Everything You Need To Know About Greenhouse Plastic Sheeting
Struggling to decide on the best greenhouse plastic sheeting? This can be a daunting task because there are so many options and so many diverse opinions on the top.
I found this extremely confusing when I was first learning about plastic coverings and how they impact temperatures in your greenhouse.
That’s why – This article will guide you through everything that I’ve discovered about the topic of greenhouse plastic.
Let’s uncover what makes this covering so popular among seasoned and novice gardeners alike!
Table Of Contents
What is Greenhouse Plastic Sheeting?
Greenhouse plastic sheeting is a flexible and durable material used as a covering for greenhouses. It helps control temperature, protect plants, and provides increased warmth and humidity.
Definition
Greenhouse plastic sheeting is a type of protective covering used in the construction of greenhouses. It’s typically made from polyethylene, a durable and flexible material known for its affordability.
This type of plastic can be stretched over a greenhouse frame to complete assembly, creating an insulated environment conducive for plant growth. Some versions feature UV resistance to protect plants from harmful solar rays.
The primary function of this sheeting is providing temperature control and protection against wind, frost, and dust for plants inside the greenhouse structure.
Uses
Greenhouse plastic sheeting is used primarily to cover the structure and form a protective barrier for plants inside. It shields delicate vegetation from harsh weather conditions such as frost, wind, and dust while providing essential warmth and humidity.
Greenhouse plastic helps maintain consistent temperatures in different climates, a crucial aspect of plant growth and survival. UV-resistant versions offer added protection from harmful sun rays.
Beyond its use in standard greenhouses, this flexible material also lends itself well to DIY gardening projects such as mini greenhouses or cold frames due to its easy attachment capabilities.
It’s an affordable option that addresses diverse horticultural needs whether it be commercial farming or home gardening endeavors.
Types of Greenhouse Plastic Sheeting
There are three main types of greenhouse plastic sheeting: clear, white, and heavy-duty.
Clear plastic sheeting
Clear plastic sheeting is a popular choice for greenhouse coverings due to its many beneficial attributes. This type of covering permits maximum light transmission, crucial for plant growth and health.
The transparency of clear plastic sheeting also makes it easy for gardeners to monitor their plants without disturbing the internal environment. It’s favored for its affordability and flexibility, easily stretched over various greenhouse frame designs.
UV-resistant options are available, providing protection against harmful sun rays that can degrade materials over time. Despite its seemingly delicate appearance, clear plastic sheeting offers impressive durability, withstanding diverse weather conditions while safeguarding your plants from wind and frost damage.
White plastic sheeting
White plastic sheeting is a popular option for greenhouse coverings. It is known for its ability to maintain a consistent temperature inside the greenhouse, creating an ideal environment for plants.
The white color reflects sunlight, helping to prevent excessive heat build-up during hot weather. This helps protect delicate plants from wilting or scorching in high temperatures. Additionally, white plastic sheeting provides diffused light instead of direct sunlight, which can help promote even growth and reduce the risk of sunburn on plant leaves.
You can also get double sided sheeting with one black side and one white side to reflect the light back onto your plants (white side) and create a light resistant area and keep warming (black side).
With its durability and ability to control temperature, white plastic sheeting is a reliable choice for any greenhouse owner looking to create an optimal growing environment.
Heavy-duty plastic sheeting
Heavy-duty plastic sheeting is a popular option for greenhouse coverings that require extra strength and durability. Made from high-quality polyethylene plastic, this type of sheeting is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including strong winds and heavy snowfall.
Its thick construction provides added protection for plants, ensuring they remain safe and secure inside the greenhouse. Additionally, heavy-duty plastic sheeting often comes with UV resistance properties, protecting plants from harmful sun rays while maintaining optimal light transmission.
With its superior strength and longevity, heavy-duty plastic sheeting is an excellent choice for greenhouse owners looking for dependable and long-lasting coverings.
Key features to consider when choosing heavy-duty plastic sheeting include thickness and UV resistance. Thicker sheets provide better insulation and are more resistant to tears or punctures.
What Greenhouse Plastic Sheeting Should You Buy?
Here are a few examples of high-quality greenhouse plastic sheeting that you can use on your greenhouse. I have given you an example of each type so that you’re covered from all angles. Just make sure that you go through the paragraphs above so that you know the exact benefits of each of them.
| Category | Plastic Sheeting Brand |
| Clear Sheeting | Inslat Clear Plastic Film |
| Heavy Duty Sheeting | Doniks Heavy Duty Tarp |
| White Sheeting | iPower Black & White Sheeting |
Let’s go into each of them one by one to give you all the information.
