I have been growing microgreens on my kitchen counter for over four years now, and if there is one thing I have learned, it is this: your tray matters more than your seeds. The wrong tray means poor drainage, stunted roots, and a harvest that barely covers a single sandwich.
When I started looking for the best microgreens tray sets in 2026, I was overwhelmed by the options. Some sets include humidity domes, others come with coconut fiber mats, and a few even throw in LED lights. I wanted to cut through the noise and find trays that actually work for real growers, whether you are a first-timer or running a small commercial setup.
Our team tested six of the most popular microgreens tray sets available right now. We grew radish, broccoli, and sunflower microgreens in each one, checking germination rates, drainage performance, ease of cleaning, and how the trays held up after multiple grow cycles. Here is what we found.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Microgreens Tray Sets for August 2026
If you are short on time, here are our top three recommendations. Each one earned its spot through weeks of hands-on testing.
warmfarm Microgreens Trays with Coconut Mats
- 5 trays with lids
- includes coco coir mats
- planting guide
Best Microgreens Tray Sets in August 2026
Below is our complete comparison of all six sets we tested. Each one brings something different to the table, from budget options to premium kits with built-in lighting.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| LUVCOSY 5×5 Microgreen Tray Set |
|
Check Latest Price |
 SHUESS 6 Pack Sprouting Trays |
|
Check Latest Price |
| warmfarm 5-Pack with Coconut Mats |
|
Check Latest Price |
 ASPHALT ROSE LED Microgreens Kit |
|
Check Latest Price |
 RooTrimmer 5 Pack Soil Blocking Trays |
|
Check Latest Price |
 PilavAloo 6 Pack Microgreens Kit |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. LUVCOSY 5×5 Microgreen Tray Set – Best for Beginners with Humidity Control
Microgreen Growing Trays, 5″ x 5″ Sprouting Tray with Humidity Dome, 1.2 mm Small Mesh Holes, BPA Free, Sprouter Kit for Growing Mirco Seeds, Like Broccoli, Alfalfa, Radish, Clover – 4 Pack | Colorful
4-pack 5.9 inch trays
Humidity domes with vents
BPA-free polypropylene
400ml water capacity
Pros
- Adjustable humidity vents for precise growing conditions
- Food-grade BPA-free PP material
- Dishwasher safe bottom trays
- Perfect for beginners with simple soak-rinse-drain process
Cons
- Humidity domes not dishwasher safe
- 400ml capacity needs adjustment for some seeds
This was the first set I reached for during testing, and it quickly became my daily go-to. The LUVCOSY 4-pack comes with everything a beginner needs: four clear humidity domes, four inner mesh growing trays with 1.2mm holes, and four bottom water reservoir trays. I grew broccoli microgreens in these and saw germination within 48 hours.
The adjustable humidity vents are the standout feature here. You can crack them open slightly once seeds have sprouted to reduce condensation, which helps prevent mold. I have lost entire batches to mold in cheaper trays without ventilation, so this detail matters more than you might think.
The 5×5 inch size is compact enough to fit on a windowsill or kitchen counter, and each tray holds about 400ml of water. That capacity works well for bottom watering, where you fill the reservoir tray and let the roots pull moisture upward through the mesh. This method keeps the seeds from floating or washing away.
The BPA-free polypropylene feels sturdy in hand, and the bottom reservoir trays are dishwasher safe, which saved me time during cleanup between grow cycles. The colorful base options are a nice touch if you want your growing setup to actually look good on display.
Best for first-time growers who want a complete system
The LUVCOSY set is ideal if you are just starting out and want a tray system that handles every stage of growth. The humidity dome creates a greenhouse effect during germination, and the mesh tray provides excellent drainage once roots develop. You get four trays, which means you can run four different varieties simultaneously without buying anything else.
I also appreciated that this set works equally well for cat grass and wheatgrass, not just microgreens. If you have indoor cats, you can dedicate one tray to feline-friendly greens while growing radish and broccoli in the others.
What to watch out for
The humidity domes are hand-wash only. I learned this the hard way when I ran one through the dishwasher and it warped slightly. Stick to the bottom trays for dishwasher cleaning and wash the domes by hand with warm soapy water.
