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Description
Growers start healthy seedlings in greenhouses and nurseries using standard plug trays. The T. O. Plastics 392 plug tray (product number 720536C) has room for 392 plants and is 11 inches by 21.22 inches. It offers ample soil room and smart features for root development and handling.
Tray Design and Dimensions
Standard plug trays contain an evenly placed grid of cells to grow young seedlings. The 392-cell layout (14 rows by 28 columns) gives each seedling the space to grow without taking up too much bench space.
- Tray Size: 11 in × 21.22 in perimeter
- Cell Count: 392 cells (14 × 28)
- Cell Top Diameter: 0.63 in
- Center-to-Center Spacing: 0.73 in
Materials and Durability
The tray is vacuum-formed polypropylene. This plastic offers:
- Sturdiness: Holds soil and seedlings without bending excessively.
- Flexibility: Trays can nest or de-nest easily.
- UV Resistance: Additives protect the trays from the sun and greenhouse lights, so they can be reused for growing in many seasons.
Benefits for Growers
Some of the advantages of employing the 392 plug tray are:
- Uniform Seedlings: Cell size and drainage allow consistent moisture and nutrient levels. This results in plants of the same size and quality.
- Better Transplant Success: Long, straight roots ensure stronger and healthier plants with fewer diseases and pest issues. Young plants mature more quickly in the field or final containers.
- Operational Efficiency: The standard tray size is for use with popular greenhouse benches and seeding machines. Shipping and storage are easier with bulk cases (50 trays per case, 40 cases per pallet).
Choosing the Right Tray
Here’s what growers think about when selecting a plug tray.
- Cell Count & Size: Smaller cells for small seedlings; larger cells for bigger transplants.
- Drainage Style: Regular drain holes or additional vents.
- Tray Footprint: Must fit benches and equipment.
The 14 × 28 sheet, with 392 cells, is satisfactory for many vegetables, flowers, and bedding plants. Trays that are smaller but with deeper cells may be more appropriate for very large foliage or stem transplants.
How to Use the Trays
Here’s a five step simple routine that always keeps the trays in top shape:
- Make sure all drainage holes are clear and the tray is clean.
- Sow with a tray-filling machine or seed by hand. Evenly fill each cell with a sterile propagation mix.
- Plant seeds or cuttings in each cell. Mechanical seeders can hasten this process.
- Water from beneath, or dew from above. Ensure that water passes easily through the drain holes.
- Continue circulating the greenhouse air and ensure that roots receive sufficient oxygen from the tray’s air holes.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Good care will extend the life of the tray, maintain its condition and help avoid disease:
- Wash the trays with a weak bleach or hydrogen-peroxide solution.
- Throw out trays that have cracks or malformed cells.
- Stack trays in a dry, shaded area to prolong UV-protective additives.
Summary
The 392 plug tray from T. O. Plastics provide a balance between soil volume, drainage, and root containment in a traditional 11-inch by 21.22-inch size. Its characteristics assist growers in achieving even seedling production, enhanced transplant success, and efficient greenhouse operations. When used and treated correctly, these trays provide the best conditions to support effective growth and a commitment to sustainability.
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