Covering material made of synthetic fibers for the greenhouse. How to choose a covering material for plants. Is spunbond suitable for sheltering greenhouses

How is greenhouse covered? An incredible amount of materials, but each gardener has his own preferences regarding the quality, cost and natural characteristics of the canvas. For quite a long time, glass, polyethylene, and in rare cases, polycarbonate were used to finish greenhouses, and now you can find coatings such as non-woven covering material in almost every garden.

Greenhouse nonwoven fabric

Non-woven covering material has a lot of advantages, thanks to which it is so popular today.

Advantages:

It is able to pass moisture, the rays of the sun, however, there is a certain stabilizer in the canvas, which is a component of the raw material from which a material is created that can prevent the penetration of harmful UV rays. It is the harmful rays that cause indelible harm to plants.
Greenhouses made of covering fabric slowly heat up and cool down for a long time, respectively, inside the structure the temperature is maintained at an optimal level throughout the day.
Under such material, the soil cannot dry out, even in dry weather, and during heavy rains, excess moisture is absorbed into the greenhouse cover.
Removing and stretching the canvas is not difficult and does not take too much time. Due to the high strength of the material, it cannot be torn even under strong mechanical stress.

The average service life of nonwoven fabric is 3-6 years.

Features of working with non-woven material

There are some features of working with non-woven material that you should familiarize yourself with before purchasing a product and starting to install it on a structure. Experienced gardeners have a sufficient number of tricks that help extend the life of the material, as well as make the material more practical and convenient to use.

Operating secrets:

When sewing a fabric strip along the central part of the fabric, as well as supplying it with bandages, the process of stringing the fabric onto the frame will be simpler and will not be difficult. To do this, you do not need to use a special tool, but only the skills to tie strong knots.
To reduce the sailing effect, you can make wooden slats along the edges of the canvas.
If you combine non-woven fabric and polyethylene film, you can significantly increase the life of the material. However, it is worth remembering that the film does not allow moisture to pass through, which means that you need to cover the second polyethylene layer only in rainy weather.
If the structure is arched, then you can not remove the canvas for the winter. It is worth noting that in this case, the life of the material will be significantly reduced.

When the non-woven fabric can no longer be used to cover the whole greenhouse, its pieces are used to warm seedlings during seedlings.

What is better for a greenhouse: fabric, polycarbonate or film

What coating should be used to finish greenhouses so that the plants are in ideal conditions for germination and development? What to choose: woven or non-woven material? This is the question that gardeners ask themselves when they get up before the construction of greenhouses and hotbeds. The choice of canvases for today is huge and it depends on various factors, for example, on cost, characteristics, or on external data.

Types of coverage and their characteristics:

Silicate glass has excellent light transmission, as well as an unlimited service life, but it has a high cost, weight and material is very fragile, which makes it less popular. For greenhouses, glass with a thickness of 4 mm should be used.
Cellular polycarbonate is much stronger than the previous material, and it is also resistant to various temperature extremes, ultraviolet radiation. It is elastic and can be finished with a variety of configuration designs. The thickness of polycarbonate is 6-16mm. In terms of service life, it is the most durable, since the canvas can be used for up to 20 years.
Polyethylene film is the most affordable material and is an excellent way to shelter plants from rain and wind. Unfortunately, the canvas is not durable and can be deformed at the slightest mechanical impact. The film is purchased, as a rule, for one season.
Acrylic canvases are a rarity for vegetable gardens, but the material has excellent strength and elasticity. There is no limitation on service life.
PVC sheets are an innovation in covering greenhouses and small greenhouses. Such a canvas has excellent resistance to mechanical stress, temperature changes, as well as harmful UV rays.
Non-woven covering material can be used up to 6 seasons, it perfectly passes moisture and prevents the penetration of the harmful rays of the sun.

Under such a fabric, the plants will be in an optimal microclimate, which means it will be an ideal option for growing a rich and high-quality crop.

How to choose a covering fabric for a greenhouse

Now many gardeners have to deal with a lot of outlandish names that are written on the labels of various covering materials. Initially, it may seem that this is a set of letters at all, however, each non-woven fabric has its own distinctive features, cost and original appearance.

It is worth noting that in general, non-woven fabric differs in density, each type of which is suitable for a particular type of plant:

17-30 g/m2 - suitable for protecting plants planted outside greenhouses from ultraviolet rays and frost, which adversely affect seedlings. Due to the excellent permeability of essential resources such as water, light and heat, plants are in an ideal microclimate in which they will develop, grow and bear fruit perfectly. The excellent quality of such a canvas is that it can save plantings from birds and insects, or in other words from major pests. Material with this density, as a rule, is used to cover shrubs, berry crops, vegetables and fruits, as well as ornamental plants that grow on open ground.
42-60 g/m2 is excellent for building a greenhouse on arcs, and even for winter structures.
60 g/m2 is suitable for beginner gardeners. It has a lot of positive aspects, which significantly pays for its cost. In the manufacture of the canvas, a special stabilizer is used to prevent the penetration of harmful UV rays under the canvas. The material is strong, durable and wear-resistant. Due to the presence of carbon in the composition of the fabric, the canvas has a black color.

This color contributes to the absorption of sunlight and gives a large amount of heat into the structure. In other words, the plants are warm and do not burn out under the influence of the sun. Weeds die in the absence of sufficient light. Such a woven material perfectly helps to grow a rich and high-quality crop.

