Alexei Volkov
Plastic greenhouses are a popular option for gardeners and farmers, but are they a good choice? Plastic greenhouses are designed to protect plants from the elements, including excessive heat, heavy rain, snow, hail, and falling sticks. They are also a more affordable option compared to glass greenhouses. However, plastic greenhouses come with their own set of challenges and issues. Common problems include zips breaking, low-quality ropes and ground pegs, and the plastic cover being prone to tears and holes, especially in windy conditions. The plastic cover is also easily pierced by sharp objects and susceptible to degradation from ultraviolet light. Thickness and UV protection are important factors when choosing plastic for a greenhouse. Thicker plastics tend to have a longer lifespan, and UV-resistant plastics can withstand sun damage, preserving the longevity of the plastic and the health of the plants. Clear plastic is recommended for greenhouses as it lets the most light through, while green or white plastic can reduce the amount of light and heat entering the structure. Proper maintenance, regular inspections, and understanding the impact of environmental factors can help prolong the life of plastic greenhouses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Protect plants from harsh weather conditions like rain, hail, high winds, and extreme temperatures |
| Plastic type | Polyethylene, Polycarbonate, Polyvinyl carbonate, PVC, SolaWrap |
| Thickness | 4-12 mil (Polyethylene), 10-25 mm (Polycarbonate), 4 mm (Polyvinyl carbonate), 324 mil (SolaWrap) |
| Light transmission | Polyethylene has the highest light transmission. Clear plastic lets in the most light. White or opaque plastic coverings provide diffused light. |
| Durability | Thicker plastics are more durable. Polycarbonate and PVC can last up to 10 years or more. Polyethylene typically has a lifespan of 2-5 years. |
| UV protection | UV-resistant plastics prolong the lifespan of the plastic and protect plants from harmful UV radiation. |
| Moisture management | Superior moisture management capabilities are important to maintain optimal humidity and prevent water accumulation. |
| Weather conditions | Consider local climate, rainfall, snowfall, sunshine hours, wind force, and direction when choosing plastic. |
| Colour | Clear, white, opaque, green, red |
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What You'll Learn
Greenhouse plastic thickness
Greenhouse plastic is a critical component that significantly impacts the performance and life of your greenhouse. It protects plants from harsh weather conditions like rain, hail, high winds, and extreme temperatures. The plastic forms a barrier that keeps interior warmth in and cold drafts out while allowing sunlight to pass through. It also prevents the entry of insects and pests that could damage crops.
The typical thickness range for greenhouse plastic is 4 to 8 mils, with 6 mil plastic being recommended for full-season protection in most climates. Thinner 3-4 mil plastic works for short-term structures. Thicker 8-12 mil plastic provides maximum durability and is ideal for commercial greenhouses and cold climates. In extreme northern climates, 8 to 12 mils provide maximum insulation during frigid winters.
The thickness of the plastic will impact insulation capability. Thicker plastic provides better insulation value, reducing heat loss in colder climates. Greenhouse plastic thickness should be selected based on your lowest expected temperatures. For climates with moderate winters, a 4 to 6-mil thickness is often sufficient.
In addition to thickness, other factors to consider when choosing greenhouse plastic include light transmission, durability, colour, transparency, cost, and additional features such as UV protection. Clear plastic allows the most light, making it suitable for most gardeners, while opaque plastic filters light and is useful in warm climates to avoid overheating plants. White plastic provides the least light transmission and has limited applications. Thicker plastic is more durable but more expensive. Paying more for a thicker, more durable covering can save you money in the long run.
Overall, choosing the right thickness and type of greenhouse plastic is essential to getting the best performance for your needs.
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Durability and lifespan
The durability and lifespan of a plastic greenhouse are critical factors to consider when choosing a plastic covering. The strength and longevity of the material directly impact the greenhouse's ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions and constant physical wear and tear.
The typical thickness range for greenhouse plastic is 4 to 8 mils, with thinner 3-4 mil plastic suitable for short-term structures. Thicker plastics tend to have a longer lifespan and are more durable but are also more expensive. Generally, the thicker the plastic, the more durable, long-lasting, and insulating it will be. Polyethylene, the most common plastic used for greenhouses, typically has a lifespan of 2-5 years, while polycarbonate and PVC can last up to 10 years or more under ideal conditions.
UV-resistant plastics have a longer lifespan as they can withstand sun damage. The plastic should also be able to withstand other weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, hail, and extreme temperatures. The moisture-runoff properties of the plastic are also important to consider, as moisture-laden plastic can create an optimal environment for fungal diseases and hinder plant growth.
To extend the lifespan of your plastic greenhouse, regular maintenance is essential. This includes patching up any holes or tears and ensuring proper support to prevent sagging, which can stress the plastic. Additionally, choosing a plastic with a woven design or internal reinforcement can make it 15 times stronger than regular greenhouse plastic.
