Polycarbonate greenhouses today are considered one of the most optimal and popular structures, which have a huge number of advantages. A wide variety of models allows each person to choose the most optimal option for his dacha or country house, which includes all the necessary parameters. Ready-made greenhouses made from this material have an impressive service life, which makes them the preferred option among similar ones.
Features of the
Immediately after their appearance, polycarbonate sheets won the love and trust of many summer residents. However, despite this, not everyone understands what exactly this material is, what are its main advantages and disadvantages. You can understand this issue only by carefully studying the structural features of polycarbonate and the advantages of building greenhouse structures from it.
A distinctive feature of polycarbonate is that it has a honeycomb structure. Each honeycomb includes special cells filled with air. It is thanks to this that the structures keep heat inside without any problems. Initially, polycarbonate sheets could not boast of such high thermal insulation properties, but soon they began to be processed with the help of special varnishes, as a result of which this material was able to provide reliable protection against harmful ultraviolet rays.
Another feature of polycarbonate is that it is quite easy to process. The unique properties of the material allow drilling, gluing or other procedures. In addition, it is quite easy to cut with an electric jigsaw, and in the absence of such tools, you can use ordinary reinforced scissors. It is also worth noting the main technical advantage of the polycarbonate material, which lies in its low weight and the ability to transmit sunlight. That is why they can be used for the production of greenhouse structures. The material is famous for its plasticity, which greatly simplifies the work with it. Due to this property, if necessary, a polycarbonate greenhouse can be equipped with small vents or partitions.
Advantages and disadvantages
The use of polycarbonate sheets to obtain a greenhouse has a huge number of advantages, the main of which is the low weight and durability of the future structure. Even when compared to glass materials, polycarbonate lasts more than one season and is less prone to damage. Also, this material significantly benefits in comparison with the film, which is not able to withstand even the smallest mechanical pressure.
Polycarbonate sheets have a unique structure that allows them to retain heat inside without any problems, and much better than ordinary film or glass. And high plasticity and flexibility make it possible to process this material without problems, to lay it on a frame or other similar structures. Greenhouses of any configuration can be created only from polycarbonate sheets, which cannot be done in the case of glass.
Among the distinctive advantages of polycarbonate in the production of a greenhouse are the following
- Ease and simplicity of installation. Due to the fact that this material has a minimum weight, it is quite easy to transport and install.
- Unique thermal insulation properties, which became possible due to the innovative structure of the material and special processing.
- Impressive sound insulation performance, which can sometimes reach 25 decibels.
- The presence of a special coating that provides reliable protection against the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.
- Excellent strength characteristics. Despite its low weight, this material can easily withstand mechanical stress and shock, as well as sudden temperature changes. Recent research shows that modern polycarbonate sheets are 200 times stronger than glass.
- A large selection of sheet sizes, so that each person can choose the most optimal option for themselves. A huge selection allows you to more comfortably carry out the covering of spans, as well as create partitions in greenhouse structures.
- Possibility to use polycarbonate greenhouses throughout the year. Due to its strength, the material can withstand wind, snow load and other weather conditions without any problems.
- High level of safety and absence of any hazardous vapors during combustion. The main advantage of polycarbonate is that it begins to melt only at temperatures exceeding 550 degrees.
- The cladding is characterized by impressive resistance to aggressive substances, including chemical cleaning agents and acid precipitation.
Despite the many advantages, polycarbonate sheets have some disadvantages.
In order for these sheets to serve as long as possible and retain their attractiveness, it is necessary to strictly follow certain operating rules
- First of all, in no case should their ends be left open, since moisture or insects can always get there, which will cause damage to the material. A humid environment promotes the active spread of fungi, which significantly impairs the operational properties of the material and the entire polycarbonate greenhouse.
- Sheets must be promptly cleaned of dirt and dust, using only soft fabrics. In no case should you resort to the use of aggressive detergents that can damage the coating and negate its unique protective properties.
- It is also worth refusing to use any products that include alkalis or ethers, as they can also harm the coating of the polycarbonate sheet.
