<\/span><\/h2>\nThere are various components that are used to give the apt amount of shade to plants. Systems like truss-to-truss or gutter-to-gutter curtains and cable driven shades can all be mixed together and used to give optimum temperature and lighting control.<\/p>\n
To understand the various components in greater detail, here are some of the key parts used by everyday farmers in their greenhouses:<\/p>\n
Greenhouse Shade Cloth<\/h3>\n
A greenhouse shade cloth is a material that can be placed over the structures’ walls and roof to block the sun’s direct heat from entering the greenhouse. It provides uniform shading to your plants and vegetables by regulating the high temperatures caused by the constant sunlight and enables your plants to retain more moisture.<\/p>\n
Shade cloths are an inexpensive method to lower the temperature within the greenhouse.<\/p>\n
They are easy to install. Often you can simply place them over the greenhouse structure and holding it down with nails or rope. They are available in many sizes and can be customized as well.<\/p>\n
White color shade cloths reflect the sun’s UV radiation while black color tends to block it. Shade cloths are available with drawstrings for suspended installations, and also with movable screens.<\/p>\n
These shade systems are flexible, lightweight, UV resistant, very durable and easy to spread and install. Sometimes, they contain recycled fibers. Choosing the type of greenhouse shade cloth will depend on the growing season and type of plants. Aluminet shade cloths are a good choice for most plants.<\/p>\n
Greenhouse Curtain Systems<\/h3>\n
A curtain is a wide term which implies many types of movable panels of plastic, fabric or film used to uncover and cover as necessary. Screens, shades and even blankets are examples of curtain systems used in agriculture.<\/p>\n
They provide for both cooling and heating needs and come in sizes ranging from 10,000 to more than 43,500 square feet.<\/p>\n
Opening and closing curtains in a small greenhouse can be done using a hand crank, while in a large greenhouse, you can set up a motorized system to do the same.<\/p>\n
Indoor greenhouse curtains are spread on the walls of the greenhouse. When it comes to heat retention, these systems are most useful at night. These curtain systems save energy by reflecting heat into the greenhouse structure, reducing the space needed for heating and by trapping a disassembled layer of air.<\/p>\n
Exterior greenhouse curtain systems are used in two manners. In some cases, the system replaces the covering, while in other cases, the curtain is installed above the greenhouse.<\/p>\n
Many curtain systems use polyethylene films, composite fabrics and knitted polyester where all the strips are aluminized. These also eliminate the recurring cost of labor and materials to apply or reapply shading paint. These days, aluminized polyester strips are very popular as they reflect light back out through the structure\u2019s roof. Film types used include greenhouse plastic, agricultural plastic and poly film.<\/p>\n
Greenhouse Film<\/h3>\n
Greenhouse film is the material that is put over the greenhouse to create a structure effect over raised beds. It is a light-permeable, clear or semi-clear material that allows heat and light to get in.<\/p>\n
Some greenhouse films also provides UV ray protection. These are powerful and endures harsh weather and are best for light penetration.<\/p>\n
Which greenhouse covering material you choose depends on your needs and budget. Polyethylene greenhouse film is considered the best option to cover a temporary greenhouse structure. They are available to size or in custom-made lengths. Polyethylene film is not made to last long. Wind and storms may damage it over time. <\/p>\n
However, if you purchase this greenhouse film from a reliable manufacturer, you can get quality film that will last for a long while. Most greenhouse film manufacturers have to sell a hundred foot minimum per customer. However, there are some manufactures who provide these films for mini greenhouses as well.<\/p>\n
It will come in various different widths, lengths and thicknesses. You can also purchase custom-made film according to need. A strong greenhouse poly film will stand up to 4 years of UV barrage.<\/p>\n
Greenhouse Covers<\/h3>\n
Are you wondering what would be the ideal materials for constructing greenhouse covers? We are going to explain just that so that you can make well informed decisions after knowing the merits and demerits of each type. To date, many materials have been used for covering greenhouses.<\/p>\n
The more efficient, durable and popular ones are:<\/p>\n
\n- Glass<\/li>\n
- Polycarbonate flexible rolls or rigid panels<\/li>\n
- Plastic films (made of polyethylene)<\/li>\n
- Polyethylene flexible rolls and semi-rigid panels<\/li>\n
- Fiber glass flexible rolls or rigid panels<\/li>\n
- Rigid panels (made of acrylic)<\/li>\n
- Vinyl<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Whatever might material you pick, you must make sure that the cover is installed properly. Some covers have do-it-yourself instructions laid out for you. You can try your own hand at installing covers by purchasing them from a greenhouse kit. Or you can hire external professionals to do the job neatly for you at an extra cost.<\/p>\n
You can also install insect screens and metal shading for your greenhouse cover.<\/p>\n