Congratulations and great review! They will last forever! A couple years ago I had found the heavy duty trays at Greenhouse Megastore. Was so thrilled because I had it with the leaking flimsy trays. I also ordered 2” pots along with clear covers and cheaper cel packs. Then later I thought I wanted to upgraded cell packs and seen the air root pruning cells from Bootstrap Farmer and some of their 2” pots as that is a good size for me in how I start seedlings. Like you I always use the red cups for larger plants and yes they can get a bit wibbly in the trays. I had a need for larger pots and got the cheaper 3 & 4” pots for geraniums, petunias, peppers and tomatoes. It was difficult to tell size online as I wanted bigger around , but not deeper for the flowers. My comparison thoughts between the two companies products- Greenhouse Megastore is where I first started and I was impressed with the trays. They appear to be the same as Bootstrap Farmer’s trays. I use those trays for everything All year long! Very handy for picking and storing produce. Two things I’ve noticed-they are a bit difficult to clean the grooves without the proper brush and the clear low lids were just a smidgen too small to totally sit flat on the trays. It’s not a huge problem as they do the job that I briefly need the lid for and probably will not need as many lids, but they are sold in packs. The 2” pots- Greenhouse Megastore I ordered first and love them and needed some more so I got Bootstrap Farmer’s 2” with root prune cell packs as at the time I don’t think GHM carried them. The Bootstrap have multiple tiny drain holes where GHM has fewer larger holes and smooth interior which made them a bit easier to clean with a bottle brush. Cell packs- I have mixed feelings. I have the flimsy ones and BF’s air root pruning cells. I would have liked to see a bigger cell as I think they are a bit undersized. A bit taller and bigger around would be nice and maybe they have such a thing now. They are tuff, the hole at the bottom is meant to push the plant out and a round dowel can be handy for the plants that may not have a lot of roots. Mostly they pop right out. I had. Terrible disaster starting seeds last year as I used an open bag of potting mix from the summer and unknowingly must have brought in gnats and aphids which I have never had the latter even outside. They were everywhere and I tried Everything to get rid of them. I found several ladybugs that came to life in the house and they were the greatest help to get rid of aphids, but Not those gnats! 🙄. I had 20 flats of plants and couldn’t wait to start getting them out the door! I found horticultural oil solved the problem. How nice I figured that out when they went outside 😏. I’m planning on waiting to start most seeds when it gets warmer and heat the GH to start or at least grow the seedlings there. After last year’s 90* F temps all May ending in a freak ‘unwarned’ frost that wiped out perennials I’m in no hurry. If the soil isn’t warm enough the warmer season plants won’t do much anyway and I don’t like up-potting and overly large plants. Thoughts of a low tunnel for pepper experiment may develop. Still contemplating winter sow projects as the future temps on Accuweather seem to stay in the 20s for February. Yes, we have a ways to go and last year it was Crazy warm and ruined many WS projects. So I’m thinking to just use them as cold frames or make one and start the seeds close to the weeks called for on the packs and start some in the GH and compare. 😅 I’m all for it if I can eliminate any of this seed sitting fiddly stuff😂. And it would save $$$. Today and tomorrow will be cold and then January thaw. This morning was -11.8*F🥶. One more below zero tonight and then Monday night 3-6” more snow-hopefully no rain. I hope the Rootaloo will still hold above freezing as we have lost a few 10ths of a degree-fingers crossed. Edit: the biggest thing about those sturdy trays is keeping track of them when you give stuff away 😅😅 others like them also.
@@ourbackyardgarden one other thing and was probably due to open bag of soil I used, but those air prune slits in cell packs gave those bugs extra places to hide 🫣 yea, I had a mess including mold under cell packs. I had fans running and that of course caused rapid drying on some. I think it’s just too warm in the house also. Another reason I will get them germinated and shove them in the GH this year. I think the heat contributes to leggy seedlings.
You will like that set for sure and the longer you use it you will know what works best for you. The slits down the sides of the 6 cell trays is for air pruning not water. I like the 6 cell trays way better than trays with more cells. I use the pots to start alot of my seeds that way I don't have to up pot ! I don't own any bootstrap farmer stuff but it looks to be quality plastic. If you ever decide you want larger cell trays check out All about the garden. You might also look into air pruning if your not already familiar with the practice. Nice haul, Enjoy!
Hi and thanks for the input! No, I have not tried air pruning but I want to know more! I'm always a student of the garden, wanting to do better!!! It does seem like a sturdy product and it's almost time to use it. Wow time is flying by!
What a thorough, thoughtful, helpful review!!! A+ You covered things that I wouldn't think of until I began using their products. This spring, I decided to ditch the Costco cups and try some Bootstrap products. Truthfully, I forget all that I ordered. The order is still sitting in its box that in came in unopened. I can't be too distracted while we're in the process of moving. I didn't see the bundle package. I will have to treat myself to that, too. Once again, Leigh, your video helped tremendously. Bootstrap, as well as other gardening companies, will soon be "knocking" at your door to ask you if they can sponsor your channel. (I know that's not your goal; however, when you're as good as you, it's bond to happen.) Until next time, happy sowing!
Thank you Gail you're the best! I'm always trying to find the best product for price with the philosophy good things aren't cheap and cheap things aren't good. It's so easy to get sucked in.
I just placed an order with them today and I am so excited to get this better quality for growing my seeds indoors! gosh this unboxing is making me so excited to get mine! GREAT unboxing!!
@@BecomingVT if your growing peppers this year, put some potting mix in a warmer place so you are ready when your pots come! It's time to start peppers!!
@@BecomingVT it's the little things. So many tips I wish I knew. Flavored basil likes warm soil also. When your trays come, packs soil, put a lid on and let it get warm. Then sow seed. Careful with heat nats they are only for germination! I start everything from seed. First year is so exciting but can get stressful. Be patient learn from mistakes and have fun! Remember you don't have to use every seed at once!
Thanks for sharing this. I will be interested in seeing how this holds up, do you know how many years it is supposed to last without cracking, breaking, etc.?
I'm not sure if I saw an actual time frame. I just read "years". But I still have clothes from 30 years ago lol I'm sure this kit will last me more than a decade.
Hi Linda! It just packs in. Then the roots grown fast. Well balanced soild packs, unlike dry dirt. I had the same question early on in growing from. The bootstrap trays have given me healthier seedlings! They uptake water much better.