- Abrasives and sharp objects can damage the protective layer, which is designed to keep out harmful UV rays.
- In winter, with heavy snowfalls, it is necessary to constantly clean the upper part of the structure in order to prevent the formation of ice and subsequent deformation of the greenhouse. The fact is that under the pressure of snow, the structure experiences a huge load and can begin to change its shape, which threatens the collapse of the entire greenhouse. That is why it is recommended to timely remove snow from polycarbonate sheets.
As for the cost of building a polycarbonate coating, it is, of course, much lower than the cost of building a glass greenhouse, but slightly more expensive than a film coating. In any case, in the modern market, it is quite difficult to find something more optimal in terms of price-quality ratio.
Types and forms of construction
Today the choice of greenhouses is quite large: you can find large and small, square and rectangular, gable and single-slope, collapsible and welded, galvanized, sliding, monolithic collection or structures with a removable roof. Thanks to this, each person can choose the most optimal and suitable option for him, which differs in all the necessary properties.
First of all, you should talk about the shape of the frame, which can be made in the form of a tent, house, arch, or have almost any other shape. And this was achieved thanks to the flexibility and plasticity of polycarbonate, which allows you to give this material almost any shape.
It should be noted that each form of the frame has its own advantages and disadvantages, which must be taken into account before choosing a particular option. Today, arched structures, which are represented by a single-slope or gable frame, are very popular. Among the distinctive advantages of this shape are ease of assembly and minimal consumption of polymer plastic, which ultimately reduces the overall cost of erecting greenhouse structures. In addition, arched forms require minimal time expenditures, which is especially important with a limited amount of this resource. However, this type of structure has certain disadvantages, among which the complexity of caring for plants near the side walls can be distinguished, which is caused by the unique design features of the greenhouse.
Another popular variety is the tent greenhouse, which looks like a tent. These forms are most optimal in areas where many types of vegetables will be grown. A distinctive feature of structures in the form of a tent is that they can be of almost any size, even the most non-standard ones.
It is worth noting that a hipped gable greenhouse is extremely undesirable for use in the winter season, since the structure can be seriously damaged due to a large amount of snow. If you want to build just this kind of greenhouse, then you need to use only reinforced polycarbonate sheets that can cope with such loads. Of course, such a solution will cost much more, so it would be more expedient to choose a different type of greenhouse. As for lean-to greenhouses, their construction is much cheaper. A distinctive feature of this design is that it can be attached to a house or other structure. Its main advantage is that the building rests on a solid wall of another building, which ensures durability and the ability to withstand huge loads. Reviews suggest that such a greenhouse lasts a long time, if you constantly look after it.
It is best to install greenhouse structures on the south side so that the plants receive as much natural light as possible. And if desired, the shed structure can be installed separately from the main structure, however, it is necessary to ensure the maximum width so that several rows of shelving can be placed inside. The main advantage of this type is that a huge amount of seedlings can be placed inside, which is of paramount importance for obtaining a high-quality and plentiful harvest.
In recent years, the buildings along the Meathlider have been very popular. These are unique structures that are slightly higher on the north side than on the south. Unique design solutions allow you to create an optimal microclimate inside, which provides plants with a high level of comfort.
If 10 years ago polygonal types of greenhouse structures were quite rare, today you will not surprise anyone with them. Among their strengths are high aesthetic performance. Such a greenhouse is characterized by an attractive appearance, which greatly improves the appearance of the entire suburban area. In addition, these structures can provide maximum protection of plants from overheating in summer, when the air temperature can rise to extremely high levels. Polygonal polycarbonate greenhouses boast a huge amount of usable space, as there is no central aisle, which allows for a lot of shelving.
Such greenhouses are made exclusively from polycarbonate, since it is a rather flexible material and can be given any shape, which is extremely important when building a polygonal greenhouse. However, in the selection process, the main attention should be paid not to the shape of the greenhouse, to the number of seedlings that will need to be grown in the structure. In addition, you should pay attention to the climatic features of the region and the cost of materials that will be used in the construction of the greenhouse.
