How to Tell if Your Greenhouse Plastic Needs to Be Replaced This Fall

As we transition into fall, it’s a great time for growers to examine their greenhouse's polyethylene covering (also known as greenhouse plastic). The greenhouse's polyethylene covering is crucial for the health of your plants.

Greenhouse plastic coverings deteriorate with exposure to weather and the sun. As they weaken and lose clarity, replacement is essential to prevent bigger problems.

Here are 3 key signs your greenhouse plastic needs to be replaced:

Visible Damage

Of course, a large area of visible damage to your greenhouse plastic will require replacement of your greenhouse covering. But signs that the covering needs to be replaced are not always so obvious.

Frequent holes or expanding rips, especially ones that repair tape can't fix, mean the material's integrity is compromised and it won't protect your plants effectively. At this point, it's time for a replacement.

Physical Deterioration

Physical deterioration of your greenhouse plastic can show up in several ways. Some examples include:

• Cloudiness or haziness: The material loses its crystal-clear appearance and develops a cloudy or hazy look. This indicates UV breakdown of the polymer structure.

  
  

• Color changes: Yellowing or other color shifts show advanced degradation. Once color changes are visible, structural integrity is compromised.

  
  

• Brittleness: Fresh poly has flexibility and resilience. Aged material becomes brittle and may crack when handled normally.

  
  

• Surface texture changes: The smooth surface becomes rough or develops a chalky residue. This texture change reduces the amount of light that reaches your plants.

  
  

Monitor the clarity of your poly. If clear greenhouse plastic begins to appear dull or opaque, consider replacing it. Ensuring that sufficient light enters the greenhouse is essential for healthy plant growth.

Poor Light Transmission

Clear greenhouse poly should provide excellent light transmission. When we notice haziness, cloudiness, or reduced transparency, these conditions indicate material degradation that directly impacts plant growth.

When poly covering begins to degrade, it can reduce light penetration by up to 15-20%, forcing your plants to work harder for the same energy input. This reduction becomes particularly problematic during the fall and winter months when natural light is already limited.

To check light transmission, observe your plants. If they’re leggy, not producing well, or growing slower than normal, it may indicate that it’s time to replace the poly to enhance light exposure.

Final Thoughts

As fall approaches, evaluating the condition of your greenhouse poly is vital for creating a stable environment for your plants. Look for visible damage, physical deterioration, and poor light transmission.

Replacing your greenhouse poly can fundamentally enhance your plants' health and growth, ensuring a successful growing season ahead. Assess your greenhouse plastic this fall and replace it if necessary for thriving, healthy plants.

Need replacement greenhouse plastic, attachments, or repair tape? Contact us for your greenhouse supplies!