Product Benchmarking

Irrigation

: Irrigation booms travel the length of the greenhouse. Quick, but don’t offer ‘per plant water control’ like other methods (9) ($4000, Varies)

: Drip Tubes stick into each individual plant. Good for larger plants with less quantity (10) ($2 per plant +labor).

: Capillary Matting is a common watering method. Water wicks throughout the mat, watering every plant evenly (7).

: Capillary Matting ($1200 for 6’x100’)

Plant Storage

: Rolling benches maximize storage, needing only 1 walkway (8) ($800 for 6’x25’)

: Conveyors allow workers to remain stationary while plants move to them (9) ($2500 for 20’)

: Overhead conveyors allow workers to load hanging baskets at one location, without having to reach up to hang them.

Handling

: Pot Lifters can raise the height of the pot and help lift with the legs (11). $30

: A plant mover/dolley can transport heavy pots with little user force (12). $600

: This type of forklift attachment comes in many sizes and varieties. Can move several rows of plants at once.

: This fork can grab 8 plants at a time, increasing efficiency and reducing user movements.

: This fork is used to grab high or low pots to reduce user bending/reaching.

Ergonomics

: This pot lifter is made for lifting hot or heavy kitchen pots (15). $5

: Hi-Hose Watering System gets hoses off the ground and makes them easier for users to handle (7). $325 per 100’

: This long watering wand reduces the amount users have to reach. Comes with an on/off lever and an adjustable valve (13). $20

: These gardening gloves help support arthritic wrists and makes continuous gripping easier (14). $30

Potting

: This tray washer can wash trays to reduce user labor and chemical contact. The machine can clean more effectively, and wash 500 trays/hour (9).

: Cement mixers can double as soil mixers for an inexpensive solution to hand mixing. They cost around $300 new and can hold about 3 yards.

: Soil mixers mix soil components efficiently without risk of chemicals on the hands. This one does 4 yards/hour (16). $6750

Washing

This tray washer can wash trays to reduce user labor and chemical contact. The machine can clean more effectively, and wash 500 trays/hour (9).