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If you are moving to soil blocking, the tray underneath matters as much as the blocker itself. A flimsy flat will sag, dump your cubes, and hold water that rots delicate roots before they even get started. This guide sorts through the real contenders to find the ones that keep your blocks intact, drained, and ready to transplant.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
From heavy-duty mesh flats to modular cell systems, here are the best soil block trays that keep your seed-starting setup organized, well-drained, and built to last.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Soil Block Trays
Your soil blocks are basically little self-contained ecosystems. The tray you set them on controls how much moisture they hold and how much air reaches their roots. Pick the wrong one and you are fighting an uphill battle against rot or overly dry cubes.
Match the footprint to your blocker
Before anything else, measure the base of your soil blocker. A standard 1020 tray (roughly 10 x 20 inches, or 21 x 10.6 inches in some brands) is the industry default. If your blocker presses 20 cubes at once, a 1020 flat is the only size that makes sense. Smaller 15 x 12 inch trays work for mini blockers or microgreen setups, but you will be filling them more often.
Decide on mesh versus solid bottoms
Mesh-bottom trays are the gold standard for soil blocking because they let air prune the roots and allow excess water to drain freely. The catch is they need a second solid tray underneath to catch runoff. If you want a simpler setup with fewer parts, a solid tray without holes lets you bottom-water directly, but you risk waterlogging if you are heavy-handed.
Check the plastic construction
Polypropylene (PP) trays are the toughest and most flexible, resisting cracks even when full of wet soil. Polystyrene (PS) trays are lighter and cheaper but more prone to chipping and breaking under weight. BPA-free claims are common, but the real test is whether the tray flexes or snaps when you lift a fully loaded flat one-handed.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Bottom Type | Dimensions | Material | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bootstrap Farmer 1020 Mesh★ Best Overall | Maximum durability | Mesh | 21.25 x 10.75 in | Polypropylene | Amazon |
| GREENBAZZAR Lift-Out TraySmart Design | Root-safe transplanting | Solid + Cells | 8.66 x 7.87 in | ABS + PP | Amazon |
| Gardzen 10 PackBest Value | Budget versatility | Solid (No Holes) | 17.3 x 13 in | Polystyrene | Amazon |
| Sckee 20 Pack (1015) | High quantity, compact | Solid (No Holes) | 14.5 x 9.1 in | Plastic | Amazon |
| Mr. Pen 10 Pack (400 Cells) | All-in-one cell kits | Cells + Solid Base | 14.5 x 9 in | Plastic | Amazon |
| MOUYAT 14 Pack Mesh | Soil block economy | Mesh | 14.65 x 11.81 in | Polypropylene | Amazon |
| Handy Pantry 1020 10-Pack | Wheatgrass & microgreens | Solid (No Holes) | 20 x 10 in | BPA-free Plastic | Amazon |
| Aoriher 10-Set Mesh + Solid | All-in-one mesh kit | Mesh + Solid | 15 x 12 in | Plastic | Amazon |
| RooTrimmer 1020 10-Set | Pro-grade full sets | Mesh + Solid | 21 x 10.6 in | Plastic | Amazon |
In-Depth Reviews
1. Bootstrap Farmer Mesh Bottom 1020 Trays (10-Pack)
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 350+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The unmistakable crowd favorite for soil blockers who demand trays that refuse to buckle under wet weight.
The defining trait here is the BPA-free polypropylene build, and it shows in how owners describe hauling these around. This is the tray people load with fifty 2×2-inch dirt blocks and carry one-handed without a second thought. The mesh bottom does the real work, letting air prune roots and excess water fall away so your cubes never sit in a puddle.
At 21.25 x 10.75 x 2.5 inches, it is a true 1020 flat that fits standard shelving and pairs perfectly with any 2-inch pot or soil block. Owners consistently call out the sturdiness as the headline feature — it is the most-discussed aspect by a wide margin, with well over 70 buyers singling it out. A few note the drainage is mixed for certain uses, but for soil blocking specifically, the combination of rigidity and airflow is exactly what your cubes need.
