I have been gardening for a long time.  My father taught me, and his lessons have stuck.  Since New England has a short growing season, I start my seeds indoors and later transplant them outside.  The plant trays I wouldn't be without are the Perma-Nest Plant Trays,


Description

These plant trays are a distinctive light green color.  They are constructed from a durable solid plastic.  So the trays have no drainage holes.  The trays are designed to stack when not in use, which is an excellent space-saving feature.

The trays can be used for direct planting (fill the trays with soil and sow seed), or they can be used with Jiffy pots or other containers that sit inside the Perma-Nest trays.  Since they are constructed from plastic, the trays are washable.

This is the large-size tray.  I have seen it listed in both these sizes:   22" x 11" x 2 1/2" and 22 7/8" x 12" x 2 1/4".   So far, no matter which size I've purchased, the trays have nested together fine.


My Experiences

Perma-Nest Plant Trays are a must for when I start my seeds indoors under lights.  I mostly grow vegetable seeds but also start some flower seeds (such as marigolds) inside.  The vegetables I begin indoors are: tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, peppers, pumpkins.  I plant a variety, too.  For instance, last year I grew three varieties of tomatoes, two types of cucumbers and peppers, and at least six types of squash.

A great feature of these large Perma-Nest Trays is that they hold quite a few pots of seeds.  For instance, the trays will hold 24 round Jiffy Pots or yogurt cups filled with soil.  I have also placed Jiffy Peat Pellets in these trays (peat pellets are flat discs that inflate to round sphagnum peat-filled containers).  I prefer to use (and re-use) yogurt cups that I fill with organic potting soil.  However, I also have on hand a supply of Jiffy Peat Pots in various sizes. 

I always start my trays of seeds upstairs where it is warmer for best germination.  I have some clear plastic domes that fit over the tops of these trays (sold separately) ... but in a pinch I have placed plastic wrap across the tops of the trays.  This keeps the moisture and heat inside the tray for those first crucial days of germination.  (Note: Keep the plastic wrap loose across the tops of the trays.  A little air circulation will help prevent the seeds from mildewing.)

Once the seeds begin to germinate, I remove the covers or plastic wrap and move the plant trays to my basement where I have tables set up under fluorescent lights. I use regular florescent tube lights and not special grow lights. I adjust the lights so that they hang just above the trays (and raise the lights as the plants begin to gain height). 

These trays are deep enough so that they hold a good amount of water.  I have even gone on vacation for long weekends, filling the trays with water before I leave.  The plants are always healthy when I return.

When the temperature outdoors is warm enough, I harden off my plants by placing the trays either in a cold frame or in a shaded area for the day. If the plants are in the shade, I bring them indoors before night falls and the temperature cools. The plants do the indoor/outdoor routine for about a week before I transplant the plants into the garden.

These trays are very durable.  They can easily support the weight of water, soil and plants.  If left in the sun for a prolonged time, the light green color of the trays will fade and begin to look bleached.  Many of the Perma-Nest Trays I own are over 10 years old and still look like new.

Washing the trays is easy.  Just rinse with water from a hose.  If some stubborn dirt remains, use a sponge to loosen it.  If you leave dirt, leaves and debris in the trays ... the trays might stain.  The trays stack beautifully, too.  I store them on a metal shelving unit in my garden area in the basement.


Purchasing

I buy these trays from Park Seeds.  They sell them for $12.95 and offer discounts if more are purchased.


Summary

These Perma-Nest Plant Trays work very well for me.  I can't imagine beginning my indoor seeds without them.  My father used these trays, taught me how to garden, and I've been buying them ever since.  Happy planting!

I hope you found this review useful.

Enjoy the day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com


Please read my other reviews:

Clear Plastic Domes for Perma-Nest Trays

Jiffy Round Peat Pots

Jiffy Square Peat Pots

Jiffy Peat Pot Strips

Upside-Down Tomato Garden

Squash Seed: Zucchini Italiano Largo, Zephyr Squash

Seeds: Marketmore Cucumber, French Breakfast Radish, Small Sugar Pumpkin

Bean Seed:  Purple Beans, Soleil Yellow Beans

Deluxe Pyramid Composter

Rubbermaid Big Max Storage Shed

Black and Decker Cordless Rear Bag Mulching Lawnmower

Copyright 2008 Dawn L. Stewart

Recommended: Yes