Greenhouses with a properly installed greenhouse cover are a valuable asset for avid gardeners and commercial growers alike. They provide a controlled environment for nurturing plants, protecting them from harsh weather conditions, and extending the growing season.
One crucial aspect of maintaining a greenhouse is choosing and installing the right cover. As leading experts in U.S. manufactured greenhouse plastic sheeting, the team at Americover can assist you in finding the right sheeting for your growing needs.
Read our guide on installing a greenhouse cover from start to finish, or visit our greenhouse sheeting resource page for more information.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Greenhouse Cover
Growers should note that there are many methods for installing a greenhouse cover, and growers should pick the method that works best for them, their greenhouse, and the resources at their disposal.
Step #1: Ensure You Have the Right Greenhouse Cover
Before you purchase your greenhouse cover, measure your greenhouse frame to ensure that you buy enough material to cover it. To find out how much plastic sheeting your greenhouse needs, see our measuring guide.
Keep in mind that your installation method will determine how thick your greenhouse cover can be. “10 mil is probably the thickest material that should be used with spring wire,” says Americover Senior Account Manager Lisa Richards. “20 mil is too thick.”
Step #2: Prepare the Greenhouse Frame
Your greenhouse should be clean and free of debris. If any sharp edges could compromise your greenhouse, they should be removed, filed down, or covered with greenhouse frame felt tape. Ensure the frame is sturdy and in good condition before proceeding.
Step #3: Pull the Greenhouse Cover Over the Frame
Depending on your resources, lifting the greenhouse cover over the frame can be the most labor-intensive aspect of the installation process. You must lift the cover over the frame and have it sit over the frame, have it remain aligned, and most often contend with the wind or other elements. Here are a few suggestions and methods we recommend:
- Install your greenhouse cover on a day with little or no wind, as wind can make it difficult for you to secure your greenhouse cover
- Installing a greenhouse is easier with multiple people assisting. More people means that more hands can secure the cover down while you make adjustments
- One method of lifting the cover involves having two people grab the corners of the sheeting and to unrolling it together with the use of ladders
- Another method involves folding the end of the cover, securing it with a board or rope, and pulling it over the greenhouse
- Soft-bristled brooms can help you dislodge your sheeting if it gets caught
Step #4: Secure the Cover
There are multiple ways to secure the sheeting to the frame. One such way is to use staples and batten boards, although we do not recommend it because it punctures the sheeting, making it difficult to reuse or replace the greenhouse cover.
One of the most common methods is to use lock channels and spring wire. Begin by securing the sheeting at each peak, to square the plastic. Then pull the sheeting until it is taut, begin at one end of the greenhouse, and attach the cover material to the frame by wiggling the wire into the lock channel.
Step #5: The End Walls
To install end walls in a greenhouse, use our guide to measure and cut the frame pieces to fit the end wall opening. Ensure the covering material is tightly secured to the frame using your preferred installation method. Keep in mind that if you are securing your greenhouse using wiggle wire, you are likely installing it into the same lock channels that your overhead sheeting is installed into.
Step #6: Finishing Touches
Trim any excess cover material to achieve a neat and tidy appearance. Make sure all edges are securely fastened to prevent wind damage.
Trusted by Growers, Builders, and Distributors
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. Call us at 760-388-6294 or contact us to speak to a plastic sheeting representative.