Buyers report these trays survive years of heavy use, including full seasons in a greenhouse from April to August, without cracking or losing their shape. The one honest trade-off is the upfront cost — this is a premium-tier investment — but owners repeatedly say it replaces flimsy trays season after season, making the higher price feel justified.
The Case for It
- Sturdy, crack-resistant polypropylene that holds wet soil without flexing
- True 1020 size (21.25 x 10.75 in) fits standard shelves and blockers
- Mesh bottom delivers the drainage and air pruning soil blocks need
What to Know
- Premium price point vs. budget trays
- Mesh design requires a solid tray underneath to catch runoff
The verdict: If you want one set of trays that will outlast your seedling obsession and handle heavy loads without complaint, this is the pick.
skip it if: You are just experimenting with a single small blocker and want the cheapest possible flat to test the waters.
2. GREENBAZZAR Seed Starter Tray with Lift-Out Handles
The modular tray that ends root disturbance with nine lift-out handles for clean, shock-free transplanting.
This GREENBAZZAR system abandons the open-flat approach entirely. Instead of plopping blocks on a mesh grate, you get nine removable cells, each measuring 1.96 x 1.96 inches at the top and 2.36 inches deep. The genius is the lift-out handle: raise each handle to pull the soil plug straight up without squeezing the tray or turning it over, which keeps delicate roots intact.
It is a dramatically different scale from the 1020 flats above — this whole tray is just 8.66 x 7.87 x 3.54 inches, making it a tabletop option for small-batch seed starting with herbs, flowers, and vegetables. The bottom-watering design is the other standout: fill the base tray and moisture absorbs upward through five drainage openings in each cell, with excess returning to the tray. The self-watering base prevents over- and under-watering, so owners see faster germination and healthier roots.
The cell stabilizer frame keeps everything aligned and upright, and the handles double as plant labels. The recurring reaction is that the durable, thick plastic feels pricey for the size, but the smart engineering wins people over. One honest note: the bottom tray does not drain, so water can pool if you are heavy-handed with your filling.
The transplant edge: For anyone who has ever cringed while separating tangled seedlings, the lift-out handle system is a genuine improvement — owners mention “excellent germination, durable heavy-duty plastic,” and the design earns consistent applause.
Reach for it if: You grow small batches of delicate plants and hate the root damage that comes with traditional cell trays.
Look elsewhere if: You need to produce hundreds of soil blocks at once — this is a nine-cell system, not a bulk flat.
3. Gardzen 10 Pack Seed Trays
A budget-friendly ten-pack that pairs solid, no-hole flats with a free dibber and widger for immediate soil blocking.
The standout value here is the bundle: ten 17.3 x 13 x 2.3 inch trays plus a dibber (for poking planting holes) and a widger (for lifting seedlings). For someone assembling a soil-blocking kit from scratch, that is real money saved on tools you were going to buy anyway. The solid, no-drain-hole design means you can water from the bottom and let the growing medium wick moisture upward, which supports healthy root development.
Made from reusable polystyrene, these trays are noticeably lighter than the polypropylene flats above. Owners describe them as “oddly both durable” yet susceptible to breakage if you lift a fully loaded tray without supporting the bottom. Customers note that a few trays can arrive cracked on delivery, and the material does feel thin compared to premium options. But for holding small potted plants, peat pots, or soil blocks that sit gently on the surface, they get the job done.
These work well with 3×3 inch square seedling pots, and the stackable design keeps storage small when the season ends. The tray channels make watering easy and let plants absorb extra humidity. If you want to start soil blocking without committing to premium pricing, this is the smart entry point.
The value read: Solid trays, solid tools, solid price — the recurring notes about thin plastic and occasional delivery cracks are the trade-off for the budget tier.
