Advantages of Rolling Benches

Rolling benches offer the grower numerous benefits. Most notably, they allow for more efficient use of space, but that is not the only advantage to them. Growers that install rolling benches can expect to see savings in labor, a reduction in incidences of disease, and a more ergonomic work environment for employees. But first, lets consider what a rolling bench is.

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What Rolling Benches Are

As their name implies, rolling benches are surfaces for growing plants that move back and forth on rollers. They are thought to have first been used in the Netherlands in the s before they started to become available to North American growers and to take their place in North American greenhouses. They are alternatively called rolling tables, rolling shelves, rolling containers, or Dutch trays, though 'rolling benches' are the most commonly used term for them. At first, they were mostly just found in research greenhouses, and then migrating to the world of floriculture and agriculture, and commercial greenhouses. Now, rolling benches have become a staple in the production of high value crops and other horticultural crops.

Rolling benches vary in size with widths generally between four and six feet (1.2m to 1.8m), and lengths between ten and twenty feet (3m to 6m). They can be any size though, sometimes custom made to fit a grower's exact specifications. Like any bench for growing plants, rolling benches serve several crucial functions, they provide a stable, well-drained surface for growers to easily tend to and access their plants. They are often customized in size and shape, based on the types of crops being grown as well as the environments they are being grown in, along with the physical layout of the grow space. They can be just a few feet long to extremely long, with some as long as 200 feet (61m).

Rolling benches are almost always made of metal. They can be aluminum or steel, galvanized or stainless. They often have food grade plastic, nylon, or polypropylene components. A typical rolling bench consists of the table or platform, which rests atop a set of two inch (5 cm) diameter pipes on which the table can roll. Sometimes there is a handle to turn in order to roll the table, but often they are just manually pushed from side to side as needed. A properly functioning rolling bench will offer very little resistance, and even if it is fully laden with just watered plants, it should glide almost effortlessly.

The movement of the rolling bench tops is often done by hands. In some high tech greenhouses though, they can be moved automatically or by a controller. Some are a combination of both manual labor and automation, depending on the needs, and of course, the budget of the grower.

Beneath the rolling pipes are the supports and table legs. The legs often set into feet that are affixed to the floor so that the whole table does not move, only the top. Speaking of the top, it is usually an expanded metal mesh, which allows for drainage of excess water onto the floor. Custom- fit trays can be set into the tabletop if the goal is to perform ebb and flood watering or if the grower wants their plants to absorb moisture, nutrients, or treatments from the holes in the bottom of the pots.

Advantages of Rolling Benches

The benefits and advantages of rolling benches are intertwined. They form a positive feedback loop where one advantage fuels another. They can be mostly divided up however into three main advantages; more space to grow with higher efficiency doing so, labor savings (and thereby money savings) and ergonomics, and healthier, higher yielding plants(i.e., more revenue).

Space and Efficiency

Arguably the biggest advantage to rolling benches is that they allow more production space in the same footprint as compared to fixed or stationary benches. They do this because there a walkway around and between each bench is not required, since the table rolls, a walkway can be 'created' by pushing the bench you wish to approach to one side, or by pushing the adjoining bench. How much space can be gained depends on the space and configuration of your growing room and the benches you select; averages of space gained are all over the board. Some growers claim 24- 33 percent, others claim up to 50 percent gains in space. What this means is that up to 90 percent of your growing space can be utilized with rolling benches versus an average of 60- 75 percent with stationary benches. This bench space efficiency can be calculated in any grow room by measuring the area of space that the benches occupy and dividing that by the area of the entire grow room.

Rolling benches do not just save space though; they also allow for the more efficient use of utilities and resources. Your energy expenses are reduced on a per plant basis because you can grow more plants in the same space. Your water use will become more efficient because there is less vacant space for irrigation water to splash onto. Ditto for pesticide and nutrient applications. All of these gains in efficiency and increased plant production will improve your bottom line significantly. Even routine processes like potting, spacing, trimming, harvesting, etc. become more efficient because there is less moving around between plants since there are more in the same space.

