Omar Khalid
Greenhouse plastic is a crucial component of any greenhouse, providing an optimal growing environment for plants. It is important to select the right type of plastic for your greenhouse, as it can be the primary barrier between delicate plants and the harsh external environment. The best greenhouse plastic for your gardening projects is UV-stabilized plastic sheeting with a thickness of 6 mil or more, made of polyethylene plastic. This type of plastic is affordable, long-lasting, and able to provide cover for many years. It is also important to consider factors such as transparency, local climate, greenhouse structure, budget constraints, and plant requirements when selecting the best greenhouse plastic for your needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 6 mil is the benchmark standard and is meant to last 4 years or longer. Thicknesses of 4 mil or less are rated for one to two years. Thickness options also include 8 mil, 10 mil, and 11 mil. |
| Transparency | Clear plastic allows the most light, making it suitable for most gardeners, especially in early spring or late fall. Opaque plastic filters light, which is beneficial in warm climates. White plastic provides the least light transmission. Tinted plastic is preferred by certain plant types. |
| UV Protection | Greenhouse plastic includes UV additives for protection from sunlight. The UV-resistant properties typically last for 4 years, but some users have kept them for 5-6 years. |
| Durability | Double layers of plastic provide extra protection from hail and wind, while also increasing the R-factor (the structure's ability to resist losing heat). Woven plastic is 15x stronger than regular plastic and can withstand severe weather. Polycarbonate panels are nearly indestructible and can last 10 years or longer. |
| Installation | Spring wire and lock channel form a tight and secure attachment for the greenhouse covering. The PVC-coated spring wire is sometimes referred to as "wiggle wire." |
| Maintenance | Repairs should be made promptly for any rips or tears. Avoid snow buildup and use a broom to remove excess snow. Avoid pesticide use as it can damage the plastic. Periodically check the tightness of the plastic to prevent loosening, which can lead to rips and tears. |
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What You'll Learn
Thickness: at least 6 mil is recommended for durability
When selecting a plastic covering for your greenhouse, it is important to consider the thickness of the plastic sheeting. 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. This thickness is considered the benchmark standard and is meant to last 4 years or longer.
While thinner options, such as 4 mil plastic, are available, they are often only rated for one to two years and may require more frequent replacement. On the other hand, thicker options, such as 8 mil or 10 mil, offer increased durability and strength but may be more expensive and may not provide the same level of light transmission as 6 mil plastic.
The ideal thickness for your greenhouse plastic will depend on various factors, including your local climate, the size of your greenhouse, and your specific plant requirements. For example, in warm climates, a thicker plastic with reduced light transmission can help prevent your plants from overheating.
It is worth noting that the durability of greenhouse plastic is also influenced by factors such as UV protection and proper maintenance. Plastic with UV additives can prolong its lifespan by protecting it from the damaging effects of ultraviolet light. Additionally, it is important to promptly repair any rips or tears and to store the plastic in a cool and dry place when not in use.
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Transparency: clear, opaque, tinted or white
Greenhouse plastic comes in varying levels of transparency, including clear, opaque, tinted, and white. Clear plastic is the most transparent option, allowing the most light to pass through. This makes it a popular choice for gardeners, especially during periods of low sunlight, such as early spring or late fall. However, in warmer climates or during the summer, excessive light and heat can be detrimental to plants. In such cases, opaque plastic can be a better option as it filters the light, preventing your plants from overheating.
Tinted plastic, such as those with a red tint, are preferred by certain types of plants. For example, a dual-coloured plastic with one black side and one white side can be useful for controlling light exposure. The black side ensures complete darkness, which is necessary for certain growth stages, while the white side reflects excess light, preventing overheating and promoting balanced growth.
White plastic provides the most light filtration, reducing light transmission by 55%. This significant reduction in light limits its applicability, and it is typically not used in most circumstances.
In addition to transparency, factors such as thickness, durability, insulation, and UV protection should also be considered when choosing the best greenhouse plastic for your needs. A thickness of at least 6 mil is recommended for most applications, as it provides a balance between strength, longevity, and light transmission. UV-resistant properties can prolong the life of greenhouse plastic, with some manufacturers claiming a lifespan of up to 4 years for their products.
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Material: polyethylene or polycarbonate
When selecting the best greenhouse plastic, it is important to consider the material, thickness, size, transparency, and additional features. The two most common materials used for greenhouse plastic are polyethylene and polycarbonate.
Polyethylene plastic sheeting is a popular choice for greenhouses as it is inexpensive, lightweight, and flexible compared to glass. It is also easy to install and provides good protection for plants. Polyethylene plastic is available in different thicknesses, with 6 mil being the standard benchmark set by the NCRS as it is meant to last 4 years or longer. Thinner plastics, such as 4 mil, are often rated for a shorter duration and may require more frequent replacement. Polyethylene plastic can also be treated with UV additives to prolong its life and provide better protection for plants.
