Greenhouse Management Greenhouse Structures Types and Systems of Benches
BENCHES Increase Labor efficiency Aid in air circulation Better control of: –pests –watering –and other production operations
Benching Materials Tops of 14 gauge wire mesh, lath wood, plastic Sides of wood, aluminum Legs of wood, cinder block, metal
Type of bench varies with use Soil filled benches Container benches Ebb and flo benches Carousel
Soil-filled benches Used to grow cut flowers In ground or raised benches –Should hold six inches of soil and have adequate drainage. Slit or V’ed bottoms are used on raised benches to help drainage. Raised benches make it easier to control insects and diseases.
Container benches Used to raise plants that are in containers 30 inches high 41 feet wide They do not require sides Wire mesh is used to allow good air circulation and drainage
Ebb and flo benches They are lipped and have solid plastic for a surface There is an opening to pump water in and an opening to let water out The table is flooded and the plants are irrigated through subirrigation then the extra water is drained back into a stock tank to be reused
Carousel These rotate the crop to obtain maximum light
Greenhouse bench arrangements Retail Standard or longitudinal Peninsular Rolling
Retail Benching Raised benches to display plants that are for sale Wide isles to allow customers to pass easily The bench efficiency is 50 to 60 percent
Standard or Longitudinal Benches Usually used for cut flower crops Run parallel to the length of the greenhouse The bench efficiency is about 70 percent
Peninsular Benches Usually used for potted plant production There are benches that run along the sidewalls with shorter benches that project out toward the middle isle It is like a series of peninsulas The bench efficiency is 75 to 80 percent
Rolling Benches New benching system The benches run parallel to each other There is only one isle The benches must be rolled to move the isle to where you want it. The bench efficiency is 85 to 95 percent
Bench Efficiency