Microgreens Trays Review
Garland Microgreens Tray vs. Amazon Generic Tray LANPEW
Amazon Generic 1020 Tray (LANPEW)
If you’re getting involved in microgreens farming, choosing the right trays is important.
Weight, durability, size, depth, how easy they are to clean, and maybe most of all – cost – are some of the factors that I look at in this article.
I compare two popular options: the Garland Microgreens Tray and an Amazon Generic Brand Tray by a brand called LANPEW.
Garland 1122 microgreen tray
One is good and one is excellent in terms of size, strength, and durability, and cost.
I still use both trays, but that is only because I bought the Amazon looking trays first.
Without giving the game away, after buying some Garland trays, I’ve bought Garland since, as I think they are a much better microgreen growing tray.
I also pick the Garland trays first before the other tray due to the size – which means a larger yield – and we’ll look at that later in the article.
They offer extra strength as well, which means they don’t twist when you pick them up, seem to be way more durable, and the extra holes for drainage I guess means they perform better, although I haven’t tested that to date, and it was me who drilled said number of holes. Does it make a difference? We’ll see further down in the article.
Explore Tray Options:
Garland Microgreens Tray
56 cm x 28 cm x 3 cm or 6 cm with the deep trays (22 inches x 11 inches x 1 3/16 inches or 2 1/3 with the deep trays)
Made form durable, tough injection-moulded BPA-free plastic, designed for repeated use.
The weight of a tray with no holes is 340 grams.
- Design Features:
- Two-tier holes for optimal watering and drainage.
- Shallow depth facilitates easier crop cutting and optimises yields.
- Four trays fit neatly on a 122 cm (4 ft) x 61 cm (2 ft) shelving unit.
Source: Garland Products
Amazon generic brand
50 cm x 25 cm x 4 cm (19.7 inches x 9.8 inches x 1 37/64 inches). Made from high-quality PS polystyrene, these trays are durable, safe, and reusable.
However, I wouldn’t grow peas or sunflower directly on these trays as I can’t confirm if they are BPA free.
With a total weight of approximately 220 grams they are lightweight yet sturdy.
Source: Amazon.co.uk
(We don’t receive any commission for those links or anything, they are there solely for your information)
let's look deeper
From the image, the difference in size is obvious, especially in length. The Garland tray offers a larger planting area, making it ideal for those looking to maximise yields.
A larger tray means more room for soil and seeds, ultimately translating into larger yields.
Width differences are also noticeable, and these additional square centimetres can significantly impact your overall harvest.
The extra space provided by the Garland tray is a clear advantage if your goal is to get the most out of your available shelf space.
The Garland tray is sturdier, made from thicker material that holds its shape even when filled with moist soil and water.
The tray feels durable and robust, making it a reliable choice for frequent use.
It bends much less than the Amazon Brand tray, even under heavy loads.
This structural integrity is a huge plus, especially when working with wet growing mediums like coco coir or soil.
Durability and Build Quality
Amazon Generic Brand – like a Bootstrap Farmer Tray
While functional, the Amazon tray is noticeably lighter and flimsier.
I found it bends and twists more than the Garland and seems much more likely to break than the Garland.
When I lift the tray with one hand and the top tray is fully-loaded with microgreens and the bottom tray laden with water, it can twist quite a bit.
I found water could spill out quite easily if I wasn’t careful, which I have never really noticed with the stronger Garland trays.
For growers who handle multiple trays at a time or need consistent performance, the Garland tray wins for me.
Depth-wise, there’s little difference between the two trays—perhaps less than a centimetre.
This small variation is unlikely to affect planting or watering significantly.
The ridges in the trays and troughs where the water runs are pretty much the same for both and I can’t see it making a difference.
The Garland tray comes with plenty of pre-drilled holes on both the ridges and troughs.
These holes are evenly spaced and sufficient for effective drainage.
I purchased the hole-less version of the trays and decided to drill the holes myself.
It is a time-consuming task, but the holes I drilled seem to work and I get just as good results as with the Garland trays.
Depth and Drainage
Garland offer an extra deep tray – Height: 6 cm (2 1/3 inches) -which is very useful for blackout and getting some extra length and growth in the stems of the microgreens.