Polycarbonate is another option for greenhouse plastic and is known for its durability and longevity. Polycarbonate panels are nearly indestructible and can last for 10 years or longer. They provide a more permanent solution for greenhouses compared to polyethylene plastic. Polycarbonate panels are ideal for those looking for a long-lasting covering that does not need to be replaced frequently.
Both polyethylene and polycarbonate have their advantages and the best choice depends on the specific needs and requirements of the grower. Factors such as climate, structure, budget, and plant needs should be considered when selecting the material for greenhouse plastic.
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Installation: spring wire and lock channel
Greenhouse plastic film is a popular choice among commercial farmers, hobby growers, and home gardeners due to its ease of installation and affordability. The industry standard for securing greenhouse plastic is lock channel and spring wire, which offers a simple and economical installation method.
To install greenhouse plastic using spring wire and lock channel, follow these steps:
First, ensure you have the necessary safety gear, such as gloves and goggles. It is also recommended to have ladders, bolt cutters or a hacksaw, and tennis balls handy. Ladders provide easy access to the greenhouse structure, and bolt cutters or a hacksaw can be used to cut the spring wire to the required length. Tennis balls can be placed on pole ends to protect the plastic during installation.
Next, pull the polyethylene film tight across the structure. The PVC-coated spring wire, also known as "wiggle wire," is then wiggled back and forth into the lock channel. This creates a secure and tight attachment for the greenhouse covering. Each section of the spring wire is 6.5 feet long, so you may need to cut it to fit certain areas of the greenhouse. You can use bolt cutters or a metal saw to size the wire accordingly.
The spring wire and lock channel method is preferable to staples and batten board because it allows for easy removal and reinstallation of the plastic without causing damage. This method is suitable for various coverings, including poly plastic and shade cloth.
When choosing a greenhouse plastic thickness, it is recommended to select a minimum of 6 mil. This thickness is considered heavy-duty and is expected to last four years or longer. Thinner plastics may require more frequent replacements and are typically rated for one to two years. To ensure longevity, opt for UV-stabilized plastic sheeting with added UV protection.
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Features: UV protection, anti-drip, IR properties
When choosing the best plastic for a greenhouse, it is important to consider the features that will be most beneficial for your plants and growing environment. Here are the key advantages of selecting a greenhouse plastic with UV protection, anti-drip properties, and IR properties:
UV Protection:
UV protection is essential in greenhouse plastic to prevent UV degradation caused by sunlight exposure. This feature ensures that the plastic covering maintains its clarity and strength, providing long-term protection for your plants. Without UV protection, regular plastic sheeting will quickly degrade, turning brittle and fragile.
Anti-Drip:
The anti-drip property, also known as "condensate control," is a treatment applied to the plastic that reduces surface tension. This treatment causes any condensation droplets forming inside the greenhouse to run down the plastic sheets instead of sitting on top or dripping onto the plants below. Anti-drip properties help prevent the spread of diseases and maintain a controlled environment for plant growth.
IR Properties:
Infrared (IR) properties in greenhouse plastic help regulate temperature by retaining heat during cold nights, saving energy costs for heating. IR properties also aid in keeping the greenhouse drier, as the infrared tint reduces heat loss. This feature is particularly beneficial for vegetation that thrives in warm environments, as it helps maintain optimal temperatures.
When selecting greenhouse plastic with these features, it is important to consider the thickness, durability, and light transmission properties as well. Thicker plastic, such as 6-mil or 10-mil, often provides more durability and can be suitable for larger commercial operations. Additionally, look for plastics with high light transmission scores, indicated by a PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) value, to ensure your plants receive sufficient light for growth.
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Frequently asked questions
The thickness of greenhouse plastic is important as it determines its durability, light transmission, and insulation properties. A thickness of at least 6 mil is recommended for most greenhouse applications, providing a good balance between strength, longevity, and light transmission. Thicker plastics, such as 8 mil or 10 mil, offer even greater durability but may require more space in the lock channel during installation.
Greenhouse plastics come in various transparency levels, including clear, opaque, and white. Clear plastic allows the most light transmission, making it suitable for gardeners in regions with less sunlight or during early spring and late fall. Opaque plastic filters light, which is beneficial in warm climates to prevent overheating plants. White plastic has limited applications due to its significant light filtration of 55%.
Greenhouse plastic provides an optimal growing environment for plants by acting as a barrier against external elements. It is designed to withstand sunlight and low temperatures, with UV-resistant properties that can last for 4 years or more. Greenhouse plastic is also lightweight, flexible, and inexpensive compared to glass panels or polycarbonate sheets.
Greenhouse plastic is easy to install using spring wire and lock channel, which form a tight and secure attachment. Repairs should be made promptly to any rips or tears, and it should be stored in a cool and dry place when not in use. Avoid snow buildup, pesticide use, and overspray from crop treatments as they can damage the plastic. Regularly check the tightness of the plastic to prevent stretching and tears.
