Haxnicks Deep Rootrainers

Used these for the first time this year - after sowing vegetable seeds for years in standard pots - and I am really pleased with the results for the broad beans, peas and sweet peas. The root trainers are well made but need delicate handling when first folding. But once in the tray and filled they are perfectly robust and seedlings grow very well, producing lots of healthy roots. Planting out is easy as the trainers just unfold, and of course they are reusable. I would expect to get at least three seasons out of the trainers, perhaps more if I take care. Now for the French beans runner beans sweet corn and squash!

I've just started using, so these are initial impressions. The idea of being able to open up the containers and check the roots/replant easily is a good one - for the meantime, I will have to take on faith that they do anything special to root growth - the only thing I can see being different is the depth of the containers (and maybe the fact that they have ridges lengthways down the sides). It has long annoyed me that containers for growing seeds are very shallow compared to diameter, and I have never understood why this is. In order to get a decent depth, you have to buy containers which are far too large in diameter for a single plant. So, I am glad these have a decent depth, and this might well in itself encourage good root formation, especially with deep-rooted plants. Having said that, these are 3 x the price of normal seed trays with lids and insets, and considering this, the plastic feels very flimsy. Previously, I have bought Nutleys seed trays, for example, and in comparison, the plastic lid is made from very thin plastic. Also, you get a frame, the insets, and a clear lid, but the frame is just that, an open frame, and the insets, when folded together, have a large hole in the bottom - it would have been nice (and for the price really justifiable) for them to supply an additional tray to go underneath. These do stand as they are, but in order to water them, and even to collect the compost, which will inevitably fall out of the hole in the bottom, you really need a closed tray to stand them in, which is not supplied. I have solved the problem of the compost falling out of the hole in the bottom by inserting a small layer of course cocos fibre before filling with compost - the hole is around a square cm, so otherwise, you will get a lot of compost falling through. The system by which the insets are held together when assembled is clever, but, again, strikes me as somewhat flimsy - one of the insets would not close at all right out of the box, and I can see this becoming a problem with multiple use. The insets sit tight within the frame, so are held closed when in the frame, but if you're opening them up to check moisture levels, or root growth, you really need the insets to stay closed on their own. I've not tried it yet, but imagine it will otherwise get tricky reinserting them into the frame. Only time will tell, but overall, these seem overpriced to me, for what you get. I will try these for deep-rooted plants, but considering the price, will probably stay with fibre pots for most seeds - they also allow you pot up without disturbing the roots, and air-prune the roots that grow through the pots. I just wish I could get ones that have a decent depth compared to diameter...

If you want to give your seedlings a strong start, these rootrainers are basically a luxury hotel for plants. The deep cells allow roots to grow long and straight instead of circling like a confused snake in a normal pot. That means healthier plants that establish faster when you plant them out. They’re reusable, sturdy, and easy to open up like a book when you need to transplant. No more yanking seedlings and damaging delicate roots—just pop them out and they’re ready to thrive in the garden. It honestly makes the whole process less stressful, for both you and the plants. I’ve used them for beans, peas, sunflowers, and even lupins, and the results have been consistently excellent. Seedlings look stronger, grow faster, and survive the transition better. If you’re serious about gardening, these are worth every penny.

Brilliant idea, but very flimsy quality. The plastic holders will not last for repeated seasons as they are too thin. The tray is open at the bottom, so until the roots bind the compost together, there is nothing to stop it running through when watering. A good idea, design wise, but quality of material let's it down.

They did the job with my sweet pea seeds until the cat ate the four inch growth. He left three I thought might be ok but went back the second night and left totally bare soil. Hopefully there will be sweet pease growing out of his ears come summer.

Excellent product

Clever and simple. Initially thought they were a bit pricey. Bought mine cos I'd heard they were great for building nice fibrous root system in transplanted seedlings. Impressed by how well they perform. Straight off I want to say they Are made of quite flimsy plasticy stuff but you quickly adapt to be light on the touch and treat these as fine china rather than an old mug. The way I use them is to fill all eight books with dryish free running compost in one go, firmly tapping the base of each book to settle the compost in and wedge them as a block of 32 cells into the lightweight frame. Then use a dibber to open up a deep well for the incoming seedling transplant. I've also used them for direct sowing and find that the seedlings grow roots straight down the grooves and are easy to separate. The clear lid doubles as a water reservoir to stand the frame in and keeps the cells just raised clear so roots will be drawn out of the base. Just finished using them for the 3rd year running and although a couple of books have begun a small split down the hinge seam, they're still serviceable. I like them.

good quick delivery

Terrible quality ,horrendou, dont buy

Poor poor quality it’s arrives the led is broken they ship it in paper bag!! I recommend another brand not this one.. I return it right away

The protective packaging was delivered these delicate devices to me in perfect condition. They're a little tricky to use, but watch some YouTube videos on ot, and you'll find they're worth the effort. With bottom heat and LED lighting my tomato, tomatillo, kale, marjoram and oregano seedlings grew strong deep roots that were not root bound. The plants established quickly when planted out and were not as demanding of regular watering as seedlings grown in standard cell packs.

A bit fragile, need to be careful while using

Great idea for seedlings and seeds, very unique!