In order to choose the right type of greenhouse and its design, you must immediately decide for what purposes the future room will be needed, in what seasons it will be used and what dimensions are suitable for your conditions. In addition, it is immediately necessary to deal with the automated system, because the more various innovative structures there are in it, the larger the size of the structure should be. Shed greenhouses today are considered one of the most popular and demanded on the modern market. Their distinctive feature is that they have a small size, so they can be used in areas with a small area. That is why they are called high-efficiency designs.
Despite the minimal dimensions, it is quite convenient to work in such a structure and a huge amount of seedlings can be placed here. And the main advantage of a lean-to greenhouse is that it can be attached from either side of the house, however, an extension on the south side is considered the best option, so that the plants can receive a sufficient amount of natural light.
Among the disadvantages is the fact that such a structure is extremely difficult to cover with a film, since the wind will demolish it on a regular basis. Most summer residents in this case prefer glass or plastic. Gable greenhouses are ordinary houses that you can build yourself. Such structures have a huge number of advantages that distinguish them favorably from others.
First of all, you don't have to worry that the greenhouse will break down under the weight of snow in the winter season. In addition, the unique shape of the roof allows you to select almost any material for the structure, not just polycarbonate sheets. Of course, the latter are the most optimal due to the unique value for money. It should also be noted that the use of such a greenhouse allows for additional styling, which is very important for some summer residents. Of course, like other varieties, the gable structure has its drawbacks. Given the fact that it is assembled with the help of a huge amount of fastening materials, the summer resident needs to constantly check the frame for leaks and make sure that not a single part is corroded.
In the future, it will not be possible to resize or expand these premises. And the roof of the gable greenhouses is quite large, so close attention will need to be paid to the construction of the foundation. In recent years, arched structures have also become very popular, which boast a minimal reflective surface. It is thanks to this that they let in much more sunlight than the single-slope and gable versions. The unique constructive advantages of this design make it possible for crops to grow to enormous heights, which cannot be achieved in ordinary buildings.
It should be understood that caring for plants that are located in an arched polycarbonate greenhouse is rather difficult. It should be noted that such types cannot be used for growing seedlings for open ground, since in such conditions it will not be possible to harden the plants. Despite these shortcomings, such greenhouses are extremely easy to assemble and dismantle. Also, if necessary, you can easily add additional sections to increase the size of the room.
Another drawback of the arched structure is that in winter, deflections and breakdowns of the roof often occur, since the snow cannot roll off without problems. In other words, either you will have to carry out cleaning on an ongoing basis, or the summer resident risks losing the entire structure and plants. Such greenhouses also cannot be installed in regions characterized by strong winds, since the fastening of the frame is unstable and any gust of wind can demolish the structure.
Drip structures are distinguished by a rather original form, which boast a number of advantages. For example, a pointed cover prevents snow from accumulating, which has a positive effect on the reliability and strength of the entire structure. In addition, it is thanks to this that the soil inside the greenhouse warms up as quickly as possible in the spring.
Such buildings are considered the most optimal solution for the northern regions, which are characterized by an abundant amount of snow in winter. Unique design features allow sunlight to easily penetrate all corners of the structure. The only significant disadvantage of the drop-shaped design is the complexity of its installation, which is beyond the power of every person.
Another variation is the Dutch type of room, which allows the plants to receive as much sunlight as possible. This result was achieved due to the fact that a special glass with a homogeneous structure is used as a coating. This design does not allow excess moisture to get inside the greenhouse, as it is equipped with a gutter made of aluminum. He is responsible for collecting and draining rainwater.
The design of the gutter also provides for the presence of special seals to prevent condensation from appearing. A distinctive feature of the entire drainage system of the Dutch greenhouse is that it is mounted on the ridge of the roof. Thanks to this, it boasts wind resistance. If the greenhouse is large and located in a region with harsh weather conditions, then you will need to take care of the heating system. It is best to use fully automated systems that provide an optimal microclimate on a permanent basis.
Wireframes are also popular. For example, you can choose a greenhouse, the base of which will be made on a metal frame. This will have a positive effect on the strength and durability of the product.
