What do I use to cover a greenhouse, plastic-wise?

**sofasurfer** · 02-21-2015, 03:13 AM

I am considering putting up a small greenhouse, maybe 10ft x 20ft or so. A frame aught to be simple enough but what about the plastic sheet over it? Visqueen is widely available but is probably good for only one year before it is ripped, torn and loseing its clarity. Also a little expensive to replace every year. Is this my only option or is there something more durable and still affordable that would be a better choice?

**Rick** · 02-21-2015, 03:39 AM

They make polyethylene specifically for greenhouses. The stuff I've seen is rated for 4 years. Google Greenhouse Film and you should be able find all kinds.

**LowKey** · 02-21-2015, 09:21 AM

In Michigan?
If you don't double layer it and put a blower in to puff out the outer layer (and also provide an insulating air layer so you can use it in winter,) it will probably collapse during the winter. The stuff we used to use on non-insulated winter hoop houses was a little thicker and more opaque but only lasted the one winter. It wasn't used to grow stuff under.

I know polygal (also known as twinwall) is expensive but you won't be replacing it for 10 years or so. You'd go through a lot of plastic sheeting in that time. Do the math.
Polygal is polycarbonate. Darn near unbreakable, you can put it on with rubber washers and screws right through the face (drill first though.)
This stuff:
https://www.farmtek.com/farm/supplie...oductId=291424
I think you can order it from places like Home Depot or similar if you don't have a greenhouse supply in your area.

**hunter63** · 02-21-2015, 11:36 AM

Both suggestions are spot on.

What are you planning on growing in it?

Heating a green house is really a problem in the north country......and well a temp control in spring/fall.

Had 10 flats of veggies cooked from being too hot on a day that started cold and ended hot, ....I was at work and hadn't opened the vents.

Also need supplemented lighting as plant's require necessary hours of light....green house or not.

**Rick** · 02-21-2015, 12:44 PM

You can do pretty good just making hot beds. I've used them but here they aren't that much of an advantage.

**tjwilhelm** · 02-21-2015, 09:09 PM

JUST FOR FUN, you could try this -- a double layer of polyethylene, inflated with a small blower, AND insulated with soap suds!

Here's an old project I did about 30 years ago...

**hunter63** · 02-21-2015, 09:29 PM

How long did the bubbles last....that cool.
Plastic should be clean after that......

**LowKey** · 02-22-2015, 09:07 AM

You can get temp controlled vent lifters for short money. Usually about $60 a piece.

**crashdive123** · 02-22-2015, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by tjwilhelm

JUST FOR FUN, you could try this -- a double layer of polyethylene, inflated with a small blower, AND insulated with soap suds!

Here's an old project I did about 30 years ago...

Who is that guy with all the hair?

**hunter63** · 02-22-2015, 12:37 PM

I still have one of these:

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It folds up for storage, and is still folded up behind the garage....been there a while....and most likely need a new cover.
Also have shelves for it.

Worked well.
Use to set it up right in the garden, planted peppers in the ground, they take heat well....used the green house to harden off flats etc.
Then opened up the cover for the peppers until fall...the put the covers down....kept the peppers going till mid November.

http://www.menards.com/main/building...50-c-10122.htm