When it comes to light deprivation for your grow operations, a common question arises: “Can I use any type of black-white plastic sheeting for light deprivation?” It’s a natural question to ask, given the availability of so many different options for growers.
So, can you use any black-white plastic sheeting for light deprivation?
The short answer is: No.
The black-white plastic sheeting must meet the light deprivation requirements for effective growth. A construction quality film, for example, is not going to meet this specific need because it is not designed for light-deprived growing. Light will get in, and the crop can be lost or severely degraded.
Black vs. White Plastic Sheeting for Light Deprivation
Plastic sheeting is an essential item for greenhouse growers. It comes in four colors: white, black, clear, and black-white. Each color has its advantages. However, for growers who use light deprivation to yield crops all year round, we suggest using black-white plastic sheeting. To learn more about the color options, take a closer look below.
Black Plastic Sheeting:
The color black does a phenomenal job of absorbing heat. This characteristic is beneficial for growers who need help raising interior temperatures. However, because of its heat-trapping properties, it can expose plants to high temperatures that can negatively affect plant growth. Using black plastic sheeting as a light deprivation cover can lead to overheating in the greenhouse.
White Plastic Sheeting:
White plastic sheeting is beneficial as it reflects light away and helps prevent greenhouse overheating. It is an excellent way to protect your plants and stop light from entering the greenhouse. However, there are limited options for cost-effective white plastic sheeting that can sufficiently block light. We offer a 20 mil white reinforced plastic sheeting product for light deprivation applications, but it requires a sturdy greenhouse frame made of steel or wood due to its added weight. This is not a suitable material for daily covering and uncovering, which is required for light deprivation growing methods.
Black-White Plastic Sheeting:
Black-white plastic sheeting is the perfect color for constructing a light-deprivation greenhouse. It has a black side that completely blocks light and a white side that reflects heat. This dual functionality enables us to produce a lighter material that prevents light from penetrating even during the brightest sunlight.
Despite black-white plastic sheeting being the best option to block light, there are other factors to consider before purchasing a light deprivation tarp for your greenhouse, aside from the color.
Related Article: What Are My Light Deprivation Cover Options?
Type of Plastic
Not all plastic sheeting is made alike. They are used in various applications, and growers need to recognize the need for greenhouse plastic sheeting for light deprivation. General-use plastic sheeting used in construction should not be used for greenhouse applications because it is usually less durable than greenhouse plastic sheeting and does not provide the UV stabilization needed for light deprivation applications. Also, avoid any black-white plastic sheeting with perforations that allow light leaks.
Related Article: Greenhouse Plastic Sheeting: Which Type Should You Use?
Recommended Plastic Sheeting for Light Deprivation
Americover has been a supplier of American-made plastic sheeting products for over 30 years. Growers know it’s essential to cover their greenhouse in high-quality material with specifications suitable for their crops’ needs, including features such as light deprivation, anti-condensation, infrared, diffusion, thermal, or bee compatibility.
BOLD® Black Out Light Deprivation Tarp blocks light in light deprivation growing techniques. This unique light dep cover works with manual and automatic greenhouse systems to provide total darkness, reduce heat build-up and protect your crops longer than other black and white covers.
Black White Poly Sheeting is UV-treated and suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Black-white Poly Sheeting also commonly referred to as Panda is available in 5 mil or 6 mil.
Custom Fabricated Woven Coated Poly has woven ribbons of HDPE heat fused with an impermeable LDPE extrusion coating to resist tearing, stretching, and punctures superiorly.
The Bottom Line
Depending on the environment your plants are growing in and the specific needs, you may be in the market for any number of light deprivation products. The bottom line is that one size does not fit all. A great place to start is by finding a reputable supplier like Americover to help guide you through your options.
Our team will happily assess your unique situation and recommend the best products to address your requirements. Americover offers commercial-size greenhouse cover options for all of your greenhouse needs.
Light Deprivation Plastic You Can Rely On
As an Americover customer, you will receive personalized support from a dedicated account manager, who will simplify the ordering process and ensure the best solution for each project.
Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is here to answer your questions and fulfill orders Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. For more information or a free sample, call us at 760-388-6294 or visit our Contact Us page.