Are you considering installing a greenhouse in your small backyard or indoors? Well, let me tell you that choosing a plastic greenhouse is the best option for this purpose.
A plastic greenhouse offers numerous advantages: it’s readily available, easy to install, affordable, and replacing it is a breeze.
Greenhouse farming, especially in urban areas, offers a delightful blend of sustainability and innovation. Within these climate-controlled havens, plants thrive year-round, defying traditional limitations and bringing fresh produce closer to our homes. It’s like having a tiny garden sanctuary right in the heart of the city!
But I understand if you’re not fully convinced by that one-liner. That’s why I encourage you to read this article till the end. It provides a detailed discussion on the pros and cons of plastic greenhouses, helping you determine if it’s the perfect fit for your home garden.
So go ahead and dive into the article.
Here’s your complete guidebook on plastic greenhouses.
What Is A Plastic Greenhouse?
Simply the greenhouse using the covering material as plastic is the plastic greenhouse. It is the most commonly used type of greenhouse for providing its plants with the ideal climatic conditions for growing.
Why You Should Choose “Plastic” To Build Your Small Greenhouse?
Plastic is indeed a popular choice for covering materials in greenhouses due to its various advantages:
Cost:
Plastic greenhouses are generally more affordable compared to other types of greenhouse structures, such as glass or polycarbonate.
The initial investment and maintenance costs of plastic greenhouses tend to be lower, making them a budget-friendly option, especially for small-scale operations or hobbyists.
Durability:
Plastic is known for its durability, making it suitable for use in backyard and in-house greenhouses.
It is non-breakable, providing protection to your greenhouse plants, especially in environments where there may be playful children or potential accidents.
Light Transmission:
Plastic materials used for greenhouse covering are typically transparent, allowing for proper transmission of light.
This is crucial for the growth and development of plants, as they require sufficient sunlight for photosynthesis.
Easy Installation:
Plastic coverings are lightweight and easy to handle, making them convenient for installation or replacement.
You can cover the structure of your greenhouse yourself, without requiring heavy equipment or assistance.
UV Protection:
Nowadays, plastic coverings with multi-layered technology are available in the market.
These advanced plastic materials provide protection against harmful UV rays, ensuring the well-being of your greenhouse plants.
Dust Control:
Covering your greenhouse with plastic helps keep the interior space relatively dust-free.
This is beneficial for maintaining a clean and healthy environment for your plants, as dust particles can potentially affect their growth and overall health.
Flexibility and Versatility:
Plastic greenhouses are often lightweight and flexible, allowing for easier assembly, disassembly, and relocation if needed. They can be suitable for temporary or seasonal use or for growers who want to experiment with different greenhouse locations.
Maintenance:
Plastic greenhouses generally require regular maintenance to ensure their longevity and performance.
This may involve periodic replacement of the plastic covering, inspection for damage or tears, and cleaning to remove dirt or algae buildup that can affect light transmission.
Climate Considerations:
Plastic greenhouses can be susceptible to damage in extreme weather conditions, such as heavy snow or strong winds.
Depending on the local climate, additional reinforcement or precautions may be necessary to protect the structure.
Considering these factors, plastic coverings offer a practical and efficient solution for greenhouse structures, providing durability, light transmission, ease of installation, UV protection, and dust control.
Common Types of “Plastic” Used for Greenhouse
Depending upon the types of plastic used as covering material for the greenhouse, there are three types of plastic greenhouses.
| Types of plastic used as covering material for greenhouse | Advantage | Disadvantage |
| Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) | i) This is the cheapest way to build a greenhouse. ii) People also choose it as it is readily available in different customizable sizes. | i) The lifespan is shorter than Glass. ii) Can not preserve heat/temperature evenly throughout the garden. |
| Polyethylene | ||
| Polyester |
You can check out my other article to know more about the types of greenhouses.
How to Choose Plastic Sheets or Films for Your Small Plastic Greenhouse
If you have already decided to build a small greenhouse using plastic sheets then you must keep the below points in mind before buying the sheet from the market.
Transparency
Transparency of a plastic sheet refers to the amount of light that can pass through it. It is measured in percentages, where a higher number indicates greater transparency.
If your plants require ample direct sunlight, it’s ideal to opt for sheets with high transparency. This allows a greater amount of sunlight to reach your plants, promoting their growth and well-being. High transparency is also advantageous if you live in a region with cloudy weather or if your garden receives limited sunlight throughout the day.
Choosing highly transparent sheets ensures that your plants receive the maximum benefit of available light, even in less favorable lighting conditions. It’s a great way to support their health and vitality.
Desired Transparency: 85-95%
Light Diffusion Capability
Light diffusion capability refers to the ability of a plastic sheet to scatter and distribute light evenly inside the greenhouse, rather than allowing it to pass through in a focused or concentrated manner.