Labor

Rolling benches not only save labor costs, but they also make growing quality plants easier and are more ergonomic than growing only with or on fixed benches. They are setup such that workers do not need to bend over to tend to plants such as for floor-grown or low bench-grown crops. Floor-grown crops may allow a grower to use 8-15 percent more of a greenhouse or growing space's footprint, but it is impractical on any large scale. That difference in floor coverage compared to the use of rolling benches, is easily and quickly made up by the increased labor efficiency offered by rolling benches. When plants are at the desired height on a rolling bench, and the full range of motion and ease of movement of rolling benches are utilized fully, the entire greenhouse work environment is improved. This reduces the likelihood of work-induced injuries, potentially lowers insurance, and workers' compensation, but more importantly, it is the right thing to do for the health and safety of yourself and your employees.

Labor costs (hours paid for) can also be reduced when using rolling benches. In some operations, it can be reduced by as much as 40 percent. When irrigation is added to a rolling bench, either in the form of ebb and flow, drip irrigation, or overhead watering, additional irrigation labor is cut too. Add in any other form of automation and it can be cut up to 60 percent over manually cultivating the same crop on fixed benches. The actual amount of savings will be unique to each grower and operation, but the savings are there to be had. Reducing the amount of labor in the greenhouse can also increase the level of hygiene as there is less chance of cross-contamination between plants by workers unknowingly spreading pests or pathogens.

Healthier plants

Rolling benches help to keep plants healthier. The particular configuration and type of setup will dictate which plant health benefits and to what extent you will realize them. Most rolling benches are open, metal mesh types, which greatly improve airflow around the plants. Increased airflow reduces humidity which in turn reduces the risk of some plant diseases. Plants grown on rolling benches have much better airflow than plants grown on the floor and because many stationary benches are made of wood which does not dry as quickly as metal, they have better sanitation as well. This airflow also helps with the distribution of heat during colder months, more evenly to the plants.

Rolling benches are conducive for the precise application of irrigation, nutrients, and pesticides (including plant growth regulators). This can be either through automation or ebb and flow type irrigation or manually, because rolling benches can allow employees to better access plants to make sure that they get even applications and coverage. Some rolling bench setups can allow for compartmentalized ebb and flow to further reduce the risk of spreading disease by not exposing all plants on a bench to the same irrigation water.

Heating can be incorporated into rolling benches, as well as other climate controls to help create as near a perfect environment for your plants as possible. This, along with the airflow will help to eliminate excess moisture on and around your plants which will prevent such diseases as molds, mildews, and root rot from setting in. Different climatic zones can be established on different rolling benches to accommodate the differing phases of growth (such as the vegetative or the flowering stages) that the plant is in or depending on the temperature needs of a specific species of plant.

Considerations when Selecting a Rolling Bench

So, you have decided that rolling benches are the way to go, to increase your yields and improve the health of your plants. How do you determine which configuration or which rolling bench is right for you though? You will need to assess how many people need to access your space at one time and consider what other types of accessibility you will need before you cover all of your available greenhouse or grow room footprint in rolling benches. Will you be needing to pull carts in the aisles between rolling benches? Do you have a mobile spraying unit that you will need to pull or roll between the tables? Will you be harvesting right at the bench? Answering these questions will help you decide whether you can put rolling benches end-to-end, side-to-side, or if you should leave room for an aisle. If you are giving different treatments to different plants at the same time, you may also want to cluster your rolling benches so as not to accidentally have one crop receive treatment meant for another or have over-spray inadvertently and adversely affect one of your crops.

You will need to determine the bench height that is most conducive for plant handling or if you have them, automatic operations. Decide how much air space you need to have circulate around your plants. Select a bench that can handle the weight loads of a fully saturated crop. Concurrently, select a bench with proper supports for the weight of your crops so that it cannot only hold up to the weight, but do so for extended periods of time without undue stress on your rolling bench tops. You do not want to find that the floor of your rolling bench is bowing or sagging under the weight of your plants. The prevailing guidelines suggest that each square foot of bench area should support about 25 pounds (11.3 kg). Galvanized rolling benches are generally the way to go. They are long lasting and strong; they are resistant to rust and decay. They are also easier to maintain and keep sanitary than other bench types.