Selection rules: non-woven covering material for greenhouses (video)

Making a greenhouse choosing such a fabric is not difficult. And the effect will be simply magnificent if you choose the right density.

How to cover a greenhouse: options

In spring, it is time to plant seedlings and sow seeds in the ground. The sooner this is done, the sooner the seedlings will sprout and the crop will ripen.

Therefore, care must be taken to create comfortable conditions for plants. Buy or make your own greenhouses and greenhouses in which young plants can be sheltered from the weather.

Film for greenhouse

Covering materials have long been used to protect seedlings and crops. Now there are more and more of them and it is not easy to figure out which of them are intended for what.

Closed plants are not afraid of short-term spring frosts, wind and hail. But it all depends on the correct choice of the material itself.

What are covering materials

Cover material for greenhouses

As a coating for greenhouses and greenhouses, glass, polycarbonate and materials consisting of non-woven polypropylene fiber are used: Spunbond, Lutrasil, Agril, Agrospan.

This is a new word in the market of covering materials, they have improved qualities compared to conventional film. But not all of them are designed for greenhouses and greenhouses.

Their quality depends on the use of a UV stabilizer, and strength, functionality and durability on density. They serve to protect seedlings after planting it in a greenhouse, promote rapid rooting and growth. If you familiarize yourself with the properties of all materials, you can decide what is better to cover the greenhouse.

Comparative characteristics of film and cloth Agrospan

Cover option for greenhouses - agrospan non-woven fabric

Agrospan, thanks to its qualities, creates a special microclimate in the greenhouse and surpasses ordinary film in many respects:

It allows moisture and sunlight to pass through in small doses, thereby protecting plants from drying out;
Maintains a stable temperature and reduces its fluctuations to a minimum;
Does not break when folded, easy to clean and does not tarnish;
Strong and durable, can be used for 4-5 seasons;
Protects plants from frost down to -3 degrees, and if you cover a greenhouse with it in two layers, then up to -5.

The properties of a conventional greenhouse film, the low price of which compensates for the shortcomings, are as follows:

Transparent, transmits light well;
Does not pass moisture;
Suitable for temporary shelters;
Quickly ages and collapses under the influence of low temperatures;
It does not transmit infrared radiation well, therefore it does not protect against temperature changes.

However, thanks to new scientific developments and modern technologies, improved types of polyethylene film have appeared.

They are used as a covering for greenhouses and greenhouses. This is a very popular material for the needs of gardeners and gardeners.

Types of film coatings

PE film for plant protection

Plastic film is the most famous material used by gardeners and gardeners. It is produced in rolls and sleeves 3, 4 and 6 m wide, of different thicknesses. Gardeners have a wide choice of how to cover the greenhouse.

What types of film coatings are:

Reinforced - a fiberglass mesh inserted into it makes the film stronger;
"Breathable" - it allows moisture to pass through, as it has tiny holes through which air passes;
Color light-converting - has special additives that convert ultraviolet radiation to infrared. Accelerates plant growth and protects against frost;
Air bubble - has high thermal protection and mechanical strength.

The film contributes to the preservation of fertilizers in the soil, does not violate its structure and integrity. It helps earlier flowering and ripening of fruits, retains heat and even protects crops from bird attacks. A greenhouse with a film coating is easy to do with your own hands.

Note! The film is sold in black and white. It is laid on the ground inside the greenhouse with the white side up. It reflects the sun's rays, and black does not allow weeds to develop.

What other types of coverage are there?

Photo of polycarbonate for greenhouses and greenhouses

Small greenhouses are not advisable to cover with glass. It is a fragile and heavy material. It transmits ultraviolet light, which can be detrimental to plants.

In addition, glass greenhouses are difficult to install and there are problems with sealing. Imperfect glass was replaced by a better material - polycarbonate.

It has become relatively recent to use it as a coating for a greenhouse. It is cellular and monolithic.

Its popularity is growing every year faster and faster.

The properties of modern greenhouse polycarbonate, due to which it has replaced glass, are as follows:

Durability - does not crack or break;
Convenient for transportation - can be rolled up;
Passes the ultraviolet necessary for plants;
Plastic and non-flammable;
Environmentally friendly;
durable;
Easy;
Not afraid of hail and wind.

The instructions for assembling a polycarbonate greenhouse tell you what tool it can be cut with and how to ensure sealing. Often stationary greenhouses are made in summer cottages. Previously, they were covered with glass or film, but with the advent of polycarbonate, there is a desire to replace the old coating with a new one.

This is quite possible and does not present any difficulties. On an old strong frame of any shape, it is easy to mount sheets of the desired size.

How to cover an old greenhouse with polycarbonate correctly:

Calculate the amount of material, buy it with a margin;
Prepare the necessary tools, it is easily cut with an ordinary knife;
Self-tapping screws for fastening and rubber bands and profiles for sealing.

Polycarbonate sheets are attached to the greenhouse frame with thermal washers - this is a plastic washer on a leg, the length of which is equal to the thickness of the panel. They provide reliable installation.

Moreover, modern thermal washers have rubber gaskets, which prevent moisture and dirt from penetrating inside the greenhouse.

Thermal washer

A large selection of different materials will help you decide how to cover the greenhouse. The main thing is to create all conditions for the growth and development of plants.

