with quality assurance
Side cutouts for easy lifting and bottom watering
2-year warranty against breakage under normal growing conditions

📐 The Tiny Space Technical Standard

We believe in data, not just descriptions. While standard retail trays in NZ often weigh around 260g, our Bootstrap Farmer Shallow Trays are verified at 300g of tough, long-lasting material.

That 15% increase in material is why these trays don't buckle, crack, or fail under the weight of a full crop.

Built for a lifetime of use, not a single season.

Why we chose Bootstrap Farmer

We've tested almost every standard microgreen tray available in New Zealand. These are the ones we run every day on our own vertical farm in Ashburton.

Built to last: 1.8 to 2.0 mm walls and a 2-year replacement warranty under normal use.
Colour coding: black, white, purple, green, blue, orange or pink, so you can organise crops and workflow at a glance.
Fits the system: standard 1020 size, and 1010 and 5x5 trays drop straight into it.
Bulk discount by pack size: choose a 5, 15 or 30 pack and the price per tray drops as the pack gets bigger.
Local support: Ashburton pickup or fast NZ shipping, with advice from growers who use these trays daily.

Which do I need?

Trays with holes are for growing. Trays without holes sit underneath for bottom watering. Most growers buy one of each.

Keep reading: how deep should microgreen trays be, the Bootstrap Farmer sizing guide and our tray system guide.

Note: Store trays out of direct sunlight when not in use to prevent material degradation. When nesting trays, use trays of the same depth.

1. Why are shallow 1020 trays better for microgreens?

Shallow trays improve airflow around the bottom of the microgreen stems, and use less soil. Deep trays with shallow growing medium creates a stagnant area for stale air or require a lot of medium to fill.

2. Are these trays UV stabilized?

Yes, they are made from UV-stabilized BPA-free polypropylene. They are designed to withstand high intensity grow lights and direct sunlight without becoming brittle over time.

3. Will these trays bend or crack when full of wet soil?

No. These are genuine 300g Bootstrap Farmer trays, designed to be carried with one hand even when fully loaded. The heavy duty injection molded plastic is built for commercial farm turnover and will not crack or break under normal use.

4. How do these shallow trays prevent mold and dampening off?

The 1.25 inch shallow walls promote superior airflow around the stems of your microgreens. By reducing stagnant air and allowing for easy bottom watering, these trays help eliminate the humid conditions where mold and fungi thrive.

5. How long will these heavy duty trays last?

Bootstrap Farmer trays are engineered for commercial use and are designed to last 10+ years. Unlike flimsy single use plastics, these are backed by a 2 year warranty against cracks under normal growing conditions.

6. Can I use these trays for bottom watering?

Yes. By pairing a tray with holes with a solid 1020 bottom tray, you can utilize bottom watering. This keeps the foliage dry, which is the most effective way to prevent fungal issues and ensure even growth across the tray.

7. Are these trays suitable for hydroponic systems?

Absolutely. Our mesh tray versions are specifically designed for hydroponics. They provide 360 degree drainage and airflow, making them perfect for use with hemp, coco, or jute mats while preventing stagnant water issues.

8. Can these trays handle commercial level sterilisation?

Yes. These trays are made from thick #5 BPA-free polypropylene and are built for the routine most commercial growers use: scrape off debris, high pressure wash, apply a food-safe sanitiser, then air dry. Hot water washing is fine for smaller batches. Whichever sanitiser you use, follow its label for strength and contact time.

9. Are they safe for use with heat mats?

Yes, the heavy duty polypropylene is heat resistant and safe for use with standard horticultural heat mats, making them an ideal choice for year round seed starting and germination.

10. Do they fit standard 1020 humidity domes?

Yes. Despite the shallow profile, these trays maintain the standard 10 x 20 inch footprint, ensuring a precision fit with standard humidity domes and other 1020 accessories.

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Bootstrap Farmer® 1020 Shallow Microgreen Trays - Heavy Duty NZ

Bootstrap Farmer® 1020 Shallow Microgreen Trays - Heavy Duty NZ

Bootstrap Farmer® 1020 Shallow Microgreen Trays

Key Features

Why we chose Bootstrap Farmer

Which do I need?