Recommendation 1: Inslat Clear Plastic Film (Clear Sheeting)
Where To Buy: Amazon
Features & Specs:
– Dimensions of 312 x 120 x 1 inches
– Made of a clear, UV resistant polyethylene film
– 6 mil thick
This 6 mil UV-resistant polyethylene greenhouse cover is robust, tear-resistant, and designed for longevity with anti-aging properties. It promotes consistent temperature and even light distribution for optimal plant growth while preventing drip formation that can damage plants.
Measuring 10′ x 26′, it’s versatile for various setups and can protect against harsh weather, aiding in year-round cultivation. Ideal for any greenhouse owner looking to enhance plant growth and protect against the elements.
This plastic sheeting ensures durability, optimal growth conditions for plants, and versatility in application, making it a wise long-term investment for serious gardeners and farmers.
| Check The Price ➡️ Amazon |
Recommendation 2: Doniks Heavy Duty Tarp (Heavy Duty Sheeting)
Where To Buy: Amazon
Features & Specs:
– Dimensions of 16 x 12 x 0.01 inches
– Made of heavy-duty and waterproof plastic
– 14 mil thick
This 14 mil heavy-duty clear tarp is both UV-resistant and waterproof, ensuring durability and tear-resistance. It allows natural light to pass through, promoting even temperature distribution for plants. The tarp is 12′ x 16′ with grommets for easy tie-downs, making installation straightforward. Enhanced with anti-aging additives, it offers long-term protection against various weather conditions and is versatile for gardening, farming, and other projects.
This product is exceptional because of its superior strength, UV protection, and versatility, providing a clear, durable cover that sustains and protects in diverse environments and applications.
| Check The Price ➡️ Amazon |
Recommendation 3: iPower Black & White Sheeting (White Sheeting)
Where To Buy: Amazon
Features & Specs:
– Dimensions of 16.5 x 5.91 x 1.77 inches
– Made of a heavy duty polyethylene film with one white side and one black side
– 5.5 mil thick
This iPower 10′ x 10′ panda film is a versatile solution for hydroponics with a 5.5 mil thickness for durability. The black side absorbs heat and blocks light, promoting warmth and plant development, while the white side reflects over 90% of light, ensuring even distribution. It’s waterproof, recyclable, and resistant to tears, making it ideal for DIY grow rooms and greenhouses.
This film is a smart investment for growers looking for a multi-functional, light-managing solution that also contributes to maintaining an optimal growing environment. Its reflective property maximizes light usage, while its insulation characteristic ensures plant warmth, fostering efficient and effective plant growth.
| Check The Price ➡️ Amazon |
Key Features to Consider
When choosing greenhouse plastic sheeting, it is important to consider key features such as UV resistance, thickness, and durability.
UV resistance
UV resistance is an important feature to consider when choosing greenhouse plastic sheeting. The sun’s UV rays can be harmful to plants and cause the material to degrade over time.
By selecting a UV-resistant plastic, you can ensure that your plants are protected and that the sheeting will last longer. This type of plastic has additives that block or absorb UV radiation, providing optimal protection for your greenhouse and its contents.
So, when shopping for greenhouse plastic sheeting, make sure to check if it offers UV resistance for increased durability and plant safety.
Thickness
Greenhouse plastic sheeting comes in various thicknesses, and choosing the right thickness is essential for optimal performance. The thickness of the plastic sheeting determines its durability and ability to withstand different weather conditions.
Thicker sheets provide better insulation, increased strength, and improved resistance to tears or punctures. It is recommended to opt for a thicker greenhouse plastic sheeting if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions or if you need long-term protection for your plants.
On the other hand, thinner sheets are more cost-effective and suitable for short-term use or areas with mild climates. By considering the specific needs of your greenhouse and understanding the advantages of different thicknesses, you can choose the ideal plastic sheeting that will provide adequate protection and longevity for your plants.
Durability
The durability of greenhouse plastic sheeting is an important factor to consider when choosing the right material for your greenhouse. Polyethylene plastic, which is commonly used as a covering for greenhouses, offers excellent durability.
It can withstand various weather conditions and is resistant to tearing or puncturing. This means that it will provide long-lasting protection for your plants, ensuring that they are shielded from wind, frost, dust, and other elements.
Additionally, UV-resistant greenhouse plastic sheeting is available to ensure that the material remains strong and intact even after prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful rays. With its durability feature, you can have peace of mind knowing that your greenhouse will be able to withstand the test of time.
Greenhouse panels made from polycarbonate plastic also offer superior durability. This material is known for its strength and impact resistance, making it a reliable option for protecting your plants against external factors such as hail or heavy rain.
Furthermore, polycarbonate plastic provides excellent insulation properties by trapping heat inside the greenhouse during colder months, creating a stable growing environment.
Benefits of Using Greenhouse Plastic Sheeting
Using greenhouse plastic sheeting provides protection against wind, frost, and dust. It also creates increased warmth and humidity for optimal plant growth. With its superior strength, it is an inexpensive and flexible material that offers numerous benefits for your greenhouse.
