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Epic 16-Cell Seed Starting Trays

Epic 16-Cell Seed Starting Trays

SKU: #10409

4.4
Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars
67
Regular price $11.19
Regular price $15.99 Sale price $11.19
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~0.8 lb

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Product Details

The Epic 16-Cell Tray is built tough with just the right amount of flexibility. It’s designed by real gardeners and made in the USA from high-strength recycled plastic that’s UV-treated and BPA-free. Each cell in the tray features air-pruning slots to stop root circling and encourage strong, healthy root systems. The open-bottom design adds additional airflow from below, giving your plants the best shot at thriving from the start.

Keep all of your seedlings organized on one tray. Eight 16-Cell Trays fit perfectly inside one of our Epic Universal Bottom Trays, allowing you to easily manage your seedlings as a full set or lift out a single unit. When it’s time to transplant, built-in finger holes make removal simple. Just push and place.

The 16-Cell Tray is ideal for starting seedlings without taking up much space. They’re crafted specifically for sowing green onions, herbs, greens, tomatoes, peppers, and brassicas.

Built to Last: Made in the USA from high-strength recycled plastic. 500% thicker than standard trays.

Eco-Friendly: Made from 100% recycled plastic, this pot helps reduce plastic waste, supporting your sustainable gardening practices.

Engineered for Plant Growth: Designed with air-pruning slots to create a strong, healthy root system.

Convenient and Flexible: Eight Epic 16-Cell Trays are designed to fit into a standard 1020 Universal Bottom Tray, replicating a classic 128-cell tray.

Smart Transplanting: Built-in finger holes make transplanting simple. Just push the seedling out. No tools required.

Specification

Made & Designed in the USA

Material: High-Strength, BPA-Free, UV-Protected, Recycled Plastic

Compatible With: 8 Epic 16-Cell Trays can fit into 1 Epic Universal Bottom Tray

Volume: 1.3 cubic inches per cell

Standard

Dimensions

Length

Width

Height

Outside tray dimensions

5”

5”

1-⅝”

Individual cell dimensions

1 1/16"

1 1/16"

1-⅝”

Metric

Dimensions

Length (cm)

Width (cm)

Height (cm)

Outside tray dimensions

12.7

12.7

4.1

Individual cell dimensions

2.8

2.8

4.1

How To Use

Get Started With Confidence

How To Use Epic Cell Trays

  1. Fill your Epic Starter Cells with a seed-starting mix, adding just enough water to moisten the soil, but don’t waterlog it.
  2. If your seeds are meant to be surface-sown, press them against the pre-dampened soil but leave them uncovered; some seeds need light to germinate. If they have a planting depth indicated on the packet, use a pencil, chopstick, or your fingertip to make an indentation to the correct depth and drop in the seed.
  3. Add a light misting of water from a spray bottle or just enough to moisten the seeds, then cover them with soil and lightly press down to ensure no air holes remain around the seed.
  4. If you have plastic wrap handy, loosely drape it over the top of the pot to promote high humidity conditions (seeds love this), or use a specialized dome cover.
  5. Place your cells on a sunny windowsill or under a grow light, and keep the soil moist as the seeds begin to germinate. Once sprouts appear, remove the plastic wrap or dome cover.
  6. Keep the healthiest seedling and remove extras with a pair of scissors, being careful not to damage the healthy seedling.
  7. Continue to keep the soil moist as your plant grows. When it’s mature enough, easily pop out your starts and transplant them into larger pots or the garden.

Cleaning Your Epic Cell Trays

We recommend hand-washing with hot, soapy water as the best way to keep the material in good shape for years of use. A good dish detergent should sterilize the trays enough to protect seedlings.

For more information, check out some of our helpful blog & video content:

Why We Love It

Epic Exclusive Design: Designed and made by the Epic Gardening team, this extremely durable tray gives growers the space-saving power of a classic 128-cell tray, with the convenience of modularity, so you can remove each tray as needed.

Built to Last: Made in the USA from UV-resistant, BPA-free, recycled plastic this sturdy 16-Cell Tray is designed for durability. It won’t crack or warp after one season. You'll be using it for years to come.

Root Health: Air-pruning slits and internal ribs encourage healthy, vibrant roots. The raised base allows water to drain freely while still promoting root pruning, preventing root rot, and helping your plants develop a stronger root system.

Versatility: From your favorite herbs to larger fruits and veggies, the 16-Cell Tray is a great all-around solution for any home gardener looking to start seeds. Plus, our trays, pots, domes, and heat mats all work together to build your ideal gardening setup.

Small & Stackable: Compact, lightweight, and stackable, when empty, this tray is easy to move, store, and use again.

FAQ

Q: How long do Epic Seed Starting Trays last?

A: Epic Trays are rigid, yet flexible. They’re practically unbreakable and should last you a lifetime.

Q: Will the soil fall out of the tray?

A: As long as your mix is formulated properly, it won’t fall out. Each individual cell in our Epic Trays features an air pruning side slot on all four corners to discourage root circling and encourage better root growth. The bottoms of each cell are also open providing air pruning at the lower end of each cell.

Q: When should I transplant my seedlings?

A: Move your seedlings into larger containers, or into the garden after they’ve germinated and spent about 2 to 3 weeks in the 16-cell tray.

Q: Can I mix and match the trays and pots?

A: Yes! Our trays, domes, and heat mats work together to build your ideal gardening set.

Have more questions? Don't hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help your garden grow.

4.4
Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars
Based on 67 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 48 Total 4 star reviews: 8 Total 3 star reviews: 4 Total 2 star reviews: 4 Total 1 star reviews: 3
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Rating
Ratings
Which best describes you as a gardener?
Which best describes you as a gardener?
67 reviews
  • LaAndrea
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    8/5/25
    5 Stars

    Already using them. Love them..thick n stackable.

  • Joseph A.
    NC, United States
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    7/14/25
    Last Trays You'll Ever Buy

    Not much to say. Built like a tank, 1/2" hole in the bottom. With normal use and care, I don't see how these could ever break or wear out. Just be mindful that they are short. Some people prefer the tall skinny plug trays. Also, make sure your 1020 tray is short enough for these. They won't fit a 2.5" tall 1020 tray, but the short bottom 1020 trays work fine. 10 outta 10 would recommend and buy again.

    Which best describes you as a gardener? Beginner
    Who do you grow for? Families
    How do you prefer to grow? Container
    BI Profile picture for Botanical Interests
    Botanical Interests
    7/24/25

    Hey Joseph,

    Thank you so much for your honest feedback on the Epic Seed Starting Trays. We're so glad you've found them to be so sturdy and durable. Your tips about the sizing and 1020 tray compatibility will definitely be helpful for other growers. We appreciate the 10 outta 10 recommendation! Keep on growing 🌻️

  • Shaley
    Rated 4 out of 5 stars
    6/21/25
    4 Stars

    I love the tiny size and had good root development for planting up. Only complaint is none of my fingers are small enough to fit in the hole on the bottom, so still trying to find a good tool. I think this is great for plants that don’t always have great germination rates.

  • Aidan
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    3/30/25
    5 Stars

    I really enjoy how small these cells are. Perfect for starting individual onion seeds or salad greens seeds. Spacially each 16-cell takes up the same space as the Epic Garden 4-cell trays.

  • Vic
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    3/18/25
    5 Stars

    Amazing product. Easy to use when starting those tiny seeds.