Where Can I Buy Plastic For Greenhouses?

Americover offers a variety of greenhouse plastic sheeting, including 4 Year UV Resistant, IRAC, CoolMax, and Overwintering, in custom sizes. They sell polyethylene greenhouse film in single-layer and double-layer applications, allowing customers to customize their greenhouse as they see fit. VEVOR Greenhouse Plastic Sheeting is a 20 x 100 ft, 6 mil thick UV Resistant Clear Polyethylene Film, suitable for farms, agriculture, and gardens. Farm Plastic Supply offers top-grade greenhouse plastic sheeting in clear, white, and black options. Farm Plastic Supply offers a four-year warranty on their high-quality greenhouse plastic, which is 6 mil thick for extra strength and easy to install without tearing. They also offer Agtec woven greenhouse plastics, which are extra thick and scrim reinforced for strength and durability. They also offer 9 mil and 12 mil greenhouse covers, which are difficult to rip, secure, and have a high weight bearing capacity.

Should I open my plastic greenhouse in the day?

To ensure optimal greenhouse ventilation, use a maximum-minimum thermometer to monitor the temperature and be alert for signs of plant damage. Open doors and vents on sunny days, and temporarily remove panes to help during heat waves. Fit automatic vent openers to ensure roof vents open even when you’re not around, but remember that it takes time for the wax to expand. Provide alternative ventilation such as doors and side vents to prevent damaging temperatures. In changeable weather, vents and doors may need to be partially open to limit sudden temperature increases. Larger greenhouses may require automated ventilation and shading.

Shading is usually required from mid-spring until early autumn to release some heat but limits the light plants receive. Use only the minimum amount of shading to keep temperatures below 25-27ºC (77-81ºF), allowing as much light in as possible, especially for edible plants like tomatoes. Sun-loving plants like succulents may not need shading, but providing shade can make the greenhouse more pleasant.

What are the disadvantages of plastic greenhouses?

Plastic greenhouse sheets are lightweight, simple, and flexible, making them easier to handle and fit into place. They can handle more abuse and wear and tear, requiring less frequent replacements. Plastic sheets are easy to replace, provided the correct dimensions are taken into account. Glass sheets are more difficult to replace and require expensive professional installation. Plastic sheets are a great solution for greenhouse plants, as they are clear, durable, weather-resistant, and provide efficient light diffusion and UV protection.

They are UV treated, allowing for the manipulation of sun wavelengths to improve plant growth. However, some plastic sheeting may be thin and may require multiple layers for the same level of protection. Glass sheets are more difficult to replace and may require expensive professional installation.

Does greenhouse plastic block sunlight?

Polycarbonate and polyethylene can block out about 10% of light per layer, but 80-90% of light transmission is sufficient for good growth in most climates. Shaded curtains, such as knitted or cloth-type curtains, are often applied during peak seasons of sun and hot weather for shade-loving plants. Most growers can spray liquid shade on their roof, and some remove the shade product in the fall to allow more light.

Do plastic greenhouses stay warm in winter?

A greenhouse is a structure that uses natural solar heating, thermal mass, and insulation to provide warmth to plants. Sunlight passes through the greenhouse, warming the interior and absorbing by plants and soil. Thermal mass elements like concrete floors, bricks, or barrels filled with water absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night, stabilizing temperature fluctuations. Proper insulation is crucial for retaining heat, with greenhouse walls and roofs designed to minimize heat loss. Double-glazed windows, multiple layers of plastic film, bubble wrap, or thermal curtains can also be used to trap heat during cold nights.

What is the cheapest way to cover a greenhouse?

Plastic sheets are a cost-effective and durable method for covering greenhouses, offering a cost-effective and budget-friendly solution. They can be as durable as fiberglass coverings, but careful consideration is needed to ensure plant health. With numerous options and benefits, the decision process can be overwhelming. This guide aims to make it easier to choose the best plastic for your greenhouse and growing capabilities.

One popular option is 4 Year Clear UV Resistant Greenhouse Plastic, which offers a 4-year warranty. By securing plastic sheets at strategic points and thoroughly covering the greenhouse frame, you can ensure your greenhouse remains sturdy and protected for your plants.

Do plastic greenhouses keep plants warm?

Plastic sheeting is effective in blocking wind and snow but doesn’t provide enough insulation to prevent plants from freezing in an unheated greenhouse. To maintain a suitable temperature, additional heating solutions are needed. A double layer inflation system, which uses two sheets of greenhouse covers instead of one, can be created to create a double wall system that blows heat in between the layers, effectively trapping and retaining heat. This technique creates a stable environment for plants without significantly increasing the cost of additional heating solutions.

How many years does greenhouse plastic last?

Greenhouse covers, despite being durable, can eventually wear out and show signs of deterioration, such as scratches, yellowing, and cracking. This can lead to light transmission issues, mold, pest infestations, and heat loss. Despite the UV resistance, the lifespan of your cover is limited, and more severe damage can affect plants. Greenhouse repair tape is a UV-resistant, polyethylene-backed tape designed for outdoor use on greenhouse covers.

It is highly puncture-resistant and is suitable for short-term repairs, serving as an emergency bandage until you can replace your cover. Greenhouse repair tape is a quick and easy solution for minor holes in your greenhouse cover, providing a temporary solution until you can replace it.

What is the alternative to greenhouse plastic?

Greenhouse glass is fragile and easy to break, causing heat loss and danger to plants. Clear polycarbonate sheets are the best alternative for replacing greenhouse glass, with different types and thicknesses available. This guide helps understand different greenhouse plastic alternatives and choose the best option for your needs. Clear polycarbonate sheets are safe for children and pets, have excellent impact resistance, and are lighter weight than glass. They also retain more heat than glass and are suitable for cold frames, sheds, and other structures.

Which plastic is best for a greenhouse?

Polyethylene (PE) is a widely used greenhouse plastic due to its competitive price and excellent mechanical properties. It is easily incorporated with additives to improve its characteristics. PE is classified based on density, with low-density being the most common. Medium-density plastic is used in small tunnels and mulch, while high-density plastic is used for pipes, bottles, caps, containers, irrigation, and drainage parts. Low-density polyethylene is the most commonly used in agriculture, offering four-year durability and resistance to sulphur. It can be yellow or colorless.

What are low cost materials for greenhouse?

This article explores low-cost options for establishing a productive hydroponic greenhouse. Hydroponic farming is a popular choice due to its sustainable and efficient nature. Proper greenhouse structures and materials are crucial for maximizing the success of this method. PVC pipes and plastic covers are an excellent choice for building the frame of the greenhouse, as they are inexpensive and versatile. PVC connectors create a sturdy structure that can withstand various weather conditions.

UV-resistant plastic sheeting is lightweight, affordable, and offers excellent light transmission, promoting proper plant growth. Recycled materials, polycarbonate panels, shade cloth, and straw bales are also options to consider. By utilizing these low-cost options, you can create a greenhouse that is both functional and cost-effective.

Can I use regular plastic for greenhouse?

Greenhouse plastic sheeting is a more durable and UV stabilized material compared to regular plastic sheeting, which is prone to shredding when exposed to the sun. It is more expensive than regular plastic sheeting but can be used over multiple seasons, saving more over time. Growers can choose between clear or black/white greenhouse plastic sheeting depending on their needs. Clear plastic is beneficial for areas needing more sunlight, as it diffuses light and reduces the risk of sun damage. White greenhouses or light deprivation covers can help control temperature and light. Depending on the specific needs of the growing area, a specific type of plastic sheeting may be suitable.