5 Best Soil Blocking Tray: Best Product Picks and Buying Guide

Finding the best soil blocking tray is less about choosing the biggest container and more about matching drainage, tray size, durability, and water control to the way you start plants. A good tray should make it easier to move seedlings, manage runoff, and keep soil blocks or microgreens from sitting in excess water.

My first choice is BeGrit 1020 Mesh Bottom Trays. The BPA-free plastic is suitable for soil blocks, rockwool, microgreens, and hydroponic use, while the stackable shape is practical when growing space is limited.

My second choice is ILITING 1020 Mesh Soil Blocking Seedling Starter Trays. Its dense mesh openings support drainage and aeration, and the slightly flexible construction should make moving trays easier without giving up useful load-bearing strength.

My third choice is RooTrimmer 5-Pack Soil Blocking Trays. RooTrimmer 5 Pack Soil Blocking Trays earns third place because it combines elevated mesh trays with matching solid drip trays. That pairing is particularly helpful for indoor growers who want to transport a batch of seedlings while keeping water and soil from leaking onto shelves, tables, or floors.

This guide compares all five options, explains where each one fits best, and covers drainage, dimensions, compatibility, cleaning, storage, and common ownership mistakes. The goal is to help a beginner choose a tray that works with existing blocks, growing media, shelves, and watering habits rather than buying on appearance alone.

Best Soil Blocking Tray

I selected these products for their relevance to soil blocking, seed starting, microgreens, drainage management, and plant transport. The comparison considers the supplied specifications, stated material and construction details, available customer-feedback evidence, practical pack sizes, and brand diversity; it does not rely on hands-on testing.

How I Selected These Soil Blocking Trays

The central question was not simply which product had the highest customer score. I looked first for features that affect actual propagation work: drainage, airflow, tray dimensions, material durability, pack quantity, runoff control, and compatibility with common growing methods. Products were then compared according to how directly they serve soil blocking and seed starting, with more specialized containment products included because they can solve nearby problems such as indoor cleanup or water management.

BeGrit and ILITING are the most direct matches because both provide mesh-bottom trays associated with the 1020 format. RooTrimmer adds a useful variation by pairing elevated growing trays with solid drip trays. Defemim and MUKCHAP rank lower because they are more useful as potting or runoff accessories than as primary propagation trays.

A mesh bottom is valuable only when the rest of the setup manages the water that passes through it. Before choosing a tray, plan where runoff will go and whether the shelf, catch tray, or bench can support the loaded container.

Pack size and dimensions also influenced the order. Ten trays can suit a gardener starting many varieties, while five may be more manageable for a smaller batch. The unusual sizes of RooTrimmer, Defemim, and MUKCHAP were treated as fit considerations rather than automatic disadvantages.

The best match is the tray that fits the complete growing system, not necessarily the tray with the largest pack or the highest stated durability. Shelf width, catch-tray compatibility, and storage space can matter just as much as plastic thickness.

How to Choose a Soil Blocking Tray

Choosing the best soil blocking tray starts with the planting method and ends with the physical space available. A tray for loose soil blocks needs different support from a saucer beneath finished pots, while an indoor grower may place a higher value on leak prevention than a greenhouse gardener does.

• Choose mesh when drainage and root airflow are central priorities.
• Confirm the tray’s length and width against the rack, shelf, or catch tray.
• Match the pack quantity to the number of seedlings you start at one time.
• Prefer durable, reusable plastic when trays will be handled for multiple seasons.
• Plan runoff control before using a mesh tray indoors.

Drainage and Airflow

Drainage is the most important distinction between the products in this roundup. BeGrit, ILITING, and RooTrimmer use mesh or multiple drainage openings to let excess water escape. This can reduce the chance of saturated media and support better airflow around roots, but it also means the tray cannot hold water by itself.

Drainage should not be confused with watering frequency. A tray with many holes will not prevent overwatering if the grower repeatedly adds water before the blocks or media have used what they already contain. Conversely, very rapid drainage may require more attentive watering in a warm or dry growing area.

Tray Footprint and Rack Fit

The familiar 1020 format is popular because many propagation shelves and accessories are built around a similar footprint. Even so, listed dimensions can vary. ILITING states approximately 10.6 by 21 inches, while RooTrimmer uses a broader, shorter shape at about 14.76 by 12.01 inches. Defemim and MUKCHAP are not standard propagation footprints.

Measure the inside dimensions of the shelf rather than relying only on its advertised capacity. Leave enough room to lift a loaded tray without scraping leaves or spilling blocks. Also measure the catch tray, since a mesh tray that fits the rack may not fit the base beneath it.

Plastic Quality and Reusability

Reusable plastic reduces the need to replace thin starter containers every season. BeGrit states that its trays can last at least two to three years or longer, while ILITING emphasizes 100% virgin PP plastic and reinforced edges. RooTrimmer identifies its trays as BPA-free and easy to clean.

These statements describe intended material and construction benefits, not a guarantee of service life in every environment. How long a tray lasts also depends on sunlight, freezing temperatures, bending, stacking weight, and cleaning habits. Store plastic trays out of harsh weather when possible, and avoid forcing them into racks that are too small.

