Anderson flats now being sold in multiple case quantities

[Bonsai Nut]

Many of you know how I use Anderson flats more than any other nursery container. The primary source for these flats is Stuewe & Sons in Oregon. Because Stuewe is a large commercial nursery container company, in the past they required large minimum orders, and sometimes my orders would arrive packaged somewhat haphazardly in an oversized container. They have now changed their case counts and order quantities, making a purchase much friendly for a smaller-scale bonsai gardener. You can now order in quantities as low as 6 per case, and they offer quantity discounts on orders as low as 100 units (perfect for a bonsai study group or club buy). Price starts around $4 per unit prior to shipping, and drop to about $3.50 per unit in quantity.

These are heavy duty commercial trays designed for years of use in commercial nurseries - and are intended to hold smaller propagation/seedling containers. However for bonsai, I use them for everything from individual trees to trays of seedlings. If you place these directly on a bed of mulch, you will allow roots to run out the bottom (to speed growth) while still being able to easily lift the flat later. They are made of UV resistant plastic, and the only time I have had to throw one out is when I misused/stepped on it. Also note - thick broad rim that allows you to puncture holes for anchor wires to keep newly transplanted trees from being blown over/out of the container.

(LOL I just noticed they added to the description "Often times used for growing bonsai")

Anderson Flats at Stuewe & Sons

 

[snowman04]

Thanks for the update!

 

[pandacular]

So they know we like them for bonsai. Hopefully this means they’ll design some more dimensions. These are great for large trees or recovering yamadori, but anything on the smaller side of medium makes their footprint unappealing.

 

[ShimpakuBonsai]

I've seen these many times on this forum and I understand why they are very good for our bonsai hobby.
Does anybody know if these flats (or something similar) are available in Europe?

I have pond baskets in all different size but those are not the same as the flats.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

So they know we like them for bonsai. Hopefully this means they’ll design some more dimensions. These are great for large trees or recovering yamadori, but anything on the smaller side of medium makes their footprint unappealing.

I have some 10' tall elms and maples growing in these I use pond baskets or traditional nursery containers for anything smaller.

A while ago, there was a rumor that the manufacturer was considering a larger, shallower container, but I haven't heard anything recently.

I've seen these many times on this forum and I understand why they are very good for our bonsai hobby.
Does anybody know if these flats (or something similar) are available in Europe?

I have pond baskets in all different size but those are not the same as the flats.

They do ship internationally. It never hurts to ask for a shipping quote - or see if they have a distribution agreement with someone in Europe.

 

[Nybonsai12]

Pack of 10, $40…shipping to NY $56….yikes

Still ordered tho

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Pack of 10, $40…shipping to NY $56….yikes

Yes - I brought a lot with me from the west coast where shipping was more reasonable. My delivered cost here in NC last year was $8.34 per unit. But given how I know they last for years of heavy use, I have been increasing my quantity over the years. I now have well over 100.

Grow out for air-layer material (interesting cultivar, horrible graft scar)


Tree development...

 

[Maiden69]

So they know we like them for bonsai. Hopefully this means they’ll design some more dimensions. These are great for large trees or recovering yamadori, but anything on the smaller side of medium makes their footprint unappealing.

There was a company that sold 6" and 8" units, in colors... let me see if I can dig them up.

Apparently Bootstrap Farmer was the one that had them, they later discontinued the sized to only a 5x5, and now the mesh is no longer sold and they have small slits on the sides... so that's a no-go. Probably contacting them, or a company like US Plastics to see the possibility of a run... but for something so specific to bonsai I really doubt they would cater.

5x5 Growing Trays | Browse Extra Strength 5x5 Grow Trays from Bootstrap Farmer - Bootstrap Farmer

Our 5x5 growing trays are guaranteed to deliver and won't break or warp! Perfect for small batch plants and microgreens, our heavy duty trays can be reused over and over again. Shop packs of 40, 80 or 400 5x5 grow trays from Bootstrap Farmer with a 30-day money back guarantee.

www.bootstrapfarmer.com

5X5 Shallow Microgreen Trays - Bootstrap Farmer

That smaller size you love, now available in a shallow design with and without drainage holes. Use less medium and provide optimal drainage with these shallow 5x5 trays. Shop for all of your seed starting equipment at Bootstrap Farmer today!

www.bootstrapfarmer.com

 

[19Mateo83]

I have started using oil drain pans from O’Reilly. I know it’s an apples to oranges comparison but I do like the price. They are cheap, heavy duty plastic and easy to drill drain holes in. The only thing I am unsure of is how they hold up to UV, only time can answer that question.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

I have started using oil drain pans from O’Reilly. I know it’s an apples to oranges comparison but I do like the price. They are cheap, heavy duty plastic and easy to drill drain holes in. The only thing I am unsure of is how they hold up to UV, only time can answer that question.

Yes, I am definitely going to check those out because they look like they would work well for some of my needs. Generally speaking, square containers are better than round when you are trying to get the most coverage of your bench space. Round containers pressed closely together still generate about 20% void space.

