Choosing staging

[Windy-Sindy]

Hi

My new greenhouse will be set up in a couple of weeks so I am looking at staging. I am drawn to this one with removable trays as it has a flexible layout and would be good for retaining water

Simplicity Removable Tray range - Online Greenhouses

But so many of them are slatted so maybe they are better?

Simplicity Caverswall Two Tier 2ft Wide x 2ft Long - Online Greenhouses

Any advice on pros and cons would be appreciated. The GH is 6 x 10 and I am thinking of a run of staging along one side. Containers along the other

[sweetiepea]

Hi Sindy. I'm afraid I can't comment on 'purpose built' staging as mine is a mixture of odds and ends i've recycled. All I can say is I personally find it useful to have a mixture of surface types. Strong, flat, water resistant tops are great for almost everything, from potting up to using with capillary matting. Whatever you choose should be easy to clean and not have too many nooks and cranies as these are a haven for slugs and other unwanted pests. I like to place seed trays, on wire racking, especially during warmer spells as it allows air to circulate. For this I use the frames and shelving of those mini green houses you can buy quite cheaply. The also have the added advantage of being flexable. Shelves/racks can be removed to give plants extra 'head' room if required. They are also light and can be assembled and moved easily. Don't be too ridgid in you final choices. Bear in mind that you may want/need to change your layout according to the season etc. My greenhouse never has enough surfaces for seedlings in the spring, despite my homemade 'supports' that suspend gutters and trays from the roof. As the seasons change so does my greenhouse. Staging and shelves are removed to make room for tomatoes, peppers etc etc.

My staging consists of an aluminum catering table, two folding tables, two mini greenhouses (minus their covers) and suspened racks held up with small chains, bamboo canes and plastic tubing. All in all it cost very little but serves my needs, is strong, but light enough to move and easy to clean.

[Caro]

I'm not an expert, but a couple of comments in case they help:

I've got the slatted staging. I find it strong, rigid and easy to keep clean. And lightweight, which is a huge bonus when I want to move it about or take it outside to clean thoroughly. And the slugs don't seem to find too many nooks and crannies in it.

I think the benefit of the removeable tray system you've found must be the ability to remove the top trays, allowing more room for tall plants. I would just check on the weight though ...

Hope that little is of some use...

[rana]

The Simplicity removable tray range looks very similar to what I have except I have 3 levels of trays. They are most useful because of flexibility. The trays retain water which is good if you're away for a few days in hot weather, or can be turned over so the flat side is uppermost. As plants become taller they can be placed on a lower shelf with the top trays removed. The staging framework then provides support for the plants as they become heavy with fruit (eg peppers and chillis). Removable trays means easy cleaning and easy re-organising.
The only con is that the upper and lower tray depths are different so they are not fully inter-changeable.
Personally I would like to see the staging before buying to make sure it is robust enough for the job

[Windy-Sindy]

Thanks for all the ideas.

I guess the key is flexibility.

Sweetiepea - I took on board what you said about seed trays. Usually they are all over my windowsills! I have just bought these. Not sure if the link will work as it is a completed auction

2 GREENHOUSE 18 SEED TRAY SHELVING STAGING British Made on eBay (end time 29-Mar-10 20:55:22 BST)

2 x seed holders = 36 seed trays. It seems loads, but I will be able to remove the seed trays later and use the frame to support tomatoes. They will also fit either along the length or the width of the greenhouse.

I am still drawn to the simplicity with removeable shelves. Again, they are flexible and modular.

Got my eye on a potting tray with shelf so that I can carry all my gubbins outside easily if it is too hot indoors.

Garland Tidy Tray - Online Greenhouses

Thanks again. You have given me lots to think about

[Bren In Pots]

Sindy I've got a similar seed tray stands in my greenhouse and when I don't need to use the trays I replace them with wooden shelves.

[gatty2010]

Hi Sindy. I'm afraid I can't comment on 'purpose built' staging as mine is a mixture of odds and ends i've recycled. All I can say is I personally find it useful to have a mixture of surface types. Strong, flat, water resistant tops are great for almost everything, from potting up to using with capillary matting. Whatever you choose should be easy to clean and not have too many nooks and cranies as these are a haven for slugs and other unwanted pests. I like to place seed trays, on wire racking, especially during warmer spells as it allows air to circulate. For this I use the frames and shelving of those mini green houses you can buy quite cheaply. The also have the added advantage of being flexable. Shelves/racks can be removed to give plants extra 'head' room if required. They are also light and can be assembled and moved easily. Don't be too ridgid in you final choices. Bear in mind that you may want/need to change your layout according to the season etc. My greenhouse never has enough surfaces for seedlings in the spring, despite my homemade 'supports' that suspend gutters and trays from the roof. As the seasons change so does my greenhouse. Staging and shelves are removed to make room for tomatoes, peppers etc etc.

My staging consists of an aluminum catering table, two folding tables, two mini greenhouses (minus their covers) and suspened racks held up with small chains, bamboo canes and plastic tubing. All in all it cost very little but serves my needs, is strong, but light enough to move and easy to clean.

I faced such terrible troubles . But no smart as U , How foll I am!
Thanks a lot for your exp sharing!

[greengas]

I use those crates that milk gets delivered on the shelves fold up and mini greenhouses without the covers.