Read on to learn more!
Increased warmth and humidity
Greenhouse plastic sheeting plays a crucial role in creating the optimal environment for plant growth by increasing warmth and humidity. The plastic acts as a barrier, trapping heat inside the greenhouse and preventing it from escaping.
This helps to maintain higher temperatures during colder seasons and even at night when external temperatures drop. The increased warmth promotes plant growth and allows for extended growing seasons.
Additionally, the plastic sheeting helps to retain moisture within the greenhouse, leading to higher humidity levels that are beneficial for many plants. It creates a microclimate that enables plants to thrive by providing them with the ideal conditions they need to flourish.
| If you want more information on greenhouse heating, read this article: Discover the Ultimate Greenhouse Heaters for Year-Round Plant Protection |
Superior strength
Greenhouse plastic sheeting offers superior strength, making it an ideal choice for protecting your plants from external elements. The sturdy construction of the plastic sheeting ensures that it can withstand strong winds and heavy rain without tearing or breaking.
This means that even during severe weather conditions, your greenhouse will remain intact and provide a safe environment for your plants to thrive. Additionally, the superior strength of the plastic sheeting also provides extra durability, allowing it to last longer and resist wear and tear caused by regular use and exposure to UV rays.
With its exceptional strength, greenhouse plastic sheeting is a reliable option for creating a protective barrier around your plants.
Maintenance and Care Tips
Regular cleaning and inspection of the greenhouse plastic sheeting is essential to ensure its longevity and effectiveness in protecting plants.
Regular cleaning and inspection
Regular cleaning and inspection are essential for maintaining the longevity and effectiveness of greenhouse plastic sheeting. Over time, dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate on the surface of the plastic, reducing light transmission and hindering plant growth.
By regularly cleaning the sheeting with a mild detergent or soap solution and scrubbing gently with a soft brush or cloth, you can ensure that maximum light reaches your plants. Additionally, performing regular inspections allows you to identify any tears, holes, or damage in the plastic and take prompt action to repair or replace it as needed.
This proactive approach helps to prevent further damage and ensures that your greenhouse remains well-protected against wind, frost, and dust while providing optimal growing conditions for your plants.
Proper storage during off-season
To ensure the longevity of your greenhouse plastic sheeting, proper storage during the off-season is essential. When the growing season is over and you no longer need to use the plastic sheeting, it’s important to store it correctly.
Start by cleaning the sheeting thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris that could potentially damage it during storage. Once clean, roll up the plastic tightly and secure it with zip ties or bungee cords to prevent unraveling.
Store the rolled-up sheeting in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. This will help protect it from UV damage and other environmental factors that can degrade its quality over time.
Replacing damaged sheeting
When your greenhouse plastic sheeting becomes damaged, it is important to replace it promptly to ensure optimal growing conditions for your plants. Regular inspection is key to identifying any tears, holes, or wear and tear in the sheeting.
Once damage is spotted, carefully remove the damaged section and replace it with a new piece of greenhouse plastic. This will maintain the integrity of the structure and prevent pests or harmful elements from entering.
By replacing damaged sheeting in a timely manner, you can continue to provide a protected environment for your plants to thrive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, greenhouse plastic sheeting is a versatile and cost-effective solution for protecting your plants and creating an optimal growing environment. With options like clear, white, and heavy-duty sheeting available, you can choose the right type for your specific needs.
By considering key features like UV resistance and durability, you can ensure that your greenhouse remains in top condition. Don’t forget to regularly maintain and care for your plastic sheeting to prolong its lifespan.
Start using greenhouse plastic sheeting today to enhance plant growth and maximize your gardening success!
FAQs
What is greenhouse plastic sheeting made of?
Greenhouse plastic sheeting is typically made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials.
How long does greenhouse plastic sheeting last?
The lifespan of greenhouse plastic sheeting can vary depending on factors such as sunlight exposure, maintenance, and quality of the material. On average, it can last anywhere from 1 to 5 years.
Can I reuse greenhouse plastic sheeting?
While it is possible to reuse some types of greenhouse plastic sheeting, it may not provide the same effectiveness and durability as new sheeting. It’s best to consult with a professional or manufacturer for specific recommendations.
How do I install greenhouse plastic sheeting?
To install greenhouse plastic sheeting, start by securing the corners and edges using clips or fasteners. Then, stretch the sheets tightly across the frame and secure them in place. Lastly, trim any excess material for a neat appearance.
What are the benefits of using greenhouse plastic sheeting?
Using greenhouse plastic sheeting can create a controlled environment that helps protect plants from harsh weather conditions while allowing light transmission for optimal growth. It also provides insulation and helps retain moisture within the structure.