Conclusion

Greenhouse facilities in the garden allow you to protect plants from early spring to late autumn. Greenhouses, large and small, organically fit into garden design thanks to modern, reliable, functional and beautiful coatings. The video in this article will tell you how to choose them correctly.

Covering material for greenhouses: a variety of types, advantages and disadvantages of each

Every novice gardener who decides to break a greenhouse or build a greenhouse faces the problem of choosing a covering material. What is more suitable for your climatic conditions, traditional or non-woven covering material for greenhouses?

In this article, we will try to tell you as fully as possible about each type of covering material, its application, advantages and disadvantages.

To grow a crop, you need to cover seedlings and fruits from bad weather and pests.

Polyethylene film

Photo of polyethylene film in rolls

Our grandparents had a small choice of covering material: plastic film, although it was reputed to be in short supply, but the wooden frames of greenhouses wrapped with it were in almost every area.

And it does not matter that polyethylene served only a season - the price of the material and ease of installation were not its only advantages:

firstly, the seedlings were securely hidden from gusts of wind and morning frosts;
secondly, the temperature and humidity in the greenhouse were higher than outside.

It would seem, why reinvent the wheel? But no, progress has also affected this area of agriculture, and new coatings have replaced unstabilized polyethylene.

The addition of special impurities in the raw material makes it possible to obtain a covering material for greenhouses with desired properties: light-transforming, heat-retaining and hydrophilic films; the use of polyvinyl chloride in production extends the life of the coating up to eight seasons; reinforcing mesh - gives strength, elasticity, resistance to tearing.

Reinforcing mesh visible to the naked eye

Be that as it may, plastic film of all kinds is still found in greenhouses and greenhouses, that is, it is in demand on the market.

Glass

In Soviet times, a glazed greenhouse was almost a luxury item - the neighbors looked enviously through the fence and mentally calculated the cost of the building.

Glass greenhouse - in the past the envy of neighbors

Indeed, with the task of protecting plants from adverse atmospheric phenomena (heavy precipitation, fog, dew), glass did an excellent job. The light conductivity of this material is much higher than polyethylene, but in terms of thermal insulation properties it loses to the film.

In addition, the glass walls of the greenhouse are fragile and prone to cracking with minor mechanical stress, and what about a large hail accompanied by a heavy wind?! Replacing the paintings came out to the owners for a "penny".

Cellular polycarbonate

This expensive, rapidly conquering market, covering material has absorbed all the best properties of polyethylene and glass.

Cellular polycarbonate is available in all colors of the spectrum

Advantages of polycarbonate:

excellent thermal insulation properties;
high light transmission capacity - up to 84% (for comparison: this figure for glass is 100%) and at the same time reliable protection of plants from UV rays;
impact strength, resistance to snow and wind loads, guaranteed long service life;
simplicity and ease of installation of a greenhouse made of cellular polycarbonate.

Polycarbonate is produced in sheets up to 12 meters long and a little more than 2 meters wide. Sheet thickness varies from 4 to 32 mm.

And greenhouses are built traditionally white

Like any other covering material, cellular polycarbonate is not without drawbacks:

High price. Of course, if we take into account the service life of the material, the price of the issue will not seem prohibitively high, but it can be difficult for a novice gardener taking his first steps in the field of agriculture to decide on an expensive purchase;
When building a greenhouse, it is imperative to take into account the properties of the material, change the dimensions during cooling and heating: leave a tiny gap for expansion and securely fix it in the grooves in case of compression during cooling.

Greenhouses made of polycarbonate are equally well suited for both seasonal growing of vegetables and year-round strawberries or greens.

What is agrofibre

Remembering the love of pensioners for polyethylene film and taking into account its shortcomings, agricultural technologists have proposed a new covering non-woven material for greenhouses and hotbeds - Spunbond.

The entire canvas is covered with tiny holes (pores)

Spunbond (agrofibre) is made from fiber-forming polymers: polyamide, polypropylene, polyester and others.

Two types of agrofilm are produced:

black (for mulching the soil, warming seedlings in winter or protecting them from weeds);
white (most often used to cover greenhouses).

Advantages of nonwoven fabric for greenhouses

The covering material allows moisture and sunlight to pass through, but thanks to the UV stabilizer, which is part of the raw material, harmful rays do not damage seedlings;
A greenhouse made of spunbond covering material heats up slowly and cools down for a long time, i.е. temperature fluctuations during the day are not large;
A special microclimate is created under the agrofilm: the soil does not dry out during drought, and during heavy rains, excess moisture ceases to be absorbed into the coating;
Spunbond can be easily removed, cleaned, compactly folded without cracking;
The service life of the material is from 3 to 6 seasons.

Agrofibre is produced in various densities from 17 to 60 g/sq.m. For greenhouses, it is recommended to use the densest material.

Features of working with agrofibre

The instructions for covering the greenhouse with agrofibre are similar to the sequence of work with plastic wrap.

