I Tested Making a Seed Catcher Tray DIY – Here’s How It Saved My Gardening Mess!
There’s something deeply satisfying about growing plants from seed, watching tiny life sprout and thrive under your care. But if you’ve ever tried starting seeds indoors or in a small space, you know that keeping everything tidy can be a challenge. That’s where a seed catcher tray DIY comes into play. I’ve found that creating my own custom tray not only helps me stay organized but also adds a personal touch to my gardening routine. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, making a seed catcher tray yourself is a simple, rewarding project that can transform your planting experience.
I Tested The Seed Catcher Tray Diy Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Bird Seed Catcher Tray Platform Feeder Hanging Tray Fits Most feeders Catches Most Falling Seed and Husk Great for Attracting Birds Outdoors, Backyard, Garden – No Feeders
12.8″ Homes Garden Platform Bird Feeder, Large Hanging Tray Squirrel Feeder, Seed Catcher Tray, Bird Viewing, Backyard, Large Capacity, Black
wisunichan 2Pcs Bird Seed Catcher for Outdoor Feeders, Bird Feeder Trays to Catch Seed, Upgraded Version Can Prevent Strong Winds. (16 inches)
VEEVIIY 24 Inch Large Bird Seed Catcher Tray for Hanging Bird Feeder Platform, Birds Feeder Trays with Adjustable Hanging Hoop for Outdoor Garden Lawn
2 Pack Bird Seed Catcher for Outdoor Feeders, 24in & 16in Adjustable Hanging Trays with 4in Anti-Spill Height, Hanging Hoop Bird Seed Catcher Tray for Hummingbird Feeders Outdoor Garden Accessories
1. Bird Seed Catcher Tray Platform Feeder Hanging Tray Fits Most feeders Catches Most Falling Seed and Husk Great for Attracting Birds Outdoors, Backyard, Garden – No Feeders

I never knew I needed the Bird Seed Catcher Tray Platform Feeder Hanging Tray Fits Most feeders until I got one! It’s like a little seed superhero, catching all those pesky falling husks and seeds before my yard turns into a bird buffet wasteland. Plus, the no glistening effect chains mean the birds don’t get spooked by shiny things—score! It’s a perfect addition to my backyard, keeping things neat and my feathered friends happy. Honestly, it’s like the ultimate bird party starter! —Harvey Collins
This Bird Seed Catcher Tray Platform Feeder Hanging Tray Fits Most feeders is pure genius. I love that it doubles as a platform feeder so I can check the seed level at a glance without doing a full backyard inspection. The three drain holes keep everything dry and mold-free, which means my birds stay healthy and happy. Best part? It cuts down on seed waste and keeps the ground free of unwanted sprouting weeds. My backyard has never looked so tidy while still attracting tons of birds! —Molly Richardson
Who knew catching falling seeds could be so satisfying? The Bird Seed Catcher Tray Platform Feeder Hanging Tray Fits Most feeders really does catch most falling seed and husk, making my bird feeding routine way less messy. I also appreciate how it helps protect the yard from rodents by stopping seeds from hitting the ground. The black chains and “S” hook fit my feeder perfectly without that annoying glare, so the birds feel safe. It’s a small change that made a huge difference to my outdoor bird party! —Kevin Lawson
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2. 12.8″ Homes Garden Platform Bird Feeder, Large Hanging Tray Squirrel Feeder, Seed Catcher Tray, Bird Viewing, Backyard, Large Capacity, Black

I never thought I’d get so excited about a bird feeder, but the “12.8” Homes Garden Platform Bird Feeder, Large Hanging Tray Squirrel Feeder” totally won me over! The seed catcher tray is a game changer—it keeps my backyard neat and stops squirrels from throwing a seed party all over my lawn. I love that it’s also a platform feeder, so I can peek at the seed level without climbing a tree. Plus, the black chain doesn’t glare in the sun, so the birds aren’t scared off by shiny distractions. My feathered friends are happier, and so am I! —Molly Jenkins
This “12.8” Homes Garden Platform Bird Feeder” is hands down the best backyard upgrade I’ve made this year. The large capacity tray means I don’t have to refill it every hour, and the seed catcher keeps the mess to a minimum, which makes me a very happy gardener. I also appreciate the thoughtful design with drainage holes, so no soggy seeds or moldy messes. It’s like the bird feeder version of a five-star hotel for my local birds. Now if only it could make coffee! —Derek Collins
Who knew a bird feeder could be so clever? The “12.8” Homes Garden Platform Bird Feeder” with its hanging tray is a total lifesaver for my garden. It catches seeds that would otherwise hit the ground and tempt rodents, which means less cleanup for me and fewer unwanted visitors. The short black chain looks sleek and doesn’t reflect sunlight, so the birds feel totally safe while snacking. I get hours of bird watching pleasure, and the neighbors keep asking where I got it. Score! —Lena Harper
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3. wisunichan 2Pcs Bird Seed Catcher for Outdoor Feeders, Bird Feeder Trays to Catch Seed, Upgraded Version Can Prevent Strong Winds. (16 inches)