I’m sure there are plenty of other uses for a tray like this in the hands of an experienced farmer, and although expensive, it does help with growing microgreens.
For growers looking for a reliable, durable, and larger tray, the Garland Microgreens Tray is the clear winner.
Its size and sturdiness make it the better choice for anyone serious about maximising yields and long term performance (although, in fairness, how long they endure remains to be seen).
Amazon Brand Bootstrap Farmer Style Trays remains a good option and I use them every day along with the Garland trays, and I think if you bought them you would be very happy with your purchase.
Extra deep trays
Microgreen Tray Price Comparison
Garland Trays:
- Cost per tray: £3.78
- Delivery cost would be £7.95 and £2.99 per tray.
Amazon (made in China) Branded Trays:
- Cost per tray: £3.99
- Delivery: Free with Amazon Prime
Garland trays are slightly cheaper per unit and there are discounts for larger orders, but you have to take delivery costs into consideration.
The benefit of bulk purchase helps me and other people keep the costs down.
That’s why I have created a group where we work together to hopefully reap the benefits of multi-purchase buying power.
The Skye Mountain Growers Group
join us on facebook & let's grow together
- Enthusiasts passionate about growing their own nutrient-rich microgreens.
- Eco-conscious individuals committed to sustainable living and zero waste.
- Home growers looking to share tips, tricks, and success stories.
- Beginners eager to learn how to cultivate fresh, healthy greens effortlessly.
- Advocates for innovation in home gardening and urban farming.
Mission: To inspire and empower people to grow their own fresh, sustainable food while connecting like-minded individuals who share a love for health, community, and the planet.
"Grow Green, Live Strong, Save The Planet"
Garland trays are larger that the 1020 trays, measuring 11 inches by 22 inches (56 cm x 28 cm) compared to “best price” or “cheap Amazon 1020 microgreen growing trays”, which was probably my search term at 50 cm x 25cm, which is more or less 10 inches by 20 inches.
This size difference results in Garland trays offering approximately 20% more growing area.
So, although 1020 and 1122 only seems like a small difference, it can add up significantly. Garland trays could increase your overall yield by 20%.
For growers focused on maximising production, this added yield can mean greater profitability and efficiency.
Explore Tray Options:
Microgreen Tray Size & yield Comparison
Garland trays are much thicker and more heavy-duty than Amazon 1020 microgreen trays. This added durability ensures they do not warp or bend when lifted, even when they are full of water or microgreens. For commercial growers or those handling larger volumes, this sturdiness is invaluable.
While the Amazon trays are still reliable, they may flex slightly under heavy loads.
For growers who prefer lightweight trays, they remain a good option.However, if you’re seeking a tray built to withstand long-term use and heavy handling, Garland trays are the better choice.
Durability
During cleaning, coir easily slides off both tray types, keeping maintenance simple and hassle-free.
Cleaning and maintaining your trays is essential for hygienic and successful growing. Both the Garland and Amazon trays are designed to be easy to clean.
To learn more about maintaining your trays and improving your setup, join our Microgreens Home Growers Club.
Ease of Cleaning
The Garland 1122 microgreen trays offer higher yields, better durability, excellent water drainage, and premium build all with no higher upfront costs. For growers with larger operations or those prioritising long-term use, this cost is easily offset by the benefits they provide.
The Amazon trays are lighter and more or less the same price if you shop around. The trays I bought on Amazon are no longer in stock. They are ideal for beginners or those looking for a budget-friendly solution.
Both trays perform exceptionally well, and the choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and goals, however, I can’t imagine why anyone would choose the Amazon trays over the Garland except for convenience, like using Amazon Prime delivery. If you can think of any other reasons, please let me know.
Choosing between Garland and Amazon bought trays depends on your priorities. Garland trays are perfect for those seeking increased yield, durability, and efficient water management.
The cheap Amazon trays remain an excellent option for a lightweight tray.
Explore our wide range of trays and growing media to find the perfect setup for your microgreens:
My Conclusion & thoughts
3 simple steps to
microgreens success
It’s super simple and within 10 days you can enjoy a bumper harvest of fresh as can be microgreens in your own home
1. Subscribe
2. Water
