Growing microgreens at home is one of the simplest ways to enjoy fresh and nutrient rich greens in just a week. The secret to achieving lush and flavorful harvests often comes down to the type of growing mat you use.
The best microgreens growing mats provide consistent moisture, encourage strong root development, and reduce the risk of mold while keeping your setup clean and mess free.
Whether you are a beginner with a few small trays or an experienced grower managing multiple harvests, choosing the right mat can make a huge difference. In this guide we review the top microgreens mats of 2025.
🌟 Why Growing Mats Matter
Unlike soil, mats provide a clean, mess-free medium. They:
- Maintain steady moisture for germination.
- Support strong root anchoring.
- Reduce the risk of pests or soil-borne diseases.
- Make cleanup simple (some are even compostable).
- Fit perfectly in trays — no extra mess on your countertop.
So, while seeds, light, and watering matter, the mat is the hidden foundation of your microgreen success.
🛒 Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Microgreens Mat
Before you shop, here’s what separates a great mat from a frustrating one:
1. Material
- Hemp & Jute → Biodegradable, breathable, eco-friendly.
- Coconut Coir → Great water retention, compostable.
- Synthetic/Silicone → Reusable, durable, but not compostable.
2. Moisture Balance
A good mat should be moist but not soggy. Too dry → poor germination. Too wet → mold.
3. Tray Fit
Most growers use 10×20 trays. Some mats come pre-cut; others are rolls you trim to size.
4. Ease of Use
- Rolls = flexibility, but need trimming.
- Pre-cut pads = convenience, less waste.
5. Eco-Friendliness
If you want to compost after harvest, choose hemp, jute, or coir.
6. Cost vs. Value
Reusable mats are pricier up front but last longer. Disposable mats are cheap per use but add up over time.
🌱 Top 7 Microgreens Growing Mats (Reviewed)
Here’s our curated list, with pros, cons, and who they’re best for.
1. Emsiok Hemp Grow Mat Roll (10″ × 157″)
A grower’s favorite, this hemp roll gives you flexibility and value. Just cut to fit your trays and grow away.
- ✅ Huge coverage — over 13 feet of matting.
- ✅ Eco-friendly — 100% biodegradable hemp.
- ✅ Cost-effective — excellent value for high-volume growers.
- ⚠️ Needs pre-soaking to fully hydrate.
Best for: Large-scale growers, or anyone who wants flexibility.
2. Halatool 10-Pack Jute Grow Mats (10″ × 10″)
These pre-cut jute mats are ready to use — no trimming, no hassle. Great for new growers testing the waters.
- ✅ Convenient size — perfect for small trays.
- ✅ Beginner-friendly.
- ✅ Affordable starter bundle.
- ⚠️ Single-use; not reusable.
Best for: Beginners, hobbyists, and small kitchens.
3. Emsiok 8-Pack Hemp Mats (10″ × 20″)
Sized perfectly for standard 1020 trays, these mats drop right in — no cutting required.
- ✅ Perfect tray fit.
- ✅ Even germination with breathable hemp.
- ✅ Cleaner than soil.
- ⚠️ Best for single harvest per mat.
Best for: Growers using standard trays.
4. Emsiok Hemp Starter Pads (64-Pack, 5″ × 5″)
Perfect for experimentation or growing multiple varieties, these mini pads let you stagger crops.
- ✅ Great for variety — grow many greens at once.
- ✅ Compact — fits small trays or jars.
- ✅ Kid-friendly for easy projects.
- ⚠️ More handling (arranging multiple pads).
Best for: Experimenters and small-batch growers.
5. Halatool 20-Pack Jute Mats (10″ × 10″)
For growers who want to rotate trays week after week, this bulk pack delivers value.
- ✅ Bulk savings.
- ✅ Eco-friendly and compostable.
- ✅ Great for steady planting cycles.
- ⚠️ Requires dry storage to avoid damage.
Best for: Steady home growers with multiple trays.
6. Halatool 5-Pack Jute Mats (10″ × 20″)
A mid-sized pack that’s ideal if you’re scaling up slowly.
- ✅ Ready-to-use for 1020 trays.
- ✅ Good middle ground — not bulk, not single.
- ✅ Low mess.
- ⚠️ More expensive per mat compared to 20-pack.
Best for: Medium-scale growers.
7. Halatool 20-Pack Jute Mats (10″ × 20″)
For the serious grower or microgreen business, this bulk pack is hard to beat.
- ✅ Best value per mat.
- ✅ Perfect for continuous rotation.
- ✅ Eco-conscious choice.
- ⚠️ Higher upfront cost; requires storage space.
Best for: Businesses or serious hobby growers.
📊 Comparison Table
| Product | Size | Quantity | Material | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emsiok Hemp Roll | 10×157″ | 1 roll | Hemp | Flexibility, bulk cutting |
| Halatool 10-Pack | 10×10″ | 10 | Jute | Beginners, small trays |
| Emsiok 8-Pack | 10×20″ | 8 | Hemp | Standard trays |
| Emsiok 64-Pack | 5×5″ | 64 | Hemp | Experiments, variety |
| Halatool 20-Pack | 10×10″ | 20 | Jute | Frequent home growers |
| Halatool 5-Pack | 10×20″ | 5 | Jute | Medium growers |
| Halatool 20-Pack (Large) | 10×20″ | 20 | Jute | Serious growers / businesses |
🌱 Pro Tips for Success
- Soak mats fully before planting for best hydration.
- Spread seeds evenly — overcrowding = poor airflow.
- Keep trays covered (blackout) for 2–3 days until germination.
- Use grow lights to avoid leggy greens.
- Bottom water to prevent surface mold.
- Harvest promptly — don’t let mats dry out.
❓ FAQ: Microgreens Growing Mats
Q1: Can I reuse microgreens mats?
- Natural mats (hemp, jute, coir) are typically single-use. Some growers reuse once, but risk of mold increases.
Q2: Do mats replace soil completely?
- Yes! For microgreens, mats work as a clean soil alternative. For long crops, soil is still preferred.
Q3: Are hemp mats better than jute mats?
- Hemp tends to be more absorbent and breathable. Jute is affordable and works well too. Both are eco-friendly.
Q4: What’s the cheapest option?
- Bulk packs (like the Halatool 20-Pack) or the Emsiok Hemp Roll offer best value long term.
🌟 Final Thoughts
The best microgreens growing mat depends on your tray size, frequency, and scale:
- Beginners → Halatool 10-Pack (10×10).
- Standard trays → Emsiok 8-Pack (10×20).
- Experimenters → Emsiok 64-Pack (5×5 pads).
- Bulk growers → Hemp Roll or Halatool 20-Pack (10×20).
Choose the right mat, and you’ll enjoy lush, flavorful greens in as little as a week. 🌱✨