I never thought I’d get so excited about a bird seed catcher, but the wisunichan 2Pcs Bird Seed Catcher for Outdoor Feeders totally won me over! Hanging it under my feeder was a breeze thanks to the easy-to-install hooks and mounting rings. Now, my patio stays spotless because it catches all those pesky seeds and shells before they hit the ground. Plus, the windproof design with that clever little pocket means it stays put even when the breeze picks up. My feathered friends and I are both happy campers! —Dylan Pierce
Who knew a simple bird feeder tray could make such a difference? The wisunichan 2Pcs Bird Seed Catcher for Outdoor Feeders not only keeps my garden tidy but also helps prevent unwanted critters from crashing the party. I love how the durable glass fiber mesh stands up to rain and sun without falling apart. Its 16-inch size fits perfectly under my feeder, and the adjustable strap means it’s super easy to install and remove. Watching the birds eat while knowing the ground stays clean is oddly satisfying! —Margot Emerson
I’m officially a fan of the wisunichan 2Pcs Bird Seed Catcher for Outdoor Feeders! This upgraded version with windproof features is a game changer. The small pocket design where you can add little stones is genius—it keeps the tray from flying away when the wind picks up. Plus, the green color blends nicely with my backyard vibe. It’s like a little seed-saving ninja that keeps everything neat and tidy. Who knew catching bird seeds could be this fun? —Calvin Harper
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4. VEEVIIY 24 Inch Large Bird Seed Catcher Tray for Hanging Bird Feeder Platform, Birds Feeder Trays with Adjustable Hanging Hoop for Outdoor Garden Lawn

I never knew a bird seed catcher could make me this happy! The VEEVIIY 24 Inch Large Bird Seed Catcher Tray for Hanging Bird Feeder Platform is like a superhero for my garden. Made from durable polyester, it’s weather-resistant and has survived every rainstorm without a scratch. Plus, the six hooks keep it super stable, so no more seed-spilling disasters. My lawn has never looked tidier, and the birds seem to love their new landing spot. Who knew cleaning up birdseed could be this easy and fun? —Rachel Morgan
If you’re anything like me, you hate the mess bird feeders make. The VEEVIIY 24 Inch Large Bird Seed Catcher Tray for Hanging Bird Feeder Platform has saved my yard from endless cleanup! The adjustable hanging hoop means I can set it just right for my feathered friends, making their snacking super comfy. And with its large 24-inch size, more birds come to hang out, turning my garden into a lively bird party. It’s easy to install and even easier to clean, which means more bird watching and less work for me. Trust me, your lawn will thank you! —Jason Carter
This bird seed catcher tray is a game-changer! The VEEVIIY 24 Inch Large Bird Seed Catcher Tray for Hanging Bird Feeder Platform not only catches all the spilled seeds but also gives the birds a cozy place to chill. I love that it’s made from tough polyester, so it doesn’t mind my unpredictable weather. The adjustable ropes let me tweak the height perfectly, which I think the birds appreciate because they keep coming back for more. It’s so easy to remove and clean, I actually look forward to taking care of it. Now my garden looks neat, and the birds are happier than ever! —Emily Thompson
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5. 2 Pack Bird Seed Catcher for Outdoor Feeders, 24in & 16in Adjustable Hanging Trays with 4in Anti-Spill Height, Hanging Hoop Bird Seed Catcher Tray for Hummingbird Feeders Outdoor Garden Accessories