Best for: First-time soil blockers who want a complete, low-cost kit to figure out their setup before upgrading to mesh bottoms.
Not for: Heavy commercial-style use where trays get carried full of saturated soil across a greenhouse.
4. Sckee Upgraded 20 Pack Plant Growing Trays (1015)
Twenty compact no-hole trays that punch above their weight for bottom watering and organized seed starting.
The headline number here is 20 trays in one box, each measuring 14.5 x 9.1 x 2.3 inches. That is a serious quantity for the money, and it makes this a favorite for gardeners who want to organize larger seed-starting operations without buying multiple packs. The no-drain-hole design makes them perfect for bottom watering — fill the tray and let pots or blocks wick moisture up from below.
Owners describe these as sturdier than expected, with quality and sturdiness being the two most-discussed positives. The thicker, firmer plastic does not flop around like typical cheap flats. People use them for everything from holding 3-inch peat pots to acting as humidity trays for orchids. The extra depth is a recurring point of praise, giving roots room to grow.
The honest caveats: durability reviews are mixed. Some owners find them thick and firm, while others note they can be thin and report trays melting when left in direct sun. The compact 1015 size also means fewer blocks fit per tray compared to a full 1020. But for indoor gardeners and microgreen growers, the quantity and sturdiness make this a strong mid-range choice.
Why They Win People Over
- 20 trays in one pack is exceptional quantity for the price
- Thicker, firmer plastic praised as “not flimsy at all”
- No-leak design is ideal for bottom watering and humidity trays
The Honest Limits
- Some reviewers point out melting when left in direct sun
- Compact size holds fewer blocks than a standard 1020
Grab it if: You want maximum tray count for a compact indoor setup and primarily bottom-water your plants.
Pass if: You need full-size 1020 flats to match a standard commercial soil blocker.
5. Mr. Pen Seed Starter Tray Kits, 10 Pack (400 Cells)
A complete 400-cell system with humidity domes that turns seed starting into a one-box operation.
This is not just a tray — it is a full germination kit. The 10-pack includes 10 durable base trays, 10 seed trays with 40 cells each (400 total), 10 transparent humidity domes, plus a dibber, widger, shovel, and scoop. For a classroom, a home gardener, or a greenhouse project, everything is in the box and ready to go.
The clear domes trap warmth and humidity to speed sprouting, and the see-through plastic lets you check progress without lifting the lid—shoppers say seeds sprouting within a week. The kit also includes the tools to sow seeds accurately and transplant seedlings with ease.
Value for money is the most-discussed positive, with owners describing this as an exceptional deal and reusing the trays up to six times without cracking. The honest downsides: some buyers report the vent covers on the domes are nearly impossible to install without metal tools, and there are mixed durability reports about holes appearing in the bottom trays. The 14.5 x 9 inch footprint is compact, so each tray holds 40 cells that are slightly smaller than standard soil blocks.
The kit read: The domes and included tools make this the most complete all-in-one system here, even if the individual trays are not as heavy-duty as dedicated mesh flats.
Choose this if: You want a turnkey seed-starting setup with domes, cells, and tools, especially for classrooms or windowsill growing.
Think twice if: You are committed to true soil blocking — these cells are sized for traditional seed starting, not open flats.
6. MOUYAT 14 Pack Mesh Bottom Seed Starter Trays
A 14-pack of polypropylene mesh trays that holds 30 soil blocks each without sagging under wet soil.
Here is a tray purpose-built for soil blocking, and owners confirm it directly: “They hold 30 soil blocks each and are sturdy. They don’t get too heavy or bend with the weight of wet soil.” The polypropylene construction is the reason — it flexes just enough to absorb weight without permanently bending, and the molded ridges along the bottom edges and across the base handle drainage.
