What’s the best plastic to use for a greenhouse?
Greenhouse plastics: Polyethylene (PE) Polyethylene is the most widely used option due to its versatility and affordable price. It is sold in single-layer or multi-layer (co-extruded) films with additives that improve UV stability, tear resistance, and light diffusion. When choosing the right greenhouse plastic, consider the following: Durability Needs: For short-term projects, thinner films like 3-4 mil polyethylene may suffice. For long-term use, especially in harsh climates, options like SolaWrap offer superior durability and longevity.Maximum Light: Clear plastic allows the maximum amount of sunlight to penetrate the greenhouse, promoting faster growth and higher yields.Yes, plastic greenhouses can work in the winter, but their effectiveness largely depends on the measures you take to prepare them for the colder months.Polycarbonate is the most durable and long-lasting choice for a greenhouse covering. Polycarbonate sheets are virtually unbreakable, yet also lightweight and highly flexible, making them easy to install on a greenhouse.
What thickness of plastic is best for a greenhouse?
It comes in different thicknesses from 1/2 mil to 12 mil, but 6-10 mil is ideal for a greenhouse or high tunnel. The higher the number, the thicker it is (while also letting less light through). I personally use 6 mil. A thickness of at least 6 mil is recommended for most greenhouse applications, as it provides a good balance between strength, longevity, and light transmission. Greenhouse plastic comes in many thicknesses, from as thin as 3 mil to as thick as 11 mil.For full-season greenhouses in moderate climates, 6 mil plastic is often the recommended thickness for good performance. In cold climates and commercial operations, 8-12 mil plastic provides the greatest insulation and durability over many seasons.The typical thickness range for greenhouse plastic is 4 to 8 mils. Thinner 3-4 mil plastic works for short-term structures. Thicker 8-12 mil plastic provides maximum durability. For full-season greenhouses in moderate climates, 6 mil plastic is often the recommended thickness for good performance.
Is a plastic greenhouse worth it?
Plastic greenhouses, particularly those made from polycarbonate, are championed for their robustness against impact. They offer superior resistance to hail, heavy snow, and strong winds, making them an ideal choice for gardeners in areas prone to such conditions. Plastic greenhouses are usually better insulated due to their lower thermal conductivity. Although the temperature in an unheated greenhouse is usually only a few degrees Celsius higher than outside, this can make a significant difference and prevent plants from freezing.Placing your plastic greenhouse where there is morning sun in both the winter and spring but evening shade in the late spring, summer and early autumn, and keeping the door open during the day but closed at night is the best way of preventing extreme temperatures and damage to your plants.On average, a greenhouse can be up to 30˚F warmer than the outside environment. However, this can vary based on the type and insulation of the greenhouse. For instance, a single-layer greenhouse might show a temperature difference of 5 to 10˚F, while a double layer can be around 9 to 14˚F warmer.
Is plastic better than a tarp for a greenhouse?
Tarps and visqueen are simply incapable of protecting your greenhouse as effectively as a proper greenhouse film. Most greenhouse plastic sheeting has been tested for light transmission and light diffusion – meaning you know exactly the level of protection you’re getting when you go to purchase a product. If you have a polycarbonate greenhouse, tape the panels to the frame with glazing repair tape to ensure you’re adequately wind-proofing your greenhouse.Dedicated greenhouse repair tape is the safest way to make greenhouse plastic repairs; you can rest assured it will withstand the elements. Duct tape, masking tape, or painter’s tape are not UV-rated and will not withstand the elements.
Should I use clear or white greenhouse plastic?
Clear plastic allows the most light, making it suitable for most gardeners. Opaque plastic filters light, which can be useful in warm climates to avoid overheating plants. White plastic provides the least light transmission and has limited applications. Is clear, white, or green the best? Clear plastic lets the most light through and is the recommended choice for greenhouses. Some small greenhouse kits come with green plastic because green (and white) don’t let as much light and heat in.Green vs White Greenhouse Green covers provide some shading, which can be beneficial in extremely sunny areas, but they may limit the light spectrum available to plants. White covers, on the other hand, diffuse sunlight, promoting even light distribution and reducing hotspots.
What are the disadvantages of plastic greenhouses?
Plastic greenhouses provide an affordable alternative to glass but they have a reputation for collapsing and not keeping out frost at night. However they are a cost effective and flexible way of increasing your growing space that can outperform more costly options such as poly-carbonate greenhouses. We provide both polycarbonate and acrylic options; however, we are often asked which is more suitable for greenhouse glass panels. The short answer is that we recommend polycarbonate, as it is weather- and smash-proof and offers UV protection while in the greenhouse.What really sets greenhouse plastic sheeting apart from visqueen is the manufacturing process, which allows for the incorporation of additives that can provide unique properties like UV resistance, varying transparency levels, anti-condensation, and more.Greenhouse plastics: Polyethylene (PE) Polyethylene is the most widely used option due to its versatility and affordable price. It is sold in single-layer or multi-layer (co-extruded) films with additives that improve UV stability, tear resistance, and light diffusion.