If you sew a fabric strip with ties in the center of the spunbond fabric, it will be very convenient to “mount” the coating on the frame. This does not even require special tools, it will be enough to know how to tie knots.
To reduce the sailing effect, it is still desirable to beat the canvas with wooden slats from the outside;
Spunbond performed well in combination with polyethylene film, provided that it covered only the roof. Since the coating easily passes water and ensures the circulation of air masses in the greenhouse, the owners have much less trouble with watering and ventilation;
With the arched design of the greenhouse, the covering material can not be removed for the winter. However, manufacturers recommend not to practice this in order to extend the life of the spunbond;
“Used” agrofibre, no longer suitable for covering greenhouses, can be given a second life as a covering material to protect seedlings or perennial flowers from snow and frost.

Now the tree is not afraid of frost and wind

As you can see, spunbond non-woven covering material frees gardeners from the need for constant presence in the garden, daily ventilation, watering and weeding.

You don’t even have to worry about additional heating of the greenhouse - it will keep a more or less constant temperature and humidity level anyway. And a nice bonus will be accelerated fruit ripening and an extended growing season of plants.

Summary

We have tried to cover the range of covering materials as fully as possible:

from the most common and budget;
to recently appeared on the market and, accordingly, more expensive.

We talked about the advantages of each of the coatings and did not forget to point out minor disadvantages.

Even watermelons can be grown in a greenhouse - the main thing is to choose the right covering material

The traditional video in this article contains some more useful tips from an experienced owner on the right choice and use of covering material.

Choosing a covering material for greenhouses: a comparative review of 4 options

Thanks to rapid technological progress, the ordinary gardener now has everything in his arsenal: the latest automatic heating and watering systems, self-opening windows, smart sensors, and even a wonderfully warm floor made of thin film. And the new century also did not bypass the covering material for greenhouses - today you can already forget about the heavy old windows and thin muddy film, from which large and small greenhouses were massively built due to the lack of a more affordable option. And even in cold Siberia today, heat-loving plants are successfully grown under closed ground conditions.
And now, due to the availability of all the necessary components in modern stores, absolutely every owner can build a solid greenhouse on his site - no matter where he lives and what kind of area it is. The only thing you have to work hard on is the calculations. And the very first thing you need to decide initially is the material with which you can cover the greenhouses.

Polyethylene film - is it so simple?

In the late 90s, when a market was actively formed in our country due to unemployment, reinforced film began to be aggressively advertised among summer residents. It was touted for its extraordinary strength and especially long service life - up to 6 years. Unlike ordinary film, reinforced and more sun-resistant, and dense, and warm. And, as it turned out, this covering material really exceeded all expectations: even today it can serve the most thrifty owners for as long as 8 years. It is only important to follow some rules: protect such a film at the folds at the points of contact with the frame, get rid of sharp corners and do not stretch it too much.

But the simple polyethylene film has not remained in the past either. Even though it sometimes serves only one season, it is cheap for its owners, and it copes with its functions quite well. So, the ability to transmit light even in a two-layer film is 80%. And someone even thinks that it's bad - it's much better, supposedly, that the material skips 100%. In fact, it is by no means better - with an excess of light, greenhouse plants are too elongated in growth, and then the fruits are not pleasing to the eye. But 80% is enough for the tops to be exactly what they should be. These are such tricky moments, so never discard the good old traditions and experience - they can come in handy!

Related article: Film for greenhouses and greenhouses: a comparative review of 6 options

Cellular polycarbonate is the sales leader of the modern market

Why do most summer residents still prefer cellular polycarbonate? It's all about durability - you only need to build such a structure once, and you won't have to think about repairs anymore. It remains only to grow and enjoy the harvest.

Cellular polycarbonate is indeed much warmer than window panes - even with a thickness of only 8 mm, it already retains heat inside the greenhouse twice as well, and a thickness of 16 mm is comparable to triple glazing. For modern greenhouses, the material is sold exactly cellular - i.e. with cellular structure. It consists of an upper and lower layer, between which there are stiffening ribs. The sun's rays settle on the bottom and top sheet, but penetrate inside in different directions - scattering, which is especially good for the growth of the future crop. Manufacturers also claim that it delays the "hard" ultraviolet rays - exactly those that act destructively on plants, but the "useful" ones completely miss. Therefore, in such constructions, you can even sunbathe safely, without fear of getting burned - this will not happen.

According to its chemical structure, it is a polycondensation of diphenylolpropane with carbonic acid. And all derivatives of the latter are called carbonates - that's where the famous name comes from.

For the installation of polycarbonate, special aluminum fastening systems, profiles and other structures that can be ordered are traditionally used. But many summer residents are confused by the question of how to fix polycarbonate - is it really possible to do without branded thermal washers or is it more rational to use self-tapping screws for profiled sheet? Should the sheets overlap or use a special profile to connect them? To answer this question, let's look at the coefficient of thermal expansion - 0.068 mm from each meter per 1 degree. At first glance, this seems insignificant - but with a temperature drop from -20, as in Russia in winter to +30 in summer, a six-meter sheet will change in size by exactly 34 mm, and this is already quite noticeable. And the self-tapping screw, which is always in place due to the almost complete absence of thermal expansion in the metal, will simply “break” an oval hole in the material. At the same time, branded washers with a diameter of more than 30 mm completely seal the holes and are designed for any thermal deformations that are invisible to the eye. Just pay attention when buying plastic thermal washers that they are already too fragile after two years - due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

And, finally, polycarbonate has high impact resistance - it perfectly tolerates strong hail and even a thrown stone will not particularly harm it. That is why the manufacturer generously gives a guarantee for such covering material for all 10 years. And sheets can be bent, unlike glass - and therefore such different structures are built from them today. A real outlet for landscape designers!

