Benches and shelves inside greenhouse help to organize the inside of the structure and keep the space neat. Just to make it clear benches in the trade greenhouse are known as staging. Also, staging is a permanent structure while a bench can be foldable and removable.
In this post we will talk about different types of greenhouse benches, shelves and staging. We will talk about the materials they are made of and what makes a good option to keep potted plants.
Types of benches used in greenhouse:
- Slatted – that is a traditional form and it is made of wood or metal slats. This bench is raised about 2 and half ft above the ground. The benefit of slatted bench is that air can circulate in winter so the risk of disease is minimized.
- Netted – the top is made of wire or plastic netting and allows air circulation. Both slatted and netted benches have the disadvantage of not being suitable for automatic watering. Moreover, you can’t use these benches as work stations for potting plants.
- Solid – the top is made of either corrugated or flat sheet of metal, wood or plastic. It comes with shallow lip and you can fill it with water holding material for automatic watering. Moreover, solid benches conserve heat in winter and you can use them to hold compost for transplanting or potting plants.
However, if you are going to keep the pots on benches, solid staging is not the best option. The top surface of staging should provide good aeration and drainage. It is important for plants in pots that air can circulate upward through the pots.
What is the best height for greenhouse staging?
A convenient bench is generally 30 inches tall and 33 inches wide. The main advantage of this bench is that you avoid constant stooping to ground level which causes back pain.
Choose a two tier staging preferably with the removable bottom. Here you can keep seed starting tray and garden tools. When necessary you can just take it off and place more pots underneath the top shelf.
What is a greenhouse shelving?
Shelving is a mini version of staging. You typically secure shelves in a greenhouse at head height to hold small pots or trays when space or sunlight is restricted. Moreover, you can not only put pots on top of the shelves but also attach hangers on them to hold plant baskets or trellising.
What materials are greenhouse benches made of?
1. Wood. Treated lumber is the best option as it is resistant to moisture. Redwood, cypress, cedar, locust and treak make beautiful greenhouse benches and are resistant to humid environment too.
These wood types are not going to decay for 10 to 15 years. You can also stain them with wood paint like copper naphthenate or other preservatives to prolong their life.
However, wood staging is prone to insects infestations and can be a cause of root rot diseases. Algae can grow on wood surface which created perfect habitat for fungus and plant pathogens. So when the roots of potted plant are in contact with wood they can develop root rot due to pathogens.
2. Wire. Wire benches are easy to disinfect to avoid the spread of plant pathogens. However, welded wire can sag from the weight of the pots. Wire benches provide good drainage and air flow but you need to paint them with rustproof paint.
Wire benches tend to rust under the heat pads. That is why you would need to repaint them occasionally. If it sounds like a lot of maintenance, go for the galvanized welded wire mesh which resist rust.
Also, keep in mind that metal wire staging can have sharp edges. Very often gardeners complain on ripped clothes and cuts on hands.
What is a “bench” system in a greenhouse?
“Bench” system is an arrangement of benches inside a greenhouse to maximize the growing area inside a greenhouse. Bench system improves the operation of a greenhouse so it is easy to water and look after plants. There are 3 types of bench system layouts for a greenhouse:
- Peninsular
- Longitudinal
- Rolling benches
Peninsular bench layout increases the spaces for growing plants. It is also a good layout for separating different types of plants. Also, you have plenty of space to walk between aisles and can perform routine tasks easier.
In a longitudinal system benches run along the full length of the greenhouse. The most common use of longitudinal layout is for fresh cut flowers production. Also, routine tasks like watering are easier on longitudinal benches in comparison to peninsular.
Rolling bench layout increases growing space up to 90%. You can move table tops to one side or the other. That way you can create aisles between benches when and where necessary.
3. Aluminum. Aluminum staging is lightweight, durable and slatted bench provides good drainage and air circulation. This material is rust resistant and maintenance free. However, a bench made solely of aluminum is not suitable for large, heavy pots.
Many manufacturers make staging from aluminum with galvanized steel, which makes is more durable but portable at the same time. Although, initial costs can be high, it will be worth it in a long run. It is beneficial to purchase painter in white color bench as it reflects light.
4. Galvanized steel. The main advantages of galvanized steel staging are longevity and resistance to rot and decay. These benches are strong and can support at least 90 lbs. Although galvanized steel staging is expensive to install, it is only a one time cost and maintenance is very low.
5. Plastic. Plastic bench tops are not going to rust or rot. It is easy to work with and lasts as long as metal options. Although maintenance is low, it is hard to disinfect plastic surface. Also, plastic staging is not fireproof.
