For gardeners looking to build a complete seed-starting system, Bootstrap Farmer’s Extra Strength 1020 Trays are the ideal foundation for your system. With these versatile trays, you’ll be able to add your choice of cell inserts to start up to 200 seedlings.

These trays are crafted from durable plastic that withstands years of use, both indoors and outdoors. I specifically opted for the version without drainage holes, which is perfect for bottom-watering the cell inserts—the optimal method for nurturing seedlings.

With Bootstrap Farmer’s Extra Strength 1020 Trays, you’ll have the base tray you need for a successful seed-starting experience.

Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links – I get a commission if you decide to purchase through the links, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more at my editorial guidelines and disclaimer.

Bootstrap Farmer Extra Strength 1020 Trays Summary


Overall, Bootstrap Farmer’s Extra Strength 1020 Trays are the perfect choice for gardeners seeking durable base trays. Crafted from extra-thick, food-safe, and BPA-free plastic, these trays are built to last for years.

Their standard 1020 size serves as an ideal foundation for a wide array of compatible inserts designed within the industry’s standards. Additionally, their stackable design provides excellent space optimization.

With these trays, you can expect exceptional quality and functionality that will withstand the test of time.

Ease of Use

Ready to go right out of the box!

Features

They have all the features I need.

Quality

Durable food-safe plastic – the best quality I have used!

Compatibility

Standard 1020 size. They offer many inserts that work with them.

Value

An investment that provides years of use vs cheaper options.

Support

Excellent customer service and many helpful resource guides.

Overall Rating:
4.9 / 5

Pros

  • Built to Last
  • Standard 1020 Size
  • Versatile
  • Won’t Warp or Break
  • Made in the USA

Cons

  • Not available in large case quantities

Let’s dive into my detailed review.

Photo has a yellow-orange cloth as background. A black Bootstrap Farmer Extra Strength 1020 is the focus. There are some orange trays from Bootstrap Farmer and some seed packets from Botanical Interests.

My Experience With Bootstrap Farmer Extra Strength 1020 Trays

After a month of using these trays, I can confidently say they’re top-notch. If you need a robust, multipurpose base tray, this is the tray for you.

They handle weight like a champ, allowing me to carry a full tray with one hand – something my old, cheaper trays could never manage!

An added bonus is their versatility. Whether it’s my 6-cell trays, 32-cell tray insert with 2.5 inch pots, 5″ pots with frame insert, or 5×5 microgreen trays, these base trays work seamlessly with each other. Thanks to Bootstrap Farmer’s wide range of 1020 size inserts, I can customize my seed starting system without worry.

I also used an inverted tray to keep the 6-cell tray inserts dark for seed germination.

Now, you might be thinking these trays are pricey. But consider this: they’re designed to last for years. Less expensive options I’ve tried have barely survived one season. I’ve been a loyal customer of Bootstrap Farmer since January 2022, and every item I’ve bought is still going strong—no cracks or issues.

After using these trays for a month, I am thoroughly convinced that they are of high quality and will last for years. If you’re in the market for a sturdy, versatile base tray, this product definitely fits the bill.

What are Bootstrap Farmer Extra Strength 1020 Trays?

So, what are these 1020 base trays? Simply put, they are the backbone of seed starting. The name “1020” is derived from their standard dimensions: approximately 10 inches wide by 20 inches long. This size is pretty universal in the gardening industry, making these trays a versatile tool for any gardener.

These trays serve as the base for various inserts that hold your precious seeds and seedlings. They’re like the sturdy table under your favorite plant pot. And just like a good table, a high-quality 1020 base tray should be strong and durable, capable of supporting the weight of your inserts, soil, water, and growing plants without buckling or cracking.

Wondering how the deep trays compare to the shallow ones? I created this video showing how they are alike and how they are different.

My video comparing the deep tray vs the shallow tray

Who are Bootstrap Farmer Extra Strength 1020 Trays for?

