How to use covering material in a greenhouse. What covering material is best for greenhouses and greenhouses? Reviews: greenhouse with covering material

In the country house and in the garden, it is not possible to do without a greenhouse and a greenhouse in all regions: in the north, summer is too cool and short, so you have to lengthen it. Yes, and in more southern regions, then grow seedlings, then get early / late vegetables-berries. That is why these facilities are popular: the costs are not very high, but there are many benefits. Moreover, do-it-yourself greenhouses and greenhouses can be built of any design, from any material, for any task.

Immediately make a reservation, what is the difference between a greenhouse and a greenhouse. The greenhouse is serviced from the outside. It is small and cannot be entered. A greenhouse is already a more solid structure in which you can stand to your full height and work. The plants in it are served from the inside. Here, in fact, is the whole difference.

Despite the obvious difference in the dimensions of the structure, the same ones are used. There are several basic ones, as well as many combinations and modifications.

The main design differences are in the shape of the roof. There are three of them:

• arched;
• lean-to;
• gable.

What is the frame for greenhouses and greenhouses made of?

The choice of materials is wide, and they are often combined. So, the frame of a greenhouse or greenhouse is made from:

Probably everyone knows about the advantages and disadvantages of metal and wood. But what are good and bad plastics, probably a few. Plastics are good because they bend well, their outer surface is initially smooth and does not require processing, it does not tear the covering material. Plastic pipes are round, there are square ones, their wall is quite thick and strong, it holds self-tapping screws. Their main advantage: they are chemically neutral, do not bloom, do not rust, do not rot. Another property is their lightness. Regarding the construction of greenhouses, this is both an advantage and a disadvantage. On the one hand, the design is light, it is easy to assemble and disassemble. But in strong winds, lightness is already a disadvantage. It is neutralized with a good base, to which the frame is securely attached.

What to cover

The main covering material for greenhouses and greenhouses is a film. It is used on both small and large structures. Glass used to be used for year-round use, but its high price and fragility led to the fact that it is used very rarely - it turns out to be an expensive shelter. A large weight of glazing requires a solid frame.

There are two new items. A more familiar polycarbonate, which is used for both canopies, and a relatively new one is spunbond non-woven covering material.

Now about all the details.

Film for greenhouses and greenhouses

It is produced from different polymers, has different thicknesses. The most common are polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride. There are also reinforced ones.

Polyethylene films are the most inexpensive, but they are also the most short-lived. Even with the most careful attitude, they do not serve for more than a year: they become brittle under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, and they are finished off by cold. However, more often buy them: cheap.

Available in sleeve form. Cutting it on one side, we get a double width. It is not worth using an uncut film: the service life will remain the same, and the consumption will be exactly twice as much. There is only one feature: the film breaks quickly along the fold. It is difficult and almost useless to seal it later: adhesive tape sticks very poorly to a dusty surface. Therefore, this fold is glued with adhesive tape before use. It turns out reliably.

Thickness and types

The optimal thickness of the polyethylene film for country greenhouses and greenhouses is 150 microns. To take a thicker one - anyway, its service life is one season, and the characteristics and 150 are enough.

More durable reinforced film. Manufacturers give a 3-year warranty on it. It is easy to distinguish by its appearance: it is in a cage. Fibers of other polymers or the same polyethylene, but processed in a different way, are woven into the polyethylene web. Thanks to stronger fibers, such a film greenhouse can withstand wind and snow loads well (to a certain extent). Reinforced film is available in different densities, for greenhouses and greenhouses in summer cottages and household plots, 120 g / m 2 to 200 g / m 2 is more suitable.

There are also polyvinyl chloride films. They can be used up to 7 years. But they are expensive. The material is also good because it transmits sunlight well (80-90%) and almost does not transmit infrared (5-10%), that is, it does not allow the greenhouse to cool overnight. If you need a warm greenhouse that maintains the temperature well at night, this is your choice.

There are also films that are called perennial. Most often it is polyethylene with various additives. Some other polymers are less common. Typically, multi-year films have some special properties:

• less destroyed by ultraviolet radiation - light stabilizing;
• less transmits thermal radiation - heat stabilizing;
• does not allow condensation drops to form on the film - hydrophilic;
• reflects thermal radiation, glows in the dark, absorbs ultraviolet - these properties depend on the type of additives, but are called light-transforming.

These properties can be combined in one film. So you can find a long-term hydrophilic heat-stabilizing film, etc. One more moment. Such films usually have some kind of tint: yellow, greenish, blue ...

When choosing a multi-year film, be sure to specify its service life. It can be from two seasons to 3 years. Note. If 2 seasons are written, this means that it needs to be removed for the winter. If 2 years, then this is a film for year-round use. Sellers often manipulate these concepts, saying that two seasons are two years.

Polycarbonate

This cellular material has many advantages: it is light, transmits light well, retains heat, bends, and is easy to install. The disadvantage is the relatively high cost. However, if the greenhouse is operated for more than one year, such investments will pay off: even without additional heating, the growing season is significantly increased.

But polycarbonate is different in structure and thickness. The most commonly used types in the construction of greenhouses are in the table.

For normal conditions (average snow load and wind), single-chamber sheets are used to cover greenhouses. For regions with a lot of snow, it makes sense to take reinforced ones.

The thickness of the sheets is optimal - 6 mm or 8 mm. You should not take less: sheets are too fragile and their characteristics are not very good (see table). Polycarbonate 4 mm thick can be placed on small ones. He can't handle heavy loads.

Polycarbonate still needs to be fixed correctly: the cells must be oriented from top to bottom, open edges must be sealed with special tape or adhesive tape, fastened with special thermal washers or bolts with a large metal washer, under which it is necessary to put a rubber or plastic lining.

Spunbond

This is no longer the same material. There are many brands: Agril, Lutrasil, Spanteks, Agrospan, AgroSUF, etc. It's just that Spunbond appeared first and now all similar materials are called that way, as well as "non-woven covering material" or "agrofibre". This is a non-woven polypropylene fiber that has unique characteristics: it allows air, light and moisture to pass through, while saving plants from overheating or freezing. Review of the practice on the use of this material in the video.

Agrofibre is characterized by density. The lowest is 17 kg / m 3, the largest is 60 kg / m 3. For seasonal greenhouses and greenhouses from spring to autumn, the optimal density is 30-40 kg / m 3, for winter, 60 kg / m 3 are already needed.

How to quickly build a greenhouse with arcs (with photo explanations)

As a rule, the first greenhouse in the country or in the garden is made from inexpensive materials: you need to try what it is and evaluate how profitable the idea is. Hence the requirements: a simple, pre-fabricated design from inexpensive, affordable materials. These requirements are fully met by frame greenhouses with arcs made of PVC pipes (HDPE can also be used).

materials

Here is a greenhouse, as in the photo above, can be done in a few hours. You will need the following material:

• Board for the base, size not less than 75 * 40 mm, the length depends on the dimensions of your greenhouse. A frame is knocked down from a bar, which lies along the perimeter of the greenhouse. If the greenhouse is 6 * 3 meters, then the timber needs 18 meters, if 8 * 3 m, then 24 meters, etc.
• Board with a section of 50 * 20 mm for the organization of the front door.
• PVC pipes with a wall thickness of at least 2 mm. The length depends on the dimensions of the greenhouse. If you are going to build a greenhouse, then at the top point its height should be at least 2.2 meters. Then you can easily work inside.
• Reinforcement with a diameter of 14-16 mm. It should be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of PVC pipes.
• Covering material - film or agrofibre. Others for this design will not work.
• Perforated metal tape.
• Wood screws.

