Best Seed Starter Trays Without Drain Holes for Hydroponic and Microgreen Growing at Home

Hi there, I’m Lena Moss—indoor plant lover, tiny-garden tinkerer, and self-appointed windowsill-farming queen. 🍃 If you’ve ever had soggy seedlings or a leaky mess under your microgreen trays, then keep reading. Today, we’re digging into one of the most essential tools in any indoor gardener’s toolkit: seed starter trays without drain holes.

I’ve tested my fair share of trays while growing everything from basil in my kitchen to wheatgrass in my sunroom. There’s one tray set that consistently rises to the top—especially if you’re into hydroponics or microgreens—and it’s the 10-Pack Plant Growing Trays with No Drain Holes (20″ x 10″).

Why Choose Seed Starter Trays Without Holes?

Here’s the deal—if you’re growing indoors, managing water is everything. Trays with drain holes can leak onto your floor, shelves, or counters. That means mess, mold, and potential overwatering nightmares. Trays without holes solve this by giving you complete control over moisture.

For those of us growing hydroponically or using grow mats for sprouts and microgreens, a leak-free setup is a must. These trays let you bottom-water effectively or maintain consistent levels of nutrient solution for hydroponics. If you’re setting up a DIY indoor farm, trays without holes = your best friend.

My Top Pick: Plant Growing Trays 10-Pack (No Drain Holes)

After rotating through a dozen trays (and ruining a couple shelves in the process), I found these sturdy black trays on Amazon, and I’ve been using them ever since. I love that they’re:

• Durable and Reusable – Not the flimsy kind that warp or crack. These last through season after season.
• No Drain Holes – Exactly what you want for growing indoors without making a mess.
• Perfect Size (20″ x 10″) – These fit standard size hemp mats, grow pads, and nursery inserts.
• Hydroponic-Friendly – Excellent for wheatgrass, sunflower shoots, or lettuces grown with water-only or nutrient-fed systems.

👉 Want to see them? Here’s the link to check them out on Amazon →
Best No-Hole Trays for Home Growers

How to Use These Trays for Hydroponics and Microgreens

Whether you’re growing indoors for nutritional value, fun, or to save a few bucks, these trays work beautifully. Here’s how I use them in my setup:

1. Set the Tray on a Waterproof Surface – Even without drain holes, having a plastic mat or rack underneath is helpful.
2. Layer in Hemp Mats or Grow Pads – These act as both soil replacement and water wick.
3. Soak Generally, Not Liberally – Pour your nutrient solution or clean water just enough to soak the bottom 1/4″ of the mat.
4. Use a Dome Early On – Add a humidity dome if you’re starting seeds. Remove once germination is complete.
5. Harvest in 7–14 Days (microgreens)

Benefits of Growing in No-Hole Trays

Still wondering if you need trays without drain holes? Here’s how they help:

• Mess-Free Indoors – No spills, soil leaks, or puddling under your shelves.
• Precise Moisture Management – You control how much water stays in the system.
• Easy to Sanitize – Just rinse and go. These trays don’t stain or crack easily.
• – Better than disposable trays. You’ll save money and plastic waste over time.

What Other Gardeners Are Saying

These trays have thousands of positive reviews that echo my experience. Here’s what stands out:

• “Perfect for starting microgreens indoors.” – Reviewers love that the trays don’t leak and are deep enough for root development.
• “Sturdy and reusable — not flimsy junk.” – You’ll see this sentiment repeated by growers who’ve tried cheaper alternatives.
• “Ideal for use with hydroponic inserts and rockwool cubes.”

I always encourage checking reviews firsthand, especially for eco-minded purchases. Here’s where you can read up more or order your 10-pack:
Click here to shop

When (and When Not) to Use No-Drain-Hole Trays

These trays aren’t for everything, so here’s where I think they shine—and where I switch to other gear:

✅ Best For:

• Hydroponics
• Microgreens (wheatgrass, radish, sunflower, arugula, etc.)
• Indoor seed starting where bottom watering helps
• DIY self-watering setups using capillary mats

🚫 Not Ideal For:

• Direct soil-grown plants that don’t tolerate standing water
• Outdoor setups where draining is essential
• Heavy watering cycles unless you monitor carefully

How It Stacks Up Against Other Options

Look, I’m all in on evaluating tools before bringing them into my grow room. Here’s how these trays compare, based on Greenhouse Megastore’s heavy-duty line and others:

• Price: These trays offer great value for a 10-pack. You get bulk trays without bulk cost.
• Durability: Not as thick as some commercial-grade trays, but plenty tough for home use.
• Size Compatibility: Fits standard 1020 inserts perfectly.
• Microgreen Control: No holes = ideal microgreen moisture retention with no root rot risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a second tray underneath for draining?

Nope! That’s what makes these trays so convenient. Use them as is—no second tray necessary.

Can I plant directly inside with soil?

You can, but I suggest liners or inserts since there’s no drainage. Otherwise, go for something with holes to avoid soggy roots.

How do I sanitize between grows?

Simple! A rinse with warm water, a splash of hydrogen peroxide or soap, and let them dry fully before replanting.

Tips for First-Time Hydroponic Growers Using These Trays

• Start simple with fast microgreens: Try broccoli, radish, or mustard.
• Add a humidity dome during germination: You’ll improve sprout rates and growth uniformity.
• Label your trays: It gets confusing fast (personal experience talking!).

My Final Thoughts

If you’re serious—or even “seedling serious”—about indoor growing, these no-drain-hole seed starter trays are a must-have. They keep messes in check, support a wide variety of indoor crops, and allow you to experiment with hydroponic setups without fancy tools or expensive gear.

I’ve used them to grow wheatgrass for smoothies, radish sprouts for crunch, and even started my backyard tomatoes here before moving them outdoors. Whether you’ve got a sunny windowsill or you’re turning your garage into a green oasis, these trays fit right in.

Grow Smarter, Not Messier

Ready to build your own microgreen or hydroponic system at home? These trays are a smart first step. Heavy enough for real use. Light enough for any indoor setup. And they won’t dump water on your floor. That’s a win, friends.

Thanks for growing a little greener with me today.

—Lena Moss 🌿