Related article: Which polycarbonate is better for a greenhouse - learning to choose

Tent as a shelter: clear advantages or advertising?

Unusual options have also found their application - they are somewhat similar to a foreign awning, only their properties are slightly different. Day by day, non-woven materials are becoming more and more popular - Agril, Lutrasil, Thermoselect and others. There are many such brands, and all of them are designed for multifunctional use.

But the closest attention should be paid to their qualities and properties - so that it does not turn out that the plants will subsequently lack some important light spectra, and the harvest will be poor. In total, modern non-woven options hold heat well in the greenhouse and slowly release it at night. But they cannot save seedlings from frost, and like fabric, they can tear and cost a lot. The choice is yours!

If you nevertheless purchased such material, then during the rains, be sure to cover it with ordinary plastic wrap, and then remove it: this way the non-woven fabric will last longer.

Glass - for the most industrious gardeners

Covering materials help increase yields, accelerate the growth and ripening of vegetables, and protect plants from frost. If in the past only polyethylene was available for these purposes, then the modern variety can confuse a novice gardener.

Surely you have heard about non-woven agrofibre, air-bubble and light-stabilized film, as well as weed control coatings. I will help you understand the features and intricacies of choosing greenhouse coverings.

When buying film or non-woven coatings, two main criteria are taken into account - this is the use case and service life. Both factors ultimately affect the cost and success of the application. Covering material may differ in type and density, so it is selected according to the purpose of use:

for beds - when there is no supporting frame;
small greenhouses;
stationary greenhouses;
protection of the underground part of plants from weeds, overheating, pests.

The quality and service life of coatings of all types are evaluated by two indicators:

The uniformity of the web in terms of density. The uneven texture and thickness of the layer can often be seen in low-quality covering agrofiber. The criterion is important for all covering materials, since it affects the mechanical strength, the degree of protection from wind and cold during frost.
UV resistant. To protect against the destructive action of sunlight, ultraviolet stabilizers are introduced into the polymer raw material. In their absence, the covering material becomes brittle, brittle, crumbles in the garden in a month or two.

Please note: the degree of protection of garden crops from short frosts is affected not only by the quality of the covering material, but also by the microclimate of the greenhouse: the degree of heating and soil moisture. The negative temperatures indicated on the packaging are values under ideal conditions.

Polymeric covering films for greenhouses

Modern film coatings are made not only from traditional polyethylene, but also from other high-tech raw materials - acrylic, PVC and EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate). With a similar appearance, they are superior to polyethylene products in strength. According to the structure, all film covering materials can be divided into three groups:

Single-layer (traditional), multi-layer (with additional properties).
Air-bubble - provide protection for plants when it gets cold down to -8º C.
Reinforced (three-layer), outer layers - light-stabilized, inner - strong mesh made of polypropylene fiber. Used for non-separable greenhouses in areas with a difficult climate.

Due to various additives and additives, light transmission, light scattering, resistance to top dressing chemicals, and UV exposure increase. Consider the most popular types of covering films.

Polyethylene ordinary (unstabilized)

More often it is two-layer, produced in rolls in the form of a sleeve. For temporary and small greenhouses, a thin covering material with a thickness of 100-150 microns is suitable. It is not advisable to buy thicker, since even the densest shelter will not last longer than one season.

Advantages:

Good light transmission. Tinted versions are available to create different lighting conditions.
Environmental Safety. Polyethylene does not affect the composition of the soil, does not emit harmful substances.
Strength. The surface withstands showers, strong winds, medium-sized hail.
Light weight. Covering material can be attached to a lightweight frame.

The disadvantages include sensitivity to external factors: to the action of solar ultraviolet radiation, fertilizing, fertilizers. Polyethylene wears out quickly, does not allow water vapor to pass through, becomes electrified, as a result of which dust settles on its surface.

Note: the folds formed during the fastening of the polyethylene greenhouse fail first. To prevent tears, you need to glue them with adhesive tape before use.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Compared to P / E canvas, it has increased tensile strength and elasticity, and can be used for several seasons. It differs from other species by a high light transmission rate, which is close to 90%.

Delays up to 95% of the rays of the infrared spectrum, due to which the greenhouse does not cool down at night. Due to its resistance to cracking, it does not lose transparency during multi-season operation.

The disadvantages of this material include a higher cost and thickness (150-200 microns), due to which the mass increases.

Ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA)

Copolymer shelters are distinguished by elasticity, wear resistance, strength, due to which they serve up to 3 years. The light transmission index is 92%, withstands wind gusts of 18-20 m / s and hard frosts.

Due to the characteristics, the optimal thickness for greenhouses is 90-110 microns. It is not economically profitable to buy EVA covering material thicker and denser.

Stabilized (with additives)

Regardless of the raw material from which the film is made, one or more components are introduced into the composition to improve the characteristics:

UV stabilizers - reduce the damaging effects of sunlight.
Antifog hydrophobic additives - prevent fogging, accumulation of large condensate droplets. On such a film, moisture flows down, further improving light transmission.
Anti-static - resist the accumulation of static electricity. The surface does not attract dust that impairs transparency.
Heat stabilizers - reduce the degree of deformation at elevated temperatures.
Anti-blocking agents - prevent sticking of the film.
IR stabilizers - do not let infrared rays through, as a result, the greenhouse loses less heat at night.
Phosphors - convert ultraviolet light into the visible part of the spectrum. Due to this, illumination is enhanced, plant growth is accelerated.