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Light transmission
Polyethylene has the highest light transmission of all plastics. It is also the most common plastic used for greenhouses due to its low cost and high light transmission. It is typically 6- to 12-mil thick, with 7- to 9-mil thickness being common for backyard greenhouses. Polyethylene plastic with UV protection can provide up to 90% light transmission.
Clear plastic lets in the most light and is the recommended choice for greenhouses, especially in colder climates. White or opaque plastic coverings provide diffused light, which can promote balanced plant growth. However, they let in less light and are typically used in areas of intense summer heat to reduce light transmission and diffuse the sun's rays.
In addition to light transmission, the durability and lifespan of the plastic are critical factors. Thicker plastics tend to have a longer lifespan and can withstand extreme weather conditions such as strong winds and heavy snow. Polycarbonate panels, for example, can last up to 10 years or more. On the other hand, thinner plastics such as 4- to 6-mil polyethylene may need replacement after 1 to 3 years.
UV-resistant plastics also have a longer lifespan as they can withstand sun damage. They can block harmful UV rays while still allowing the rays necessary for photosynthesis to pass through. This prolongs the life of the plastic and protects the plants.
Overall, when choosing plastic for a greenhouse, it is important to consider the balance between light transmission and durability. Thinner plastics have higher light transmission but may not be as durable, while thicker plastics may be more durable but sacrifice light transmission.
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Moisture management
Greenhouse plastic is essential for maintaining the ideal humidity and keeping out excessive moisture. It is a critical component that significantly impacts the performance and longevity of your greenhouse. The right plastic will help you maintain the requisite humidity while preventing damaging water accumulation.
The thickness of the plastic is an important factor in moisture management. Thicker plastic provides better insulation, reducing heat loss in colder climates. In warmer climates, thinner plastic is recommended to facilitate optimal moisture levels for plant vitality. The typical thickness range for greenhouse plastic sheeting is 3 to 12 mils, with 4 to 8 mils being the most commonly recommended range for most uses.
The type of plastic is also a key consideration. Polyethylene is the most common type of greenhouse plastic due to its affordability, durability, and high light transmission. It diffuses sunlight effectively, preventing "hot spots" and ensuring uniform plant growth. Polyvinyl carbonate is another option that diffuses light evenly and protects plants from excessive exposure to harmful rays, but it lets in less light than other plastics. Woven plastic film is reinforced polyethylene that resists tearing and is suitable for domes and arched roofs.
To enhance moisture management, consider using heavy-duty plastic sheeting or concrete vapor barriers. These products are designed to prevent moisture infiltration and are ideal for agricultural and construction applications. Additionally, plastic mulch is a useful technique for retaining moisture and controlling soil temperature, reducing the need for irrigation.
By selecting the appropriate thickness and type of plastic, as well as utilizing specialized products and techniques, you can effectively manage moisture levels in your greenhouse, creating an optimal environment for plant growth and health.
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UV protection
When choosing plastic for a greenhouse, it is important to select one with UV protection. UV-resistant plastic sheeting blocks part of the infrared spectrum, which is generally a good thing. This type of plastic prolongs its lifespan by preventing UV-induced degradation. It also helps maintain a stable temperature by regulating solar heat and reduces the need for frequent replacement, thus saving costs and resources.
UV-resistant plastic sheeting is also known as UV blocking. Both terms refer to the ability to last outdoors for a specified timeframe. The rate of deterioration depends on the region in which the greenhouse is located. UV degradation breaks down polymers in plastic sheeting, causing the sheeting to become brittle, discoloured, and weak. Without the protection from UV-resistant greenhouse plastic sheeting, UV light can damage crops.
UV stabilizers are added to the resin during the manufacturing process to extend the lifespan of the film. This additive enables the plastic to last outdoors for a specified timeframe, anywhere from one year up to four years. Without this additive, the plastic sheeting breaks down within months.
When selecting a UV-resistant plastic, it is important to consider the light transmission rate. A good light transmission rate for greenhouse plastic sheeting starts at 83% up to 99%. As the surface becomes cloudy with dust and smog, the light transmission is reduced.
It is also worth noting that some plants, such as roses and other aromatic flowers, require open UV to enhance their fragrance and colour. In this case, plastic sheeting with Open UV, also known as UV Transmitting, would be needed to allow the UV spectrum to shine through.
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Frequently asked questions
The best plastic for greenhouses is typically made from coated poly with UV additives for protection. Polycarbonate panels are a more permanent option that can last up to 10 years or more. Thicker plastics, such as 6 mil polyethylene, are also recommended for their durability.
Regular maintenance and inspections for damage are important to prolong the lifespan of your greenhouse plastic. It is also recommended to clean the plastic frequently to maintain high light transmission levels.
The amount of plastic needed depends on the size of your greenhouse. For an 8'x12' greenhouse, the minimum size should be about 24'x36', allowing for room to extend down to the ground.
When attaching plastic to a wooden base, a staple gun can be used. However, it is recommended to place a few pieces of wood trim on top of the plastic to prevent the wind from ripping it up from the staples.
