In
order for a greenhouse to work properly it must have a transparent or
translucent covering. This greenhouse covering is what allows garden
plants access to light and heat energy from the sun. Without this access
a greenhouse would be no more than a glorified shed.
A quality greenhouse covering should allow about 70-80% of available
light to penetrate to the inside. This is usually considered the optimal
amount of light for proper plant growth. There are several different
types of coverings that can provide a correct amount of sunlight.
Glass is a common greenhouse covering, but because of its poor insulation
requires panes several layers thick, which results in much heavier framing
being necessary. It is also much more expensive to repair in the event
of a crack or break. Most experts recommend using polycarbonate coverings
because of their efficiency, durability, and ease of repair.