Ultimately your budget will inform which rolling bench you opt for but look beyond the short term as the increases in yield and efficiency you will gain with rolling benches will justify adding more or adding on for subsequent crops. Optional add-ons and customization will further make your rolling bench an ideal fit for your unique growing operation. If you can budget for it, select a bench that has the capability of adding on over time, such as one that can support irrigation equipment or trellising to support upward growing plants.

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Other Points to Consider

While nearly every growing operation would benefit from the addition of one or more rolling benches, there are a few things to consider regarding them and their use. Rolling benches are not designed for retail operations; they are designed for production and cultivation. They are suitable for high volume greenhouses as well as wholesale operations. They are not designed for their 'shopability'. When rolling benches are properly deployed and in place, there should not be aisles on either side of all of them, in fact the fewer the aisles, the more efficiently the space is used. Fixed benches with dedicated space are more appropriate for retail staging, selling, and displaying of plants.

Access to plants in the center can be a challenge until you learn what system works best for your operation with rolling benches. Automation renders this problem negligible, but when relying on human labor, a new 'rhythm' will need to be put in place to make the most of the increased efficiencies with rolling benches. Cost is of course another consideration to adding rolling benches to your growing operation.

Rolling benches will cost more than most stationary or fixed benches. This might mean transitioning to all rolling benches is not feasible all at once, but they may have to be deployed in phases. The increased cost of rolling benches however will be easily absorbed by the increased efficiency offered by utilizing them. Costs to be recouped will vary of course based on the size of the area where they are to be used, the types of crops grown, the irrigation requirements and respective equipment and the specific needs of each unique grower and growing space. It is always possible to start with a basic rolling bench and then add on to it over time as well. Regardless how many rolling benches are used, what configurations are set up, or what crop is being grown, the results are predictable; rolling benches increase harvest and plant yields, keep your plants and growing areas more sanitary, keep your labor costs down and employees safer, and last, but certainly not least, they will help you to realize greater profits.

There are many things you need to think about when you're considering purchasing a potting bench. If you are a frequent gardener, your needs are likely to be very different to those of someone who re-pots a few plants every so often. No matter how regular you like to carry out gardening work, you shouldn't struggle to find something suitable thanks to the wide range of options that are available to you. Read on to learn more about how to choose the perfect potting bench for your specific requirements.

Bench Design and Usability

Are you looking for a bench that you can store pots, buckets, soil and hand tools in? If so, you might need to look for something that has several racks and perhaps a drawer or two. Some benches even have bars that will allow you to hang pruning shears, secateurs and other kinds of garden tools. Some benches have lattice-type backs that you can hang S-hooks on.

If you don't have a great deal of space, it may be wise to seek out a potting bench that will fold flat once you've finished using it. This means you can easily store them away in your garage or shed after your work is complete for the day. Some models also feature wheels so you can push them around easily when they have goods inside them. This can make life much simpler for those that want to move tools, fertiliser and seeds around their gardens.

What are potting benches made from?

Potting benches are made from various materials, which metal, plastic and wood being particularly popular options. It's advisable to think about the quality of the material rather than just what the potting bench looks like. Wood is a very popular option because it can blend in with other garden furniture perfectly and has a very natural look.

If you are considering purchasing a wooden potting bench, do ensure that the material has been treated or stained. Wooden benches that have been stained or treated tend to last much longer than those that don't. Even if your bench will be in your shed most of the time, it can still be affected by high and low temperatures when it is in use. This is why it's so common for people to look for benches that are made from galvanised materials and tough, hard plastics including uPVC and polypropylene.

What kind of working height should I look for?

Potting benches tend to be as high as a standard kitchen counter. 36 inches is a very common height. Some benches are height adjustable, and these could be ideal for you if you're too tall or short to use a 36-inch model that you can't adjust. When you adjust your model, you can find the perfect height for your needs so you can avoid straining your back or stooping. It may also be a good idea to seek out a potting bench that comes with castors. These can add around five extra inches to the height of your bench and make it easier to manoeuvre.

What kind of surface area should I look for?

The surface area you need can depend on various factors. These can include how much table space you require as well as how much space is available in your garden. If you're not worried about space, you may wish to opt for a particularly large potting bench or perhaps an extending table.

How much does a potting bench cost?

The price that you pay for a potting bench can depend on various factors. These include the size of the bench and the material that it's made from. Some benches will set you back just £10, though others come with triple-figure price tags. Before you choose your bench, think carefully about what you require and how long you think you'll be using it for.