Note: manufacturers color stabilized materials in various shades. Since there is no single standard, when buying, it is better to focus on the description in the instructions than on color matching.

Non-woven covering materials

Depending on the manufacturer, agrofibre is known on the market under different names - Agrospan, Lutrasil, Agrotex, Spunbond. It differs from other agrotextiles in the method of production.

Lightweight breathable material is made from the finest polyester or acrylic yarns with stabilizing additives using the spunbond technology.

The fibers are bonded together without weaving by needle-punching or heat-sealing, resulting in a strong fabric.

Properties of nonwoven covering materials

Agrospan and other canvases in this category create a healthy microclimate in the greenhouse:

Pass water vapor, promote gas exchange.
Prevent overcooling of plants.
Scatter sunlight, protect leaves from burns.
Provides a smooth change of day and night temperatures.
Reduce evaporation of soil moisture.
Protect from pests.

Covering non-woven materials are light in weight, so they are often covered with plants without the use of frames. The service life of the stabilized Agrospan is at least 3 seasons.

Note: black covering materials are not removed for watering and liquid feeding, since the mesh structure freely passes water.

Density selection

For beds, material with a density of 17 to 30 g / m 2 is used. Shelter is thrown after sowing the seeds, as the plants grow, the edges are released. Coatings are labeled as "Agrospan 17", "Agril 30", etc.
Grade 30-42 is suitable for arc greenhouses in which seedlings and low-growing vegetables are grown.
Covering material grade 50-60 can be covered with a stationary greenhouse or a small greenhouse.

Black covering material

It is laid on the beds as a mulch - it does not allow weeds to grow. Covering fabric of this type is produced with a density of 60 g/m 2 . UV stabilizers are introduced during the production process to increase the service life.

Due to the black color, the canvas absorbs heat, the ground under it warms up faster. The soil remains loose, the top layer does not form a crust that prevents the root system from breathing. Weeds without access to light do not develop and die. Under the black cover, the fertile layer is not washed away by rains, and the berries and vegetables remain clean.

Note: two-color mulch covers solve several problems. The black side of them is placed to the ground to stop the growth of weeds. The outer foil or white surface reflects light, speeding up fruit ripening.

Which is better, film or non-woven covering material

The answer to the question depends on the goal. If the task is to protect plants from bad weather, create a humid microclimate and warm the beds faster, then a film coating is more suitable.

If comfortable gas exchange without the "greenhouse effect" is more important, or if you need to cover the vegetative plantings, then you can not do without agrofiber. If necessary, materials can be combined: sheathe the side parts with spunbond, and protect the top of the greenhouse with a film.

When this covering material appeared on the domestic market, buyers looked at the new product for a long time, not believing that it could compete with the usual film. Over time, the advantages of agrofibre became obvious, although gardeners still experience unfortunate failures from time to time when using it. But is the material to blame? To avoid mistakes, you need, first of all, to understand the main characteristics of agrofibre, as well as where and when each of its types is used, how to choose it and whether it is worth paying more. This is what we'll talk about today.

From the article you will learn:

1 Agrofibre for beds: main types
2 Agrofibre: material advantages
3 Agrofibre as mulch
4 Main questions when using agrofibre
5 More recommended reading:

Agrofibre for beds: main types

The material is known to the consumer as spunbond, lutrasil, agril and agrotextile. Agrofibre can be of different density - from 15 to 120 g / m2, and, depending on this, has a different purpose. Density is one of the most important parameters to consider when choosing a material.

What are the differences?

Spunbond - the lowest density (17-23 g / m2) transmits light well, very light. It can be used for shelter without arches, because the material does not create a load even on young shoots. Such a shelter can protect plants from frosts of 0-5 ° C.

Agrofibre for beds of medium density (30-42 g / m2) is used to cover the frames of greenhouses and greenhouses. It can protect plants from frosts up to 6-8 ° C; if there is a threat of a serious drop in temperature, it is recommended to make additional shelter.

Dense agrofibre - 60 g / m2 - is used to protect young trees and bushes in the winter. You can also use this type of covering material for greenhouses and hotbeds, frost protection.

Agrotextiles for greenhouses are produced only in white, a similar black material is mainly used for mulching. You should always pay attention to the quality of non-woven material, because good quality agrofibre for beds can last you for a dozen years, and poor-quality material will deteriorate in the first year of use.

Agrofibre: material advantages

Spunbond perfectly protects seedlings from wind and scorching sunlight, creates a favorable microclimate in a greenhouse or mini-greenhouse. Thanks to microscopic holes, this material lets water droplets inside, and also allows excess moisture to evaporate. Thus, plants under spunbond never get steamed, as sometimes happens in film shelters on hot days, the leaves breathe freely and do not burn in the sun.

You can water the seedlings directly on top of the shelter, without removing it or removing it only from time to time. But do not forget: seedlings grow quickly, and along with seedlings, weeds grow just as quickly. So don't miss the moment!

Shelter with non-woven materials contributes to faster ripening of vegetables and berries, and also protects garden crops from adverse weather conditions - heat, acid rain and hail. Under such protection, the soil temperature is always several degrees higher than in the open.