Pack Quantity and Growing Scale

A 10-pack is useful for gardeners starting many vegetables, flowers, or herbs in one cycle. It also allows a few trays to remain in use while others are being cleaned. A five-pack may be better for a smaller home setup or for someone testing a new propagation method.

RooTrimmer’s five mesh and five solid trays offer a different kind of value because the grower receives a complete paired system. MUKCHAP’s 12-pack is generous for narrow pots but does not represent 12 seed-starting trays. Always count the usable growing surfaces rather than judging value by the total number of pieces.

Setting Up a Soil Blocking Tray

Start by placing the tray on a level, stable surface. For a mesh tray, position a solid catch tray below it before adding blocks or plants. The base should be large enough to collect drainage without allowing the mesh tray to sit in a deep pool of water.

Arrange blocks with enough room for air movement and later handling. Crowding can make watering less even and can cause leaves to overlap before seedlings are ready to transplant. If the blocks are small, keep them steady while carrying the tray rather than lifting individual pieces one at a time.

For RooTrimmer, match each mesh tray with its supplied solid drip tray and check that the upper section sits evenly. With BeGrit or ILITING, a compatible 1020 catch tray is the more natural companion. Defemim can serve as a work basin for mixing media and preparing blocks, but it does not replace the elevated drainage surface.

First-Time Setup Checklist

• Measure the shelf and catch-tray area before filling the tray.
• Wash away manufacturing dust and allow the tray to dry.
• Place the tray on a level surface that can support wet plants.
• Test water flow before adding valuable seeds or seedlings.
• Confirm that runoff cannot reach electrical equipment or household flooring.

Watering and Runoff Management

Soil blocks need consistent moisture, but they should not remain submerged. Add water gradually and observe how quickly it moves through the blocks and mesh. If the catch tray fills, empty it rather than allowing the upper tray to sit in standing water.

Bottom watering can be useful when the blocks are stable and the tray allows moisture to move upward. Give the media time to absorb water, then remove excess runoff. Top watering may be easier for very small seedlings, but use a gentle flow so blocks do not crumble or shift.

Indoor growers should be especially cautious with the edges of solid catch trays. RooTrimmer’s paired drip tray offers a direct solution, while BeGrit and ILITING users need to select a base with adequate capacity. The MUKCHAP saucers may help beneath compatible narrow containers, but their dimensions and shallow sides limit how much water they can contain.

Signs of Poor Water Control

• Water remains pooled beneath blocks for extended periods.
• Media breaks apart after forceful watering.
• Runoff spills over the catch tray’s edge.
• Seedlings lean because blocks have shifted during watering.
• Algae or persistent dampness appears around the growing surface.

Using Soil Blocks with Different Tray Types

Mesh propagation trays are the most direct choice for soil blocks because they support the blocks while allowing excess water to drain. BeGrit and ILITING are especially suited to growers using a standard-style propagation footprint. RooTrimmer is more self-contained because its solid drip tray is included, although its broader dimensions require a different shelf arrangement.

A solid work tray such as Defemim can still be useful during block preparation. Its high sides help contain the mix while it is moistened and formed. Once the blocks are ready, moving them to an elevated mesh tray gives the roots better drainage than leaving them in a flat waterproof basin.

MUKCHAP saucers are not a substitute for a block tray. Their narrow shape and shallow raised edges are better for catching water below a compatible pot. Using them directly for loose blocks could make handling difficult and may leave the lower portion of the blocks in runoff.

Cleaning and Sanitizing After Use

Empty soil, roots, and standing water as soon as a growing cycle ends. Rinse the tray with clean water, paying attention to mesh openings where fine media can collect. A soft brush can help clear openings without gouging the plastic.

Use a mild cleaning approach appropriate for gardening equipment and rinse thoroughly afterward. The supplied information identifies these products as reusable and easy to clean, but it does not specify a particular sanitizer or treatment schedule. Avoid assuming that a strong chemical is necessary or harmless simply because the tray is made from plastic.

Dry trays completely before stacking them. Trapped moisture between nested trays can create odors and make fine debris stick to the surfaces. Inspect edges, corners, and drainage openings during cleaning. A tray that has developed cracks, sharp splits, or badly distorted sides should not be forced back into service.

Cleaning Routine

1. Remove all blocks, roots, and loose media.
2. Rinse away remaining soil with water.
3. Brush mesh openings gently if they are clogged.
4. Clean the surface and rinse away residue.
5. Air-dry completely before stacking or storing.

Storage and Making Trays Last Longer

Stack trays only when they are clean and dry. Avoid placing heavy tools, pots, or bags of soil on top of flexible plastic because concentrated weight can bend the rims. If a tray must be stored outdoors, protect it from prolonged exposure to weather and temperature extremes when practical.

Do not drag a full mesh tray across a shelf. Lift it from underneath with both hands, especially when the contents are wet. Reinforced edges can improve handling, but no plastic tray should be treated as unbreakable. RooTrimmer’s paired design makes whole-batch movement easier, while the larger BeGrit and ILITING formats may benefit from two-person handling when fully loaded.

