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Rose Propagation & Exchange Plant Propagation Greenhouses & Garden Structures

Why are so many inexpensive plastic greenhouses green?

2 years ago

last modified: 2 years ago

I am thinking about buying one of these for winter protection of small potted plants. Many of the ones offered are not clear but are green. If you have a greenhouse, what color is it and how does it affect plant growth? Someone told me it is easier to regulate temps in a green greenhouse as they don't overheat as much, but it's hard to believe the plants would get adequate light.

Featured Answer

Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A

2 years ago

So when all the plants are dead inside, it still looks nice and green.

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Comments (7)

Nola z5aWI
2 years ago
Hi Erasmus, I have been looking at greenhouses myself from Wisconsin Greenhouse Company and did not see any green greenhouses in their catalog. Word of mouth is always helpful, I was advised not to go smaller than 12x20 by someone on instagram, and that a cement floor with a drain (for sweeping/hosing) is preferable for ease of cleaning up spilt dirt etc. I'm still looking into it and am curious if the green is for something besides overheating. Good luck!
erasmus_gw thanked Nola z5aWI
ValRose PNW Wa 8a
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Green seems like a poor choice for a greenhouse. That would mean you are passing through more green light than any other color. Green is not the best color for plants.

I would imagine that it is a marketing strategy, green glazing on the greenhouse evokes the image of green plants.

In commercial greenhouses white is color used for heat reducing glazing.
erasmus_gw thanked ValRose PNW Wa 8a
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erasmus_gw
Original Author
2 years ago
Haha!
ann beck 8a ruralish WA
2 years ago
A neighbor gifted a tall skinny greenhouse with clear cover, I used it for 2 years, then bought a new green greenhouse cover from Amazon. I don't notice any difference in the green or the clear. If you have sun, anything can heat up too much. Venting in morning and closing at night everyday...deciding on how much based on sun and temp.

The big, big, big problem is that since many of the greenhouse covers are coming from China, some degrade very quickly (6 months) and some are pretty good (mine is 2 years and still looks good) Of course, if you get one that degrades in 6 months, you get to try a new color/type next year. =)
erasmus_gw thanked ann beck 8a ruralish WA
erasmus_gw
Original Author
2 years ago
We rigged up a misting system this summer using pvc hoops, and wood braces. To improvise a greenhouse I just bought a 10' x 20' painter's tarp and put it over the hoops using clamps to attach it to the pvc. So far it is working fine. It gets some sun but not too much to overheat at this time of year. I did ventilate it today. The clear pvc is not quite clear, blocks a little of the sun.
ann beck 8a ruralish WA
2 years ago
From what I have read, venting is super important because it is the moisture build up that causes most problems....of course, if you forget to close it up......that would be me. We did just about the same, using pvc, clamps and 6mil over a raised bed....now if I can just remember to open and close it.
erasmus_gw thanked ann beck 8a ruralish WA

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