  • Rural Homesteader – If you are a rural homesteader with a large garden, these trays are the perfect base for your seed-starting system. The wide variety of different inserts lets you choose the right size for your diverse seed-starting needs. These trays will stand up to daily use and are built to last, making them a cost-effective solution for your long-term homestead garden needs.
  • The Small Space Homesteader – If you live in an apartment, condo, or HOA house with limited space for gardening, these trays are the perfect choice due to their compact size, sturdiness, and versatility. You can start seeds in 6 cell trays or grow microgreens. You can even put 1- or 3-gallon grow bags in them and grow plants on a shelf under grow lights.
  • The Plant Start Seller – If you want to offer plant starts for purchase, these trays will meet your needs. They are durable and can handle daily use – bottom watering seedlings, transporting seedlings around the greenhouse, and safely carrying the plant starts to market. The versatility of these trays is key for your business – you can start your seedlings in a 200-cell tray and move them up to larger sizes until they are ready for sale.

What benefits do Bootstrap Farmer Extra Strength 1020 Trays provide?

Here’s a list of benefits that Bootstrap Farmer Extra Strength 1020 Trays provide for gardeners:

Durability You Can Depend On

These trays are built in the USA and are designed to withstand the test of time and use. Tested with over 50 lbs. of weight without breaking, these heavy-duty trays can handle your heaviest starts with ease.

They won’t warp or break; you can rely on them season after season. Whether you’re a hobby gardener or a commercial grower, this durability is invaluable. It means less waste, less replacement costs, and more time to focus on what really matters – growing your plants.

Versatility for Varied Gardening Needs

These 1020 deep trays are designed to fit any Bootstrap Farmer 1020 cell tray, allowing you to expand your equipment without worry. Plus, they’re available with or without drainage holes, allowing you to customize based on your specific plant requirements. This versatility makes these trays an essential tool in any gardener’s toolkit.

Here is a list of inserts compatible with these base trays:

Safe and Sustainable Material

Made from extra thick, BPA Free, Food Safe #5 Plastic, these trays are as safe for your plants as they are for the environment. You can rest assured knowing that your plants are growing in a material that’s free from chemicals you don’t want.

The fact that these trays are designed for repeated use aligns with sustainable gardening practices, reducing the need for disposable plastic trays. They can be recycled at a facility that accepts #5 plastic.

Conclusion – Are Bootstrap Farmer Extra Strength 1020 Trays Worth It?

Bootstrap Farmer’s Extra Strength 1020 trays are an ideal investment for gardeners who want to save time and effort while growing their favorite plants. They are made of high-quality materials and will work with a wide variety of inserts. Plus, the trays come with a 2-year warranty, so you know your purchase is protected.

In conclusion, the Bootstrap Farmer’s 1020 trays make gardening easier and less stressful than ever before. If you’re looking for a great foundation for your seed-starting setup, don’t hesitate – check out Bootstrap Farmer’s 1020 trays today!

Frequently Asked Questions

    The Trays measure 20″ long and 10″ wide, making them perfect for soil blocks, seedlings and cuttings.

    These trays can hold a wide number of plants depending on the inserts you choose. Here are the sizes currently offered by Bootstrap Farmer:

    • 200-cell seed starting tray insert
    • 128-cell plug tray insert
    • 72-cell seed starting tray insert
    • 72-cell air prune propagation tray insert
    • 50-cell seed planting tray insert
    • 32-cell reusable plant starter trays with 32, 2.5-inch pots
    • 12, 6-cell plug tray inserts
    • 8, 5-inch pots with insert support

    Made out of thick and durable plastic, these trays have been tested to hold 50 lbs of weight without breaking.

    Absolutely! Bootstrap Farmer Heavy Duty 1020 Trays are easy to clean.

    Bootstrap Farmer has a great guide on how to care for your trays. Check it out for complete details.

    Similar Posts