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Discussion forum for the various methods and structures used for getting an early start on your growing season, extending it for several weeks or even year 'round.

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Old May 12, 2018   #1
whoose
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Default Covering Low Tunnel

I have been using 6mil clear plastic (Visqueen) for my covers on my low tunnel beds. Problem is that it last only one season and makes a mess as it comes apart. Better suggestions/sources are welcomed.
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Old May 12, 2018   #2
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you need to use uv resistant greenhouse plastic. it lasts for years.
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Old May 12, 2018   #3
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I've been using this for the last seven years and it is still going strong in Mississippi. Claud

http://www.greenhousemegastore.com/p...m/plastic-film

Tip: You want the film to be tight enough it doesn't flap in wind. Movement will cause it to fail prematurely.

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Old May 12, 2018   #4
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AND... this year we had a "funny" issue occur...my one house quit inflating but the fan was running and I searched all over the outside of the house for a hole... I could not find anything that would account for the loss of air. BUT where the plastic electrical conduit was up against the plastic must have had a chemical reaction to the greenhouse plastic.. it literally disintegrated along the the spots where they touched each other. so, whatever you are stretching it over... watch for deterioration... just a heads up!
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Old May 21, 2018   #5
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Ordered some of the fancy covering today. What kind of tape do I need to keep it from touching the plastic?
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Old May 21, 2018   #6
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The same site that sells the covering also sells rolls of heavy repair tape that works great. I use the rigid foam pipe insulation (cut into 1 foot pieces) on the frame to act as a hold-off for the plastic. Claud
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Old May 21, 2018   #7
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I used regular greenhouse repair tape for my patching. it was way cheaper than replacing the plastic. since yours is brand new I would suggest taping the plastic pipe with the tape instead of trying to guess where the plastic will touch it.
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Old July 22, 2018   #8
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I used latex paint on my PVC pipe. It seemed to work OK.
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Old December 8, 2018   #9
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Any updates? I'm probably going to replace my floating row cover with some of the plastic stuff. Here's a picture of my make-shift medium tunnel.
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Old March 29, 2019   #10
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Default Local Nursery Source

I can get the uv resistant (4-5 year) plastic for 15 cents a square foot, cut to my specs. Is this a good price?
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Old March 29, 2019   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by whoose View Post
I can get the uv resistant (4-5 year) plastic for 15 cents a square foot, cut to my specs. Is this a good price?
I think it is, provided it is new stuff. Some greenhouse operations sell their used plastic.
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