Labeling trays can also reduce unnecessary handling. Mark the crop or sowing date on a removable tag rather than writing directly on the plastic unless the marking method is known to clean off safely. Keeping a few trays empty for replacements or rotation can make the overall setup easier to manage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Soil Blocking Trays

Most problems come from treating every tray as interchangeable. Mesh trays, solid work trays, drip saucers, and standard propagation trays solve different problems. A careful setup prevents water damage, unstable blocks, and wasted shelf space.

• Skipping measurements: A tray that is close to 1020 size may still be too long or wide for a particular rack.
• Using mesh without runoff control: Place a suitable solid base below the tray before watering indoors.
• Leaving trays in standing water: Empty catch trays after watering when excess water remains.
• Overloading flexible plastic: Lift from underneath and avoid carrying a loaded tray by one edge.
• Assuming a saucer is a propagation tray: MUKCHAP is intended for catching drips below compatible pots, not supporting loose soil blocks.
• Storing dirty trays: Residual roots and damp media make the next setup less sanitary and more difficult.
• Buying by piece count alone: A pack of 12 saucers is not equivalent to a pack of 12 growing trays.

Before planting, confirm three things: the tray fits the shelf, the bottom has somewhere safe to drain, and the material can support the loaded plants without being carried by one fragile edge.

Choosing a Tray for Indoor Versus Greenhouse Use

Indoor growers usually benefit from a complete drainage plan. RooTrimmer’s mesh-and-solid pairing is convenient for this purpose, while BeGrit and ILITING work well when paired with an appropriately sized catch tray. Defemim is useful around the setup because its high sides can contain spilled mix during potting and transplanting.

Greenhouse growers may have more freedom to use mesh trays directly on benches designed for drainage. In that situation, BeGrit’s 10-pack or ILITING’s five-pack can support repeated sowing cycles without taking up the extra storage associated with large work trays. Even in a greenhouse, though, loose media should not be allowed to clog drainage channels.

For porch or windowsill growing, the narrow MUKCHAP saucers may be useful beneath compatible pots, but they should not be selected simply because they are plastic plant trays. Their intended role is water and soil containment below containers, not seedling propagation.

When to Replace a Soil Blocking Tray

A tray does not need replacement merely because it has been used for a season. Reusable plastic can remain useful when it is clean, stable, and free from damage. Inspect the base and rim before each growing cycle, especially if the tray has been stacked tightly or exposed to outdoor conditions.

Replace a tray when cracks allow uncontrolled leakage, mesh openings are permanently blocked or distorted, edges no longer support the load, or the plastic has become brittle. A slight cosmetic mark is usually less important than a structural weakness. For indoor setups, even a small split can turn routine watering into a floor or shelf problem.

Because BeGrit states an expected service life of at least two to three years, buyers can reasonably view it as a reusable investment rather than a disposable season-only item. Actual longevity will depend on handling and storage. ILITING and RooTrimmer likewise emphasize durable construction, but careful ownership remains important for any plastic tray.

FAQS About Best Soil Blocking Tray

What is the best soil blocking tray for most beginners?

BeGrit 1020 Mesh Bottom Trays are the strongest general choice because they provide mesh drainage, a useful 10-pack, reusable BPA-free plastic, and compatibility with soil blocks, microgreens, rockwool, and hydroponic projects. A separate catch tray is still needed for indoor use.

Do soil blocking trays need drainage holes?

Drainage holes are usually helpful because they allow excess water to leave the growing area and improve airflow around roots. Mesh trays such as BeGrit, ILITING, and RooTrimmer provide this function. They should be paired with a solid base when runoff needs to be contained.

Are 1020 trays compatible with soil blocks?

Yes. A 1020-style mesh tray can support soil blocks while allowing excess water to drain. However, the exact dimensions vary between products, so check the tray against the shelf, rack, and solid catch tray before buying.

Is ILITING a good alternative to BeGrit for soil blocking?

ILITING is a strong alternative, particularly for buyers who want virgin PP plastic, reinforced edges, and a five-pack. BeGrit offers more trays and a broader all-around fit, while ILITING may suit a moderate setup where material and edge strength are priorities.

Does RooTrimmer include a drip tray?

Yes. RooTrimmer supplies five mesh microgreen trays and five solid trays. The paired design helps collect runoff and makes it easier to move batches indoors, although its approximately 14.76-by-12.01-inch mesh footprint is not the same as a traditional 1020 tray.

Can a potting tray be used as a soil blocking tray?

A potting tray such as the Defemim Garden Tidy Tray can help mix and contain soil while blocks are being prepared, but it does not provide the stated mesh drainage or elevated base of a dedicated propagation tray. It works best as a companion rather than a replacement.

Can MUKCHAP plant saucers hold soil blocks?

MUKCHAP saucers are intended to catch water and soil beneath compatible pots. Their narrow shape, shallow sides, and lack of a mesh growing surface make them unsuitable as the main tray for loose soil blocks.

How many soil blocking trays should a beginner buy?

Five trays are enough for a modest planting schedule, while a 10-pack is more useful for gardeners starting many varieties at once or rotating trays through cleaning. Choose based on the number of seedlings, available shelf space, and storage area rather than pack size alone.