Treat wood with rot and insect repellant before use. If there are pieces of bark somewhere, you need to get rid of them. That is where most of the larvae are. If there are any factory impregnations, you can use them. You have used engine oil - it will do. If it is not there, you can burn the wood with a blowtorch. This method is unreliable, but even such processing is better than none.

Tools for the job

To make a greenhouse for a summer residence with your own hands, you will need a tool:

• hammer, nails;
• saw on wood;
• grinder with a disk for metal;
• sledgehammer or heavy hammer (to hammer rebar);
• screwdriver

We build a greenhouse from polypropylene pipes (photo report)

First of all, the site is marked out, then the site is leveled. She is leveled. Next, the actual construction of the seasonal greenhouse begins.

Preparatory work

A rectangle is knocked down from a wide board, which outlines the border of the greenhouse. If you know how, the beam can be connected into a paw, if not, just knock it down with a hammer and long nails (at least 10 cm). Reinforce the uly with metal plates or corners. We check the base. To find out how evenly it turned out for you, measure the diagonals. If they are equal, great. No - straighten it out. After that, we fix the base - in the inner corners we drive in the reinforcement rods. They will hold the base in place.

The reinforcement is cut into pieces about 80 cm long. They are installed every 50 cm on both long sides of the greenhouse. 40 cm are hammered into the ground and the same remains to hang around. The rods of opposite sides must stand strictly one opposite the other, otherwise the greenhouse will be skewed.

We put on arcs

We put a cut piece of a polypropylene pipe on the reinforcement on one side, bend it and put it on the same bar from the opposite side. Got the first arc. We do the same with everyone else. We get arcs installed every 50 cm. This is a greenhouse frame made of polypropylene pipes.

Now the pipes need to be fixed. Otherwise, they will come off just as easily as we put them on.

We take a perforated metal tape, a screwdriver, wood screws. We cut off a piece of tape, attach it to the frame near the pipe on one side, then on the other. You can screw one more - two self-tapping screws closer to the pipe so that the arc is held securely. To make the fastening stronger, it is better to take corrugated reinforcement rather than smooth, you can also fix the PP pipe twice: almost at the ground and closer to the upper edge of the frame.

Now you need to connect all the arcs with longitudinal pipes. They will give rigidity to the structure. If the greenhouse is small, only one longitudinal rib is enough. But it is more convenient when they are also on the sidewalls.

A long piece of PVC pipe or a beam of small section is tied at the top in the middle of the arch. It is attached with a plastic clamp to each arch. It will give the structure additional rigidity.

Plastic clamps - universal fasteners

Making doors

A doorway is already made from the board in the middle of the first arch. Its height and width depends on how high your greenhouse turned out. But the width of the door should not be less than 80 cm: it will be uncomfortable to walk.

Now the matter is small: choose what, cover the greenhouse. PVC pipes will be able to carry film (any) or non-woven material (or both). After the material is fixed, we can consider the manufacture of the greenhouse with our own hands finished: you can plant seedlings. There is enough height to grow even high varieties of tomatoes or cucumbers and you can easily make supports for tying.

Greenhouse using the same technology

It is interesting that it is easy to build a greenhouse using the same technology. Only its dimensions will be smaller (the fittings may be thinner, its pieces are smaller), and the whole technology is similar.

Almost also built a greenhouse "Snowdrop". The only difference is that the covering material is stitched in it, drawstrings are made in it, into which PVC pipes are threaded. After they are installed in the necessary places of the agrofibre, they are stuck into the ground. Why is such a greenhouse convenient? The fact that the shelter can be moved along the arch, opening or closing plants as needed.

Improvements

Most of all questions arise at the organization of an input: the most problematic part turns out. Here are two options for solving it:

How to attach film to pipes

What are the advantages of PVC pipe arcs? They are smooth, the film and spunbond do not tear on them. But how to attach the film to them? You can’t drive a nail into them, you can screw in a self-tapping screw, but only into one lying on the ground. It “plays” in the frame and the screw does not screw into it. For fastening the film there are special plastic clamps-latches. They are put on top of the film, cover part of the pipe.

From a hose, a plastic pipe, other improvised materials

Such clamps can be made from improvised materials. For small greenhouses from arcs, a piece of old hose, cut lengthwise, is suitable. For greenhouses, its rigidity may not be enough: the windage is greater. Then the clamp can be made from a piece of the same plastic pipe. It is also cut lengthwise, but you will have to cut off some of the width: PVC, and HDPE are still quite rigid, and you can’t just unfold them. Which part of the pipe to cut out, determine empirically, then process the edges with emery: so that they do not tear the film.

Pipe clamps, which are used when installing pipelines in houses, do a good job of holding the film. You have to break off his leg, but otherwise he is very good.

People also use stationery binders of the right size. This device holds well, but due to the fact that it is metal, there is a possibility that the film will tear in strong winds. To prevent this from happening, you can put a piece of cloth.

And another way that you can attach the film to the arc of the greenhouse: take double-sided tape and stick it on one side of the pipe. Then, gradually removing the protective film, stick the film to it. This is an option for cheap plastic film: it will be impossible to remove it. Another point: you need to stick the film not to the very bottom: after all, you may need to ventilate the greenhouse.

For convenient ventilation, the film is cut longer than required by 20-30 centimeters on each side (if the length of the arc, for example, is 2 meters, then the film will need at least 2.5). They take a bar, wrap it with a film and nail it. Now, if the film needs to be lifted, it is wound onto a bar, and it is fixed (or simply thrown onto the roof, tying a rope so that it can be pulled back). Only the bar should be well processed, without sharp edges. So it won't break the film.

Arcs for greenhouses from profiles

A greenhouse under a film can be not only made of a polymer pipe. You can also use galvanized profiles for outdoor use. They are light, due to the ribs have a sufficient degree of rigidity. A greenhouse with a galvanized profile can be covered with any material, except, perhaps, glass: it is too heavy.

To make an arc from the profile, its side parts are cut with a grinder every 20-30 cm, leaving the middle part intact. On the ground, an arc is outlined that needs to be formed (a semicircle can be drawn with a piece of rope and a pencil tied on one side if you are working on a concrete site or a sharp peg that scratches the turf or ground. The incised profile is placed on this pattern, folded in places of cuts. Then they take a screwdriver and self-tapping screws (fleas), fasten them in places where the side parts intersect, first from one side, then from the other side.

How it looks live, see the video.

Polycarbonate can already be attached to such arcs. But the structure is still not rigid enough to be walked on.

