Seed sowing

[Odsox]

I sowed my Japanese over-wintering onion seed today, multiple sown in cells at roughly 3 seeds to each cell, so potentially 240 onions (if they all grow).
But the purpose of this post is to ask if anybody knows if any company still makes these modules. I used to have (probably) 4 each of 2 different sizes, 24 cells and 40 cells which are the only 2 I have left.
I've had them for years, in fact I moved here with them, so at least 24 years ago. I've gradually lost most of them over the years, some broke, but as they are made of expanded polystyrene some probably ended up in the next parish one windy night, because some idiot left them outside.
They are so very useful though and A LOT better than those one use thin crackly plastic ones, and when the cells are full of roots they push out easily and stay intact while you plant them.
But, I can't find anyone selling them anymore (probably because they last for 20 years)

Modules.jpg (237.7 KiB) Viewed 10528 times

[Green Aura]

They're not exactly the same - and quite expensive - but these look similar.

https://www.harrodhorticultural.com/80- ... d8126.html

[Green Aura]

The only other examples I could find were in South Africa and Greece.

http://www.rizakos.eu/uk/syskevasia_sporofyta.asp

[Weedo]

You may be out of luck Odsox - I haen't seen anyone using these commercially for years

[Flo]

Harrod Horticultural is always expensive unless you are registered on one allotment forum where they sometimes run discounts.

And of course anything that lasts for years is bound not to be available Weedo - knocks down the profits of firms who rely on break and replace.

[Odsox]

Sorry for asking a question and then seemingly ignoring the answers, but I have been without Internet ALL BLOODY WEEKEND.
No Internet when I switched the computer on Saturday morning and has just come back after ringing the supplier, who only work weekdays 9 - 5 regardless.
Plus I had stuff on eBay for sale, thankfully nobody asked any questions before the items finished yesterday afternoon.
Did I mention I am a tad annoyed?

Those Harrods ones are more than I want as it looks like it includes the reservoir base and lid, all I want is the modules.
I didn't think there was much chance of finding the exact same ones still for sale, but thanks for looking.

[Weedo]

Odsox et al

I buy some gear from this on line site - mainly because some is specialised and not c ommonly found elsewhere.
https://www.forestrytools.com.au/index.php?id=27

The trays are quite robust and should last years - although designed for growing tree seedlings (therefore a little deeper than normal) they do work for just about anything,

Not the cheapest source and the freight would probably kill the idea but these are something that is available.

[Odsox]

Thanks for looking Weedo, but those modules look like the fairly brittle thin black plastic ones that are common here as well. They are basically designed for single use.
The thing about the polystyrene ones is not only are they more robust, easy to remove the plant plug with the "pusher plate", they are also well insulated with the thick walled polystyrene .. very useful when growing seedlings in early spring.
Ah well, I will just have to treat my remaining 2 trays like the precious objects they are.

[Weedo]

Odsox
OK Just a suggestion for a type, I presume the transport costs from here to you would make them prohibitive anyway. I understand your need for root zone protection also - these are designed with open slits to allow natural lateral root pruning during growth. These trays weigh about 1Kg each and certainly have a usable life of several years if looked after - they are designed for field use in plantation forestry.