Quick answer
Use the 1020 Up Pot Bundle when your seedlings outgrow their starter tray—the deep cells and bottom watering tray give roots room to develop without transplant shock.
Why up-potting matters
Standard 1020 flats are fine for germination, but shallow cells can stunt seedlings that need deep roots. The 1020 Up Pot Bundle’s giga-cells give larger seedlings the vertical space they need before moving to the garden.
Bottom watering vs. top watering
Bottom watering encourages roots to grow downward and keeps foliage dry, reducing disease risk. The Bottom Watering Tray included in the bundle has gentle ridges that hold the seedling tray securely and won’t warp in the elements.
Step-by-step: Transplanting with the 1020 Up Pot Bundle
- 1. Prepare the bottom watering tray: Fill the Bottom Watering Tray with about 1/2 inch of water. Place the deep seedling tray on top so the soil can wick moisture upward. Check that the tray is level to avoid uneven watering.
- 2. Fill the deep cells with moistened potting mix: Use a pre-moistened seed-starting mix to avoid air pockets. Gently tap the tray to settle the soil without compacting it. Overfilling can cause soil to spill when you water; leave a 1/4-inch gap at the top.
- 3. Transplant seedlings carefully: Loosen each seedling from its original tray by squeezing the cell sides. Hold by the leaves (not the stem) and place it in the new cell at the same depth it was growing. If the stem is leggy, plant it slightly deeper to encourage new roots.
- 4. Water from the bottom only: Keep the bottom tray filled with water until the top of the soil feels moist. Then empty any standing water to prevent root rot. Don’t top-water—it can wash away soil and damage tender stems.
- 5. Cover with the vented dome: Place the clear dome over the tray to maintain humidity. Open the vents gradually over a few days to harden off seedlings before removing the dome completely. If you see condensation dripping heavily, open the vents more to prevent mold.
What you need
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Giga 1020 Up Pot Bundle: The bundle combines deep trays, vented domes, and bottom-up watering for stronger growth. You get everything needed to up-pot seedlings in one purchase, with air-pruning slits that encourage healthy root branching.
Giga 1020 Up Pot Bundle
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Bottom Watering Tray: The bottom trays are heavy duty and won't warp or crack in the elements, with gentle ridges to hold seedling trays securely. A stable, durable base prevents spills and makes bottom watering easy for years of use.
Bottom Watering Tray