Video on how to make arcs for a greenhouse with wood polycarbonate

This method is available to experienced carpenters. But the result is excellent: not only reliable, but also beautiful. The fastening system was invented very interestingly: the polycarbonate is not fixed tightly, but moves along the guides, opening and closing the side faces. The design is more complex, but also more reliable.

Economical greenhouse with heating

How to make a year-round greenhouse, and spend a little on heating it? One of the gardeners came up with the idea to bury the greenhouse in the ground. One of the very rational options, see the following video.

Do-it-yourself greenhouses are made from different materials and different designs, but the priority is the arched structure. It is easier to build, and does not interfere with work, it allows you to ventilate if necessary.

Modern technologies allow growing vegetables, flowers and berries all year round. Owners of summer cottages seek to extend or accelerate the fruiting period. To do this, equip structures of closed ground.

The microclimate of a greenhouse or greenhouse and plant health depend on the covering material. Value for money plays a major role in the choice. Proper installation and use affects the life and payback of the structure.

Show all

How to create optimal conditions?

Most fruit and ornamental crops are united by development according to general rules. Their observance is the key to success in cultivation. If the gardener can influence the mechanical and chemical composition of the soil in the course of cultivation, then it is unlikely that it will be possible to quickly change the design.

Rules:

1. 1. Temperature. This aspect is important for cultivation in any period. In winter, a well-made structure retains heat, and in hot weather it serves as protection against overheating. Temperatures above +32 negatively affect the formation of pollen and ovaries.
2. 2. Air exchange. Necessary for respiration (transpiration) and plant photosynthesis. Even in the open ground, there is a natural movement of air currents. After the rain, the wind rises and dries the surfaces, preventing the spread of fungi. An imbalance in the content of gases and stagnation of air in the greenhouse lead to problems in the development of seedlings and diseases.
3. 3. Light. Ensures the stability of photosynthesis. Lack of light causes the plant to stretch. The skeleton becomes fragile, the absorption of minerals from the soil is blocked.



What's better?

The choice of covering material for a greenhouse or greenhouse is not easy. Each composite material has its pros and cons. If there was an ideal material according to all criteria, there would not be so many disputes among farmers about them.

The owner of the site is considering purchasing what is necessary for the construction in advance. This will help to avoid surprises when mounting the structure. Issues to be resolved:

• what area of ​​the greenhouse is supposed to be covered;
• how much money will be allocated from the family budget;
• what they plan to grow (required indicators of temperature and lighting);
• type of construction - with or without a foundation;
• heating and ventilation system;
• the rigidity of the frame and the substance from which it is made;
• how much time is planned to allocate to the maintenance of the structure.

A convenient option is a modular greenhouse. The principle of using modules makes it possible to mount them additionally, without interrupting the growing season, and increase the usable area.



glass structures

They require thorough preparation. Since glass is heavy, construction begins with laying the foundation. Metal corners are used as a frame.

Positive properties:

• high transparency;
• ease of care;
• convenience of designing additional elements - vents, transoms;
• absolute resistance to atmospheric phenomena and the sun (durability);
• no toxicity (environmental friendliness).

Wall-mounted greenhouse with glass cover

Glass is easy to clean. You can not be afraid to use chemical reagents when restoring order in the offseason. The use of a glass base with the addition of phosphors can increase the yield.

Minuses:

• big weight;
• high price;
• increased thermal conductivity (rapid heating and cooling);
• installation duration.

When choosing glass, pay attention to its structure. Small air bubbles, microcracks are unacceptable.

A glass greenhouse is a serious investment. Leading specialists from the Netherlands and Belgium use glass as a coating for capital all-season structures. Many are afraid of the fragility of the material. But extreme weather events (large hail, windbreak hurricane) can destroy any translucent structure. Most natural and synthetic composites require careful handling.



Polyethylene film

Like glass, it comes in different thicknesses. Dense material is used in the construction of overall greenhouses. Manufacturers increase resistance to atmospheric influences due to stabilizing additives. If polyethylene usually cracks by the end of the first season, the stabilized polyethylene film can withstand 2-4 years of use.

Pros:

• ease of installation;
• low cost.

Airing film greenhouse

The sides of the greenhouse are easy to raise for summer airing. Accidental cuts or rips are repaired with duct tape or by layering on a heated patch.

Negative points:

• fragility (destruction by UV rays);
• evaporation of chemical compounds.

During installation work, make sure that the polyethylene is well stretched. Covering is recommended in warm weather (+5...+15). In the heat, the film stretches and can tear when frost sets in. Material stretched in frost will sag after warming. Parts in contact with sharp and metal joints are protected from mechanical damage: rough metal is isolated with a cloth, and wood is polished.

To make a glass or film greenhouse capable of keeping the temperature in winter, it is designed in the form of a thermos. Between the outer and inner material there is an air gap of 5-20 cm. Air is more inert than film or glass. Due to this property, the structure cools down much more slowly.

Agrofibre

Non-woven covering material has different names depending on the brand of the manufacturer. The most common are lutrasil and spunbond. The polymer material has several types depending on the density:

• 17gsm m protects from cooling down to -1...-2;
• 30gsm m: -2...-3;
• 42gsm m: -3...-5;
• 60gsm m: -4...-6.

lettuce under nonwoven fabric

Advantages of agrofibre:

• light weight;
• low cost;
• ability to pass air and moisture.

The main disadvantage: the matte surface retains most of the sun's rays. The transparency of a material is inversely proportional to its density. Seedlings are covered with a thin cloth during spring frosts. During the day, it serves as protection against sunburn. Dense is used to shelter dormant plants for the winter. For greenhouses, spunbond is used in case of emergency additional insulation with a lack of heating.

Cellular polycarbonate

Plastic 2-layer or multi-layer material is widely used for the construction of winter greenhouses. Gained great popularity due to its positive qualities:

• wear resistance;
• service life from 5 to 30 years;
• plasticity (the ability to take any shape);
• light weight (16 times less than glass);
• good thermal insulation due to air gaps.

The translucency of cellular polycarbonate is equal to glass. They equally do not pass part of the rays of the ultraviolet spectrum (up to 10%).

Like any material, it has disadvantages:

• high cost;
• fragility when using a weak frame structure;
• property to fade with time;
• instability to abrasive particles and chemical detergents.

Greenhouse made of cellular polycarbonate

Installation of a polycarbonate greenhouse is carried out carefully, following the following parameters:

1. 1. Seam sealing. Poor embedding causes moisture to enter the cells of the honeycomb, which encourages green algae to grow between the layers and reduces transparency.
2. 2. Protection. To slow down the destruction of polycarbonate, a protective layer is applied to one of the sides of the sheet. When installing, it must be outside, otherwise the material will quickly collapse.

The structure is also covered in a combined way. The sides are made from one material, the roof from another.

The dense framework has high strength, but transmits less light into the greenhouse. To improve illumination, the sides are made inclined, and the gable roof is converted into a polygonal one.

Reinforced film has good strength. Average service life - 3 years.

What else may be needed for greenhouses and greenhouses?

Agrofabric - polypropylene material of different density of black, brown, green tint. Designed for soil mulching.