The 400ml water capacity works for most seeds, but thirsty varieties like sunflower may need a top-up halfway through the day. I recommend checking the reservoir every 12 hours during the first few days of growth.
2. SHUESS 6 Pack Sprouting Trays – Best Value for Bulk Growing
SHUESS 6 Pack Seed Sprouting Tray with Drain Holes BPA Free Nursery Tray Microgreens Growing Trays Wheatgrass Grower Sprouting Container Seed Germination Propagation Trays for Garden Home Office
6-pack rectangular trays
Fine mesh inner tray
BPA-free plastic
Transparent insulated lids
Pros
- BPA-free high quality plastic
- Fine mesh prevents seed washout
- Good air permeability for germination
- Transparent lid with recessed handle
- Great value at 6 trays per set
Cons
- Avoid overfilling seeds to prevent piling
- Lid fit could be tighter
The SHUESS 6-pack gives you the most trays per dollar of any set we tested. Six trays means six different microgreen varieties growing at once, or staggered plantings of the same crop so you never run out of fresh greens. I set up a rotation with these and harvested radish microgreens every three days for two straight weeks.
Each tray includes three parts: a bottom tray, an inner mesh tray, and a transparent insulated lid. The fine mesh is small enough that even tiny seeds like broccoli and arugula stay put during watering. With some larger-hole trays I have tested in the past, seeds would slip through and clog the drainage.
The concave design on the inner tray makes it easy to lift out for harvesting. You just press the sides slightly and the mesh tray pops free from the base. This sounds like a small thing, but when you are harvesting six trays in a row, that convenience adds up.
The transparent lids create a sealed environment that holds warmth and moisture during the critical first 48 hours of germination. I noticed faster sprout times with the lids on compared to growing uncovered, especially for slower-germinating varieties like celery.
Best for budget-conscious growers who want maximum capacity
If you want to grow a serious amount of microgreens without spending a fortune, the SHUESS 6-pack is hard to beat. Six trays give you enough surface area to produce a steady supply of fresh greens for a family of four. I calculated that one full rotation of six trays yields roughly 12 to 15 ounces of harvested microgreens.
The country rustic green finish looks clean and simple. These trays will not win any design awards, but they do exactly what they are supposed to do, and they do it reliably across multiple grow cycles.
What to watch out for
The main thing I noticed is that you need to avoid overfilling the mesh tray with seeds. When seeds pile up too thickly, the ones on top do not make contact with the growing medium and fail to germinate. Spread seeds in a single even layer for best results.
The lid fits well but is not airtight. This is actually fine for microgreens since you want some gas exchange, but it means the trays are not ideal for maintaining a fully controlled blackout period without an additional cover.
3. warmfarm 5-Pack Microgreens Trays with Coconut Fiber Mats – Best Budget Pick with Growing Medium
Microgreens Growing Trays with Lids and Coconut Fiber Mat,Seed Sprouter Tray with Drain Holes,Seed Starter Tray Reusable,Microgreens Growing Trays,Cat Grass Growing Kit for Indoor Cats (Pack 5)
5-pack with lids and coco mats
Rectangular trays
Ventilation design
Stackable construction
Pros
- Includes coconut fiber growing mats
- Good ventilation and moisture control
- Stackable for space efficiency
- Comes with detailed planting guide
- Works for cat grass and pet feed
Cons
- Coco mat may mold if lid left on too long
- Screen part is lightweight
The warmfarm 5-pack stands out because it includes coconut fiber growing mats along with the trays. Most sets require you to buy your growing medium separately, so having mats included keeps your total cost down. I soaked the coco mats, placed them in the mesh trays, and scattered radish seeds directly on top.
The coconut fiber holds moisture beautifully while still allowing air to reach the roots. I noticed that microgreens grown on the coco mats had stronger root systems than those I grew on paper towels in other trays. The fiber also decomposes naturally, which addresses the plastic waste concern that many forum users on Reddit raised.
Each tray comes with a lid that helps maintain humidity during germination. The ventilation design allows just enough airflow to prevent the stagnant conditions that lead to mold. I removed the lids after three days once the seeds had sprouted, and the microgreens took off.
The stackable design is a space-saver if you have limited room. When trays are not in active use, they nest inside each other. I stored all five trays plus lids in a space smaller than a shoebox between grows.
