7 Must-Haves For Rolling Vertical Grow Racks For Your Cannabis Grow Room 

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Rolling Vertical Grow Racks; A New Way To Stack More For Your Space

If you have the wrong grow room supplies, your operation was doomed long before you bought those tiny dark-brown cannabis starting seeds.

There are many components needed to have a successful and efficient grow operation. We are here to make sure that none of these components gets overlooked. 

One of the most essential components of any indoor grow operation is racking, specifically, high-density mobile shelving racking and rolling vertical grow racks. 

Why Do You Need Mobile Shelving Systems for Your Grow Operation?Mobile Shelving Systems for vertical farming systems and commercial indoor grow rooms.

Vertical farming aims to help you save space by building an agricultural space vertically rather than the conventional horizontal method. 

Rolling benches are the new alternative to mobile benching/racking…but what’s the difference? 

Mobile benches are basically multi-tier racks on wheels. Rolling benches, in contrast, are the same multi-tier rack but now on a rolling bar. 

Using a rolling bar allows for one worker to easily move benches that are sometimes spanning up to 100 feet. This feature helps increase speed, efficiency, and worker safety when tending plants.  

Also, the mobility of the racks helps provide significantly more grow space in your operation. Whereas with static, non-mobile units, you need an aisle for every section of shelving. By going mobile, you only need one aisle total. By going mobile you turn your aisles into yields.

The vertical racks are made unique to suit the farming system you have running.

Three Types of Vertical Farming

1. Hydroponicsplants growing in a hydroponic vertical grow operation. buy vertical grow racks for cannabis and hemp.

Hydroponics is the growing system most commonly used in vertical farms. It involves growing plants in a nutrient solution free of soil. The cannabis roots are submerged in the solution, which is (in most cases automatically) monitored and circulated to ensure a correct chemical composition is maintained.

How is water supplied to the tower? A typical vertical racking will have a reservoir tank at the bottom. The tank is attached to a special hydroponic pump that propels water to the topmost point of the tower. 

For a steady flow of water across the tower, the system relies on gravitational force to bring the water back to the reservoir after a full circulation. 

2. Aeroponics

Aeroponics was developed by NASA in a bid to find practical ways to grow crops in space. The mission of these brilliant minds was to find a way to grow plants in an air/mist environment with no soil or very little water.  

Aeroponics consumes 90% less water, levels that even the most efficient hydroponics system could only dare dream about.

Moreover, plants grown through aeroponics have been shown to take up more minerals and vitamins, making them healthier and potentially more nutritious.

3. Aquaponics

Aquaponics is a diverse system that incorporates plants and fish in the same ecosystem.  

Fish are hosted in indoor ponds, producing nutrient-rich waste that’s food for plants. The plants then filter and purify the wastewater, which is recycled to the fish ponds. 

The nature of aquaponics makes it uneconomical for commercial vertical farms; however, it can work well for small-scale farming. 

Five Benefits of Having Rolling Vertical Grow Racks For Your Cannabis Grow Rooms

Rolling vertical grow racks bring new dynamics to a grow room that set it apart from other systems.

1. Watering And Caring For Plants Is Simplified

Mobile systems allow you to move racks back and forth to create aisles as needed for easy plant maintenance. 

Moreover, these systems can come with a retractable mezzanine walkway that helps employees access those plants located on higher elevations

2. A Simple Approach To Increase Your Revenue By Making Extra Space On the Flyconcept image of how to increase revenue using vertical grow rack to grow cannabis hemp indoors.

This means you can turn your warehouse overhead space into revenue by providing more plant-growing area. You can also relocate entire rows of plants next to each other to maximize the growing area.

3. Higher Yields

High-density vertical grow racks can accommodate multiple levels of fans, plants, lighting, and irrigation equipment, allowing for higher yields.

4. Code Compliance

Commercial cannabis cultivation is still a new concept, and stakeholders are still working on local building codes. Having your operation backed by a reputable company ensures your systems are built to meet all the necessary regulations.

5. Improved Ergonomics

Rolling vertical grow racks often come in widths of 4′, allowing for convenient access to every plant across the expanse of the trays. 

The mobility of the systems allows for aisles to be created with ease, with employees being able to freely walk back and forth between the 3′ aisle to tend to their plants.

Six Qualities Of A Good Rolling System

As you choose the best cultivation system for your commercial cannabis grow room, there are various factors to consider.

1. Anti-corrosive

The atmosphere in a grow room can be harsh on the materials used in vertical racks. The air is humid, and a variety of chemicals are being handled. To endure the extreme conditions, the materials used in the construction of the racks must be anti-corrosive and rust-free. This feature also impacts the shelf’s durability or longevity.

2. Strong, Durable Materialstrong durable metal material used in vertical grow shelves and grow racks.

Vertical racks can be made from a variety of materials. However, stainless steel and aluminum are the most prevalent and recommended materials. These materials are strong while being lightweight. This ensures the security of your crops while minimizing the load on your building. 

Because of the robust materials, the systems can withstand seismic complications, guaranteeing the safety of your workers and keeping your operation running efficiently.

