Sofia Martinez
Erecting a plastic greenhouse is a great way to protect plants and get a head start on the growing season. Plastic greenhouses are a more affordable alternative to traditional glass greenhouses, offering improved durability, ease of cleaning, lightweight construction, and efficient heat regulation. Before beginning construction, it is important to choose a suitable foundation, such as paving slabs, concrete, or a ready-made plastic base, to ensure stability and longevity. When installing the plastic covering, select a calm day and enlist the help of multiple people to facilitate the process. The plastic film should be unrolled and secured with lock channel and spring wire or binder clips, ensuring at least 2 extra feet of material around the structure. With careful planning and execution, you can successfully erect a plastic greenhouse and create a thriving environment for your plants.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Foundation | Paving slabs, concrete, plastic base kits, metal base plinth, soil |
| Plastic | Painter's plastic, greenhouse plastic sheeting, greenhouse film, grow film |
| Plastic size | 12 feet by 25 feet, with 2 extra feet on each side |
| Tools | Ladders, scissor lift, bolt cutters, hacksaw, push brooms, tennis balls, rope, binder clips, hammer, pipe cutter, glue |
| Installation tips | Choose a day with low wind speed, smooth the surface of the greenhouse, work with the wind when unfolding, use enough helping hands |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Choose a day with low wind speeds and get help
Erecting a plastic greenhouse is a challenging task that requires careful planning and execution. One of the most crucial factors to consider is choosing the right day for the job. It is highly recommended to select a day with low wind speeds. Wind can cause significant difficulties when unrolling and attaching the plastic sheeting to the greenhouse frame. By choosing a calm day, you can minimise the risk of the wind working against you and making the process more challenging.
On the chosen day, it is essential to have a team of helpers ready to assist you. Assembling a plastic greenhouse is not a task you can undertake alone. Depending on the size of your greenhouse, you will need at least two to four people to help with unrolling the plastic, securing the corners, and pulling it over the structure. With more helpers, you can ensure a seamless and efficient process.
Before you begin, ensure that you have all the necessary tools and equipment readily available. Ladders, brooms, bolt cutters or a hacksaw, rope, and tennis balls or golf balls are just some of the tools you may need during the installation process. Having these tools on hand will enable you to work more effectively and safely.
When preparing to attach the plastic sheeting, it is crucial to unroll the film correctly. Start by identifying the label and ensuring it is visible from inside the structure. Then, grab the corners of the film and begin lifting it over the hoops or frame of the greenhouse. Work with the wind whenever possible to avoid the plastic getting pushed onto the ribs, which can make the task more challenging.
With your team of helpers, carefully pull the plastic over the structure, ensuring that it is taut and square. Use ropes tied to weights, such as rocks or balls, to attach the plastic without tearing it. Have someone inside the structure to guide the plastic and push it up if needed. With proper planning, the right tools, and a dedicated team of helpers, you can successfully erect your plastic greenhouse, even on a windy day.
Erase Pencil Marks on Plastic: Quick and Easy Methods
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Prepare the base with paving slabs or a plastic base kit
Preparing a solid and stable base for your greenhouse is essential for its longevity and to ensure its long-term success. There are several options available for creating a base, including paving slabs and plastic base kits.
If you opt for paving slabs, it is important to ensure that the soil underneath is compacted, levelled, and screeded with sand or pea gravel. You can then decide whether to lay the slabs dry (without mortar) or wet (using blobs of mortar at the corners and centre of each slab). Paving slabs are thick and heavy, so it is advisable to enlist some help with this process. Once laid, avoid standing on the slabs until the mortar has set.
Another option is to use a plastic base kit, which offers a cost-effective and straightforward alternative. These kits typically consist of a heavy-duty membrane and an interlocking plastic grid system that is filled with pea gravel. They are easy to assemble and provide excellent ventilation, drainage, and protection from ground moisture. The interlocking design ensures a secure fit and proper drainage, resulting in a stable base for your greenhouse.
Both options will provide a solid foundation for your greenhouse, but it is important to consider your specific needs and preferences when making a decision. Factors such as cost, ease of installation, and long-term maintenance should be taken into account when choosing between paving slabs and plastic base kits.
By taking the time to prepare a sturdy base, you will create a strong foundation for your greenhouse and ensure a thriving environment for your plants to grow.
