single wall polycarbonate

Hello. I would like to ask about using single wall rigid polycarbonate greenhouses like the MIni-pro , Terry mentioned. Does anyone have one and how do their plants respond to the more direct lighting as opposed to the diffused lighting of the twin-walled stuff? Thanks! roseivory

great question - I'm eager to see the answer, too!

I'm pretty sure that is what was used for the walls of my gh. But of course that was almost 10 years ago, and my memory is not the best. I know I can't see through it. I feel that my plants grow well with it, but I also have only two walls since my gh is built in north east corner of garage. So two walls are wood covered with reflecting aluminum. I also have a good HID light in the dark corner. Donna

Hi Donna
Thanks for your response! I am wondering though, if your house is single polypanelled as I think the single polypanels are quite clear allowing more light through ( 2-4 percent )and thus presenting more of a "burning" challenge to the upper leaves of plants. The mini-pro greenhouse that Terry and I are looking at is an extremely transparent single polycarb which does not diffuse light at all and looks similar to glass. And that is my big question about that particular greenhouse , how to protect the plants and diffuse the light and retain some solar heat. Thanks roseivory

Donna, my apologies. There are "clear" varieties of twin-wall polycarbonates so just discard some of what I said about that! sorry! r.ivory

I have an insullated glass greenhouse, and I don't have a problem with burning leaves. If the plants seem to be getting too much light (a problem only in late Spring), I use either a saran shade or greenhosue shading paint.

- Kathleen (Zone 6, NW Rhode Island)

I have never used any kind of shade material on or in the gh. Mine is not double wall carbonate for the gh. My cold frames are made with the double wall carbonate stuff. The material, and I am sorry I cannot remember more clearly what it is, as i said is not transparent. I take everything out of my gh in early summer, just gets too hot and the plants are happier out in my lath shade house area.

Here is a picture i took yesterday of the inside of my gh now. Pay no attention to the litter, I cannot keep it neat and clean. Donna

Here is another photo of my 40 year or more, old Jade plant. It is loaded with bud clusters and will stay in bloom for about 3 months. Donna

Sorry the photo was so dark that i posted the wrong one that is last fall. The same one now is just in bud not full bloom like posted. Donna

Dear Donna
Thanks for the wonderful photos! A forty year old jaded plant! Looks amazing! It loves being in the greenhouse! I can see what you mean about the transparancy of your house; it does diffuse light similar to the twin walled. Anyway thanks, really enjoyed seeing what's happening there! Best r.ivory

Nice greenhouse Donna, and WOW, that jade plant is unbelievable. LindaSC

hi Rose Ivory
i have looked in Brookings & Crescent City for a greenhouse & there aren't any :-)
so i will also order one from the internet
have you looked at the farm tek GH's ?
their 9 x 12 looks to be comparable to the mini pro & is less expensive
https://www.farmtekcatalog.com/lg_display.cfm?page_number=352

nice GH Donna & unbelievable Jade plant

Dick
ready to retire to Hiouchi

Thanks Strever
That is a great deal! I'm considering it! There is a greenhouse seller in
Brookings. He sells the Enthusiast and Mini Pro out of his home. I'm still mulling over all the different makes and styles and design features. But the farm teks have a lot going for them !
Best! r. ivory

Rose
is that the little one on 101 a little south of Harbor on the ocean side ?
next to a fruit stand i think ?
i just ordered a FarmTek this afternoon :-)
http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/468099/
got a 10% new customer discount :-)
plus the free shipping :-)
will be delivered in about 10 days
& will be setting it up soon in Hiouchi
if you haven't made up your mind by then, you might come by & see mine

Dick



This message was edited Nov 11, 2004 8:20 PM