3. Customization Options

You need to select a system that is appropriate for your project. Depending on the dimensions of your room, the system must be installed differently, either horizontally or vertically, to fit precisely. 

Furthermore, whether you are performing hydroponics or aeroponics, each type has distinct requirements that your service provider needs to consider.

4. Installation ServicesWorkers discussing vertical shelving and grow racks for indoor cannabis grow rooms. buy vertical growing racks online USA.

A good rolling systems installation provider does more than just fix the racks to your grow room. The shelves must be nicely integrated into the overall design of the area. Detailed floor layouts and tailored drawings are required to help maximize capacity. 

Also, because no two green operations are the same, the systems ought to be tailored to the exact requirements of your grow space.

5. An Automated Rolling System

Manual rolling shelves are safe to use and work well. Then again, an automated system benefits your staff, especially when your cannabis plants grow, increasing the load on the shelving.

6. Anti-tip System

For those operations in seismic zones, an anti-tip system should be the priority. This helps to keep the shelves stable and prevents them from falling over. 

The load of the plants on the shelves can be substantial, especially as the levels increase. This component is often installed at the base rail and activates when shelves begin to topple. 

Equip Your Grow Room With the Best Rolling Vertical Grow Racks

Rolling vertical grow racks helps your grow operation be more efficient and profitable. The rack, when properly installed, enhances flexibility, flow efficiency, and the ergonomy of your operation. Overall it helps beef up what you can do in the available space, turning in quality and higher yields. 

The key to working rolling vertical grow racks is an experienced installation provider. MMI Agriculture is a high-density vertical grow rack manufacturer located in Ellenville, NY. We specialize in designing, manufacturing, and installing high-quality and durable mobile, vertical grow rack shelving systems for the indoor agriculture industry.

Contact us today to learn more and/or to get a quote. 

Everything You Need to Know About 1020 Trays

Image of man using 1020 Trays to grow cannabis indoors.

An In-Depth Look At 1020 Trays For Your Cannabis Plants

You’ve got the ideal grow room with a top-notch ventilation system to match it. You also have the sterilized soil or growing medium of your choice, as well your premium cannabis seeds.

What’s next?

Germination trays (also known as seed trays).

Yes, there are a variety of germination trays that come in all sizes. However, there’s a common type used by greenhouse farmers known as 1020 trays, or referred to as the “standard” size tray.”

“These trays, which are also called ‘flats’, are available everywhere from hydroponic stores to Amazon and eBay.”

But there’s so much to know about these trays before getting your grow operation running as it should.

How are they used? What are the different types?

We shall look into all that and more.

What Does 1020 Mean?

The term 1020 alludes to the tray’s length and width, approximately 10 inches by 20 inches.

In terms of metric measurements, it’s 25 by 51 cm. 

The standard size tray is frequently larger than its 1020 dimension by an inch on both sides. The extra inches come in handy when adding pots to separate seeds in your tray; it provides more space at the edges to catch the overflow and extract the pots.

The planting trays can be utilized to create a large “field” of potting soil mix or divided into separate cells for individual plants — the distinct cells aid in making room for the roots of your cannabis seeds.

Moreover, in the case of propagating plug plants, seedlings sprouted and grown in single units; they are easier to transplant when planted in cells. 

Because each seedling is in its own enclosure, the roots of the plants do not become entangled, safeguarding your plants’ roots when transplanting.

What Material Are 1020 Seed Trays Made Of?

Most 1020 seed trays are made of heavy-duty plastic. The plastic makes them light and durable at the same time. 

The trays come in different colors, with black being the most popular. Others may prefer white or brightly colored flats to reflect light rather than absorb it, as in the case of black trays. The reflected light can benefit the plants. 

Due to the material the flats are made of, 1020 trays are mostly sold wholesale to make economic sense for the manufacturers. 

Moreover, for safety measures, consider checking for BPA-free food-safe polypropylene plastic. 

BPA-free material is plastic manufactured without bisphenol A associated with various health conditions.

Plastics made without BPA are FDA-approved for food contact, otherwise known as food-grade plastic. 

How Deep Should A Seed Tray Be?

The depth of 1020 greenhouse trays depends on what you grow and when you intend to transplant. Trays typically have a depth of 2 to 3 inches. 

The idea is to avoid using too deep trays if you want your crops to drain properly. Otherwise, you’ll have waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot, an irreparable infection that reduces crop yield.

For starting seeds, your 1020 germination tray needs to be deep (about 3 inches). The depth allows for more area for soaking the soil. The allowance also aids in keeping water from pouring over the edges. 

Furthermore, if you’re planting in a grow room, the trays need to provide adequate space for the roots to spread out.

Good depth also gives you more time to transplant your cannabis plants to larger pots or your garden.

1020 Trays Are Classified Into Three Types

Trays are classified according to their drainage features. There are three standard trays.

1. Reservoir Tray Without Holes

Trays without holes are useful for an indoor operation, especially if you have a vertical growing system. They help reduce the risk of water leaking onto the floor or contacting the light below.

Such flats come with deep bottom channels to help prevent overwatering.