Most often, agrofibre is used to obtain an early harvest of strawberries and potatoes, while the ripening time of the crop is accelerated to 15-20 days. For a similar purpose, a white covering material of medium density is used.

Lightweight white spunbond helps protect vegetables from sunburn on hot days. Pepper and tomato fruits are the most vulnerable to the sun, so they need to be protected in the first place. It is not necessary to put arcs or any other supports over the bed; it is enough to fix the covering material along the edges so that it is not blown away by the wind.

Agrofibre as mulch

Now more and more often agrofibre is used for mulching. For example, strawberries are planted on beds already covered with spunbond, in pre-prepared holes. You can also plant seedlings of cucumbers, tomatoes and the like in the garden.

For mulching, it is recommended to use black spunbond, because it almost does not transmit light, unlike white. This material not only protects the beds from weeds, but also contributes to the rapid heating of the soil in spring. To avoid excessive overheating of the soil in summer, you can put a layer of straw on top of the covering material.

The main questions when using agrofibre

When using agrofibre as a covering material, gardeners have a lot of questions. Let's consider some of them.

1. Is it worth it to cover the greenhouse with agrofibre or is it still better to use a film for growing seedlings?

If you are going to sow seeds or plant seedlings in April, when daytime temperatures are already confidently around 15-20 ° C, do not be shy, choose agrotextiles. But on cold March days, spunbond is not yet able to retain heat well, and seedlings under such shelter will sprout for a long time and stun in growth. Therefore, it is recommended to use a film for growing early seedlings.

2. Through what distance and how to fix the agrofibre?

In this case, it all depends on the soil. Soft ground - you need to strengthen more often, hard - less often. In numbers from 1m to 2m, Sometimes in a checkerboard pattern - if there are strong winds in your area.

You can fix the material either with pegs or with improvised means (electrodes, bricks, logs, etc.). However, it should be borne in mind that when fixing with bricks and logs, it is difficult to press the material evenly. In addition, bricks and logs do not look very aesthetically pleasing on the site. Better to spend it on pegs once. For optimal fixing of the greenhouse, take pegs with a round cap and a loop.

3. How long will the agrofibre last?

Manufacturers usually claim a service life of 3 to 5 years, but there is one important point. Agrofibre, like other polymeric materials, "ages" under the action of sunlight, i.e. ultraviolet radiation. The term of use of agrofibre depends on the presence of light-stabilizing additives in it.

Under direct sunlight, the period of use of agrofibre is 2-3 years. When used in the shade - 3-4 years. It is recommended to use agrofibre only during the period of growth and development (vegetation period) of the plant, and at the end of the season to remove it for storage. Then the agrofibre can serve you for at least three years.

4. Which side to lay the agrofibre on the ground?

It doesn't matter at all. Agrofibre can be laid on either side. It is a non-woven material with a uniform structure that works equally well regardless of the laying side.

5. Are spunbond and agrofibre the same thing?

Based on the fact that most types of agrofibre are produced under the spunbond brand, one can say so, but this will not be entirely true. Spunbond is a technology for manufacturing a certain material, agrofibre is its improved version for agriculture. In the manufacture of agrofibre, stabilizers of ultraviolet radiation are added to classic spunbond. It is the presence of these stabilizers that distinguishes agrofibre from spunbond in its classical sense.

The most accurate would be to say that agrofibre (agrotextile) is a type of spunbond for agriculture. Other types of spunbond are used in medicine, in the manufacture of disposable clothing, upholstered furniture, orthopedic mattresses, and in many other industries. You can read about it on this Wikipedia page. But if you choose agrofibre in the store and see the inscription "spunbond" - do not hesitate. In this case, there is no difference.

6. How to choose the right covering agrofibre?

It all depends on the density of the material. If you plan to lay agrofibre directly on plants, you need a density of up to 30 g m / 2 - this is the maximum allowable agrofibre density at which plants do not deform. In the case of using a frame, the recommended density is from 40 to 60 g m / 2. It is important to buy agrofibre without overpaying: the higher the density, the more expensive the agrofibre. You can save money by correctly calculating the period for planting seedlings. The earlier you plant seedlings, the denser the agrofibre will be needed.

7. How well does agrofibre pass water - how to organize watering?

Agrofibre passes water quite well. But it is worth considering that immediately after laying a new agrofiber on the beds, water can collect on the surface. Over time, when the material settles, water will pass without problems.

You can water the plants through the agrofibre from above. If you are using drip tape, you need to lay it on top of the material. This is due to the fact that the tape needs to be collected for the winter, and the agrofibre will remain on the site for the winter (if the tape is under the agrofibre, this will be difficult to do). Secondly, in the case when the emitter in the drip tape is clogged, or the damaged area needs to be replaced, this operation will be possible only when the tape is on the surface.

Covering material for greenhouses is usually selected by the owners on their own, depending on their own capabilities, wishes and features of the project being drawn up. It will not be difficult to choose the appropriate material, especially for those who are well versed in the construction industry. However, in order not to quickly change the coverage due to non-compliance with the requirements, the issue must be approached with the utmost responsibility.

Reviews: greenhouse with covering material

It often happens that people are guided not only by personal preferences or advice from the masters, but also by the reviews left by other users. Finding them will not be difficult, and for anything: goods, services, and even materials.

