Now that hemp production has literally moved out of the closet in several states, the transition from a high-cost indoor cultivation facility to greenhouse production is a logical progression. Greenhouse growing takes advantage of the sun’s natural energy and light, resulting in substantial cost savings and reduced environmental impact. Whether you’re a new grower or looking to re-purpose a greenhouse that’s traditionally grown vegetables or ornamental plants, greenhouse production is a sensible choice for cultivating hemp. Finding the best greenhouse covering for hemp production is an important step in ensuring your operations success.

For both short-term and long-term viability of your hemp business, the primary criteria in selecting the appropriate greenhouse covering should be the covering’s impact on your cost of production. The cost of production needs to include costs associated with the entire lifetime of the covering being considered: the cost to heat/cool, the labor to install, warranty, ability to resist wind and snow, security, and more. Some covering options may have a lower initial cost, but may end up having higher overall costs across the lifetime of the covering. Here are some important features you should consider when searching for the best greenhouse covering.

Consider Greenhouse Energy Costs

The biggest cost to hemp growers is energy usage. Greenhouse growing eliminates or reduces the need to constantly run grow lights, lowering your electricity bill and the high cost of lamps and fixtures. Energy costs are further minimized by selecting an insulated greenhouse covering like Solexx. Its 2.3 R value is 25-30% more energy efficient than standard polycarbonate or double polyethylene film. The insulating properties of Solexx work to your advantage for both heating and cooling your greenhouse.
TIP: To help offset the cost of greenhouse construction, check with your local utility company to see what incentives are available for choosing an energy efficient greenhouse covering option like Solexx. There are many loan and grant programs available for energy efficient operations.

Quality of Light to Your Hemp Plants

The most important advantage of greenhouse hemp production is the ability to take advantage of the sunlight. This light comes to you at no charge and has no carbon footprint. The translucent Solexx panels diffuse the sunlight providing a perfect environment for hemp growing as well as a level of security and privacy.

Diffuse light reaches into every corner of the greenhouse allowing you to have more usable growing space. The soft light spreads evenly throughout the greenhouse eliminating hot spots and shadows which reduces plant stress. Research has shown crops have more uniform growth and mature faster under diffuse light.

Mitigating Greenhouse Condensation

When selecting a greenhouse covering for your marijuana production, it is important to consider if the covering has low condensation. Reducing condensation allows you to produce a higher quality crop that’s less prone to disease. Solexx naturally does this in two ways. First, since Solexx is insulated and installed so it covers the greenhouse framing, there is no framing surface to transfer in the outdoor colder temperature which reduces the condensation build-up. Secondly, Solexx flutes channel the flow of the moisture to the sides of your greenhouse and away from your plants.

Durability and Protection in Harsh Weather

A durable greenhouse covering is essential to protect your hemp crop from snow, wind and hail. A strong storm that damages or tears your greenhouse covering could jeopardize your entire crop. A heavy duty product like Solexx protects your crop from inclement weather.

Solexx is attached on outer-side of greenhouse framing. This enhances the structural integrity of the greenhouse and prevents panels from popping out in strong wind.

Hail performance is another factor to consider. Small hail bounces off strong, pliable products like Solexx, and Solexx shields your valuable hemp crop from large hail damage.

Depending on where you grow, it is important to consider how heavy snowfall will impact your greenhouse covering. Your greenhouse framing determines the snow load of a greenhouse, not the greenhouse covering, however choosing Solexx reduces the stress on your frame. Snow and ice tend to slide off Solexx to keep the weight off your greenhouse framing structure. Solexx is strong and durable and won’t tear with the weight of heavy snow.

Warranty of the Greenhouse Covering

The longevity of the greenhouse covering is an additional factor to consider. Solexx has a 10 Year UV warranty eliminating the typical yearly repair and replacement costs associated with poly film plastic.

Easy to Install

Most twin-wall insulated greenhouse covering options are too rigid to accommodate arched houses. Solexx has a bending radius that accommodates any greenhouse design. There is no other material that has this strength/flexibility combination.

Selecting a greenhouse covering for your hemp production should be a critical part of your greenhouse planning process. Choosing a long-term proven performer will allow you to focus your time and skills on growing a quality crop and maximizing your business’s potential. By selecting Solexx  reliably produce a cost effective crop no matter what time of year or weather. Whatever path you take to being a greenhouse hemp grower, you will be glad you contact Adapt8 to learn more about Solexx Greenhouse Covering. Our team has the experience and horticultural knowledge to ensure you make the right decisions. The decision to go with Solexx will pay dividends in the years to come. Request information about Solexx.