6 Cell Plug Tray Inserts - Multi-Color Pack - Bootstrap Farmer

Need a flexible seed starting solution that lets you grow multiple varieties without committing entire trays to each crop? Bootstrap Farmer's 6 Cell Plug Tray Inserts are perfect for gardeners who want to start small quantities of different varieties while maximizing their growing space. Made in the USA from heavy-duty, food-safe plastic with innovative air-pruning technology, these inserts are built to last for years.

Why These Inserts Stand Out

Air-pruning technology for healthier roots: These aren't ordinary cell inserts. Each tray features vertical air pruning slits (0.11" wide x 1¼" tall) on all four sides. When roots reach these openings, they're naturally "air-pruned," which prevents root circling and promotes a healthier, more fibrous root system. Air-pruned seedlings develop more vigorous growth and transplant with less shock.

Extra-large drainage for easy removal: The ⅝" drainage hole on the bottom of each cell makes seedling removal incredibly easy. No more struggling to dig out plants or damaging tender roots—just push from below and your seedlings pop right out.

Perfect for variety testing: Twelve 6-cell inserts fit perfectly in a Bootstrap Farmer 10x20 tray. This modular design lets you start 12 different varieties in the same footprint, removing each insert as plants become ready without disturbing the others sharing the bottom-watering tray.

Multi-color for easy tracking: The variety pack includes multiple colors, making it simple to color-code different varieties, planting dates, or growing experiments. No more mixing up your tomatoes and peppers—visual identification at a glance.

Heavy-duty construction: These aren't throwaway inserts. Made from FDA Prime Grade Extra Strength Polypropylene (#5, BPA-free) plastic that's built for years of repeated use. We've grown countless varieties on Bootstrap Farmer trays both indoors under grow lights and outdoors with excellent results.

Made in the USA: Quality construction you can trust, manufactured domestically from food-safe materials.

Key Specifications

Insert Dimensions:

• Outer Dimensions: 5" x 3⅓" x 2¼" height
• Cells Per Insert: 6
• Cell Size (Top): 1½" x 1½" x 2⅛"
• Cell Size (Bottom): Tapers to 1" at bottom
• Drainage Hole: Extra-large ⅝" for easy removal
• Air Pruning Slits: 0.11" wide x 1¼" tall on all four sides

System Compatibility:

• 12 inserts fit in one 10x20 tray
• 6 inserts fit in one 10x10 tray (though they won't sit completely flat—better designed for 10x20 trays)
• Works with Bootstrap Farmer 10x20 Deep Trays for bottom-watering

Materials:

• Material: FDA Prime Grade Extra Strength Polypropylene (#5, BPA-free)
• Manufacturing: USA-made
• Warranty: 1-Year (contact Bootstrap Farmer directly—On The Grow does not offer this warranty)

Perfect For:

• Flower seed starting
• Vegetable garden starts
• Herb propagation
• Testing new varieties in small quantities
• Succession planting with staggered harvest dates
• Color-coding different crops or planting dates
• Home gardeners growing multiple varieties
• Market gardeners starting diverse crop selections

The 1½" x 1½" cell size provides ample room for seedlings to develop strong root systems without becoming root-bound too quickly.

How Air Pruning Works

Traditional cell trays cause roots to circle when they hit the walls, creating weak, tangled root systems. The vertical slits on these inserts expose roots to air as they reach the edges. This "air-prunes" the tips, triggering the plant to develop more lateral roots instead of circling. The result? Healthier, more vigorous seedlings with fibrous root systems that transplant beautifully with minimal shock.

Compatible Growing System

Bottom-watering setup: Place 12 inserts in a Bootstrap Farmer 10x20 Deep Tray for efficient bottom-watering. Fill the bottom tray with water, and all 72 cells (12 inserts x 6 cells) water simultaneously from below.

Modular flexibility: Remove individual 6-cell inserts as crops become ready for transplant without disturbing neighboring varieties. This is perfect for crops with different growth rates or when succession planting.

Stackable design: The tapered cell design allows empty inserts to stack for compact storage.

Pro Tips

Prevent soil spillage: Some soil may fall through the large drainage hole when first filling cells with dry mix. Use pre-moistened potting soil to minimize spillage—the moisture helps the soil hold together.

Easy transplanting: Use a widger dibber or similar tool to push seedlings up from the bottom drainage hole for effortless removal.

Color coding: Assign colors to crop types, planting dates, or growing experiments for easy visual tracking.

Care & Maintenance

Cleaning: Hand-wash with warm, soapy water between uses. Can also be cleaned in dishwasher (without heated dry cycle).

Storage: Store out of direct sunlight when not in use to maximize lifespan. Stack empty inserts using the tapered design for compact storage.

Longevity: With proper care, these inserts are built to last for years of continued use.

1-Year Warranty

Backed by Bootstrap Farmer's 1-year warranty against breakage or warping. Note: You will need to contact Bootstrap Farmer directly for warranty claims—On The Grow does not offer this warranty.

Important Product Disclaimers

• Seeds, soil, and other items shown in photos are NOT included
• Material: FDA Prime Grade Extra Strength Polypropylene (#5, BPA-free)
• UV degradation: Store trays out of direct sunlight when not in use to maximize lifespan
• Compatibility: 12 inserts fit per 10x20 tray; 6 inserts fit per 10x10 tray (though better designed for 10x20)
• Warranty: Contact Bootstrap Farmer directly for warranty claims
• Made in the USA

Modular, color-coded seed starting with air-pruning technology—perfect for growers who need variety without wasting space. 🌱