The specific light diffusion capability of a plastic sheet depends on the surface texture, opacity, additive concentration, and the design of light-guiding structures. By diffusing light, plastic sheets help eliminate hotspots and provide more uniform illumination.
Diffused sunlight inside the greenhouse ensures that all the plants get an equal amount of light. It will help all plants to grow equally.
Desired Light diffusion: 50-80%
Anti-Condensate & Anti-Drip
Anti-condensate and anti-drip properties are important features of plastic sheets that help manage moisture and prevent the formation of water droplets on the surface.
Anti-condensate refers to the ability of a plastic sheet to minimize the formation of condensation on its surface. When there are significant temperature differences between the environment and the plastic sheet, moisture in the air can condense and form water droplets on the surface. An anti-condensate plastic sheet is designed to reduce this condensation by evenly spreading the moisture across the surface, preventing the formation of concentrated water droplets.
Anti-drip, on the other hand, refers to the plastic sheet’s ability to prevent water droplets from forming and dripping off its surface. In situations where condensation does occur, an anti-drip plastic sheet is engineered to retain the condensed water as small droplets or a thin film on the surface, instead of allowing them to accumulate and fall as large droplets on the plants inside the greenhouse.
Plastic sheets with anti-condensate and anti-drip properties are highly desirable for plastic greenhouses.
Thickness & Breakpoint
The thickness and break point of a plastic sheet are important factors that determine its strength, durability, and suitability for your plastic greenhouse. Let’s explore these concepts further:
The thickness of a plastic sheet refers to the measurement of its cross-sectional thickness, usually expressed in millimeters (mm). The thickness of a plastic sheet is a critical factor that affects its overall strength, rigidity, and bending forces. Thicker sheets generally exhibit greater structural integrity and can withstand heavier loads or stresses.
The breakpoint (a.k.a. fracture point or breaking strength) refers to the level of stress at which a plastic sheet fails and breaks. Different plastics have varying levels of strength and brittleness, leading to different breakpoints.
When selecting a plastic sheet for a greenhouse, it is crucial to anticipate forces or stresses that the sheet will encounter. So that you can choose a plastic sheet with a higher breakpoint to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Desired Thickness: 4-6 mm(for high transparency sheets), 9-12mm(for Anti-Condensate & Anti-Drip sheets)
Desired Breakpoint: 40-65 lb. per square inch
UV Resistance
UV stabilization of a plastic sheet is a crucial process that aims to enhance its durability and prolong its lifespan when exposed to sunlight. Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can be detrimental to plastic materials over time.
When a plastic sheet is not UV stabilized, prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause it to degrade and deteriorate. This degradation often manifests as discoloration, brittleness, cracking, or loss of physical properties. These effects not only compromise the appearance but also weaken the structural integrity of the sheet, reducing its overall lifespan.
By incorporating UV-stabilizing chemical compounds, the plastic sheet becomes more resistant to UV degradation. It can better withstand the damaging effects of sunlight, including color fading and structural weakening. This, in turn, helps to maintain the sheet’s original appearance, strength and functionality for a longer period.
Desired Longevity: 4-5 years
If you check these properties before buying plastic for your greenhouse then your greenhouse will produce a desirable result and will be functional for a very longer time.
Attributes of an Ideal Plastic Greenhouse
Good ventilation is indeed a crucial characteristic of a well-designed greenhouse. Plastic greenhouses can offer several advantages in terms of ventilation:
Windows and Door with Zipper Locks:
Plastic greenhouses often come with windows and doors that can be opened and closed using zipper locks.
This allows for easy control of airflow within the greenhouse. Opening the windows and door can provide adequate ventilation, allowing fresh air to enter and circulate throughout the greenhouse.
Smooth Airflow:
While plastic itself may not allow airflow, the ability to open the door and windows of a plastic greenhouse facilitates the smooth movement of air.
This helps maintain a healthy and conducive environment for plant growth, preventing the buildup of stagnant air and potential issues such as mold or pests.
CO2 Enrichment:
Plastic greenhouses can aid in CO2 enrichment, which can have a fertilization effect on plants.
With increased temperature and CO2 concentration, plants often produce secondary metabolites in larger quantities. CO2 enrichment can also help reduce water usage and minimize water loss through evaporation.
Clear Viewing Medium:
Plastic used as a covering material in greenhouses provides a clear and transparent view of the interior.
This allows you to easily observe and monitor the plants without compromising the structural integrity of the greenhouse. Additionally, good-quality plastic is usually easy to clean and maintain.
By incorporating proper ventilation techniques, plastic greenhouses can create a favorable environment for plant growth, ensuring adequate airflow, CO2 enrichment, and clear visibility.
Advantages or Pros Of Plastic Greenhouses
Plastic greenhouses do offer cost-effective benefits:
Lower Cost:
Plastic greenhouses are generally more affordable than glass greenhouses.
The materials used for plastic covering are less expensive, making it a cost-effective option for those on a budget.
