Andersen Flat Modification for Bonsai purposes!

[Bonsai Nut]

A couple of other hacks:

Pierce a hole in the middle of each side right below the rim. I use this to stabilize tall stock where tie-down holes under the bottom don't work as well. I use this for tall maples or oaks that are in early development where I want the extra height.

Also... if you flip a spare one and place it upside down over a second, you can protect seedlings from being ravaged by squirrels and birds

 

[River's Edge]

Frank, where do you purchase your flats in Canada? I can't source a supplier anywhere.

I went direct to the manufacture in Oregon at first, then a bit further south to Stuwe warehouse. They became the distributor for Andersen Die and manufacturing. I was purchasing pallet qty! that changed also! was 244 then became 370 I believe. I have heard they now sell in smaller lots, but of course the price is higher.

never noticed a problem with drainage.

They drain perfectly well on a rough or uneven surface. My bonsai benches are made of cedar 2 by six and the planks are smooth and finished. They block the grid except where there are breaks between planks. If set on level compact surfaces they do not drain well either as they have no feet to raise them up. I fully understand that in some situations they are excellent for drainage. such as in the nursery industry on mesh table surfaces.

 

[NateDyk47]

I have mentioned this in other threads, but the simplest method of raising the bottom and preventing a smooth surface from restricting drainage is to use two flats. One nested in the other. They are inexpensive and last for a very long time so easy fix. This also improves gas exchange with the side holes mentioned above in this thread. here is a collected shore pine in nested flats for reference.View attachment 530528

For nested flats, do you have substrate in the lower one?

 

[River's Edge]

For nested flats, do you have substrate in the lower one?

No just the air space to ease gas exchange and drainage! They nest fairly closely. I would estimate less than 1 inch of air space between the two bottom grids.

 

[River's Edge]

To find a retailer or distributer in your area just phone Stuwes and sk who sells them in your area. In Ontario I would check with CY Growers as a starting point. They would be aware of who does even if they dont.

 

[The Warm Canuck]

To find a retailer or distributer in your area just phone Stuwes and sk who sells them in your area. In Ontario I would check with CY Growers as a starting point. They would be aware of who does even if they dont.

Looks like they ship international. I'm going to look into it.

AFLAT5 - 15.75" Anderson Deep Propagation Flat - Stuewe & Sons

15.75" Anderson Deep Propagation Flat

stuewe.com

 

[River's Edge]

Looks like they ship international. I'm going to look into it.

AFLAT5 - 15.75" Anderson Deep Propagation Flat - Stuewe & Sons

15.75" Anderson Deep Propagation Flat

stuewe.com

Shipping is too high international, that is why I drove down and purchased direct, You should be able to buy from a local distributor of nursery growers supplies. Cost in small quantities will likely be $8 to $10 whereas in Pallet quantity likely now about $3 to $4 each.

 

[Paradox]

I went direct to the manufacture in Oregon at first, then a bit further south to Stuwe warehouse. They became the distributor for Andersen Die and manufacturing. I was purchasing pallet qty! that changed also! was 244 then became 370 I believe. I have heard they now sell in smaller lots, but of course the price is higher.

They drain perfectly well on a rough or uneven surface. My bonsai benches are made of cedar 2 by six and the planks are smooth and finished. They block the grid except where there are breaks between planks. If set on level compact surfaces they do not drain well either as they have no feet to raise them up. I fully understand that in some situations they are excellent for drainage. such as in the nursery industry on mesh table surfaces.

Yea my benches are the black APS plastic benches that people buy for nursery retail or greenhouses so I can see where that would drain better than a wood planked bench

 

[Deleted member 47471]

A couple of other hacks:

Pierce a hole in the middle of each side right below the rim. I use this to stabilize tall stock where tie-down holes under the bottom don't work as well. I use this for tall maples or oaks that are in early development where I want the extra height.

Also... if you flip a spare one and place it upside down over a second, you can protect seedlings from being ravaged by squirrels and birds

Clever hacks!

 

[Paradox]

I've also used these lined with the plastic crafting screen to rinse fish tank gravel of my fish tanks..
I donated one to work for the tank we have in the lobby when we need to do a half tear down cleaning on it.
I also use the same one upside down to rinse the filter pads on once a week, makes a nice work surface that lets the water go through and I can really see when the pads are clean.