How to attach plastic to PVC greenhouse? It’s cheap and easy; it will require you to have staples, screws, and wires. If you’re thinking of building your greenhouse, then you have come to the right place.
It might be because you are living in an area where the soil is not ideal for plants, the weather may be too cold, or you find it difficult to grow plants outside. Whatever your reason is, starting greenhouse gardening is a great idea, for you have control over any variable inside it.
Well, a PVC greenhouse is ideal for starters. So if you’re new to greenhouse gardening, you should have an idea on how to attach plastic to PVC greenhouse. Don’t worry, it is easy to install, and plastics are cheaper compared to glass or acrylic.
To go in-depth, just read on!
Contents
Steps In Attaching Plastic To PVC Greenhouse
Various plants can flourish inside a greenhouse, as long as humidity and heat are maintained. Consider yourself lucky if you already own one. Before you purchase, make sure that you know how to attach plastic to PVC greenhouse.
#1 Consider the materials used
Let’s start with the basics; you’ll be needing a hammer, nails, a hacksaw, PVC pipes, a ladder, staple, wood lath, scissors, and of course, plastic. Their use will be explained later on in this article.
Frames come first before plastics are attached; it will serve as the foundation of your greenhouse and holds the plastic in place.
You want to make sure that frames come out to be smooth and have no sharp edges to it that could tear or damage the plastic film. We suggest you tape the outer surface wherein you will anchor the film, to make sure that it smoothens out.
Lastly, paint the frames with white color to minimize the heat stress of the plastic film, even for plants. Doing proper framing will make the attaching of plastic film easy and stress-free! Now, let’s move on.
#2 Determine what kind of method you will use
Staple and screw method
A popular method for its cheap materials. However, it has its flaws too: as it creates holes in your plastic film. You might have to cover the holes using another plastic if you need to re-stretch it.
Here is the step-by-step guide regarding the method:
- PVC pipes must be free of sharp objects and painted in white
- place the chosen roll of plastic on the frames using a ladder (ask help when needed)
- allow the plastic to roll down on every side of the frame till it hits the ground ( make sure all the frames filled are with plastic)
- pull down the plastic to the ground until its firm
- nail the plastic on the wood lathe, which besides is the frames (you’ll need four nails)
- secure loose ends with a staple and cut excess plastic with a scissor
Lock channel and wiggle wire method
A better method compared with the previous one, as it is less prone to tear the plastic film. However, it might require you to understand how to do it. Nevertheless, the lock channel and wiggle wire method will secure your plastic effectively without leaving any holes.
Here are the following steps for you to follow for the wiggle wire method:
- Make sure that the frames are well-prepared
- place the plastic roll on the top of the plastic
- roll down the plastic from the top till it touches the ground
- anchored the wire on every four edges of the past frame
- using one hand, stretch the plastic and wiggle the wire with the other (in U form) on the plastic film in a parallel motion together with the frames at the back of the plastic
- continue the previous step as you move from one wire to another
This method may require such skills to execute it properly. As technical as it may sound, once you get the hang of it, it will be easier to do than the staple and screw method.
If ever you encounter a problem along the process, the plastic is easily removed by wiggling the wire without any holes. It is still up to you on what method you will follow. What is important is that you are contented o what you are doing, and of course, observe safety precaution.
#3 Know the things to keep in mind
Type of plastic used
Make sure that the plastic film you purchased is not fake. Fake plastic material, even regular ones, may not have UV stabilizers. Well, there are still cheap plastics in high quality available.
However, be careful about choosing among the cheaper ones, make sure that the manufacturer relied on is by many gardeners.
When to attach plastic film
Plan when to attach the plastic material beforehand. Please, do not do it on windy or rainy days. The plastic film will not stay in place, and you might get yourself in an accident.
You want to anchor your plastic film as accurately as possible, so I suggest you do it on sunny or any other days aside from what I mentioned.
Frame
A good foundation determines the overall performance and durability of your greenhouse. Make sure that the frames are sturdy.
Moreover, get rid of sharp edges to avoid damaging the plastic film, use a PVC tape, a white tape, or duct tape to smoothen it out.
Take note that the kind of material for your frame is important, especially knowing its flaws. PVC pipes gassing can damage the plastic when in direct contact.
For prevention, use a white latex color and paint the frames. Apply white tape on the areas of the frame near to the plastic.
Conclusion
Attaching plastic to your greenhouse is a crucial process, as handling it wrong may ruin the plastic’s quality and performance. Do your plants a favor by using quality plastic and materials.
Hopefully, this article about how to attach plastic to PVC greenhouse helped you. Have a good day ahead!