Can the green covering of the pe small greenhouse for gardening be removed? Can it be replaced with transparent plastic film in winter?

In most cases, that green covering layer can be easily removed, and it is perfectly fine to replace it with a transparent plastic film in winter, which is also a very wise choice.

 

1. What is the green covering layer? Can it be removed?

Material: The green covering layer on small greenhouses is usually a knitted polyethylene shading net (some may also be made of non-woven fabric or other materials). Its main function is not to insulate, but to shade, cool down, and protect plants from strong sunlight damage.

Removable design: The original intention of this type of small greenhouse design is to facilitate installation and replacement. The fixing method is usually very simple:

 

• Zipper design: The most common feature is the presence of zippers at the door and ventilation windows. The entire covering layer acts like a "coat" and is placed over the framework, allowing it to be removed completely as a single unit.
• Hook-and-loop fastener: Some products will use hook-and-loop fasteners to be fixed onto the framework. Once removed, they can be easily taken off.
• Binding rope/clip: Some are fixed by built-in ropes or plastic clips, and can be disassembled when released.

So, you can safely remove it.

2. Benefits of replacing the shading net in summer with transparent plastic film in winter

 

Replacing the shading net used in summer with transparent plastic film for winter is a crucial operation to fully utilize the functions of the small greenhouse. The main reasons are as follows:

 

 

• Significantly enhance insulation effect (core purpose): The transparent plastic film can perfectly achieve the "greenhouse effect". Sunlight can penetrate the film to heat the internal air and soil, while the film can effectively prevent heat from escaping, thus maintaining the temperature inside the greenhouse at night and on cloudy days, preventing plants from freezing.
• Significantly increase light exposure: The sunlight in winter is already precious and weak. The transparent film allows over 90% of the light to pass through, providing the necessary energy for photosynthesis for the plants to survive and grow through the winter. However, the green shading net will block a large amount of sunlight, and its use in winter can cause the plants to grow excessively, become weak, or even freeze to death.
• Weatherproof and frost-proof: The transparent plastic film can form a complete protective cover, preventing the plants from being directly hit by cold rain, snow and wind.

How to operate and precautions:

 

1. Select the appropriate transparent film:

 

It is recommended to use "polyethylene drip-free film". The inner surface of this film is coated with special materials, which enables water droplets to flow down along the film instead of condensing into large drops and dripping. Water droplets falling on the plants can cause them to get wet, increase the risk of diseases, and reduce the light transmittance.

 

Thickness selection: For small greenhouses, a thickness ranging from 0.08mm to 0.12mm is sufficient, as it offers good light transmission, insulation, and toughness.

 

2. Installation method:

 

Direct coverage: Place the purchased transparent film directly over the existing greenhouse framework.

 

Fixing method: This is the most crucial step. It must be firmly fixed to prevent it from being blown away by the wind.

• Special clips: The most recommended method. Various sizes of greenhouse film clips can be purchased online. They can easily and securely attach the film to the greenhouse support structure without causing any damage.
• Nylon binding tape (for strangling dogs): Wrap and bind around the outside of the film, but be careful not to tighten it too much to avoid tearing the film.
• Film pressing line: If possible, additional film pressing lines can be added on the outside of the film, which will yield the best results.

 

Leave space for doors and windows: Remember to leave a movable film at the entrance position as a door curtain to facilitate entry and exit. The position of the ventilation window also needs to be specially handled to allow for ventilation and cooling on sunny midday to prevent the temperature inside the shed from getting too high.

 

3. Upgrade suggestion (applicable to cold regions):

 

If the winter is extremely cold, an additional insulation layer (such as a thinner plastic sheet or non-woven fabric) can be hung inside the transparent film to form an air insulation layer. The insulation effect will be significantly enhanced.

 

At night, old blankets, straw curtains or special insulation covers can be placed over the greenhouse. During the day, these can be removed to expose the plants to sunlight. This is the most economical and effective measure for preventing frost damage.

 

Summary

 

Please make sure to replace the green shading net on your small greenhouse with transparent plastic film before winter arrives. This is the only way to transform it from a "summer shade shelter" into a "winter insulation room", effectively protecting your beloved plants from the cold and allowing them to survive the winter safely.