This allows more people to access and enjoy the benefits of greenhouse gardening without significant financial investment.
Easy Availability:
Plastic greenhouse materials are widely available in the market.
They come in various sizes, thicknesses, and qualities, making it easy to find the right type of plastic covering for your greenhouse.
Additionally, if you need to replace the covering material, it is readily accessible and can be easily obtained.
Reduced Heating Costs:
Plastic has good heat retention properties.
It can trap heat inside the greenhouse, creating a warmer environment for the plants.
In colder regions or during winter months, a plastic greenhouse can help reduce the need for additional heating equipment, thereby lowering heating costs.
The plastic covering acts as insulation, minimizing heat loss and maximizing energy efficiency.
Overall, the cost-effectiveness of a plastic greenhouse makes it an attractive option for those looking to establish a greenhouse on a limited budget. Its affordability, easy availability, and potential energy savings contribute to its appeal as a practical and economical choice for greenhouse gardening.
Disadvantages or Cons Of Plastic Greenhouse
Short life-span and poor thermal efficiency are indeed two drawbacks of plastic greenhouses:
Short Life-span:
Plastic greenhouses generally have a shorter life-span compared to other types of greenhouses, such as those made of glass or polycarbonate.
The plastic material used for covering the greenhouse is more susceptible to wear and tear over time.
It can become brittle, degrade, and lose its transparency, leading to reduced effectiveness and durability.
Factors like exposure to sunlight, weather conditions, and physical stress can contribute to the deterioration of the plastic covering, resulting in the need for frequent replacements.
Poor Thermal Efficiency:
Plastic greenhouses may have issues with heat distribution and insulation.
While plastic can quickly absorb and retain heat, it may not distribute it evenly throughout the greenhouse.
This can result in temperature variations within the greenhouse, with some areas being too hot and others too cold.
Uneven heating can negatively impact plant growth and make certain parts of the greenhouse more susceptible to disease or stress.
Additionally, the insulation properties of plastic may not be as effective as other materials, leading to heat loss during colder periods or increased energy consumption to maintain optimal temperatures.
It’s important to consider these drawbacks when choosing a greenhouse material. While plastic greenhouses offer cost-effectiveness and other advantages, their shorter lifespan and potential thermal inefficiency should be taken into account when planning for long-term use or when specific temperature control is required.
Precautions & Best Practices For Plastic Greenhouses
Applying white acrylic latex paint, using double-layer plastic film, and avoiding chlorine-based disinfectants are additional recommendations for plastic greenhouses:
White Acrylic Latex Paint:
Painting the PVC surfaces that may come in contact with the greenhouse polythene with white acrylic latex paint can provide additional protection to the greenhouse.
The paint acts as a barrier between the plastic and external elements, helping to prolong its lifespan.
The white color of the paint also helps in reflecting heat during the daytime, preventing excessive heating of the greenhouse.
Double-Layer Plastic Film:
Consider using a double-layer plastic film for covering the greenhouse.
This involves installing two layers of polyethylene film with a small air gap between them.
The dead air space created between the layers acts as insulation, reducing heat loss and increasing thermal efficiency.
It also helps to minimize moisture accumulation within the greenhouse, reducing the risk of condensation-related issues.
Avoid Chlorine-Based Disinfectants:
It is important to avoid using chlorine-based disinfectants or cleaning agents on plastic surfaces in the greenhouse.
Chlorine can cause damage to the plastic and leave marks or stains that can impair visibility.
Instead, opt for mild and non-reactive cleaning solutions that are specifically formulated for use on plastic materials.
Regular cleaning and maintenance using appropriate products can help keep the plastic surfaces clear and transparent.
By following these recommendations, you can enhance the durability, insulation, and clarity of your plastic greenhouse, maximizing its effectiveness and lifespan.
Conclusion and Take Away!
I hope you enjoyed the discussion on plastic greenhouses. If you have any questions let me know in the comment section below.
So what are you waiting for? Bookmark this page for future use and share it with your gardening buddies now!
If you’re curious about other cool farming methods or the best veggies and herbs for your home garden, check out my other articles in the “Related” posts section below and the “Recent Posts” section.
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Misty S is the founder and lead writer at GrowOrganicGreens.com, a comprehensive gardening resource dedicated to helping people cultivate beautiful and sustainable gardens. She has a Master’s degree in Economics and specialized studies in agricultural economics, horticulture, and soil science. Drawing from her extensive knowledge and experience, Misty shares practical gardening tips on soil preparation, organic manure composting, fertilizers, plant care, and indoor gardening, making her advice accessible and helpful to gardeners of all levels.
Despite having an high-demanding 9-5 job, Misty dedicates her personal time to researching and exploring various gardening topics. Her keen interest in gardening has grown into a passion, driving her to help new gardeners and anyone interested in starting their gardening journey.
Follow Misty’s work and the latest gardening insights and updates on Pinterest. You can reach out to Misty at mistysblogging@gmail.com.