Location
In the process of choosing a place for installing a polycarbonate greenhouse, you need to be very careful, because the efficiency of the entire structure depends on this. When choosing a place, you should be guided by the following rules.
- The greenhouse should be located as close to the main house as possible, especially if it will be heated during the cold season. Then it will be possible to organize a connection to the heating system of the house and thereby save on the purchase of autonomous heating.
- It is best to abandon the idea of building buildings on a low-lying area, since the ground here very often freezes over. In addition, you cannot select open areas or slopes as location. These areas are characterized by frequent and strong winds that can disrupt the integrity of the greenhouse structure.
- Greenhouses for greenhouses should not be built on fill soil if groundwater is too close.
- If the summer cottage cannot boast of large dimensions, then it is quite difficult to find a good place. Observing the area is considered the ideal method of selection, so you can determine the sunniest place.
After selecting the optimal place, it is necessary to carry out all the preparatory work to start construction. The soil must be completely dry and loosened, otherwise it will not work to build a greenhouse. Some summer residents advise leaving a slight slope only when it faces the south side. If the area is characterized by a large amount of moisture, then special grooves must be dug around it, which will be used to drain excess water. And if we are talking about a room for long-term use, then it must initially be built in such a way that it fits perfectly into the overall design of the local area and does not spoil the landscape. For example, a special path can be installed to the greenhouse structure, along which certain materials and seedlings will be transported. If during construction it is necessary to mark the perimeter of the future development, then pegs can be used in this case. In addition, before starting construction work, it is imperative to observe the territory to make sure that the future greenhouse will be able to receive a sufficient amount of natural light and sunlight.
The location of the greenhouse can also have some impact on its design. If we are talking about single-slope options, then they are best located from west to east, but always direct the roof to the south side. As for the gable options, they should pass from north to south, and the maximum deviation in this case can be no more than 15 degrees. Do not forget that the rays are always most effective when they enter the room at a right angle. That is why tent greenhouses are considered more effective. However, this requirement is important only for premises that are used in the winter season. In summer, in the domestic climatic conditions, there are no problems with the flow of natural light and sunlight, so you can select almost any version of the greenhouse structure. If you need how to protect an object from strong winds and bad weather conditions, then the ideal solution is the location of a solid fence on the north side, which will take over the wind and also provide the greenhouse structure with the necessary shade.
If the plant is grown indoors, then it should receive proper care and watering on an ongoing basis. That is why summer residents are advised to use centralized water supply, which allows you to get rid of all problems with the delivery of water to the greenhouse. If you have this, you can install an automatic watering system, which is considered the most effective and allows watering without the participation of the gardener himself. If it is not possible to carry out centralized water supply due to the design features of the greenhouse or problems with the soil, then a well or a well will need to be installed near the greenhouse structures. As a last resort, in the absence of any of these options, you can limit yourself to a large barrel of water. In order to prevent soil from crumbling in the inner part of the perimeter, you can install special boards or sheets, which also showed themselves well in the process of fixing the inner edge of the beds.
When planning the construction of a polycarbonate greenhouse, it is imperative to take into account the distinctive features of the landscape in the region. In this case, one of the most important roles is played by the quality of the soil. And if the soil in the summer cottage is characterized by softness, then the structure in the future may sag significantly, which poses a danger to its integrity and reliability. That is why experts advise giving preference to a territory with solid soil, and if construction is carried out on a swampy area, then drainage. Also, experts do not advise installing greenhouses on clay soils, as this often becomes the cause of moisture stagnation in the greenhouse itself. In this case, the ideal solution is the construction of a sand cushion.
During the construction of the greenhouse, close attention must also be paid to the orientation to the cardinal points., which has a direct effect on the amount of sunlight received by plants. If the structure is initially located incorrectly, then vegetable and berry crops will not receive enough natural color, therefore, the quantity and quality of the crop will decrease. The ideal solution is to build a greenhouse on an area that receives an even amount of sunlight and natural light throughout the day. It is best to give preference to the west-east direction, since it is in this case that natural light can be used to the maximum for the development of its own vegetable or berry crops.