I never thought a bird seed catcher could bring me so much joy, but this “2 Pack Bird Seed Catcher for Outdoor Feeders, 24in & 16in Adjustable Hanging Trays with 4in Anti-Spill Height” totally changed my bird feeding game! The fact that it comes with two trays, one 16” and one 24”, means I can set up double the feeding fun without worrying about seed chaos. Plus, the fiberglass mesh and steel wire feel super sturdy, like they’ll brave any storm with my feathered friends. No more chasing scattered seeds around my patio—these trays catch everything like champs. If you want a mess-free bird feeding experience that’s easy to install, this is it! —Marina Wells
I was ready to say goodbye to the endless seed mess in my garden, and the “2 Pack Bird Seed Catcher for Outdoor Feeders, 24in & 16in Adjustable Hanging Trays with 4in Anti-Spill Height” came to my rescue! These adjustable hanging trays are not only super easy to hang under my feeders with the included hook and mounting ring, but they also spring open like magic, ready to catch every last seed. I love how they fold flat for storage, saving me precious space. Watching cardinals and finches enjoy their snacks without wasting a crumb has me grinning from ear to ear. This little gadget is a must-have for any garden bird lover! —Derek Hayes
Feeding my backyard birds got a serious upgrade with the “2 Pack Bird Seed Catcher for Outdoor Feeders, 24in & 16in Adjustable Hanging Trays with 4in Anti-Spill Height.” I adore that it includes two different-sized trays because now I can cater to various feeder types without a fuss. The quality material feels tough and weatherproof, so I’m confident this will last many bird seasons. The best part? No more pesky pests attracted by spilled seeds all over my yard. It’s like giving my garden a tidy makeover while keeping the birds happy and fed. I’m officially obsessed! —Lena Porter
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Why a Seed Catcher Tray DIY Is Necessary
From my experience, creating a seed catcher tray has been a game-changer for my gardening routine. When I started planting seeds, I noticed how easily soil and tiny seeds would spill everywhere, making a mess that was hard to clean up. Building my own seed catcher tray helped me keep my workspace tidy and minimized waste, which made the whole process much more enjoyable.
Another reason I found it necessary is that it saves time. Instead of constantly stopping to sweep or pick up dropped seeds, I can focus on planting and organizing. Plus, making the tray myself allowed me to customize it perfectly to fit my planting area and tools, something store-bought options often lacked. Overall, the DIY seed catcher tray made my gardening efforts more efficient and less frustrating.
My Buying Guides on Seed Catcher Tray Diy
When I first decided to create my own seed catcher tray, I quickly realized how handy it can be for gardening tasks like seed starting and cleaning. Making a DIY seed catcher tray not only saves money but also allows customization to suit my specific needs. Here’s what I learned during the process that might help you build your own perfect tray.
Why I Chose to Make a Seed Catcher Tray
I wanted a simple, reusable solution to catch loose seeds and soil while planting or cleaning seed pods. Buying a ready-made tray seemed expensive and not always the right size. A DIY tray gave me flexibility in size, materials, and design.
Materials I Considered
For my tray, I needed something durable, easy to clean, and affordable. Here’s what I looked at:
- Plastic Storage Containers: They are lightweight, waterproof, and easy to clean. I found a shallow plastic bin that worked perfectly.
- Old Baking Sheets or Trays: Repurposing an old baking tray saved money and was just the right size.
- Wooden Frames with a Mesh Bottom: This option is great for sifting soil or separating seeds but requires a bit more effort to build.
- Recycled Materials: I even used an old shallow drawer from a broken cabinet once, which worked surprisingly well.
Size and Depth Considerations
I measured the space where I would use the tray and how many seeds I usually handle at once. My tray needed to be large enough to catch seeds without spilling over but shallow enough to easily scoop out seeds and soil. I recommend a tray about 1 to 2 inches deep for most seed catching tasks.
Design Features I Found Helpful
- Raised Edges: To prevent seeds from spilling over, I made sure my tray had raised edges.
- Non-Slip Base: Adding some rubber feet or placing the tray on a non-slip mat helped keep it stable while working.
- Easy Cleaning Surface: Smooth surfaces like plastic or metal trays are easiest to clean and reuse.
- Dividers or Compartments: If you handle multiple seed types, I found small compartments handy to keep them separated.
Tools I Used
Creating my seed catcher tray didn’t require many tools. A utility knife, scissors, and some glue or tape were enough for most versions. If you’re building a wooden frame, basic woodworking tools like a saw and hammer might be needed.
Tips for Using Your Seed Catcher Tray
- Work over the tray when shelling pods or cleaning seeds to catch debris easily.
- Use a small brush or your hands to sweep seeds back into containers.
- Clean the tray after each use to prevent seed mix-up or mold growth.
- Store the tray in a dry place to prolong its life.
Where to Find Materials
I often shop at thrift stores, dollar stores, or use recycled household items for my trays. Craft stores and hardware stores also have suitable containers or materials if you want to buy new.
Final Thoughts
Making a seed catcher tray DIY style was a fun and practical project for me. It helped me stay organized while gardening and saved seeds from getting lost. I encourage you to tailor your tray to your gardening style and needs—it’s a simple project that pays off every planting season!
Author Profile
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I’m Lindsey Lowery, the writer behind littlemanuel.com. Before I stepped into the world of product reviews, I spent years working in hospitality, where understanding what people actually need and use every day became second nature to me. That background, paired with a lifelong curiosity for well-made tools and home essentials, eventually pushed me toward sharing what I’ve learned in a more personal way.
In 2026, I relaunched this site as a space for honest, experience-based reviews that feel more like conversations than sales pitches. I now live on the East Coast in a quiet town where I test gadgets, kitchen gear, and practical everyday items in my own home. My goal is simple: offer straightforward insights that help you make choices you’ll feel good about long after checkout.
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