Agrofabric

Double-sided agrofibre is also used as a mulch. The white surface is turned outward so that it does not allow the soil to overheat. The inner black side prevents the growth of weeds.




The film, dyed in contrasting colors like non-woven material, is used to make bags in soil and hydroponic cultivation.

Covering material for greenhouses and greenhouses is a modern way to protect plants from pests, active sun and adverse weather conditions. It not only has protective properties, but also helps to create an optimal climate for a good harvest. There are several types of covering materials on the market, each of which has its own advantages and characteristics.

Covering material for greenhouses and greenhouses: characteristics, types and features of application

Farmers and amateur gardeners know that indoor planting allows you to grow crops that are not always adapted to the local climate. Greenhouses and greenhouses of various designs are common in fields and suburban areas. However, their effectiveness can become much higher if you use modern covering material - agrofibre.

This non-woven synthetic material has the following features:

• perfectly passes moisture, but has almost zero hygroscopicity;
• environmentally friendly material, harmless to plants and humans;
• protects plants from UV radiation;
• protects against excessive precipitation and extreme weather conditions such as hail or hurricane winds;
• serves as protection against pests and birds;
• retains heat inside the structure during small frosts on the ground and levels day and night temperature drops;
• passes air without obstacles;
• does not contribute to the formation of condensate;
• easy to use and store;
• has strength and resistance to abrasion;
• does not rot or mold during operation;
• service life - several years.

Note! Non-woven covering material is environmentally friendly. It consists of polypropylene fibers, which are glued together under the influence of high temperatures.

The combination of these properties allows you to increase crop yields by 20% thanks to the right covering material. Its price is comparable to the cost of plastic film, which for many gardeners will be a pleasant surprise. At the same time, if we take into account the excellent performance and long service life of the nonwoven fabric, then it is more profitable to purchase it. For example, tomatoes under a covering material can grow to their full maturity in the open field, while the film cannot guarantee a successful result.

Types of coating for greenhouses made of agrofibre

In specialized stores and the Internet you can find a wide range of covering material for greenhouses and greenhouses. Its price varies within different limits and depends mainly on the manufacturer, application features, density and packaging method (rolls or cut sheets).

For all types of covering materials of any manufacturer, a classification by color is characteristic:

• white covering material has a different density and is used to cover plants, form greenhouses and greenhouses;
• black is a covering material against weeds, it is always very dense and fits only on the ground for mulching.

Important! Black and white covering materials are not interchangeable. Use each of them for its intended purpose: white - top, black - bottom.

The density of the covering sheet is the next defining sorting parameter. To make it easier for the consumer to navigate the modifications, manufacturers indicate the level of density in the product name. For example, Agrotex 30 has a density of 30 g/m², while Agrotex 60 has a density of 60 g/m², respectively. The larger the number after the name, the higher the density of the material.

The density value directly affects the use of agrofibre and its cost. With the same dimensions of the canvas, the price of covering material for a greenhouse or greenhouse will always be higher for products with a higher level of density than the cost of a similar thin material, for example, for frameless crop shelter.

The most popular representatives of non-woven agrofibre in the domestic market are:

1. "Agrospan": manufacturer in Russia, available in 7 density options and in two colors (black, white), UV stabilizer.
2. "Agrotex": manufacturer Russia, produced in 5 density options, there are additional 5 colors, in addition to the traditional white and black versions, UV stabilizer.
3. "Lutrasil": German manufacturer, available in 5 density options, has two colors (black, white), the company's name can be used as a common name for all types of agricultural fabrics. The widest canvas of all types of material - up to 16.9 m.
4. "Agril": French manufacturer, has four density options, UV stabilizer, 2 colors - black and white.

Let us consider in more detail what each of these materials is, and get acquainted with their practical application for growing garden crops.

Protective properties and marking of covering material "Agrospan"

"Agrospan" is the most durable in use among all covering sheets: its service life is up to 5 years. However, this is not its only merit. "Agrospan" allows:

• protect grown plants from diseases, pests, UV radiation, hail, acid rain and pesticides;
• prevent the death of plantings from frost (it is guaranteed to protect plants at temperatures up to -4 ° C, but it is able to maintain properties even up to -7 ° C);
• stabilize the level of moisture in the soil, thereby reducing the abundance of watering;
• optimize the mode of air exchange in a closed area;
• reduce the range of temperature differences day and night;
• reduce labor costs for growing crops by 5 times;
• increase yield by 20%.

Agrospan: the most durable material that increases yield by 20%

The form of release of the material is pieces of cloth 10 m long of various widths and densities. Color - black or white (depending on the purpose).

Note! "Agrospan" creates an optimal microclimate, so the greenhouse or greenhouse does not need mandatory ventilation.

Marking "Agrospan" and its purpose:

Name	Colour	Purpose	season of use
Agrospan 17	white	shelter of crops and seedlings in a frameless way, protection from diseases and pests, protection from UV radiation	spring - autumn
Agrospan 30		frameless shelter or tensioned on a light tunnel type frame, protection against diseases and pests, light frost protection, winter shelters for perennials	all year round
Agrospan 42		frame shelter, protection against gusts of wind and hail, frost protection down to -2°С, winter shelters for perennials	all year round
Agrospan 60 Agrospan 90 Agrospan 110		covering material for greenhouses and greenhouses of various designs, protection against gusts of wind and hail, frost protection down to -4°C, winter shelters for perennial plants	all year round
Agrospan 60 Agrospan 80	black	mulching, ground film against weeds	spring - autumn

The range of colors and possibilities of covering material "Agrotex"

The main characteristics of Agrotex fiber are plant protection, which is inherent in all types of non-woven covering materials, plus excellent performance in maintaining the microclimate at sub-zero temperatures.

The advantages of the material include:

• lightness of the canvas;
• high thermal protection properties;
• resistance to crushing, rotting, wear;
• resistance to adverse weather conditions;
• good light transmission - up to 90%;
• promotes the penetration of water and air, and repels dust;
• does not form condensate inside;
• has a high breaking load, allowing the use of the material without loss of properties for several seasons;
• the presence in the assortment of a wide canvas with reinforced edges.

Release form:

• packages with classic material for a summer cottage 1.6 m wide in white and black;
• rolls of classic farm cloth 1.6-1.9 m wide in white and black with reinforced edges;
• bags and rolls with reinforced and reinforced-laminated material with a width of 1.6 or 3 m.

Marking "Agrotex" and its purpose:

Name	Colour	Purpose	season of use
Agrotex 17 UV	white	shelter of crops and seedlings in a frameless way, protection against diseases and pests, light frost protection down to -2 ° C, protection from UV radiation	spring - autumn
Agrotex 30 UV		frameless shelter, protection against diseases and pests, frost protection down to -6°C, winter shelters for perennials, UV protection	spring - autumn
Agrotex 42 UV		frame shelter with arches, protection against gusts of wind and hail, frost protection down to -7°C, winter shelters for perennials, UV protection	all year round
Agrotex 60 UV		material for greenhouses and hotbeds of various designs, protection against gusts of wind and hail, frost protection down to -9°C, winter shelters for perennial plants, protection from UV radiation	all year round
Agrotex 60 UV Agrotex mulch 60-80 UV	black		spring - autumn

Note! All manufactured modifications of the Agrotex cloth contain a UV filter. In the marking, it is designated as UV.