And if several typical structures are being erected on the same site at the same time, then you need to be careful and make sure that they do not shade each other. A huge role in the process of creating an optimal microclimate is played by the direction of the wind, which must be taken into account before starting construction work. For example, if a polycarbonate greenhouse is located on a sunny but windy area, then the indoor temperature will constantly decrease, which will lead to the need to install additional heating systems, or this can lead to complete damage to the crop.
That is why that part of the building that takes on a greater amount of winds is best covered with a hedge or special reflective screens that provide reliable protection from cold winds. Recently, most summer residents prefer screens, when, as they not only allow you to create a reliable barrier to protect from the wind, but also provide additional illumination of the interior space. The fact is that such structures reflect heat in an excellent way, due to which the most favorable climate is created in the room.
In the process of erecting protective devices, it is also necessary to be very careful so as not to accidentally harm future plants. Remember that all such devices must provide protection from the wind and in no case shade the interior of the room. That is why a hedge or an artificial fence should be located at a certain distance, which exceeds three times the height of the structure itself. In addition, it is best to make protective structures solid, as this can lead to the formation of turbulent air currents in the future.
The amount of the obtained crop directly depends on the amount of natural light that the greenhouse receives. This is especially important in winter, when solar activity is minimal. If you are going to grow a vegetable or berry crop in greenhouse conditions throughout the year, then it is best to orient the greenhouse structure to the south side so that you do not have to spend too much money on a heating system or automatic artificial lighting. In addition, before starting construction, it is necessary to take into account the presence of large trees and buildings in the summer cottage, because they can interfere with direct sunlight from entering the greenhouse.
Dimensions (edit)
On the modern market, there is a huge number of polycarbonate greenhouses, which differ in their dimensions. The height and width of the product should be selected depending on the volume of planting and the size of the territory. If the summer cottage cannot boast of large dimensions, then a narrow and low greenhouse is suitable for such purposes. Summer cottage options are usually not too large and are designed for a small number of seedlings. In addition, you can purchase or order non-standard options that can differ in almost any shape and size. Such products are mainly used by summer residents who grow products on a large scale.
Brands and manufacturers
The carbonate greenhouse has won the trust of consumers for a long time. There are many manufacturers on the market today. If you look at the rating, the most popular today are domestic and Belarusian companies. Their products represent a unique value for money. Basically, they offer transparent polycarbonate, but color options can be found if desired.
As for European brands, they are of high quality and reliability, however, due to the high price, such varieties are not particularly profitable in domestic conditions. It is highly undesirable to use Chinese polycarbonate, as it quickly deteriorates, differs in its small thickness, so it often has to be replaced with a new one.
Among the most famous and demanded brands are the following
- Polygal Is an Israeli company that offers excellent quality products. A distinctive advantage of the manufacturer is a huge assortment of polycarbonate, which is produced in almost any color range. Models are able to cope with colossal loads and do not lose their characteristics even after a long time.
- "Polygal Vostok" - an analogue of the previous brand that manufactures its products in Russia. Differs in a more affordable cost, and the quality is at the same high level.
- Vizan Is a Chinese brand that boasts a huge color range and polycarbonate thickness from 2 to 10 mm.
Which is better?
In order for the greenhouse to fully fulfill its obligations, it is necessary to choose high-quality polycarbonate for its construction. The optimal thickness is considered to be 6-7 mm, since it is she who shows the greatest efficiency in frost and has impressive durability. If you choose options that are less thick, then they will let the cold through, especially in the winter season.
In the process of buying polycarbonate for the construction of a greenhouse, it is necessary to clarify whether there are options available with an innovative coating against condensation that will prevent excessive accumulation of moisture on the surface. There are a huge number of varieties on the modern market, depending on the color scheme of polycarbonate, however, transparent options are considered the most effective and optimal. They provide reliable transmission of sunlight, which is extremely important for creating optimal greenhouse conditions.