However, because of their waterproof design, which even retains runoff, you must be careful not to overwater the plants.

2. Reservoir Tray With Holescannabis hemp mobile grow rack with casters for sale. vertical farming technology and vertical grow rack systems for sale.

If good drainage is a priority, a germination tray with holes is your best bet. Such trays are ideal for cultivating cannabis plants on our tabletop caster unit.

However, these flats create a challenge in managing excess water flow when growing plants in an indoor grow room. Therefore, drainage is something you really need to consider when using this type of 1020 greenhouse trays. 

3. Mesh Tray

Mesh trays are similar to trays with holes, but their grid structure of perforations makes them excellent for hydroponic propagation.

Hydroponic cultivation is a type of cannabis growth that employs nutrient-rich water as the growing medium.

This 1020 tray type, as the name implies, has many holes that regulate the free flow of water, allowing your plants to receive all of the nutrients they require. 

How Are 1020 Trays Used? Learn About These Top 5 Ways

1020 seed trays are made to accommodate various methods of planting your cannabis plants. Here are 5 ways you can use 1020 trays.

1. Planting DirectlyPlanting cannabis seeds directly in soil.

The propagation trays can be used as one large tray with no cells to separate the seeds. You only need potting soil mix. This method saves time because you don’t have to transplant into pots. There is enough space between the crops to grow into robust shoots.

Additionally, since you only need the buds from your hemp, you can uproot the plant and replant it in the same position once you’ve harvested your buds.

2. Grouping In Pots

Keeping your plants in pots arranged within the trays makes it simple to transport them. On the other hand, pots come in various sizes and forms, often taking up a lot of space, thus limiting you to only planting a few crops.”

As a result, this method of growing may not be cost-effective for large-scale farming.

3. Planting Seedlings (In A Seedling Cell Tray)cannabis seedlings growing in a 1020 tray.

Seedling cell trays are useful for growing your seedlings. When growing cannabis, you can choose to transplant seedlings into pots or your farm.

For the same 1020 tray, a seedling cell tray has up to 125 dividing cells. The cells aid in the separation of seedling roots for easier transplanting.

4. Growing In Punnets

Punnets are rectangular containers with drainage holes at the bottom that can be filled with soil to grow your plants.

They are available in various sizes to match the needs of your cannabis plants. The 1020 greenhouse tray can hold roughly ten of the regular-size punnets.

The punnets make cultivation easy as they are not monolithic like the seedling cell. Therefore, you can easily extract any punnets for a closer look at the plant or to remove any unhealthy ones. 

5. Organizing Square Pots In A Grid

Unlike punnets, square pots fit nicely in a 1020 tray and allow for more seedlings. They are also custom-fitted and have ample space for roots to flourish. They are, however, not as large as punnets.

Twenty average-sized pots fit in the standard-size tray. The pots leave some space between them, making it easy to remove the pots off the tray.

The square pots make it simple to care for your plants and keep your workspace tidy.

How Long Can Seedlings Stay In A Tray?Image of cannabis seedling in a 1020 tray.

The amount of time plants can be in the tray and remain healthy is highly dependent on the potting system you’ve chosen.

The potting system will determine the capacity of your roots. The faster the roots can occupy the available space, the sooner you have to remove the plants from the trays.

For example, if you plant seeds in a 200 cell tray, crops that grow quickly are ideal as there is plenty of space for a robust root system. However, as soon as the crops sprout, they’ll have to be transplanted to larger pots. If you choose a 128 cell tray, the partitions are larger, allowing the plants to stay in for a little longer. 

Alternatively, you could opt for a 72 cell tray. The partitions have larger capacities, allowing your crops to thrive in the 1020 tray for up to 3 months before needing to be transplanted.

Fewer cells equal more time in the trays for your crops. Additionally, if you use punnets or square pots, your cannabis plants will be able to mature comfortably.  

The number of plants you can grow in your trays is also determined by how well you have set your grow room ventilation.

How To Clean Your 1020 TraysCleaning supplies to clean 1020 trays. buy vertical farming equipment and vertical grow racks.

If you have purchased heavy-duty 1020 trays for your operation, then they are reusable. Here are tips to ensure your trays are clean for every growing season.

  • Remove any leftover dirt and root matter.
  • Spray the trays with high velocity to remove stubborn debris.
  • Wash the cleaner trays in hot soapy water or use your dishwasher.
  • Rinse your trays with clean water and allow them to air dry.
  • You can further sterilize with H2O2 or a mild bleach solution. H2O2 stands for hydrogen peroxide, an organic compound used in soil sterilization.

Improve Your Grow Room With Heavy-Duty 1020 Trays

Using 1020 trays in your grow room will help ease your workflow and keep the room neat. Their design makes them durable and reliable for your cannabis plants. Whether you have starting seeds or fully grown marijuana plants, 1020 trays will serve the purpose.

MMI agriculture offers vertical growing solutions that will complement cannabis cultivation efforts. Contact us for an assessment of your grow space as well as installation services. Also, check out our retractable elevated decking that is sure to help you optimize your grow space.