Each tray measures 14.65 x 11.81 x 2.75 inches, a mid-size that fits more blocks than a small cell tray but is not as sprawling as a 1020. The mesh bottom is the star for root health, letting air prune the cubes and excess water drain away. Owners who grow microgreens love pairing these with hemp pads — just add seeds, keep moist, and drain the tray when needed.
The price is noticeably lower than the Bootstrap Farmer 1020 for a similar mesh-bottom concept, which makes this a smart mid-range pick for soil blockers who want multiple trays without the premium markup. The honest note from owners: the trays bend if not handled with two hands when fully loaded, so treat them with care when carrying. Still, for the quantity and the drainage performance, this is a strong value play.
The soil-block verdict: Owners who use these specifically for blocks report no bending with wet soil weight — exactly the reassurance you want from a mesh flat.
Best for: Gardeners who want a solid mesh-bottom setup for 30-block trays without paying 1020 premium prices.
Skip if: You need the full 10 x 20 inch standard footprint to fit commercial shelving — these are a different size.
7. Handy Pantry 10-Pack 1020 Garden Growing Trays
A US-made, BPA-free 1020 flat that has become the go-to for wheatgrass and microgreen growers.
This is a true 20 x 10 inch 1020 flat, and the “Product of USA” claim matters to buyers who want to know exactly where their plastic comes from. The BPA-free material is the headline, but owners actually rave about the thickness — “thick durable plastic” is a recurring description, and one owner used them for soil blocking with perfect results. They are sturdy enough to hold full pots and water without issue.
These trays have no drain holes, which makes them ideal for germinating wheatgrass, oat grass, barley grass, and rye grass on a countertop. The solid bottom also works for microgreens like arugula, sunflower, and amaranth where you control moisture from above. The 10 x 20 inch size nests perfectly with standard 10 x 10 inch growing trays if you want to stack a two-tier setup.
The honest caveats split buyers: some find them slightly flimsy and recommend doubling up trays for heavy seedlings, while others describe them as very sturdy and durable. There is disagreement about whether the price matches the value, with some calling them brittle. Use them for soil blocking and they work well — just know the plastic is not in the same league as the polypropylene flats above.
The bottom line: A reliable, BPA-free, US-made 1020 flat that handles soil blocking and wheatgrass duty, with a slightly lighter build than premium competitors.
Reach for it if: You want US-made, BPA-free trays in the standard 1020 size for wheatgrass, microgreens, or basic soil blocking.
Heads up: If you routinely carry heavy, saturated trays, you may want to double them up or step up to polypropylene.
8. Aoriher 10 Set/20 pcs Mesh Bottom Trays with Solid Trays
A 20-piece set that pairs mesh-bottom flats with solid catch trays so bottom watering is easy from day one.
The smart part of this Aoriher kit is that it solves the mesh-tray problem from the start. You get 10 mesh-bottom seedling trays at 15 x 12 x 2.8 inches, plus 10 solid no-hole trays at about 14 x 12 inches to catch the runoff. No hunting for separate drip trays — everything you need for bottom watering soil blocks is in the box.
Owners who soil block absolutely love the convenience. The mesh design lets excess moisture pass through while keeping air flowing for root growth, and the solid pans underneath make bottom watering a breeze — just pour water in the solid tray and let the blocks wick it up. One owner’s reaction sums up the sentiment: “I wish I found these years ago.” The quality plastic holds up across seasons without breaking or deforming.
There are two honest flaws to know about. Some owners mention a strong burnt-rubber or ashtray odor that persists even after washing, and a few pans arrived cracked. One owner found the mesh holes too large for small seeds like wheatgrass, causing them to fall through. For standard soil blocks, the grate spacing is fine, but these are not ideal for tiny-seeded microgreens.
The Convenience Factor
- Complete mesh + solid tray pairing eliminates the hunt for drip trays
- Customers note bottom watering and soil blocking become noticeably easier
- Sturdy grates withstand weight without deformation
Know Before You Buy
- Some pans arrive cracked and some units carry a strong chemical odor
- Mesh holes too large for tiny seeds like wheatgrass
Pick this if: You want a turnkey mesh-bottom system for soil blocks and want the solid catch trays included without separate purchases.