What kind of features should I look for?

There are various basic potting benches on the market. Many of these are simple potting tables that you can simply add a potting tray to. However, if you need something that will last for many years and offers a wide range of features, there are many more elaborate options available to you.

Potting bench drawers

Drawers can be incredibly useful when it comes to potting bench features. You can use them to store tools, gloves, seeds or string. Drawers are ideal for any gardening resources that need to stay cool and dry.

Utensil hooks and shelves

Hooks are great for hanging your gardening tools on. Many people hang garden trowels on hooks so they can dry them out. Shelves can also be very useful as they can help you prevent clutter.

Feet for potting benches

You may need to raise your bench from the ground so you can stop it from rusting or rotting. Some people do this by placing bricks underneath their potting bench, but you can also buy solutions that come with galvanised or plastic feet.

Wheels

Wheels can also be very handy due to the way they help you move your potting bench around. If your bench is heavy and doesn't come with wheels, you may be left frustrated when you need to get it from A to B.

Sinks

Sinks are very useful when it comes to potting benches. Being able to capture compost easily and place it in a compost bag can save you a great deal of time. Most of the sinks that are built into potting benches are detachable. Once you have taken them out of your bench, you can pour the excess compost in, clean and return them to their original location. Many potting bench sinks come with lids.

Maintaining your potting bench

Few people enjoy the cleaning process that comes with gardening. Metal and plastic potting benches tend to be much easier to clean as you can normally just hose them down. However, a wooden model may be more challenging due to the way that dirt and dust can stick to the surface. However, some models have in-built sinks that make the cleaning process simpler.  You can also sweep any excess debris and dirt into the sink. Many of these sinks are detachable so you can empty them with ease when you need to.

Well-maintained garden tools and potting benches can last for many years before you need to think about replacing them. Make sure you wipe up spillages as you go and brush off compost to avoid rotting your wood if your bench is made from this material. If your wood does start to rot, your seedlings could be affected. It's also a very good idea to remove everything from your bench once a year so you can disinfect it.

If you do decide to purchase a wooden potting bench, we strongly recommend that you apply a stain or wood preserver to it on an annual basis at least. Make sure you always cover your bench up when you're not using it during wet or hot weather.

Potting bench FAQs

What are potting benches used for?

Potting benches are used to carry out a wide range of gardening activities. These include potting plants, repotting plants are storing garden equipment. They are also used for sowing seeds in pots and transplanting seedlings. You will usually put your potting bench in your greenhouse or a potting shed.

Where is the best place to store my potting bench?

You can keep your potting bench inside or outside. Popular places to keep potting benches during wet or hot weather include greenhouses, sheds and back porches. However, the vast majority of potting benches are designed with external storage in mind.

What are the best potting bench materials?

The vast majority of potting benches are manufactured from wood. However, metal has become an increasingly popular material over recent years. What's right for you can depend on what you think looks the best as well as your specific requirements and your budget.

How high are potting benches?

Standard potting benches tend to be 80cm to the working surface, which is approximately 11cm lower than a typical kitchen counter.

What is the most dependable wood for a potting bench?

Many wooden potting benches are manufactured from pressure-treated durable fir, cedar or fir. Although most benches are pre-treated to deliver longevity, consumers are also advised to repeat this at least once a year for longevity reasons.

Should I buy a potting bench with a sink?

Not everybody feels that they need to buy a potting bench with a sink. Sinks in potting benches are typically used to collect excess compost. Although sinks in these benches are not normally used for running water, you can use them for water-based activities if you need to. As the vast majority of sinks in potting benches are detachable, you can pour excess compost back into your compost bag.

Why should I consider buying a potting bench?

There are many great reasons why you should think about purchasing a potting bench if you do enjoy gardening. A potting bench can be highly efficient and look fantastic in your outdoor space too.

These benches can make your gardening duties much simpler. What's right for one gardener isn't always a great match for another, so personal preference can be a big factor when it comes to what makes a fantastic potting bench.

Some benches come with a host of storage shelves and hooks, some can be folded flat so you can easily store them off-season, and there are also small benches available that are perfect for compact spaces.

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