How to Clean a Growing Tray? Quick Tips for Washing and Disinfecting Trays.
Growing trays are like a handy tool🛠 you can use multiple times, reflecting the eco-friendly way of farming and saving money. Yet, for a good and healthy harvest, you need to take care of them properly.
This article breaks down how to clean and disinfect your growing trays, ensuring they last as long as possible. We're here to address common questions and provide simple tips for keeping your trays in optimal condition, thereby ensuring a healthy and bountiful harvest.🌱
In this article, we'll address the following inquiries:
- Why is it necessary to clean your trays?
- Can I reuse a cleaned growing tray?
- How to clean growing trays?
- What does tray disinfection entail?
- Is disinfection necessary?
- How to effectively disinfect trays?
- Summary
Why is it necessary to clean your trays?
Cleaning your trays is a necessary task in the world of sprout or microgreens growing – you just can't skip it.🧹 Wondering why? Let's break it down.
Picture the leftover soil, water, and old seeds on the tray from the last batch of plants. Seems harmless, right? Not really. These leftovers can harm your new microgreens. If you don't clean them, mold, bacteria, or fungi might grow, causing problems for your fresh crop. Basically, cleaning your trays is like giving your microgreens a fresh start for the best growth, without the risks of unwanted intruders.
Can I reuse a cleaned growing tray?
Certainly! That's why it's crucial to look after your trays and clean them thoroughly. If the trays aren't cracked or badly damaged, you can use them multiple times.
At MP Seeds, we prioritize robust and top-notch equipment for growing microgreens. That's why we suggest the "10x20" Extra Strength Growing Tray – a durable choice that will last for a long time.
If you're unsure about which trays or pots to pick when restocking your supplies, check out our article, where we explain the different types of trays and their features.
📚►Top Trays for Microgreens : Your Guide to Growing Trays and Pots, FAQs, and Choosing the Best!👈
"10x20" Extra Strength Growing Tray⬇️
How to clean growing trays?
Now that you know you can reuse a clean tray, let's get into the details of cleaning grow trays.💦 But fear not, it's no complicated task. In fact, it's a simple process that just requires a bit of care. Treating tray cleaning as a regular to-do on your urban farm is as vital as watering seeds or any other activity linked to growing edible flowers, microgreens or sprouts.
Think of it as a routine, a little chore that ensures your trays are in tip-top shape for nurturing your greens. To make it even simpler, we've boiled down the whole process into four straightforward steps. So, let's break down these steps and see how you can effortlessly make tray cleaning a seamless part of your microgreens cultivation routine.
Step 1. Scrub
Start by giving those trays a good wipe-down to bid farewell to any lingering dirt. Grab a sponge, a paper towel, or a brush – your choice!🧹 Now, get into the nitty-gritty of it. Scrub the tray's surface thoroughly, leaving no trace of soil, seeds, or roots from the previous crop behind.
Step 2. Clean
Strive to eliminate as much dirt as possible. If you find the tray challenging to clean thoroughly, consider a good soak to loosen the stubborn dirt.🧼 At this stage, you can introduce the cleaning superheroes – soap or dishwashing liquid. These simple yet effective agents will help you banish the dirt, ensuring your tray gets the treatment it deserves for the upcoming planting session.
Step 3. Disinfect
Once you've cleared away the leftover seeds, soil clumps, and any lingering dirt, it's time to give your trays a germ-busting session. The trick? Let them take a dip in water mixed with disinfectant for roughly 20 minutes.🪣 This ensures not only a dirt-free zone but also kicks out any fungi or bacteria that might be lingering, posing a potential threat to your upcoming crop. It's like giving your trays a shield against unwanted guests, securing a clean slate for your fresh greens.✨
Step 4. Dry
Once you've finished disinfecting the growing trays, the final touch is to ensure they are thoroughly dried. If feasible, let them air-dry outdoors.🌞
The now cleaned and prepared growing trays are all set for the next cultivation cycle.
"10x20" Shallow Growing Tray⬇️
What does tray disinfection entail?
Is it a vital step? While washing with soap and a good scrubbing can tackle visible soil or old seeds, it doesn't guarantee a spotless tray. What might linger unseen are bacteria, germs, or fungi from previous crops – a potential threat to your current one.🦠 That's where step 3 comes in – disinfection.
Is disinfection necessary?
Absolutely. Successful microgreens and sprout cultivation demands a farmer armed with disinfected tools and a pristine workspace, including trays or pots.🪴 Sanitizing growing trays stands as a cornerstone for ensuring not just any harvest but a healthy and bountiful one. Every farmer dreams of such yields. Considering and adopting this simple step can significantly impact the quality of your harvest.
How to effectively disinfect trays?
Disinfecting grow trays can be done using specialized products designed for this type of activity or household items found in your kitchen. There are several ways to disinfect your trays. Let's explore them:
- Boiling water💦
The simplest, though not entirely ideal, method involves immersing the trays in boiling water. However, practicality may be an issue, as maintaining a water temperature of 100 degrees Celsius for a minimum of 5 minutes can be challenging, especially with varying tray sizes or quantities.
- Water and Vinegar🧴
Another simple approach is to use a solution of white vinegar and water. Simply mix them, pour the mixture into a sprayer, and thoroughly spray your trays. It's a natural and effective mixture that kills germs and disinfects.
- Bleach🥼
While some recommend disinfecting with chlorine-containing bleach, it's important to be cautious. Remember that such products may contain various chemicals that may not be suitable for use in contact with plants meant for consumption. When deciding on a disinfection method, prioritize the safety of both your crops and the environment.
- Hydrogen peroxide🧬
Hydrogen peroxide, or H2O2, is a popular and eco-friendly choice for keeping microgreens trays clean. It's a safe alternative to chlorine bleach, breaking down into oxygen and water. This versatile product not only sterilizes trays but also combats bacteria, treats fungal growth, and prevents mold and mildew. A 3% solution, easily found in pharmacies or online, is effective for tray use. Handle it with care: store it away from heat, wear gloves, and avoid contact with eyes.
Summary
In summary, maintaining the cleanliness of your grow trays to offering your plants a fresh start each time. This straightforward process ensures a secure and nourishing environment for the growth of microgreens. Keep in mind that a well-maintained tray translates to a better harvest.
At MP Seeds, we recognize the significance of reliable equipment in successful cultivation. If you're in need of more than just growing trays, explore our Supplies for Growing Microgreens section for a comprehensive range of items essential for cultivating microgreens.
To conclude, as you get your trays ready for the next planting cycle, remember that a little care can yield significant results.
Happy growing!🌱