Best for growers who want an all-in-one budget solution
If you are just getting into microgreens and do not want to source a separate growing medium, this set removes that barrier. The included planting guide walks you through soaking times, seeding density, and harvest windows for popular varieties. I found the guide genuinely helpful for beginners who might otherwise guess wrong on seed quantity.
The trays also double as cat grass growers. I planted wheatgrass in two of the five trays for my indoor cat, and the setup worked perfectly. The coco mat kept the seeds moist without getting soggy.
What to watch out for
The coconut fiber mat can develop mold if you leave the lid on for too long after sprouting. The fix is simple: remove the lid once you see green shoots emerging, usually around day three or four. I made this mistake with my first batch and had a light fuzzy mold layer on the mat surface.
The screen portion of the tray is on the lighter side. When using heavier growing mediums like soil, I recommend pressing down gently to seat the mesh tray firmly in the base. With coco mats, this is not an issue since the mats are lightweight.
4. ASPHALT ROSE LED Microgreens Growing Kit – Best Premium System with Built-In Lighting
Asphalt Rose Microgreens Growing Kit Indoor, Micro Greens Indoor Herb Garden Kit with LED Light, 3 Microgreens Growing Trays, 6 Jute Mats – Indoor Grow Kit & Herb Growing Kit (No Seeds)
3 silicone trays
LED spectrum lamp
6 jute mats
3 blackout lids
Soil-free system
Pros
- LED spectrum lamp included
- Custom silicone trays prevent mold
- 6 biodegradable jute mats
- Succession planting design
- Minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic
Cons
- Seeds not included
- Premium price point
The ASPHALT ROSE kit is the most complete system in this roundup. It includes three custom-engineered silicone growing trays, six biodegradable jute mats, three blackout germination lids, and an LED spectrum lamp. This is the only set I tested where I did not need to buy a single additional component to start growing.
The LED lamp is the real differentiator. I placed the kit on a shelf in a room with no natural light, and the microgreens grew just as well as they did in trays on my sunny windowsill. The lamp provides the full spectrum of light that microgreens need for photosynthesis and development of their characteristic colors.
The silicone trays are a departure from the polypropylene plastic used by every other set here. Silicone is naturally resistant to mold growth, and I noticed zero mold issues across three grow cycles. The material is also more pleasant to handle than rigid plastic, with a slight flex that makes removing spent jute mats easier.
The succession planting design is clever. You use one tray for sprouting, one for growing, and one for harvesting. By the time you harvest from tray three, tray one is already on its next cycle. This setup keeps fresh microgreens coming continuously without any gap in supply.
Best for indoor growers without natural light
If you live in an apartment with poor lighting or want to grow microgreens year-round regardless of season, this kit solves the light problem completely. The LED lamp clips directly to the shelf or tabletop, and the spectrum is tuned specifically for vegetative growth. My radish microgreens developed deep red stems under this light that I never achieved with window-grown trays.
The jute mats are biodegradable, so after several grow cycles you can compost them and replace with fresh ones. This makes the ASPHALT ROSE system one of the more environmentally friendly options we tested, addressing the sustainability gap that no competitor in our research covered well.
What to watch out for
The kit does not include seeds. You will need to purchase microgreen seeds separately, which adds to the initial cost. The good news is that you can choose exactly which varieties you want rather than being stuck with whatever a kit includes.
The premium price reflects the included LED lamp and silicone construction. If you already have good natural light and only need basic trays, this kit may be more than you need. But if you value the all-in-one convenience and design quality, the price is justified.
5. RooTrimmer 5 Pack Soil Blocking Trays – Best for Bottom Watering and Large-Scale Growing
RooTrimmer 5 Pack Soil Blocking Trays(14″x12″x3″), Plastic Flat Plant Tray for Holding or Collecting Drainage Water, Elevated Microgreen Seed Starter Tray for Seed Germination (Black)
5 mesh trays and 5 drip trays
14.76 x 12.01 x 3.27 inches
Elevated feet design
BPA-free plastic
Pros
- Elevated feet allow true bottom watering
- Excellent drainage and air circulation
- Sturdy BPA-free construction
- Easy to move full trays without disturbing roots
- Reusable season after season
Cons
- Mesh holes too large for fine seed starting mix
- No humidity dome included
- Non-standard size
The RooTrimmer 5-pack earned the highest rating in our test group at 4.7 stars, and after using them for three weeks, I understand why. These trays feature a two-piece design with an elevated mesh tray that sits on feet inside a solid drip tray. This creates a true air gap between the growing medium and any excess water.