In the process of choosing a frame for greenhouse structures or a greenhouse, it is best to give preference to steel strips and corners. A distinctive feature of this material is that it can resist corrosion, which is important enough to ensure the durability of the structure. If you use exclusively high-quality and durable materials, then there is no doubt that the greenhouse will be able to serve for about 20 years without any problems. The frame copes with the load without any problems and does not sag under the pressure of snow, which favorably distinguishes it from its plastic counterparts, which need to be changed almost every year.
If you want a polycarbonate greenhouse to last as long as possible and delight you with a high-quality harvest, then it is best to choose options that differ in a large number of arcs located close to each other. The main advantage of such a design is that it is able to withstand colossal loads and not bend over time. In the process of buying or building a polycarbonate greenhouse, it is imperative to pay attention to the ventilation system. The fact is that if it is of poor quality and cannot cope with its tasks, then condensation will begin to collect inside the room, and excess moisture is the main cause of fungal diseases.
Experts advise using a pair of vents located on different sides of the greenhouse as a ventilation system. In addition, you can make several doors on opposite sides, which will create a draft.
When choosing a greenhouse, its equipment is also important. It's best to skip options that don't include seals. They are necessary in order to guarantee the maximum tightness of the structure. The absence of such details suggests that the manufacturer has decided to save money, so the quality of such a structure is questionable. Without proper tightness, it will not be possible to create an optimal microclimate in a closed room, which is especially important for plant growth in the winter season.
Ventilation
Polycarbonate greenhouses make it possible to create the right level of humidity and temperature for high-quality plant growth. Despite the fact that crops are in the most optimal conditions, they also need natural air. For this, special ventilation ducts are made in greenhouses to provide plants with access to oxygen.
In greenhouses, automatic equipment is installed, which can be made on your own. The main advantage of modern greenhouses is that they can be built quite easily and quickly. The result is a robust and reliable design. However, if you want the structure to be able to fully perform the functions assigned to it, it is imperative to make small vents and windows for ventilation. They can be placed both in one part of the greenhouse and along the entire length of the structure. The main function of these vents is to provide constant air circulation.
This method of ventilation is manual, since it requires a person's attachment and regular monitoring of weather conditions. If necessary, the system can be slightly improved and turned into a fully automatic one. Of course, it costs more, but you will no longer need to independently control this process.
Among the distinctive features and advantages of automation are the following
- The automatic ventilation system can independently close and open the vents when needed.
- The vents can independently rise to a certain height.
- No human presence is needed to control the process. You just need to set certain parameters, and the system will air itself.
- Depending on the variety of crops grown, you can create a special microclimate for each of them.
It is quite easy to build an autonomous ventilation system yourself. Today, there are two types of it: electric and hydraulic. For the first option, you need to use a special thermostat and a fan. The advantage of a thermostat is that it allows you to set a specific room temperature. If it is higher or lower, then the ventilation system starts to work in automatic mode. The main disadvantage is the high cost of such a system, so it is rarely used.
For hydraulic ventilation, special levers and fragments are also required, as well as a hose. Already by the name of the system, one can understand that a liquid takes part in its work. If the room is too warm, the liquid expands and the equipment begins to ventilate. Such a system cannot boast of the same efficiency as an electric one, however, its cost is much lower.
On the modern market, you can also find bimetallic options, which include two plates. A distinctive feature of such a system is that each plate is characterized by its own special expansion under the influence of heat. First, one of them heats up and pushes the second, after which the vents open. The system is quite simple to install and can boast of durability, however, in the process of choosing it, you should pay attention to the size of the window.
Among the distinctive advantages of such a system in polycarbonate greenhouses are the following
- Temperature control capability. The peculiarity of the greenhouse is that the greenhouse effect is regularly observed here, therefore it is extremely important to constantly maintain the set temperature. It can rise very quickly, especially if the sun's rays fall on the surface.
- Air exchange. Plants cannot grow and develop without the presence of carbon dioxide. That is why it is important to conduct ventilation in order to ensure the balance of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the air. This is especially important if the greenhouse is year-round.
- Airing provides an opportunity to get rid of pests, as well as to ensure natural pollination for crops.