In addition to the classic color solutions, "Agrotex" is available in two-layer color versions, the properties of which are significantly improved. Greenhouses and greenhouses under such material increase productivity and reduce the ripening time of fruits.

Characteristics of two-layer cloths "Agrotex":

Colour	Purpose	Top layer properties	Bottom layer properties
red yellow	from frost and pests	top layer - red, accelerates flowering, increases yield, keeps warm at night	the bottom layer is yellow, actively fights pests without chemicals
white-red	from frost + growth rate	top layer - white, protects against overheating and excessive UV radiation	the bottom layer is red, protects from frost down to -9°C, keeps heat well, increases growth, accelerates flowering, increases yield
White-silver foil	additional light and warmth	the top layer and the base are white, they have all the properties of the classic "Agrotex" for hotbeds and greenhouses	internal silver stripes additionally direct light towards plants, compensating for its deficiency, accelerate photosynthesis, increase yield
White reinforced	for greenhouses	reinforcement increases the material's wear resistance, resistance to deformation and extreme weather, while maintaining breathability
White reinforced laminated	for greenhouses	the top layer is laminated, i.e. possesses properties of a polyethylene film not to pass water	internal - white reinforced, increases wear resistance, eliminates the "lens effect" from the top layer, prevents the formation of condensate

The use of covering material "Lutrasil" at their summer cottage

Lutrasil is the lightest of the covering materials considered in this article, however, despite this property, it is able to protect plants from hail and frost. In the summer cottage, it is used to shelter seedlings from pests and bad weather, as well as to protect perennial plants in winter, for mulching and weed control. It simplifies plant care and increases crop yields.

The main characteristics of Lutrasil agrofibre:

• excellent light transmission - up to 92%;
• permeable: you can water directly over the canvas without opening it;
• passes air and does not create a greenhouse effect;
• protects plants from frost down to -6°С;
• not afraid of frost, so in winter it can be stored anywhere;
• good indicators of wear resistance: it lasts 3 seasons without deterioration in performance and appearance, but it can be used longer - up to 6 years;
• convenient to use: can be folded, sewn, easy to unfold;
• good tear strength.

The material is produced in rolls with a width of 1.6 and 7 m. Color - black or white (depending on the purpose).

Marking "Lutrasila" and its purpose:

Name	Colour	Purpose	season of use
Thermoselect 17	white	shelter of crops and seedlings in a frameless way, protection from pests, light frost protection down to -2°C	spring - autumn
Thermoselect 23		frameless shelter, pest protection, frost protection down to -3°C, winter shelters for perennials	all year round
Frostselect 30		light frame shelter, protection against gusts of wind and hail, frost protection down to -6°C, winter shelters for perennials, UV protection	all year round
Frostselect 42		for greenhouses and greenhouses, protection against gusts of wind and hail, frost protection down to -6°C, winter shelters for perennials, UV protection	all year round
Frostselect 60 UV	black	mulching, UV protection, ground weed film	spring - autumn

Note! All manufactured modifications of the Lutrasil canvas are able to protect plants from frost.

The use of covering material "Agril"

"Agril" is a thin non-woven covering material that is used to protect plants in horticulture and horticulture from temperature extremes, frost, dew, fog, wind, diseases and pests. It transmits light (80%), water and air. It copes well with maintaining the microclimate inside the shelter with temperature fluctuations day and night, and also protects against frost down to -7 ° C. Promotes rapid germination of seeds and accelerates the ripening of fruits.

Related article:

Principle of operation, advantages and disadvantages of the design. How to make and sheathe a frame with your own hands. Prices and features of finished structures.

The form of release of the material is packages and rolls of various widths and lengths of winding. Color - black or white (depending on the purpose).

Characteristics of the covering material "Agril":

Name	Colour	Purpose	season of use
Agril 17	white	frameless fastening, pest protection, UV protection, light frost protection down to -2°C	spring - autumn
Agril 23		frameless shelter, pest protection, frost protection down to -3°C, UV protection, winter shelters for perennials	all year round
Agril 30		light frame shelter, protection against gusts of wind and hail, frost protection down to -5°C, winter shelters for perennials, UV protection	all year round
Agril 50		for greenhouses and greenhouses, protection against gusts of wind and hail, frost protection down to -7°C, winter shelters for perennials, UV protection	all year round
Agril 50	black, black and white	mulching, UV protection, ground weed film	spring - autumn

How to choose a covering material for greenhouses or greenhouses

As the above characteristics of covering materials show, they have many common parameters. In deciding which covering material is better to choose, one should be guided not by the name and manufacturer of the canvas, but by its purpose. It is also worth considering climatic conditions, the duration of the warm period, the frequency of sudden frosts, wind, etc.

When using any type of agrofibre, first of all, you need to pay attention to its density and color. For frame structures, a white canvas is used. Some manufacturers have its modifications in terms of color and strength - reinforcement. These preferences are purely individual.

The optimal density of the covering material is determined by the following parameters:

• time of planting plants in the ground;
• growth height of garden crops;
• climate conditions;
• height and type of construction of the shelter under construction.

What covering material is best for a greenhouse or greenhouse? First of all, the one whose density is more than 30 g / m², as well as having a UV stabilizer. For greenhouse structures, the densest agrofibre is always chosen - 50 g / m² and above. For greenhouses of low arc structures, a canvas with a density marking of 30-40 will be enough.

The UV stabilizer affects the durability of the covering material and the preservation of its original properties over several seasons. Visually, the presence of a stabilizer in agrofibre cannot be determined, so it is worth purchasing products packaged at the factory, having the appropriate manufacturer's markings and security marks.

Note! If you buy agrofibre in rolls, then you can save money on sheltering a greenhouse or greenhouse. The remaining unused part of the roll is stored for an unlimited amount of time.

How to use covering material for greenhouses and greenhouses

Non-woven covering material is very unpretentious in care and easy to use. However, when using it for the first time, it is worth knowing several important aspects that will help preserve the properties of agrofibre, avoid financial losses and disappointments when growing garden crops. For example, it is necessary to consider which side to put the covering material on the greenhouse, whether it can be cleaned, what to do if the canvas was not enough to completely cover the structure, etc.

Let us dwell on the main aspects of the use of a covering sheet.

Methods for laying covering material for greenhouses

Agrofibre cloths are never cut prematurely. Initially, a frame or arcs are installed for the greenhouse, they begin to work with covering material only after the implementation of this stage. The canvas is placed on top of the arcs, creating allowances on all sides of at least 20 cm, and cut off only after all the necessary measurements have been completed. The length of the web is calculated not from the edge of the first arc to the last, but taking into account the closed ends of the greenhouse. Working with non-woven material is similar to the process of covering arcs with a film.

Covering material is available in different widths. However, it may happen that it will not be possible to completely cover the entire greenhouse with one piece of agrofibre. In this case, the canvases are overlapped together, the joints are glued with a hot glue gun or sewn with a thread. You can use a sewing machine.