 

[penumbra]

I have a few oil pans. I have one with spruce in it that has been out in sun and snow for 4 years now with no degradation.

 

[Maiden69]

If you feel bored and want to drill a few holes, US Plastic have this 10.5x10.5x3 HDPE drip pans.

Black 1 Gallon HDPE Drip Pan | U.S. Plastic Corp.

These small drip pans are for shop use or general containment of minor spills. HDPE can stand up to oils, coolants, and other non-aggress...

www.usplastic.com

They also have the one posted above, but to get the same price on O'Reilly you have to buy at least 24 of them.

7 Qt. Black Open-Top Drain Pan | U.S. Plastic Corp.

These made-in-the-USA drain pans are great for drainage applications where containment is the top priority. The 7 quart open-top drain pa...

www.usplastic.com

 

[penumbra]

I have

There was a company that sold 6" and 8" units, in colors... let me see if I can dig them up.

Apparently Bootstrap Farmer was the one that had them, they later discontinued the sized to only a 5x5, and now the mesh is no longer sold and they have small slits on the sides... so that's a no-go. Probably contacting them, or a company like US Plastics to see the possibility of a run... but for something so specific to bonsai I really doubt they would cater.

5x5 Growing Trays | Browse Extra Strength 5x5 Grow Trays from Bootstrap Farmer - Bootstrap Farmer

Our 5x5 growing trays are guaranteed to deliver and won't break or warp! Perfect for small batch plants and microgreens, our heavy duty trays can be reused over and over again. Shop packs of 40, 80 or 400 5x5 grow trays from Bootstrap Farmer with a 30-day money back guarantee.

www.bootstrapfarmer.com

5X5 Shallow Microgreen Trays - Bootstrap Farmer

That smaller size you love, now available in a shallow design with and without drainage holes. Use less medium and provide optimal drainage with these shallow 5x5 trays. Shop for all of your seed starting equipment at Bootstrap Farmer today!

www.bootstrapfarmer.com

been using Bootstrap farmer trays for years. They are very tough and will last at least a decade. I like the 5 inch inserts.
BTW, the sell them on Amazon.

 

[Shogun610]

I have started using oil drain pans from O’Reilly. I know it’s an apples to oranges comparison but I do like the price. They are cheap, heavy duty plastic and easy to drill drain holes in. The only thing I am unsure of is how they hold up to UV, only time can answer that question.
View attachment 526953

Oh oh oh O’Reillyyyyyyyyyyy

 

[Deleted member 47471]

Many of you know how I use Anderson flats more than any other nursery container. The primary source for these flats is Stuewe & Sons in Oregon. Because Stuewe is a large commercial nursery container company, in the past they required large minimum orders, and sometimes my orders would arrive packaged somewhat haphazardly in an oversized container. They have now changed their case counts and order quantities, making a purchase much friendly for a smaller-scale bonsai gardener. You can now order in quantities as low as 6 per case, and they offer quantity discounts on orders as low as 100 units (perfect for a bonsai study group or club buy). Price starts around $4 per unit prior to shipping, and drop to about $3.50 per unit in quantity.

These are heavy duty commercial trays designed for years of use in commercial nurseries - and are intended to hold smaller propagation/seedling containers. However for bonsai, I use them for everything from individual trees to trays of seedlings. If you place these directly on a bed of mulch, you will allow roots to run out the bottom (to speed growth) while still being able to easily lift the flat later. They are made of UV resistant plastic, and the only time I have had to throw one out is when I misused/stepped on it. Also note - thick broad rim that allows you to puncture holes for anchor wires to keep newly transplanted trees from being blown over/out of the container.

(LOL I just noticed they added to the description "Often times used for growing bonsai")

Anderson Flats at Stuewe & Sons

View attachment 526933

My 6 pc set arrived 3 days ago and I'm ready for Spring repotting!

 

[Newish in Oregon]

I've been using pond baskets https://www.homedepot.com/p/TOTALPO...nt-Basket-52252/202017092#ratings-and-reviews with 'acceptable' results. What are the advantages of Anderson flats over pond baskets?

 

[BrightsideB]

Oh oh oh O’Reillyyyyyyyyyyy

Ohhhhhhh Reallllllly!

 

[TrevorLarsen]

What a coincidence I just ordered some of these.
ORDER DETAILS
AFLAT5 TRAYS WITH AB35 BANDS KIT × 1 $35.99
AFLAT5 - 15.75" Anderson Deep Propagation Flat - CaseA (Qty 22) × 1
Unit:
CaseA
$89.10
Shipping: $101.50 via UPS
Tax: $0.00
Payment method: Credit Card
Total: $226.59

Great price except the $100 shipping from Oregon to Utah seems high to me.

 

[snowman04]

Is that second-day? Seems a lot for a few pounds of plastic...

 

[TrevorLarsen]

I just looked and it seems like if you have a smaller order you have different shipping options, but mine I guess was too big so I got the default, so I imagine it the cheapest.