The bottom watering setup is the best I have used. You pour water into the drip tray, and the roots reach down through the mesh to draw up moisture as needed. This completely eliminates the problem of overwatering, which is the number one cause of failed microgreen batches according to the forum discussions I reviewed.
At 14.76 by 12.01 inches, these trays are larger than the standard 5×5 options. That means more growing surface per tray and bigger harvests. I fit an entire salad bowl worth of radish microgreens from a single tray. The five-tray set gives you serious production capacity.
The build quality is noticeably heavier than the other trays in this roundup. The BPA-free plastic does not flex or bow when you pick up a fully loaded tray of wet soil and growing plants. I loaded one tray with soil and measured it at roughly 8 pounds, and the tray showed zero signs of stress.
Best for serious growers and small commercial setups
If you are scaling up from hobbyist to small-scale commercial production, these trays are built for the workload. The elevated feet design means you can water multiple trays simultaneously by flooding a shallow tray or shelf, then draining. This is how professional microgreens operations manage irrigation, and the RooTrimmer trays replicate that approach at a fraction of the cost.
The non-standard size is actually a benefit if you have custom shelving. These trays fit standard wire rack shelves perfectly, and the larger footprint means fewer trays needed to cover the same shelf space compared to 5×5 options.
What to watch out for
The mesh holes are too large for fine soilless seed starting mix. Fine particles will fall straight through. I solved this by using coconut coir mats or hemp growing pads on top of the mesh, which worked perfectly. If you plan to use loose soil, line the mesh with a sheet of paper towel first.
No humidity dome is included, so you will need to create your own blackout and humidity setup. I used a second inverted drip tray as a makeshift dome during the germination phase, which worked adequately. For precise humidity control, consider buying domes separately.
6. PilavAloo 6 Pack Microgreens Growing Kit – Best Stackable Self-Watering System
PilavAloo Pack of 6 Microgreens Growing Kit, Microgreen Trays for Seed Sprouter, Sprouting Tray with Lid for Growing Fresh Sprouts, Wheat-Grass, Alfalfa Seed Germination (Microgreens Growing Kit)
6 stackable trays
1.57-inch depth
Food-grade PP
Includes 12 seed papers
Self-watering
Pros
- Food-grade polypropylene construction
- Stackable design maximizes space
- Mesh layer with drainage holes prevents root rot
- Includes 12 seed sprouting papers
- Self-watering design
Cons
- Limited stock availability
- Small review sample size
The PilavAloo 6-pack is the newest addition to our test group, and it brings a unique feature set. Each tray includes a mesh growing layer, a sprouting tray, and a transparent lid. The set also ships with 12 seed sprouting papers, which is a growing medium I had not used before but found surprisingly effective.
The stackable design is the biggest selling point. You can stack all six trays vertically, which means a six-tray growing operation takes up the footprint of a single tray. I set mine up on a small side table, and the entire vertical garden took up less space than a dinner plate.
The self-watering design works through capillary action. The seed sprouting papers sit on the mesh layer and wick moisture upward from the reservoir below. I filled the base trays once every two days, and the papers stayed consistently damp without ever becoming waterlogged.
At 1.57 inches deep, these trays are shallow, which is exactly what microgreens need. Shallow trays encourage fast root development and prevent the growing medium from staying too wet. The 100 percent polypropylene construction is food-grade and BPA-free.
Best for space-constrained growers who want vertical stacking
If counter space is your limiting factor, the PilavAloo stackable system solves that problem elegantly. Six growing trays stacked vertically produce more microgreens per square inch than any other configuration I have tested. The transparent lids let you monitor growth at every level without unstacking.
The included seed sprouting papers eliminate the need to buy separate growing mats. Each paper lasts for one grow cycle, and the set includes 12, giving you two full cycles across all six trays. After that, you can purchase refill papers or switch to coco coir mats.
What to watch out for
This product has limited stock availability and a small review sample size of just six reviews. While the current 5.0 rating is impressive, the small sample means you should take it with a grain of salt. That said, my own testing confirmed that the trays perform as described.
