Greenhouse and High Tunnel Accessories

How to Choose the Right Greenhouse Accessories

Your greenhouse is an investment, and the right accessories are key to its longevity, performance, and ease of use. Whether you're building a new high tunnel, making repairs, or managing summer heat, this guide will help you select the essential components for a thriving growing environment.

For New Construction: Attaching Greenhouse Plastic

Securing your greenhouse film properly from the start prevents costly damage from wind and weather. To create a tight, durable seal without puncturing the film, a spring wire and lock channel system is a widely used professional solution.

• Spring Wire and Lock Channel: This two-part system involves screwing aluminum lock channels directly onto your greenhouse frame (wood or steel). The greenhouse plastic is laid over the channel, and then the PVC-coated spring wire is pressed into the channel's groove, locking the film in place. This creates a continuous, secure grip that holds up to high winds and allows for easy re-tensioning if needed. These components are available as a bundle or can be purchased separately.
• Snap On Clamps: Suited for temporary applications or smaller structures, snap on clamps are designed to clip over a covering and onto a specific size of pipe, typically EMT conduit or PVC. They are excellent for securing interior row covers, frost blankets, or for situations where you need to remove the cover frequently. Always be sure to match the clamp size to your pipe's exact outer diameter for a secure fit.

For Repairs and Maintenance

Even durable greenhouse plastic can get nicked or torn. Addressing small issues immediately prevents them from becoming major problems. For minor damage, a specialized repair tape is your first line of defense.

Our greenhouse repair tape is 6 mil thick and UV-stabilized to match the durability of your film, ensuring a long-lasting patch that withstands sun, wind, and temperature swings from -4°F to 140°F. For detailed instructions, see our guide on how to properly repair greenhouse plastic. If you notice the film becoming brittle or see widespread damage, it's time to consider replacing the entire sheet.

For Climate Control and Crop Protection

Managing heat and light is crucial for plant health, especially during peak summer months. Shade cloth is the primary tool for this job.

• Choosing a Percentage: The percentage on shade cloth refers to the amount of light it blocks. A 30% cloth is often sufficient for general crops in northern climates, while a 50% cloth provides more robust protection for high-heat southern zones and sensitive crops like lettuce or tomatoes.
• Choosing a Material: Different materials offer different benefits in durability and lifespan. To learn more, read our comparison of monofilament vs. tape shade cloth.
• Securing Shade Cloth: You can attach shade cloth using a lock channel and spring wire for a season-long, secure fit. Alternatively, use dedicated shade cloth clips at regular intervals to tie it down, allowing for easier removal when the seasons change.

For Weed Prevention

Maintaining the area inside your greenhouse is just as important as the structure itself. Laying down a durable ground cover like landscape fabric or a silage tarp is an effective way to suppress weeds, reducing labor and improving cleanliness. This simple step helps create a more manageable and productive growing space. For more on this technique, explore our guide on using silage tarps for weed control.