The Microgreen Tray Clip Labelers are a 10-pack of reusable 3-in-1 clips that label, lift, and separate microgreen and seed-starting trays — the original tray clip of its kind, designed and 3D-printed in-house by On The Grow in Texas. Each clip has a flat tab sized for ½-inch electrical tape and a center grip that pulls stacked trays apart during bottom watering without pinching plants. Built for thick, rigid agriculture trays like Bootstrap Farmer Heavy Duty.
They were created to solve three real grower frustrations at once — trays that suction together during bottom watering, scraped fingers from prying wet trays apart, and a shelf of identical trays with no idea which is which. One reusable clip does the job of a label, a lift handle, and a tray separator.
Why these exist
Separating stuck trays adds up fast. On 10 trays, an extra 5 seconds per tray, twice a day, is close to an hour of wasted time a month — and far more for commercial growers running dozens or hundreds of trays. The clips give you a solid grip point so you can lift and separate in one motion instead of wedging fingers into a thin tray slot.
Designed in-house by On The Grow
On The Grow founder CJ Vaughn is a self-taught CAD designer who has prototyped parts for everything from a Formula 1 race car (back in 2018) to projects for a well-known company. When no product on the market solved the stuck-tray problem properly, he designed one. He created the first version in 2021 to fix our own grow-space headaches, then redesigned it entirely after customer feedback into the larger, stronger labeling clip we sell today. Every clip is designed, 3D-printed, hand-checked, and shipped in-house from Texas.
How they work
Labeling & color-coding: Each clip has a large, flat tab sized for ½-inch electrical tape (recommended — it's the right width, cheap, and at any hardware store). Write crop names, seeding dates, or notes directly on the tape; it stays waterproof, peels off cleanly without residue, and fits securely. Multiple colors let you separate varieties, mark market crops vs. personal grows, track planting dates, flag experiments, or identify filming trays.
Separates stacked trays: For bottom watering or stacked germination, the clip gives you a solid grip point to lift and separate trays without pinching plants or losing your grip on wet hands.
Comfortable lifting: The center-mounted design gives better leverage and control than wedging fingers into a thin side slot — especially when trays are wet, heavy, or tightly stuck from stacking.
Bonus airflow gap: The small space the clip creates between stacked trays gives roots a little room to breathe, which can support healthier root development and help reduce mold risk during germination. Some growers install two clips per tray on opposing sides specifically to create that airflow gap.
Specifications
- Quantity: 10 clips per pack
- Function: 3-in-1 — label, lift, and separate trays
- Material: durable plastic (3D-printed)
- Labeling method: ½-inch electrical tape (sold separately)
- Mounting location: center finger slot or tray sides
- Colors: multiple options available
- Compatibility: thick, rigid agriculture trays (Bootstrap Farmer and similar)
- Design & origin: original On The Grow design, made and shipped in-house from Texas
- Warranty: 1 year on all tray clips
- Shipping: U.S. and Canada; free U.S. shipping over $65
- Not included: ½-inch electrical tape, markers, trays
Best for
- Microgreen growers managing multiple trays
- Bottom-watering setups where trays stick together
- Market growers needing quick, clear tray identification
- Content creators tracking multiple grow batches
- Anyone wanting organization with a bit of personality
Tray compatibility
These clips fit:
- Bootstrap Farmer Heavy Duty 10x20 trays
- Bootstrap Farmer Heavy Duty 10x10 trays
- Bootstrap Farmer 5×5 trays
- Most thick, rigid agriculture trays with defined lips
These clips do NOT fit:
- Thin or flimsy trays
- Most sprouting trays
- 7x14 trays
- Trays without defined rim thickness
Don't fit your trays? Contact us at info@onthegrow.net within 15 days of delivery. Since we design and manufacture these in-house, we may be able to adjust the fit — or we'll provide a return label and full refund.
How to attach
Hold the clip with the slotted side up, tilt it so one corner hooks onto the tray lip first, then press the opposite side down until it clicks into place and the lip sits snug in the slot. Some clips may need a little extra force on the first install. An installation video is available in the product photos.
What's included
- 10 tray clip labelers (one pack)
- Multiple color options available
- Not included: ½-inch electrical tape, markers, trays
We chose packs of 10 because most tray sets come in packs of 8 to 10, so it lines up with your existing setup.
Care & use
For thick agriculture trays only. The tight fit prevents slipping but may scuff tray lips over time with heavy use — this is cosmetic and doesn't affect tray function.
3D-printed construction: minor layer lines may be visible — this is normal and doesn't affect function.
Cleaning & storage: remove the clips before washing trays, don't soak them in water, and store them indoors out of direct sunlight. Prolonged UV exposure can make the plastic brittle and shorten their lifespan.
FAQ
Are these the original tray clips for microgreens? Yes. CJ designed the first version in 2021 to solve our own grow-space problems, and the current Tray Clip Labelers are the refined version. We design, manufacture, and ship every clip in-house in Texas.
What trays do they fit? Bootstrap Farmer heavy-duty 10x10, 10x20, and 5×5 trays, plus most thick, rigid agriculture trays with a defined rim. They do not fit thin or flimsy trays, most sprouting trays, 7x14 trays, or trays without defined rim thickness.
What size tape works best? ½-inch electrical tape is sized perfectly for the tab. It's waterproof, peels off cleanly, and any brand works — available at any hardware store.
How many clips do I need per tray? One clip per tray is plenty for labeling, lifting, and separating. Some growers add a second clip on the opposite side to create extra airflow gap between stacked trays, but it's optional.
Can I use them with sprouting trays? Most sprouting trays don't have the rim thickness the clips need to hold securely, so we don't recommend them for sprouting setups.
My clips create a small gap between trays — is that a problem? No, it's beneficial. The gap gives roots room to breathe and can help reduce mold risk during germination. We've tested it extensively with no downside.
How do I attach them? Hook one corner onto the tray lip first, then press the opposite side until you feel and hear a click.
What are they made of? Durable 3D-printed plastic, designed and made in-house. You may see minor layer lines, which is normal for 3D printing.
How long do they last? They're built for long-term use and backed by a 1-year warranty. With proper care — no soaking, no prolonged sunlight, removing them before washing trays — they last well beyond that.
What if they don't fit my trays? Email us within 15 days of delivery. We may be able to adjust the fit since we make them in-house, or we'll send a return label and full refund.
You might also need
- Bootstrap Farmer 10x20 trays
- Bootstrap Farmer 10x10 trays
- 10x20 Kratky Hydroponics Kit (includes tray clips)
- ½-inch electrical tape (available at hardware stores)
Want the full story behind the design? Read our Tray Clip Labelers blog.
Label, lift, separate, organize — designed by growers, for growers.