Before finally fixing the canvas on the arcs, it is worth figuring out which side to cover. Covering material for a greenhouse has different properties of the upper and lower layers. This must be taken into account. It is easier when the material is two-tone: the manufacturer indicates on the packaging how to distinguish between the top and bottom sides. If the canvas is white, then it is determined visually and by touch: the smooth side is laid down, the “rough” side with holes is up.

You can check on a new cut from the package in which direction the canvas passes water. When buying a roll coating, you need to know that the material is wound with the top layer out. With a completely homogeneous (on both sides) material, it does not matter which side to lay it on.

How and how to fix the covering material

When the agrofibre is successfully laid on the arcs, it remains to securely fix it. It is possible to fix the covering material on the arcs of the greenhouse with both specialized materials and improvised means. The garden supply store sells special plastic clips or clips for fixing: they are suitable for both film and agrofibre. Knowing the diameter of the arcs, you can choose the right size.

If the household has an old hose, then it is cut into segments, cut along them and put on as a clamp on an arc with covering material. However, if the hose is not rigid enough, then with strong gusts of wind, the coating will fly off. Therefore, it is better to replace the hose with a plastic pipe, from which a segment corresponding to approximately ¼ of the diameter is cut along the length. Sharp edges of pipe cuts are recommended to be processed with sandpaper.

Some gardeners use ordinary large stationery binders to fix the agrofibre. Such fastening requires additional padding, for example, with a piece of fabric, so that the canvas does not break through over time.

The bottom of the covering material on the greenhouse is fixed with special pegs or pressed with bricks, wooden beams and other weighting agents.

Note! When installing fixtures, it is worth considering that for plants that need pollination, it should be possible to open the greenhouse when they bloom.

Non-woven covering material allows you to sew a real greenhouse cover. Knowing the installation step of the supports, transverse “pockets” are sewn on the canvas, into which arcs are then inserted. In this case, the installation of the greenhouse provides for a change in the order of installation of the structure.

How to clean and where to store covering material

Duration of operation of agrofibre always corresponds to the validity period specified by the manufacturer. The material can last much longer if treated with care. After removing from the greenhouse, the canvas should be dried, folded and stored in a dry, dark place. The densest frost-resistant covering materials can remain on the site all year round.

If the covering product becomes dirty during the period of use, it is recommended to clean it with a sponge or a soft brush. If heavily soiled, the fabric can be washed with soap or powder.

Any amateur gardener or farmer wants to get high yields every year, while spending a minimum of effort on caring for plants. The use of non-woven covering material is the right step towards the realization of this task.

Covering material for greenhouses and greenhouses is a modern way to protect plants from pests, active sun and adverse weather conditions. It not only has protective properties, but also helps to create an optimal climate for a good harvest. There are several types of covering materials on the market, each of which has its own advantages and characteristics.

Covering material for greenhouses and greenhouses: characteristics, types and features of application

Farmers and amateur gardeners know that indoor planting allows you to grow crops that are not always adapted to the local climate. Greenhouses and greenhouses of various designs are common in fields and suburban areas. However, their effectiveness can become much higher if you use modern covering material - agrofibre.

This non-woven synthetic material has the following features:

• perfectly passes moisture, but has almost zero hygroscopicity;
• environmentally friendly material, harmless to plants and humans;
• protects plants from UV radiation;
• protects against excessive precipitation and extreme weather conditions such as hail or hurricane winds;
• serves as protection against pests and birds;
• retains heat inside the structure during small frosts on the ground and levels day and night temperature drops;
• passes air without obstacles;
• does not contribute to the formation of condensate;
• easy to use and store;
• has strength and resistance to abrasion;
• does not rot or mold during operation;
• service life - several years.

Note! Non-woven covering material is environmentally friendly. It consists of polypropylene fibers, which are glued together under the influence of high temperatures.

The combination of these properties allows you to increase crop yields by 20% thanks to the right covering material. Its price is comparable to the cost of plastic film, which for many gardeners will be a pleasant surprise. At the same time, if we take into account the excellent performance and long service life of the nonwoven fabric, then it is more profitable to purchase it. For example, tomatoes under a covering material can grow to their full maturity in the open field, while the film cannot guarantee a successful result.

Types of coating for greenhouses made of agrofibre

In specialized stores and the Internet you can find a wide range of covering material for greenhouses and greenhouses. Its price varies within different limits and depends mainly on the manufacturer, application features, density and packaging method (rolls or cut sheets).

For all types of covering materials of any manufacturer, a classification by color is characteristic:

• white covering material has a different density and is used to cover plants, form greenhouses and greenhouses;
• black is a covering material against weeds, it is always very dense and fits only on the ground for mulching.

Important! Black and white covering materials are not interchangeable. Use each of them for its intended purpose: white - top, black - bottom.

The density of the covering sheet is the next defining sorting parameter. To make it easier for the consumer to navigate the modifications, manufacturers indicate the level of density in the product name. For example, Agrotex 30 has a density of 30 g/m², while Agrotex 60 has a density of 60 g/m², respectively. The larger the number after the name, the higher the density of the material.

The density value directly affects the use of agrofibre and its cost. With the same dimensions of the canvas, the price of covering material for a greenhouse or greenhouse will always be higher for products with a higher level of density than the cost of a similar thin material, for example, for frameless crop shelter.

The most popular representatives of non-woven agrofibre in the domestic market are:

1. "Agrospan": manufacturer in Russia, available in 7 density options and in two colors (black, white), UV stabilizer.
2. "Agrotex": manufacturer Russia, produced in 5 density options, there are additional 5 colors, in addition to the traditional white and black versions, UV stabilizer.
3. "Lutrasil": German manufacturer, available in 5 density options, has two colors (black, white), the company's name can be used as a common name for all types of agricultural fabrics. The widest canvas of all types of material - up to 16.9 m.
4. "Agril": French manufacturer, has four density options, UV stabilizer, 2 colors - black and white.

Let us consider in more detail what each of these materials is, and get acquainted with their practical application for growing garden crops.

Protective properties and marking of covering material "Agrospan"

"Agrospan" is the most durable in use among all covering sheets: its service life is up to 5 years. However, this is not its only merit. "Agrospan" allows:

• protect grown plants from diseases, pests, UV radiation, hail, acid rain and pesticides;
• prevent the death of plantings from frost (it is guaranteed to protect plants at temperatures up to -4 ° C, but it is able to maintain properties even up to -7 ° C);
• stabilize the level of moisture in the soil, thereby reducing the abundance of watering;
• optimize the mode of air exchange in a closed area;
• reduce the range of temperature differences day and night;
• reduce labor costs for growing crops by 5 times;
• increase yield by 20%.

Agrospan: the most durable material that increases yield by 20%

The form of release of the material is pieces of cloth 10 m long of various widths and densities. Color - black or white (depending on the purpose).

Note! "Agrospan" creates an optimal microclimate, so the greenhouse or greenhouse does not need mandatory ventilation.