At first, it seems that other people's opinions will immediately shed light on a complex issue. However, in reality the situation is somewhat different.

Here you need to correctly determine the vector of movement and understand what to pay attention to and what is better to bypass.

Discussions and even reflections are worth the points of view from:

Experienced summer residents;
People who put up a greenhouse in similar climatic conditions;
Acquaintances;
People whose point of view is reasoned and confirmed by certain arguments or facts.

In any case, all the reviews are just the subjective opinion of certain people about whom the owner of the greenhouse knows absolutely nothing. You should not rely on it unconditionally! You can listen, but the owner of the greenhouses should make the final decision on his own. After all, who knows what the purpose of those who write reviews is: they can do it from the heart or in order to discredit a competing organization.

Landmark: what covering material is best for a greenhouse

Before covering the greenhouse with the selected material, it is better to think carefully about which cover will be best suited for specific conditions.

You should first write a list of conditions that must be met without fail:

The exact footage of the area to be covered;
Climatic conditions in which the greenhouse will be operated;
The purpose pursued in connection with the installation of the structure;
Opportunities for innovation.

It happens that greenhouses are built only to grow seedlings there, and the rest of the time they are idle. In this case, since the plants are planted in the cold season, it is necessary to cover the greenhouse an order of magnitude tighter.

For these purposes, you can choose spanbond, which covers similar designs. Extremely important is the light-scattering effect, due to which the rays of the sun penetrate inside with little or no loss.

In turn, cheap structures covered with agrofiber or material such as polyethylene do not protect plants from the cold and quickly become unusable. They can be used in cases where the greenhouse is not planned to be operated for too long: literally a year or two.

A greenhouse made of polypropylene pipes is assembled quite simply, it is light, comfortable and functional. How to make this with your own hands we will tell in the article:.

Service life: covering materials for greenhouses and greenhouses

Almost all greenhouses are made by homeowners on their own, so no one will give a guarantee for the design. The only exceptions are cases when the work is performed by a construction company. However, such work does not come cheap. That is why most homeowners do it themselves. A successful project can stand up to 5 years, then it will need to be repaired.

The key to success lies in:

timely care;
Carrying out minor repairs throughout the entire period of operation;
Dismantling of greenhouses (as unnecessary) during the cold season.

How to choose a covering material for greenhouses (video)

Having covered the greenhouse with high-quality material, you can forget about the problems with growing seedlings for a long time. However, in order for the structure to serve faithfully for a long time, the issue of its shelter must be approached with the utmost responsibility, having previously completed the settlement work, without which it is not even worth starting a business. This approach is a double benefit! Firstly, financial efficiency, and secondly - a guarantee of high quality products.

Thanks to rapid technological progress, the ordinary gardener now has everything in his arsenal: the latest automatic heating and watering systems, self-opening windows, smart sensors, and even a wonderfully warm floor made of thin film. And the new century also did not bypass the covering material for greenhouses - today you can already forget about the heavy old windows and thin muddy film, from which large and small greenhouses were massively built due to the lack of a more affordable option. And even in cold Siberia today, heat-loving plants are successfully grown under closed ground conditions.

And now, due to the availability of all the necessary components in modern stores, absolutely every owner can build a solid greenhouse on his site - no matter where he lives and what kind of area it is. The only thing you have to work hard on is the calculations. And the very first thing you need to decide initially is the material with which you can cover the greenhouses.

Polyethylene film - is it so simple?

Cellular polycarbonate is the sales leader of the modern market

For traditional use, special aluminum fastening systems, profiles and other designs that can be ordered. But many summer residents are stunned by the question of how to fix polycarbonate - is it really possible to do without branded thermal washers or is it more rational to use self-tapping screws for profiled sheet? Should the sheets overlap or use a special profile to connect them? To answer this question, let's look at the coefficient of thermal expansion - 0.068 mm from each meter per 1 degree. At first glance, this seems insignificant - but with a temperature drop from -20, as in Russia in winter to +30 in summer, a six-meter sheet will change in size by exactly 34 mm, and this is already quite noticeable. And the self-tapping screw, which is always in place due to the almost complete absence of thermal expansion in the metal, will simply “break” an oval hole in the material. At the same time, branded washers with a diameter of more than 30 mm completely seal the holes and are designed for any thermal deformations that are invisible to the eye. Just pay attention when buying plastic thermal washers that they are already too fragile after two years - due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Tent as a shelter: clear advantages or advertising?

If you nevertheless purchased such material, then during the rains, be sure to cover it with ordinary plastic wrap, and then remove it: this way the non-woven fabric will last longer.

Glass - for the most industrious gardeners

But it is more expensive, and, at the same time, it will cost you the cheapest. Why such a paradox? Because some build it from old discarded wooden windows, which can always be obtained free of charge due to the mass replacement of those with fashionable metal-plastic bags, while others erect powerful frames on concrete foundations and order covering material at the factory. Sometimes the last option turns out to be comparable in price to a small country house - famously, isn't it? But this option is really absolutely environmentally friendly and durable, it is not afraid of any sunlight, tons of snow and severe frosts.

Decided on the covering material? On our website you will find many detailed photo and video instructions on how to properly build greenhouses from polycarbonate, film and glass, and our experts will answer even the most tricky questions. Feel free to get down to business!

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