Quick verdict
Five trays of six large cells, thirty in total, each with a clear dome 3.3 inches tall and a removable base that pushes seedlings up and out. The tall dome gives seedlings room before the cover comes off, and the ejector base removes plugs without pulling stems. Thirty cells suits a windowsill grower starting tomatoes, peppers and herbs rather than a plot of brassicas. BPA-free plastic and reusable.
Strengths
- Tall 3.3 inch domes give seedlings growing room under cover
- Push-up base ejects plugs without touching the stem
- Large cells suit tomatoes, peppers and squash
- Clear domes let you watch germination
- Five small trays fit windowsills and move independently
Weaknesses
- Thirty cells is a small count for a vegetable plot
- Domes must come off promptly once seedlings touch them
- Small trays dry faster than a full 1020 flat
The overall YardToolLab Score is out of 100. Section scores are out of 10.
Small Trays, Done Right
Most cheap seed kits fail in two places: the dome is so low that seedlings hit it within days, and getting the plugs out means pulling stems. Artcome’s trays fix both. Each of the five trays has six large cells, a clear dome 3.3 inches tall and a removable base that pushes the plugs up and out. Thirty cells in total, in BPA-free plastic made to be washed and reused.
This review is based on the listing specifications and on how domed cell trays perform for seed starting generally. We have not used these trays ourselves and the brand is a generic importer.
The Dome
Height is the point. A standard 2 inch dome must come off the moment seedlings appear, which is fine for fast germinators and awkward for everything else. At 3.3 inches, slow seeds in the same tray can still be germinating under humidity while early ones grow. The clear plastic lets you watch progress without lifting the lid and losing moisture.
The Ejector
Each tray’s base lifts out. Push it up from below and all six plugs rise clear of their cells together, roots intact, ready to be lifted by the root ball. It removes the most damaging moment of seed starting, and it is a feature that costs more on larger kits.
Cell Size
Six large cells per tray suit plants that want room early: tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, sunflowers and herbs. For hundreds of brassicas or onions you want a 72-cell insert; for a windowsill grower raising a dozen tomatoes and some basil, thirty large cells is right.
Small Tray Realities
Separate small trays fit on windowsills and can be moved as each one is ready, which a 1020 flat cannot. The trade is that small volumes of soil dry faster, so check daily and water from below where possible. Remove domes promptly once seedlings are up to avoid damping off.
Reuse
Wash in warm soapy water with a splash of bleach between seasons. The plastic is described as resisting cracking and fading, and treated gently the trays last for years.
Who Should Buy It
- Windowsill gardeners starting a modest number of large-seeded plants.
- Beginners who want trays that are forgiving.
- Anyone tired of pulling seedlings out of rigid cells.
Common Owner Complaints
Capacity for larger gardens and drying between waterings. Both come with small trays.
Alternatives to Consider
A 1020 tray with a tall dome and 72-cell insert suits volume. RooTrimmer’s deep 4-cell inserts offer bigger root space. Soil blocks remove trays entirely.
Verdict
For a windowsill grower, these trays solve the two problems that spoil cheap kits, with tall domes and ejector bases at a fair price. Remove the lids on time, water from below and the seedlings will come out clean.
Full specifications
Artcome 5-Pack 6-Cell Seed Starter Trays with Tall Humidity Domes and Push-Up Ejectors FAQs
Standard 2 inch domes force removal as soon as seedlings sprout. At 3.3 inches, seedlings grow a week or two under humidity before the cover comes off, which helps slow germinators and cuttings.
The base lifts out from under the cells. Push it up and the plugs rise clear of the tray, so you lift the root ball rather than pull the stem.
As soon as most seeds have germinated, or when leaves touch the lid. Leaving it on invites damping off.
Yes. Wash in warm soapy water with a splash of bleach between seasons and they last for years.
