Seedling Trays in Kenya

Seedling trays in Kenya
50, 72, 128, 200 and 288 cell Seedling trays in Kenya are available at Faulu Irrigation LTD for KES 150 each.We are a popular supplier of high quality seedling trays and cocopeat propagation blocks.If you are in need of seedling propagation trays, you can buy them from our shop.Call 0717120401

Quick Takeaways

  • Seedling trays improve germination and reduce seed wastage.
  • Common tray sizes in Kenya include 50, 72, 128, 200, and 288 cells.
  • Seedling trays cost KES 150 each.
  • Plastic trays are the most popular because they are durable and reusable.
  • Crops like tomatoes, onions, cabbages, herbs, and flowers perform well in trays.
  • Successful seedling propagation in trays requires proper watering.
  • Buy Seedling trays from Faulu Irrigation LTD.

What Are Seedling Trays?

Seedling trays are plastic containers with cell holes designed for raising seedlings.

Why Kenyan Farmers Prefer Seedling Trays

Uniform Growth

Each cell hole holds 1 or 2 seedlings allowing uniform growth.

Low Disease or pest pressure

The risk of disease or pests is minimized since seedlings are grown on sterilized media.

Better Germination Rates

Seedling trays are popularly used in greenhouse seedling propagation. Hybrid seedlings are expensive and thus requires trays to ensure 100 percent survival.

Viable Seedlings

Seedlings grown in trays are of high quality desired for planting. All seedlings mature well because they get sufficient water, light, and nutrients.

Reduced Transplant Shock

Seedlings raised in trays retain their root ball during transplanting. This reduces root disturbance and improves crop establishment after transplanting.

Types of Seedling Trays in Kenya

Plastic Seedling Trays

Seedling trays designed from plastic UV treated material. Cheaper, durable, light and portable thus very reliable.

Styrofoam Seedling Trays

Styrofoam trays provide excellent insulation and moisture retention. Some greenhouse farmers use them for delicate seedlings and flower production.

Seedling Tray Sizes and Specifications

50-Cell Seedling Trays

These trays have large cells suitable for crops with extensive root systems.Best for tomato, capsicum, watermelon and citrus fruit seedlings.

72-Cell Seedling Trays

Has 72 cell holes. Suitable for Kales, lettuce, cabbage, and herb seedlings.

128-Cell Seedling Trays

128 cell tray used for seedlings of onions, spinach, swiss chards and lettuce.

200-Cell Trays

With 200 cell holes. Used to propagate onion, herbs and flower seedlings.

288-Cell Trays

Comes with 200 cells. For commercial seedling propagation of onion, garlic and other vegetables.

Seedling Tray Price in Kenya

A seedling tray is KES 150.

What to Propagate Using Seedling Trays

Seedling trays are highly versatile and support many crops.

Vegetables

  • Tomatoes
  • Onions
  • Cabbages
  • Sukuma wiki
  • Spinach
  • Capsicum

Fruits

  • Watermelon
  • Passion fruit
  • Strawberry seedlings

Herbs and Flowers

  • Basil
  • Coriander
  • Parsley
  • Marigolds
  • Roses

How to Propagate Seedlings Using Trays

Step 1: Prepare Growing Media

Propagate seedlings using treated cocopeat. Avoid ordinary soil because it may contain diseases such as fusarium wilt.

Step 2: Fill the Tray

Fill each cell with moist media and press lightly to remove air pockets.

Step 3: Sow Seeds

Place one seed per cell at the correct depth. Cover lightly with growing media.

Step 4: Water Carefully

Precise watering using misters or micro sprinkler is recommended to prevent damping-off.

Where to Keep Seedling trays

Seedling trays should be stored in a hot environment with sufficient light, moisture and good airflow. Greenhouse or shade houses are most ideal places to propagate seedlings in trays.

Common Mistakes to Avoid Using Seedling Trays

Overwatering

Too much water causes fungal diseases and poor root growth.

Poor Drainage

Cheap trays without adequate perforation can suffocate roots.

Using Wrong Tray Size

Small cells for large-rooted crops lead to root-bound seedlings.

Delayed Transplanting

Leaving seedlings too long in trays causes stunted growth and nutrient deficiencies.

What to Consider When Buying Seedling Trays

Material Quality

Buy UV treated trays to ensure they can last long.

Cell Depth

Deep cells support better root development, especially for tomatoes and tree seedlings.

Drainage Design

Good trays should have proper drainage holes for airflow and moisture control.

Seedling Tray vs Traditional Nursery Beds

Seedling TraysNursery Beds
Better germinationUneven germination
Easier transplantingHigher transplant shock
Reduced disease spreadDisease spreads quickly
Less seed wastageMore seed wastage
Requires investmentLower startup cost
Although nursery beds remain common in rural Kenya, commercial farmers increasingly prefer trays for precision farming.

Are Seedling Trays Worth It for Smallholder Farmers?

Absolutely. While trays require an initial investment, they improve efficiency and profitability.With seedling trays, small scale farmers get high income from their seedlings. Because all seedlings mature properly, farmers will avoid losses.

Where to Buy Seedling Trays in Kenya

Faulu Irrigation LTD.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much do seedling trays cost in Kenya?

KES 150.

2. How many seeds to plant in a seedling tray?

1 or 2 seedlings.

3. Can seedling trays be reused?

Yes. If they are still good, you can reuse them.

4. Which crops grow best in 288-cell trays?

Onions, herbs, flowers, and small vegetable seedlings.

5. What media should I use in seedling trays?

Cocopeat or peat moss.

6. How long can you keep seedlings in trays?

3 – 4 weeks.

7. Why are my tray seedlings turning yellow?

Overwatering, poor drainage, or root-bound conditions may cause yellowing.

8. Where can I buy seedling trays in Nairobi?

Faulu Irrigation LTD.

9. How often should I water seedlings in trays?

Water everyday.

10. Are seedling trays suitable for tree seedlings?

Large ones such as 50 cell trays are ideal for avocado, mango, and other tree seedlings.

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