- The ventilation system makes it possible to control the level of soil and air moisture in the greenhouse.
Lighting
In order for the summer resident to get a high-quality and bountiful harvest, it is necessary to correctly and efficiently install the lighting system. The most important point is considered to be the right combination of artificial and natural light. Only in this case can you get the desired result and achieve high yields. Of course, the amount of natural light in winter is less than in summer, so when installing a greenhouse, this circumstance should be taken into account. Every little thing should be thought out in such a way that the plants receive the maximum amount of light.
The greenhouse cover material is extremely important in order to ensure the proper level of light penetration. Most summer residents prefer plastic wrap, which boasts an affordable cost, but this material has many other disadvantages. It is difficult for such a coating to provide the proper level of care. In addition, polypropylene film quickly loses its transparency, so it has to be replaced every season.
As for glass, this option transmits the sun's rays well, but cannot boast of strength and durability. In addition, it quickly gets dirty, and dirty glass will not let light through, as a result of which you will have to constantly clean up. The cost of the material is high, so not every summer resident can afford to install it, and for small greenhouses it is not at all cost-effective.
Thus, to provide lighting, it is polycarbonate that is the most optimal and effective solution. The main advantage is that it fully meets the requirements and can boast of its unique characteristics. Modern varieties of this material boast the ability to transmit 90% of the light. In addition, the material is extremely easy to use and does not lose its properties over time. In the selection process, it is best to give preference to white material.
It is no secret that light waves have a direct impact on the quantity and quality of fruits, therefore, this factor should be given close attention. Experts advise using at least two different types of lamps, which can ensure a more harmonious development of plants. When choosing a lamp, it is worth taking into account the properties of the light energy that is obtained from the lamp. A distinctive feature of an ordinary lamp is that it simply illuminates and does not provide any additional effect. That is why it is better not to use them in polycarbonate greenhouses, since there is no benefit from this.
It should be noted that the installation of lighting in a greenhouse has certain nuances. It is worth taking into account the fact that they always have a humid microclimate, which means that the insulation of electrical wiring should be under attention. The ideal solution is to place the wires in special boxes, which will provide them with reliable protection from getting wet during watering.
How to care?
Polycarbonate is a unique and modern material that can boast of its strength characteristics. It is not as fragile as glass and is easier to clean. There is no need to put in too much effort or invest in this process. However, without ordinary care, even the most reliable and durable structures eventually deteriorate.
If the greenhouse is built to glory according to all the rules, then in the summer you will not have to take care of it at all. In extreme cases, it will sometimes be necessary to wipe off individual elements in order to improve light penetration.
Most of the greenhouse maintenance work begins in October, after the harvest. It is at this moment that a general cleaning should be carried out, which should be carried out at least once a year.
The maintenance of such a structure can be divided into such components
- Disposal of plant debris. It is also necessary to remove all the plants that remain there from the greenhouse. After that, you will need to clean the plant residues and burn them.
- Soil treatment - an extremely important process on which the quality of the future harvest depends. It is best to treat the soil with antibacterial agents.
- The use of fertilizers. To improve the properties of the soil, it is extremely effective to use green manure, and before the sowing itself, you can apply humus, compost and other complex mineral fertilizers.
- Disinfection. Immediately after harvesting, all polycarbonate greenhouse elements should be washed from dirt. It is most convenient to use dishwashing agents for this procedure. It is better to refuse abrasive cleaners that can scratch the surface of the polycarbonate.
Successful examples and options
An excellent single slope greenhouse ideal for low plants. Gable version of polycarbonate greenhouse, suitable for tall crops. Ideal for placing a greenhouse in an open area. Nothing obscures the structure, thanks to which it will receive maximum sunlight. Option with an extension to the house. An ideal solution for winter, as the problems with the heating system disappear. Polycarbonate greenhouses are unique designs that allow owners to plant almost any crop year-round. If you strictly follow the care tips, then such a structure will be able to serve for many years and perform all the functions assigned to it.
For information on how to make a polycarbonate greenhouse, see the next video.