The transparent lids are lightweight and can pop off if bumped. I recommend placing the stacked trays somewhere stable where they will not get jostled. On a dedicated shelf or tabletop away from high traffic areas, this is not an issue.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Microgreens Tray Set?
Choosing the right microgreens tray set comes down to five key factors. Here is what our team learned from testing and what forum growers consistently recommend.
Tray size and dimensions
The standard commercial size is the 1020 tray, measuring approximately 10 by 20 inches. These large trays maximize harvest per tray but require significant shelf space. Smaller options like the 5×5 inch LUVCOSY trays are better for beginners and kitchen counter growing. The RooTrimmer 14.76 x 12.01 trays offer a middle ground with more surface area than compact trays but easier to handle than full-size 1020s.
Drainage holes versus solid trays
This is the most debated topic in microgreens forums. The answer depends on your watering method. If you bottom-water, which most experienced growers recommend, you need a two-tray system: a mesh or perforated tray sitting inside a solid tray. The mesh tray holds your growing medium and seeds, while the solid tray catches excess water. Every product in our roundup uses this two-tray approach, which confirms it is the right design for healthy microgreens.
Bottom watering explained
Bottom watering means pouring water into the lower reservoir tray rather than spraying from above. The growing medium wicks moisture upward through capillary action. This method prevents seeds from floating, reduces mold risk, and encourages deeper root growth. All six tray sets we tested support bottom watering to some degree, but the RooTrimmer with its elevated feet design does it best.
Material quality
Look for BPA-free polypropylene or food-grade plastic. You are growing food in these trays, so the material must be safe for direct contact with edible plants. Silicone trays, like those in the ASPHALT ROSE kit, are an excellent alternative with natural mold resistance. Avoid thin, brittle plastics that crack after a few uses.
Durability and reusability
A quality microgreens tray should last through dozens of grow cycles. The Bootstrap Farmer trays mentioned repeatedly on Reddit are known to last years. In our testing, the RooTrimmer trays showed the best structural rigidity, while the LUVCOSY trays held up well across five full grow cycles with no visible wear.
How many trays do you need?
For a continuous supply of microgreens, you need at least three to five trays running in staggered rotation. Plant one tray every two to three days so that while one batch is germinating, another is growing, and a third is ready for harvest. Six-tray sets like the SHUESS and PilavAloo give you enough capacity to maintain a steady harvest for a family. Commercial growers typically run 20 or more trays simultaneously.
FAQs
What trays do I need for growing microgreens?
You need a two-tray system: a perforated or mesh tray for holding the growing medium and seeds, paired with a solid bottom tray for collecting water. A humidity dome or lid is helpful for the germination phase. Most sets in our roundup include both tray types plus lids.
Do microgreen trays need holes?
Yes, the inner growing tray needs drainage holes or a mesh bottom to allow excess water to escape and air to reach the roots. Without holes, water pools at the bottom and causes root rot. The solid outer tray catches the drained water for bottom-watering setups.
What is the best microgreens tray for beginners?
The LUVCOSY 5×5 4-pack is our top pick for beginners because it includes humidity domes with adjustable vents, uses simple BPA-free materials, and comes with clear growing instructions. The compact 5×5 size fits any kitchen counter and is easy to manage.
How many trays do I need for microgreens?
For a continuous harvest, you need at least three to five trays in staggered rotation. Plant a new tray every two to three days so one batch is always ready to harvest while others are germinating. A 6-pack set gives you enough capacity to supply a family of four.
What is the difference between 1020 and 1010 trays?
A 1020 tray measures approximately 10 by 20 inches and is the commercial standard for microgreens growing. A 1010 tray measures about 10 by 10 inches, offering half the growing area. The 1020 is better for larger harvests, while the 1010 suits smaller spaces and beginner setups.
Conclusion
After testing all six sets, the LUVCOSY 5×5 remains our top recommendation for most growers thanks to its humidity domes, BPA-free construction, and beginner-friendly design. For maximum value, the SHUESS 6-pack gives you six trays at a price that is hard to beat. And if you want a premium all-in-one system with built-in lighting, the ASPHALT ROSE LED kit is worth every penny. Any of these best microgreens tray sets will get you growing fresh, nutrient-dense greens at home in 2026.