Marking "Agrospan" and its purpose:

Name	Colour	Purpose	season of use
Agrospan 17	white	shelter of crops and seedlings in a frameless way, protection from diseases and pests, protection from UV radiation	spring - autumn
Agrospan 30		frameless shelter or tensioned on a light tunnel type frame, protection against diseases and pests, light frost protection, winter shelters for perennials	all year round
Agrospan 42		frame shelter, protection against gusts of wind and hail, frost protection down to -2°С, winter shelters for perennials	all year round
Agrospan 60 Agrospan 90 Agrospan 110		covering material for greenhouses and greenhouses of various designs, protection against gusts of wind and hail, frost protection down to -4°C, winter shelters for perennial plants	all year round
Agrospan 60 Agrospan 80	black	mulching, ground film against weeds	spring - autumn

The range of colors and possibilities of covering material "Agrotex"

The main characteristics of Agrotex fiber are plant protection, which is inherent in all types of non-woven covering materials, plus excellent performance in maintaining the microclimate at sub-zero temperatures.

The advantages of the material include:

• lightness of the canvas;
• high thermal protection properties;
• resistance to crushing, rotting, wear;
• resistance to adverse weather conditions;
• good light transmission - up to 90%;
• promotes the penetration of water and air, and repels dust;
• does not form condensate inside;
• has a high breaking load, allowing the use of the material without loss of properties for several seasons;
• the presence in the assortment of a wide canvas with reinforced edges.

Release form:

• packages with classic material for a summer cottage 1.6 m wide in white and black;
• rolls of classic farm cloth 1.6-1.9 m wide in white and black with reinforced edges;
• bags and rolls with reinforced and reinforced-laminated material with a width of 1.6 or 3 m.

Marking "Agrotex" and its purpose:

Name	Colour	Purpose	season of use
Agrotex 17 UV	white	shelter of crops and seedlings in a frameless way, protection against diseases and pests, light frost protection down to -2 ° C, protection from UV radiation	spring - autumn
Agrotex 30 UV		frameless shelter, protection against diseases and pests, frost protection down to -6°C, winter shelters for perennials, UV protection	spring - autumn
Agrotex 42 UV		frame shelter with arches, protection against gusts of wind and hail, frost protection down to -7°C, winter shelters for perennials, UV protection	all year round
Agrotex 60 UV		material for greenhouses and hotbeds of various designs, protection against gusts of wind and hail, frost protection down to -9°C, winter shelters for perennial plants, protection from UV radiation	all year round
Agrotex 60 UV Agrotex mulch 60-80 UV	black		spring - autumn

Note! All manufactured modifications of the Agrotex cloth contain a UV filter. In the marking, it is designated as UV.

In addition to the classic color solutions, "Agrotex" is available in two-layer color versions, the properties of which are significantly improved. Greenhouses and greenhouses under such material increase productivity and reduce the ripening time of fruits.

Characteristics of two-layer cloths "Agrotex":

Colour	Purpose	Top layer properties	Bottom layer properties
red yellow	from frost and pests	top layer - red, accelerates flowering, increases yield, keeps warm at night	the bottom layer is yellow, actively fights pests without chemicals
white-red	from frost + growth rate	top layer - white, protects against overheating and excessive UV radiation	the bottom layer is red, protects from frost down to -9°C, keeps heat well, increases growth, accelerates flowering, increases yield
White-silver foil	additional light and warmth	the top layer and the base are white, they have all the properties of the classic "Agrotex" for hotbeds and greenhouses	internal silver stripes additionally direct light towards plants, compensating for its deficiency, accelerate photosynthesis, increase yield
White reinforced	for greenhouses	reinforcement increases the material's wear resistance, resistance to deformation and extreme weather, while maintaining breathability
White reinforced laminated	for greenhouses	the top layer is laminated, i.e. possesses properties of a polyethylene film not to pass water	internal - white reinforced, increases wear resistance, eliminates the "lens effect" from the top layer, prevents the formation of condensate

The use of covering material "Lutrasil" at their summer cottage

Lutrasil is the lightest of the covering materials considered in this article, however, despite this property, it is able to protect plants from hail and frost. In the summer cottage, it is used to shelter seedlings from pests and bad weather, as well as to protect perennial plants in winter, for mulching and weed control. It simplifies plant care and increases crop yields.

The main characteristics of Lutrasil agrofibre:

• excellent light transmission - up to 92%;
• permeable: you can water directly over the canvas without opening it;
• passes air and does not create a greenhouse effect;
• protects plants from frost down to -6°С;
• not afraid of frost, so in winter it can be stored anywhere;
• good indicators of wear resistance: it lasts 3 seasons without deterioration in performance and appearance, but it can be used longer - up to 6 years;
• convenient to use: can be folded, sewn, easy to unfold;
• good tear strength.

The material is produced in rolls with a width of 1.6 and 7 m. Color - black or white (depending on the purpose).

Marking "Lutrasila" and its purpose:

Name	Colour	Purpose	season of use
Thermoselect 17	white	shelter of crops and seedlings in a frameless way, protection from pests, light frost protection down to -2°C	spring - autumn
Thermoselect 23		frameless shelter, pest protection, frost protection down to -3°C, winter shelters for perennials	all year round
Frostselect 30		light frame shelter, protection against gusts of wind and hail, frost protection down to -6°C, winter shelters for perennials, UV protection	all year round
Frostselect 42		for greenhouses and greenhouses, protection against gusts of wind and hail, frost protection down to -6°C, winter shelters for perennials, UV protection	all year round
Frostselect 60 UV	black	mulching, UV protection, ground weed film	spring - autumn

Note! All manufactured modifications of the Lutrasil canvas are able to protect plants from frost.

The use of covering material "Agril"

"Agril" is a thin non-woven covering material that is used to protect plants in horticulture and horticulture from temperature extremes, frost, dew, fog, wind, diseases and pests. It transmits light (80%), water and air. It copes well with maintaining the microclimate inside the shelter with temperature fluctuations day and night, and also protects against frost down to -7 ° C. Promotes rapid germination of seeds and accelerates the ripening of fruits.

Until recently, gardeners were rarely worried about the question of how to cover the greenhouse, because there were only two options - polyethylene or glass. With the expansion of the agricultural market, when new materials, still untested by long practice, appeared, the choice became more complicated. Which of them has the proper strength and durability, keeps heat well and at the same time is quite inexpensive? And do the new products have negative aspects that the manufacturers are silent about, but the vegetable grower needs to know?

The yield depends on the quality of the covering material

Film and glass coverings of the greenhouse do not give up their positions. The reason for this is the relatively low cost (glass, of course, is not cheap, but many households have a stock of it) and a decent number of advantages. However, before you cover the greenhouse with the usual material, make sure you know what varieties of it have appeared recently, and whether their characteristics correspond to your agrotechnical goals.

Glass greenhouse - archaic or modern

Glass greenhouse construction is a classic. Due to the high light transmission capacity of the material, the grown crops receive enough sunlight necessary for their full development. Glass does not tarnish over time, is easy to clean and wash, and damaged elements are easily replaced with new ones, so you can purchase used material without compromising the functionality of the greenhouse.

