A 1020 flat (read 1020 as "ten twenty") is a vacuum-molded, plastic flat that measures 11 inches long, 22 inches wide, and 2¼" deep. 1020 flats represent a greenhouse industry standard size which are produced by many manufacturers. The 1020 flat, in combination with a wide selection of inserts and accessories (such as clear domes), provides a flexible system for growing a variety of greenhouse and growth chamber crops for research and teaching.

Inserts for 1020 flats are described by the number of tear-away sections per sheet and the number of growing cells per section. One sheet of inserts fit into a 1020 flat. An "8-06" insert has 8 sections, each with 6 cells, for a total of 48 growing cells per sheet. Each of the 8 sections can be broken off along perforations into a block of 6 plants. A "8-09" has 8 sections with 9 cells each for a total of 72 cells per sheet. A "36-01" insert has 36 cells per sheet with perforations around each cell so they can be broken off and used as individual pots. Regardless of the number of sections or cells, insert sheets are easy to handle. It is very easy to place insert sheets in 1020 flats, fill the inserts, and move the flats into the greenhouse.

Several deeper plastic pots are designed for use with 1020 flats. The 4" Maxi-Square pots fit 18 per 1020 flat and are 4" deep. Eight 5¼" square pots (5.125" deep) will also fit in a 1020 flat. Both are tough, injection-molded pots. Like the shorter inserts described above, the 4" Maxi-Squares and the 5¼" square pots, when used with a 1020 flat, are easy to fill and move into the greenhouse.

Variations on the basic 1020 flat also add versatility to the system. Both the 1020 flat without holes and the white display flat (also without holes) are useful in the greenhouse (and in your lab, classroom or growth chamber too) if you prefer to bottom water your plants. The display flat is slightly sturdier and is 1¼" tall. It can also serve as a nice tray for a regular 1020 flat in your lab or classroom.