Anderson Flats holes dimention and perfection of cut

[J.J.]

Hello all,

I just received my 10 Anderson Flats (Aflats5 deep) today and found that all of the holes are not perfectly cut. There is a layer of thin leftover plastic around the holes. Also, in some of the area the holes are very small to barely there. Is this normal? Any fix or should I ask consider returning? I am just frustrated as 10 out if 10 have the same issue!

 

[Flowerhouse]

My Anderson flats were fine, but I have had this problem with some other planting vessels that include molded plastic mesh drainage. I consider it a minor imperfection. I used a Phillips screwdriver to poke through the thin film of plastic. As long as there's a hole water will drain.

 

[RJG2]

I don't normally worry about it, there are enough holes. Plus, the holes are large enough to need a layer of larger substrate anyway - before I put in my normal substrate - so it won't fall through.

If you're worried, a quick twist of a razor or exacto blade should strip the excess.

 

[River's Edge]

Hello all,

I just received my 10 Anderson Flats (Aflats5 deep) today and found that all of the holes are not perfectly cut. There is a layer of thin leftover plastic around the holes. Also, in some of the area the holes are very small to barely there. Is this normal? Any fix or should I ask consider returning? I am just frustrated as 10 out if 10 have the same issue! View attachment 581859View attachment 581860

I purchase them by the pallets, this is not uncommon and definitely not a problem. I find the little flanges actually wear off with use. There is so much drainage that a small amount of additional material has not affected their use in my nursery. I have been using them for a couple decades. Anderson flats should be placed on a rougher surface in order to benefit from the drainage holes. Placing them on smooth wood benches or flatter surface will take away their major strength of free drainage. I use larger gravel as a base, or double them up. Just some extra info.

 

[August44]

I have that problem off and on and use a drill and a small, round grinding stone and they disappeared very quickly. Be easy and don't whack on the side walls

 

[J.J.]

Thank you so much everyone for your replies. Shared experiences from this community are very very helpful. This definitely outs my mind at ease, and I'll try some simple tricks to minimize the thin plastic layer.

I have tried multiple time to start growing but trees have ended up dying so far last 3 years. I just ordered some maples and pines seedlings from leftcoastbondai and am planning to grow them in Aflats. Will try and post picture in the forum.

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

Any fix or should I ask consider returning?

I use a lighter, it melts the flimsy attachments and causes them to shrink into the cast mold squares.
I had a couple pond baskets with this issue and waving a lighter next to it fixed the problem.

 

[Kievnstavick]

Thank you so much everyone for your replies. Shared experiences from this community are very very helpful. This definitely outs my mind at ease, and I'll try some simple tricks to minimize the thin plastic layer.

I have tried multiple time to start growing but trees have ended up dying so far last 3 years. I just ordered some maples and pines seedlings from leftcoastbondai and am planning to grow them in Aflats. Will try and post picture in the forum.

Be careful not to give them too big of a pot right off the bat. Depending on the seedling size you acquired from Left Coast, I'd bet their next size containers are 1gal nursery cans or even half gallon (slipping potting sometime in the summer)

The Anderson flats can work for a double pot method or planting multiple seedlings in them to take up the space.

 

[Paradox]

I wouldnt worry about it.
As RJ said, there are plenty of holes.
I would have to look at mine to see if they have that happening but honestly if they do, I dont think its a big deal

 

[J.J.]

Be careful not to give them too big of a pot right off the bat. Depending on the seedling size you acquired from Left Coast, I'd bet their next size containers are 1gal nursery cans or even half gallon (slipping potting sometime in the summer)

The Anderson flats can work for a double pot method or planting multiple seedlings in them to take up the space.

I am thinking of double pot method, using colander as primary pot. I plan to lift up the colander every 2-3 months initially to keep the roots branching for initial year or so. After that, will probably lift the colander at longer interval. At 2 years, I intend to take them out of colander to directly pot into Aflat. Tips are appreciated