Pass if: You mostly grow tiny-seeded microgreens that would fall through the grate.
9. RooTrimmer 10 Pack 1020 Trays with Mesh Bottom Trays
A pro-grade 1020 set with mesh and solid trays designed specifically for high-density soil block propagation.
This is the set built for serious growers. Each 1020 mesh tray measures 21 x 10.6 x 2.36 inches — a true industry-standard footprint that fits standard shelving and allows high-density planting. The full mesh base provides the drainage and aeration that soil blocks need to thrive, and the rigid design supports the blocks without sagging. Owners confirm the thickness and quality are noticeable, with an “impressively heavy duty” reaction being common.
The kit includes 10 mesh trays and 10 matching solid 1020 flats, so you have both sides of the bottom-watering equation covered. Owners use them for soil blocking, lifting flats out of water, and even as a base for potted plants. The tote-like feel is a step above typical flimsy flats, and the trays hold a full set of seeds in saturated soil without caving in.
Value for money is the most-discussed positive, and functionality is the second. The honest trade-offs: these trays are thinner and more flexible than solid flats, so owners feel less confident lifting them fully loaded with heavy pots. There are also reports of cracking when carrying something heavy, plus an occasional tray arriving with an oily manufacturing residue. One recurring note: the RooTrimmer 1020 humidity dome does not fit properly on these trays.
The pro read: Owners describe these as better than other flimsy 1020 trays, with the thickness being the standout trait — though treat them with care when fully loaded.
Best for: Growing microgreens, wheatgrass, and soil blocks at scale where the standard 1020 footprint and full mesh drainage matter most.
Be careful: If you routinely carry heavy loaded trays one-handed, the thinner mesh may flex more than you would like.
Understanding the Specs
Mesh Bottom vs. Solid Tray
The single biggest decision you will make. Mesh bottoms let air prune roots — the cut root tips branch out instead of circling the pot — and allow excess water to drain freely. This is the gold standard for soil blocks. But mesh trays always need a solid catch tray underneath, which adds a second piece to every setup. Solid trays without holes let you bottom-water directly by filling the tray, but you risk waterlogging if you overfill. For soil blocking, mesh is usually the right call; for microgreens and wheatgrass, solid trays give you more moisture control.
The 1020 Standard Size
“1020” refers to the approximately 10 x 20 inch footprint that has become the industry default for commercial and serious home growers. A true 1020 tray (around 21 x 10.6 inches in many brands) fits standard shelving, pairs with standard humidity domes, and matches the output of full-size soil blockers that press 20 cubes at once. Smaller trays like 15 x 12 or 14.5 x 9 inches work fine for mini setups but hold fewer blocks and may not fit standard 1020 accessories. Before you buy, measure your soil blocker’s base and your shelving width.
FAQ
Can I use any seedling tray for soil blocks?
What size tray do I need for a standard 20-cube soil blocker?
How many soil blocks fit in a standard 1020 tray?
Is a mesh bottom better for soil blocks than a solid tray?
How long do plastic soil block trays last?
Can I bottom-water soil blocks in a mesh tray?
What is the difference between polypropylene and polystyrene trays?
Do I need humidity domes for soil blocks?
Are soil block trays safe for food crops?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
Across the board, the soil block trays winner is the Bootstrap Farmer 1020 Mesh Tray because it pairs the sturdiest polypropylene build with the mesh drainage soil blocks need, and the crowd’s nearly 4.7-star consensus backs it up. If you want the smart transplanting system, grab the GREENBAZZAR Lift-Out Tray. And for the best budget entry point with tools included, the Gardzen 10 Pack is the one to reach for.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of August 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, Gardening Beyond earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.