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How many still use wooden seed trays? I like them. Probably not as practical as plastic but more attractive. I have acquired some wood and will start making some tomorrow, ready for the spring.

I like the idea of wooden seed trays,and remember them from my youth, but easily washable, stacking, uniform size, thin-sided space-saving trays are where I'm at now :)

I haven't seen wood ones for quite some time, brings back good memories of helping my gran when I was younger. Good luck with making your own, have you made some before?

Presume they retain water to some extend. 

Do remember them from my youth.  My MIL had some.  But she never really got beyond 1945.  She always behaved as if rationing was still going strong even 40 years later.   

But I am also now into plastic.  As others say easier to wash and last longer.

Quote from: Jayb on January 29, 2015, 10:22:15
I haven't seen wood ones for quite some time, brings back good memories of helping my gran when I was younger. Good luck with making your own, have you made some before?

First attempt! Made two today. Turned out okay!

I would use wooden ones as a decorative feature in my allotment but it's plastic for me. Plastic is so hygienic, long lasting and stack easily.

You are right. Of course plastic is more hygienic, provided they are cleaned regularly (not everyone does that). The virtues of wood are strength and warmth but I am being romantic, as usual, longing for the days when all equipment was made better and looked better. I will have to throw away my "Adam the Gardener" picture book! 

Well done on your homemade trays.
Just one comment the original ones had a 1/4 inch gap from the sides and in the middle to allow for drainage... at least I assume that was what the gap was for and not saving timber in those days.

Quote from: daveyboi on January 30, 2015, 09:29:56
Well done on your homemade trays.
Just one comment the original ones had a 1/4 inch gap from the sides and in the middle to allow for drainage... at least I assume that was what the gap was for and not saving timber in those days.

Thanks Davey. Yeah, I thought about that but just drilled some holes instead. I think they used to put broken pot chippings over the gaps to stop leaching.

They look good! Have they got 'loose' bottoms...can you lift them up through the fame with soil on?

Are you tempted goodlife?! 

They do look good, well done 

Quote from: goodlife on January 30, 2015, 12:28:02
They look good! Have they got 'loose' bottoms...can you lift them up through the fame with soil on?

Thanks Goodlife. Yes, I left the bottoms loose which hopefully means the whole lot can be pushed out when ready for transplanting. I didn't think of that at the time; just thought they would be easier to clean if bottoms loose. My mentor, Adam the Gardener, used to take a short side off to give access; don't know how.

Quote from: Jayb on January 30, 2015, 15:21:16
They do look good, well done 

Thanks Jayb 

Quote from: pumpkinlover on January 30, 2015, 12:59:57
Are you tempted goodlife?! 

I'm always tempted with anything 'home made'...though I have to store this idea deep into my brain and get it out one 'rainy day' when there is nothing better to do  I admit, I don't use much seed trays and I do have rather good collection/stash of various size of plastic ones. But I love the idea of wooden ones..

There is something wholesome and touchy feely about them, don't get me wrong I wouldn't be without the plackie ones I have. But when you look at those in plotstoeat picture...

Quote from: plotstoeat on January 30, 2015, 16:10:22
My mentor, Adam the Gardener, used to take a short side off to give access

That's an interesting idea, wonder if I can replicate it for the 1/4 sized plastic trays I use ...  levering out the first row of seedlings is always the bit most likely to cause damage, thereafter I can get "under" the rest, or even extricate the whole of the rest of the soil & seedlings "whole" to then dissect on the potting bench :)

When I first started back in the 40.s all the seed trays were wooden ex  fish boxes and we learn the art of tabooing them on the end and then "throwing" the whole lot out ready to plant

Quote from: laurieuk on February 15, 2015, 11:48:37
When I first started back in the 40.s all the seed trays were wooden ex  fish boxes and we learn the art of tabooing them on the end and then "throwing" the whole lot out ready to plant

Laurie, I have never heard of that: could you tell us more please?

Hi Ya, on a rainy day I make my own wooden trays out of pallets. I make them to fit a standard seed tray inside. So really the best of both. My reasoning behind this is I have had a few mishaps with plastic trays full of compost and their tendency to flex. I have picked them up only for them to split of spill the contents. I never seem to be in the correct orientation to pick them up two handed when I want them. Also if that size I can fit half trays etc plus a cover. If they break or rot it's only pallet wood and easy to get. Happy Gardening