How to Install Greenhouse Plastic

Greenhouse plastic that is carefully installed will last for years.

The clear sheeting that covers a greenhouse is the key ingredient in creating the greenhouse effect. The clear skin of a greenhouse allows solar radiation to pass into the structure. Once solar radiation is inside the greenhouse, the clear surface traps it inside. This process helps to heat the greenhouse. One of the most popular materials for the greenhouse skin is polyethylene plastic. You can purchase this plastic from a greenhouse supply company. With correct installation, a polyethylene plastic greenhouse cover will last for years.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Greenhouse film-lock channel
• Hacksaw
• Electric screwdriver
• Aluminum screws
• Polyethylene greenhouse plastic
• Polyethylene greenhouse tape
• Ladder
• Utility knife
• Carpenter's staple gun

Instructions

1. Separate the inner and outer parts of the greenhouse film-locking channel. Place the outer parts of the channel against the greenhouse supports near the bottom of the greenhouse.

2. Slip aluminum screws through the predrilled screw holes in the outer piece of the greenhouse film-locking channel. Insert a Phillips screwdriver head in a power drill. Screw the aluminum screws through the channel and into the supports of the greenhouse. Attach these greenhouse film-locking channels all along the bottoms, doorways and windows of the greenhouse.

3. Trim the ends of any channel that is too long with a hacksaw once the channel is in place.

4. Measure the width and length of your greenhouse from foundation to foundation using a tape measure. Purchase greenhouse film in a roll that is the correct size to completely drape the greenhouse like a large bed sheet. Many greenhouse film manufacturers fold the greenhouse film in a "Y" or "W" accordion shape and then roll it for easy transport and storage.

5. Carry the roll of greenhouse plastic to the roof of the greenhouse. Unroll the plastic down the center ridge of the greenhouse so that the ends completely touch the ground. Next, unfold the "W" or "Y" pleating so that the sides of the plastic drape over the sides of the greenhouse and touch the ground.

6. Slip the greenhouse plastic into the outer locking channels along the foundation of your greenhouse. Slip the inner portion of the locking channel in place. The inner and outer locking channels will lock together and hold the plastic in place.

7. Fold the loose pieces of greenhouse plastic over around the corners to make the plastic smooth and tight over the skin of the greenhouse. Hold the plastic folds in place with polyethylene greenhouse tape.

8. Cut the holes around the doors and windows slightly smaller than the actual doors and windows. Slip the plastic around these locations into the locking channels and lock them in place.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Design Suggestions and Greenhouse Management
• Alabama Cooperative Extension Service: Hobby Greenhouse Operations and Practices
• EnviroCept Greenhouses and Supply: Polyethylene Films Are Manufactured in Widths of Up to 50 Feet

Resources

• NC State University: Greenhouse Equipment and Supplies