Bubble Wrap Greenhouse Oregon Money Saver

By Della Monroe


A big problem for those who use greenhouses to extend the growing season or over-winter tender plants is the high cost of warming the structure. People who have discovered bubble wrap greenhouse Oregon and elsewhere are saving on energy costs and, in some cases, doing without auxiliary heat altogether. The affordable plastic material is easy to install, long-lasting, and reusable year after year.

The laminated 'wrapping' is just like the stuff you find in boxes that replaces the old excelsior or those annoying plastic peanuts - but stronger. You can't pop these bubbles with your fingers. Some of the products you will find online are laminated twice to ensure that the individual insulating cells don't pop under use or when they are subjected to minor friction.

UV rays are destructive to most plastics, but greenhouse wrap is treated to make it resistant to sunlight. For longer use, it's recommended to remove the material during the summer, when heat loss is not a problem. It's just as easy to remove as it is to put up, and it can be rolled up for next winter. Cut the sheets for a perfect fit over the glass (not over the framing) and mark each piece so it can be reinstalled later over the same glass panel. The bubble side of the wrapping goes against the glass. Daylight passes right through, so plants will have all the natural light they need to thrive.

Some people line their structures with this wrapping material and use no heat at all. It will protect those plants that are almost winter-proof but not quite - you know, the ones you could keep in your garage if it weren't so dark. The plants are protected from frost, as well. And you might be able to pick collards and other hardy greens all winter.

With heat, all manner of plants can be kept over winter, and gardeners can get a head start on the growing season by starting seeds inside. Using half of the usual heat can mean significant savings. People may find it more comfortable working in the lower inside temperature, and it can be healthier for the plants as well. All of the daylight can get in, too, for faster growth and easier working.

Manufacturers give installation tips, as do gardening blogs posted by people who've used this economical sheeting. Some wrap can be pressed against wet glass, where it will stay until you peel it off. Users say that push pins (for wooden frames) and shipping tape are handy tools. There are also spray adhesives, special corner supports, and tough belt-like strips made to keep joined sheets in place.

Gardeners can order the wrapping by the linear foot (or meter) or get it in large rolls. It comes in widths up to 5 feet. It can be cut to fit with scissors or a razor knife. It takes virtually no carpentry skills to install the wrapping, which is so lightweight that anyone can handle it.

Think of it like a down jacket for your plants. The air trapped in each of the bubbles keeps heat from escaping and cold from coming in through the glass. When the weather warms up, just pull the wrapping off and roll it up for next year.




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