In addition, glass is durable, resistant to temperature extremes, abrasives and chemical components of fertilizers. Another undoubted advantage of this covering material is that it does not need to be removed for the winter, which means that a lot of effort is saved both in autumn and winter. If the greenhouse is planned to be heated, then the glass surface, having low thermal conductivity, will actively prevent heat loss.

However, it is quite easy to dissuade enthusiasts about the infallibility of a glass greenhouse: its shortcomings are quite capable of blocking its merits.

In particular, light transmission can do a disservice - in the southern regions, plants in such structures suffer from an excess of light, and they have to be protected by artificial shading. Glass is heavy, so for its installation it is required to create a weighty foundation and frame.

Strip foundation for a glass greenhouse

The fragility of glass is another reason for its limited use. If vandals walk in your area, sooner or later the glass greenhouse will become the object of their close attention. Absolutely inflexible glass dictates the shape of the structure, for example, it is impossible to build an arched greenhouse from it.

In total, if you do not have a sufficient supply of glass at home, and you have to buy it, then greenhouse glazing is far from the best choice.

Film - an old friend with new habits

Cheap and practical polyethylene is barely enough for one season of use, which does not suit all summer residents. Its rapid wear is due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation and temperature changes, especially frequent in early spring. Therefore, ordinary film is bought only because of the price, but the covering material, improved by one or more modifiers, has recently been gaining popularity due to its quality factor.

The addition of light-stabilizing additives to the polymer mass increases the service life of the shelter from 2 seasons to 3 years, during which the elasticity and frost resistance of the film are preserved. However, during this time it must be kept away from chromium and sulfur found in some pesticides, as they destroy UV stabilizers. Thus, a PET film greenhouse with UV protection is optimal for growing organic vegetables.

Anti-condensation films successfully deal with another disadvantage of polyethylene - increased formation of moisture on the surface. Experienced gardeners know how quickly excessive moisture and condensate drops lead to rotting and plant diseases. You can deal with this in different ways, but the least labor-intensive option is to use a film with antifogs.

Antistatic agents in the composition of the film prevent the loss of its elasticity due to the accumulation of dust on the surface. Such pollution is fraught with the fact that dust particles cause the appearance of microcracks, and those, in turn, open access to UV rays. Therefore, antistatic films last longer than conventional films and are also considered multi-year options.

The reinforced material is distinguished by a cellular frame made of polymer fibers, which take on the main load during operation. Of the novelties that have appeared relatively recently, it should be noted multilayer film, usually consisting of three layers with different additives. This technology creates a universal material with a complex of important properties. Its higher price is offset by trouble-free installation and a long service life.

Covering materials for greenhouses in recent years

When deciding how best to cover a greenhouse, one cannot but pay attention to the know-how actively offered by manufacturers - agrotextiles and polycarbonate. Reviews about these materials are very contradictory, but almost everyone agrees that with proper quality, strict observance of the installation and operation technology, they remain suitable for maintaining greenhouse conditions for a long time.

Is spunbond suitable for sheltering greenhouses

A non-woven fabric made of extruded polymer fibers, called spunbond according to its production technology, is ideal for covering greenhouses. Despite the fact that white agro-cloth is opaque, due to its porous structure it transmits sunlight well and, unlike other materials, does not interfere with air exchange. Thanks to this, the plants receive enough fresh air even when the ventilation windows are closed.

Spunbond in the greenhouse lasts only 1 year

Spunbond also copes with the main task, namely the protection of early crops from the cold. However, pay attention to the density of the material: 42 g / m2 will be enough to cover from frosts up to 55 degrees, while even a year-round greenhouse can be covered with agrotextile with a density of 60 g / m2. In the heat, it is also indispensable, since it saves the vegetable grower from worries about additional shading of the structure.

What are the disadvantages of agrofibre?

There are quite a few of them:

• some owners call for a high cost for them - about 2 times more than films;
• unimportant wind resistance - carefully consider the system for attaching the material to the frame so that it is not disheveled during a storm;
• water permeability - this feature of the material in the rainy season turns into its disadvantage.

If these nuances are taken into account, spunbond does not cause any complaints during the operation of the greenhouse for 4-5 seasons.

Polycarbonate - a revolution in the greenhouse industry

It turned out to be possible to combine, at first glance, incompatible characteristics with a fundamentally new covering material made of transparent plastic called polycarbonate. Its variety - cellular polycarbonate, is characterized by high thermal insulation properties: a 6 mm thick sheet is comparable in thermal conductivity to a double-glazed window. The service life of such a coating promised by manufacturers is also impressive - 20 years.

Arched polycarbonate greenhouse

The positive properties of polycarbonate are not limited to this. Among the advantages reported not by theorists, but by practitioners, we should mention:

• flexibility - polycarbonate sheets are suitable for the construction of greenhouses of any shape;
• strength - the design, competently reinforced with stiffeners, withstands hail, gusts of wind and snow pressure;
• fire safety - polycarbonate is hardly combustible, therefore it is indispensable for the installation of heated greenhouses.

Is there even a drop of tar in this barrel of honey?

Yes, and unfortunately a few. The most significant disadvantage is the high price of polycarbonate material. Only a self-confident garden owner can afford a greenhouse completely covered by him, counting on a significant return in the form of a bountiful harvest for his own consumption or sale.

It is better to entrust the installation of a polycarbonate greenhouse to specialists. It is very difficult for a beginner to assemble it on his own, since there are many technological nuances on which the durability of the entire structure depends in direct proportion. Often, negative feedback about such greenhouses is left by those who are faced with the depressing consequences of improper assembly.

The scheme of installation of polycarbonate on the greenhouse

The care of the surface of a polycarbonate greenhouse cannot be called easy either: its cleaning should be carried out with the utmost care, using soft rags and neutral chemicals. The use of household chemicals containing abrasives, chlorine, aldehydes, salts, alkalis is categorically excluded. When removing snow and ice, do not use sharp objects, otherwise the UV protective layer will be damaged.

What material can be considered ideal

When choosing what it is better to make a greenhouse from, you don’t want to be mistaken, but if you draw the appropriate conclusions, a perfect covering material does not yet exist. It is recommended to determine it for each case individually, based on the specific task, the budget for the construction of the greenhouse, the climatic features of the area, the types of crops grown, their number, volume and whimsicality to the surrounding conditions.

So, for a novice summer resident, it is better to make the first greenhouse from the most affordable materials.

Experienced vegetable gardeners can already play around with a combination of different options: for example, the upper part of the greenhouse, which serves as a roof, is made of polycarbonate, the side walls are made of polyethylene, and the end walls are made of spunbond. This technology, with proper sealing of the joints, will provide strength, wind resistance and constant ventilation of the structure.

Material combination example

If you have already decided what is better to cover the greenhouse, it would be useful to familiarize yourself with the leading manufacturers of the selected material. Often sellers cannot competently clarify the difference between one and the other option, so also deal with the labeling. By the way, the quality of its application can also tell a lot. Approaching the issue of choice with diligence, you can count on a greenhouse that meets all your requirements.