Durable, flexible natural rubber seed trays that make growing from seed easier and kinder to the planet. Unlike disposable plastic trays that crack and break, these FSC-certified rubber trays last for years and make transplanting seedlings effortless.
Key benefits:
- Reusable for years – robust natural rubber won't crack like plastic
- Easy seedling removal – flexible design lets you pop plants out without damaging roots
- Fair trade certified – supports sustainable rubber farming communities
- FSC natural rubber from renewable, forest-friendly sources
- Available in 6, 20 or 30 cell options
Why choose rubber over plastic seed trays?
Reusable and long-lasting – Each rubber seed tray is made from robust natural rubber that stands the test of time. Use them year after year without the cracks and breaks common with cheap plastic trays. While plastic versions might seem cheaper initially, they often need replacing after one or two seasons. These rubber trays save you money long-term and eliminate unnecessary plastic waste.
Sustainable and renewable source – Plastic trays are made from fossil fuels. Our rubber version comes from FSC natural rubber, sourced sustainably from suppliers who preserve biological diversity and haven't replaced natural forests with plantations.
Easy to remove seedlings – The flexible rubber design is a game-changer at transplanting time. Simply push on the rubber bottom to pop seedlings out cleanly. The soil retains its shape, keeping roots intact for a stress-free transfer – like a plant version of silicone baking trays.
How are these seed trays fair trade?
Natural rubber is grown by small farmers and plantation workers, but current market prices don't even cover production costs. Because these trays come from a Fair Rubber Association member, they pay primary suppliers a fair trade premium of EUR 0.50 kg/DRC – presently almost 40% above world market prices (similar to what we do with Operation Wool).
This premium improves working and living conditions for producers and ensures environmentally friendly, sustainable production. Your purchase helps protect rubber plantations from conversion to palm oil or beef production.
How to use your rubber seed tray
- Loosely fill cells with seed compost (no need to wet it first)
- Plant seeds according to packet instructions, or start seedlings in coir coins and transplant using Dalefoot wool compost
- For small seeds (basil, mustard), leave uncovered; for larger seeds or those requiring darkness, cover with a thin compost layer
- Label your trays so you know what you've planted
- Water gently with a spray bottle to avoid washing out seeds
- Place trays on water-soaked sheep wool garden felt for steady moisture supply via capillary action
- When roots emerge from the base holes, seedlings are ready for transplanting
For sweet peas, maincrop beans and peas, or trees, we recommend our rubber root trainers instead.
More plastic-free gardening products
Explore our full range of natural, plastic-free gardening products including natural rubber root trainers, felt shillies, wool pellets, garden fleece, jute mulch mats, hanging basket liners, and jute roll for larger areas.
Start your seeds sustainably – choose natural rubber seed trays that work harder and last longer.
Durable, flexible natural rubber seed trays that make growing from seed easier and kinder to the planet. Unlike disposable plastic trays that crack and break, these FSC-certified rubber trays last for years and make transplanting seedlings effortless.
Key benefits:
- Reusable for years – robust natural rubber won't crack like plastic
- Easy seedling removal – flexible design lets you pop plants out without damaging roots
- Fair trade certified – supports sustainable rubber farming communities
- FSC natural rubber from renewable, forest-friendly sources
- Available in 6, 20 or 30 cell options
Why choose rubber over plastic seed trays?
Reusable and long-lasting – Each rubber seed tray is made from robust natural rubber that stands the test of time. Use them year after year without the cracks and breaks common with cheap plastic trays. While plastic versions might seem cheaper initially, they often need replacing after one or two seasons. These rubber trays save you money long-term and eliminate unnecessary plastic waste.
Sustainable and renewable source – Plastic trays are made from fossil fuels. Our rubber version comes from FSC natural rubber, sourced sustainably from suppliers who preserve biological diversity and haven't replaced natural forests with plantations.
Easy to remove seedlings – The flexible rubber design is a game-changer at transplanting time. Simply push on the rubber bottom to pop seedlings out cleanly. The soil retains its shape, keeping roots intact for a stress-free transfer – like a plant version of silicone baking trays.
How are these seed trays fair trade?
Natural rubber is grown by small farmers and plantation workers, but current market prices don't even cover production costs. Because these trays come from a Fair Rubber Association member, they pay primary suppliers a fair trade premium of EUR 0.50 kg/DRC – presently almost 40% above world market prices (similar to what we do with Operation Wool).
This premium improves working and living conditions for producers and ensures environmentally friendly, sustainable production. Your purchase helps protect rubber plantations from conversion to palm oil or beef production.
How to use your rubber seed tray
- Loosely fill cells with seed compost (no need to wet it first)
- Plant seeds according to packet instructions, or start seedlings in coir coins and transplant using Dalefoot wool compost
- For small seeds (basil, mustard), leave uncovered; for larger seeds or those requiring darkness, cover with a thin compost layer
- Label your trays so you know what you've planted
- Water gently with a spray bottle to avoid washing out seeds
- Place trays on water-soaked sheep wool garden felt for steady moisture supply via capillary action
- When roots emerge from the base holes, seedlings are ready for transplanting
For sweet peas, maincrop beans and peas, or trees, we recommend our rubber root trainers instead.
More plastic-free gardening products
Explore our full range of natural, plastic-free gardening products including natural rubber root trainers, felt shillies, wool pellets, garden fleece, jute mulch mats, hanging basket liners, and jute roll for larger areas.
Start your seeds sustainably – choose natural rubber seed trays that work harder and last longer.
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