5 Tips for Building a Greenhouse That Thrives All Year
If you are a grower looking to capitalize on the legal cannabis market, a greenhouse is a must-have. Whether you’re ready to tackle the project yourself or planning to seek the help of a professional, here are a few key things to consider that will help to ensure a happy home for your harvest.
1. Determine What Type of Greenhouse to Build
There are several different types of greenhouse structures, from rounded arch to angled A-frame; freestanding to attached. While the type of greenhouse you choose to build will depend largely on your personal growing preference, environmental factors such as climate, terrain and light exposure will also come into play. Creating an environment that is conducive to sunlight is crucial, so be sure to note the placement of any insulated or end walls that could inhibit that light from coming through.
2. Does Your Greenhouse Need a Permit?
Regulations vary by location and the type of structure you’re building, so the best way to determine whether you need a building permit for your greenhouse is due diligence. In many cases, freestanding greenhouses aren’t considered permanent structures and therefore do not require a permit, whereas lean-to or other types of attached greenhouses may be subject to such requirements. In any case, it’s always best to check with your homeowners’ association or local building office to avoid potential fines or disruptions.
3. Choose Your Covering Materials Wisely
Once you’ve selected the type of greenhouse you want to build and scouted out the perfect location, it’s time to choose your materials so you can get to work creating the optimal environment for your cannabis. There are several different materials you can use to cover your greenhouse – glass, acrylic, fiberglass or plastic, to name a few. Of these, plastic or polyethylene sheeting is one of the most versatile, inexpensive and durable ways to provide coverage and get the most out of your harvest.
4. Not All Poly is Created Equal
Polyethylene sheeting may be the most efficient option for covering your greenhouse, but it’s important to look for a brand that is engineered to withstand harsh conditions and provide the right amount of light transmission through every season. Americover’s SolaScrim™ 10 Mil Reinforced Four-Year Greenhouse Cover is a high-strength, tear-resistant film with a high level of UV inhibitors for heavy-duty protection through wind, rain, snow and heat. With an 84 percent light transmission rate and 45 percent light diffusion, SolaScrim™ provides even distribution of sunlight throughout your greenhouse, preventing hotspots from developing and burning any of your plants.
5. It’s All About the Light (Dep)
Light deprivation (or “light dep”) is a technique that controls how much sunlight your plants receive, enabling them to thrive year-round. This is achieved using a blackout material to simulate different seasonal conditions. Equipping your greenhouse with a high-strength light deprivation greenhouse tarp will not only maximize your yield, but also increase your harvest. Americover’s BOLD® Black Out Light Deprivation Tarp, the most sought after in the nation, has three layers of polyethylene for complete light deprivation, reduced heat build-up and absolutely no holes, tears or perforations.
We’ve Got You Covered
Americover provides a diverse range of high-quality plastic sheeting solutions for agricultural, aquacultural, hydroponic and aeroponic applications. In addition to our vast inventory of reinforced greenhouse covers, we provide personalized support around our products to ensure your project goes off without a hitch. If for some reason we don’t have exactly what you’re looking for, we can source any type of greenhouse cover you need from our trusted network of US-based manufacturers.
Ready to bring your greenhouse dreams to fruition? Calculate exactly how much material you’ll need by downloading our guide.