As growers like you across America prepare for the busy growing season ahead, the choice of plastic sheeting to cover your greenhouse is crucial for the success of your crops. You may understand that all plastic sheeting options are not the same, yet it may be tempting to use any available plastic sheeting in an attempt to save funds.
Does it really matter what type of plastic sheeting you use for your greenhouse? The professional team at Americover gets countless inquiries from our clients asking how to choose the best greenhouse plastic sheeting for their agricultural needs. Read our blog below to learn what qualities to look for when choosing the best plastic sheeting for your crops.
Avoid Plastic Sheeting That Off-Gasses and Harms Plants
The first step in selecting the right plastic sheeting for your greenhouse is determining the type of resin used in its production. Plastic sheeting is typically made from either virgin or regrind resin. Virgin resin is made from entirely new plastic material, whereas regrind resin incorporates scrap resin and plastic from other manufacturing processes.
Regrind resin, while more economical, is more prone to off-gassing (the process of stored chemicals being released from your plastic) which can be detrimental to your plants. Moreover, regrind resin tends to degrade more quickly than virgin resin, shortening the lifespan of your plastic sheeting. To ensure the longevity of your greenhouse plants, it’s crucial to choose plastic sheeting made from virgin resin.
The Importance of UV Resistance (cost of labor easily offsets quality)
UV resistance ensures that your plastic sheeting does not degrade due to the deteriorating UV rays that come from the sun. Not all plastic sheeting has UV resistance, but it is a key determinant of how long your greenhouse cover will last when exposed to direct sunlight.
Without adequate UV resistance, your plastic sheeting will deteriorate rapidly, leading to cracks, brittleness, and reduced effectiveness in maintaining the ideal greenhouse environment. UV resistance can additionally protect your crops from harmful rays that can lead to yellowing, abnormal growth, and death. Additionally, the labor to replace your sheeting due to early failure can easily offset the cost of purchasing a higher-quality product with UV resistance.
Read more: What is UV Resistant Greenhouse Plastic Sheeting?
Additional Product Features for Greenhouse Plastic Sheeting
To cater to the unique needs of greenhouse applications, certain plastic sheeting products are specially designed with features that can make a significant difference in your greenhouse’s performance. Features include:
- Bee Compatibility: designed to allow pollinators like bees easy access to your plants.
- Infrared Properties: to help regulate the temperature inside your greenhouse by trapping heat.
- String Reinforcement: incorporates a grid of strings within the material, adding strength and durability.
By carefully selecting plastic sheeting with these features tailored to greenhouse applications, you can ensure that your plants receive the best possible protection and environment to flourish.
Americover: The Best, Quality Plastic Sheeting Product When You Need It
At Americover, we understand the importance of quality greenhouse coverings. We offer greenhouse plastic sheeting options designed to meet the unique needs of professional growers. When it comes to safeguarding your crops and ensuring a thriving greenhouse environment, choosing the right plastic sheeting is an investment in your gardening success.
Learn more about your plastic sheeting options when you visit our Agricultural and Horticultural Solutions Page.
Americover is the smart source for plastic and polyethylene sheeting. Trusted by contractors and distributors across the construction and agriculture industries, our American-made products combine reliability with quality and innovation.
As an Americover customer, you will receive the personalized support of a dedicated account manager to simplify the ordering process and ensure the best solution for every one of your projects. 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. If you would like to speak with a representative, call us at 760-388-6294 or get in touch by filling out our contact form.