Covering Plastic Bins: Fabric-Wrapped Storage Makeover
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cut and insert PVC pipes into the ground
Before cutting and inserting the PVC pipes into the ground, you will need to prepare the ground and plan the layout of your greenhouse. Choose a suitable foundation, such as paving slabs, a concrete base, or a ready-made plastic base kit. Clear and smooth the surface of the area where your greenhouse will stand, ensuring it is level and stable. Identify and mark the corners of the structure, as well as the centre of both sides, by measuring and pounding rebar into the ground.
Now, you can cut the PVC pipes to the required length. You will need seven pieces of 3/4-inch diameter PVC pipe, each 10 feet long. Use a hacksaw or pipe cutter to cut two pieces of PVC pipe that are 3 feet long out of one of the 10-foot-long pieces for the centre supports. Cut another 3-inch piece out of the same PVC pipe. You can also cut and glue Tee slips to four of the remaining 10-foot pieces of PVC pipe.
Once the PVC pipes are cut to size, you can insert them into the ground. Place the open end of each PVC pipe onto the rebar that was previously driven into the ground. Apply some pressure to form an arc, and then insert the other side of the PVC pipe onto the rebar. Ensure that the PVC pipes are secure and firmly anchored to the ground.
At this stage, you can finalize the structure of your plastic greenhouse by adding the roof and covering it with a large piece of plastic secured with binder clips or spring wire. However, before attaching the plastic, it is recommended to choose a day with low wind speeds and have at least two people to help with the process.
Reducing Plastic: A Step Towards Carbon Neutrality
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cover the frame with plastic and secure it
Covering the frame with plastic and securing it is a crucial step in erecting a plastic greenhouse. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:
First, ensure that the plastic film you are using is large enough to cover the entire frame with at least 2 extra feet on each side. This will ensure that the plastic can be properly secured and provide a tight fit. Unroll the plastic film, following the length of the structure, with the label facing the inside of the greenhouse. This will make it easier to identify the corners as most plastic films are designed to unfold properly when pulled from the corners.
For this step, it is ideal to have at least two people assisting you. Each person should grab a corner of the plastic film and begin lifting it over the hoops or frame of the greenhouse. Work with the wind to avoid the plastic being pushed onto the ribs, making the job more challenging. Soft-bristled brooms or poles with tennis balls or rope tied to the ends can be extremely useful in guiding the plastic over the structure without damaging it. Take care not to get caught on corners, boards, or hardware, as this may cause tears in the plastic.
Once the plastic is draped over the frame, it is time to secure it. One common method is to use lock channel and spring wire, which forms a tight and secure attachment. Pull the plastic tight and wiggle the spring wire back and forth into the lock channel. You may need to cut the wire to fit certain sections. Another method is to use binder clips to secure the plastic to the frame.
It is important to choose a day with low wind speeds when installing the plastic, as high winds can make the process more challenging and increase the risk of damage to the plastic film. Having extra hands available to assist with the process is also highly recommended.
Plastic Stress Marks: Weak Points or Strong?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Smooth the surface to prevent wear and tear
To prevent wear and tear on your plastic greenhouse, it is important to smooth the surface of the frame. Whether the structure is made of metal, plastic, or wood, you can use white tape foam to smoothen the surface or sand it smooth. A smooth frame prevents excessive wear and tear to the greenhouse plastic.
Additionally, you should ensure that the plastic is tightly stretched and secured. This will reduce wear and tear by preventing the wind from blowing it around and causing rips and tears. You can use snap clamps, spring clamps, press clamps, or wiggle wire and locking channels to attach the plastic to the frame.
To further protect your plastic greenhouse, you can add an extra layer of plastic for insulation. This will increase the structure's ability to withstand heavier snow loads, cooler temperatures, and sustained winds. You can also reinforce the base using garden pegs, upgrade the guy ropes, reorient the greenhouse away from prevailing winds, and pin the frame to the ground with weights or lumber.
Finally, regular maintenance is key to preventing wear and tear. Periodically check the tightness of the plastic and make repairs as soon as you see any rips or tears.
Plastic Boiling: Are There Toxins Lurking in the Steam?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The first step is to prepare the ground where the greenhouse will stand. Clear and smooth the surface of the area where your greenhouse will be. You can use paving slabs or a concrete base, or buy a ready-made plastic base kit.
Choose a day with low wind speeds and have at least two people helping you. Unroll the plastic film so that the label is visible from inside the structure. Attach the plastic to the frame using rope and a rock or golf ball. Tie a knot around the rock or golf ball to attach it to the rope without poking a hole in the plastic. Repeat for the remaining corners and pull the ropes in unison to bring the plastic over the frame.
Keep a roll of greenhouse repair tape on hand to fix any small tears that occur.
