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FAQ's
Solexx Greenhouses
After designing, selling, and providing support for thousands of Solexx Greenhouse owners around the world, we've often heard the same questions. Although our support personnel are eager to help you understand the assembly and technical aspects of your greenhouse, we thought it would be useful to gather the most asked questions and answer them here, to save you time and increase your understanding of our product. Read through the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) below. If your still have questions regarding your recently purchased Solexx Greenhouse or need some questions answered before your purchase, just call 906/875-6047 and ask to speak to a friendly customer service specialist.
- What makes Solexx Greenhouses different than others?
Insulated Solexx paneling is available only on Solexx Greenhouses. The covering is insulated to cut down heating and cooling costs, but most importantly, you get more light diffusion than is available with other types of covering. University tests have shown that plants grow better under diffused light. Another feature that makes us different is our built-in bench frames. With almost all other greenhouse kits, benches are a large additional expense. Also we include full-length hanging rods to overwinter hanging baskets.
- Are Solexx greenhouses able to withstand high winds?
Solexx greenhouses perform excellent in wind. Our composite frame (the same material used to make bridges) is extremely strong and durable. As long as the greenhouse is firmly anchored (which we can help you with), you should not have problems. The combination of a strong frame and flexible paneling works very well in adverse conditions. Many of our customers live on the coast and frequently experience winds of 70 mph. One customer in New Jersey has a greenhouse that survived Hurricane "Bob" with no damage from the impacting tree branches.
- Are the greenhouses easy to heat?
Solexx greenhouses are easy to heat. The 3.5mm and 5mm twin-walled glazing material provides more insulation than most other hobby greenhouse materials. We offer several different heaters to meet your specific heating needs. The cost of heating your greenhouse will depend on your area and what you plan to grow. Many plants require only a 45-degree nighttime temperature. Many people are able to heat their greenhouse all winter for under $20.00 a month in the coldest months. Heating costs can be reduced by using buckets or plastic jugs of water or by lining the greenhouse with a layer of Visquine or bubble wrap in the cold months. In mild conditions, 5 gallon covered black buckets filled with water will trap the solar energy during the day and release heat for most of the night. Another option is adding rabbits to your greenhouse. Rabbits put out 8 BTU’s per hour, which amounts to roughly 2.5 gal of fuel in 6 months. Rabbit manure also adds heat and makes a great non-burning fertilizer.
- How do I prepare the site for my greenhouse?
Very little site preparation is required for your Solexx Greenhouse. You can place your greenhouse on any leveled area such as your lawn, over bare ground, on a gravel base, over a wood deck, on a concrete slab, or a brick patio. We recommend a gravel base for the best drainage.
- What tools will I need to assemble the greenhouse?
Assembling a Solexx Greenhouse is takes just a few readily available tools. You will need a screwdriver, variable speed drill, sharp knife or utility knife, tape measure, step ladder, GE Silicon-2 caulk, caulking gun, clear PVC glue and a level.
Solexx Greenhouse Covering
- I am interested in your Solexx polycarbonate covering. How do you install it?
- When designing a greenhouse frame, how much spacing should I leave between supports for the panels? How many screws should I use?
Solexx panels work well for many custom structures. For maximum strength, we recommend support at least every two feet on center. On the perimeter of your structure, we recommend attaching screws every six inches. For your supports, you only need to attach screws about eighteen inches apart. As a general rule, figure that you will need one screw per square foot of paneling. In extremely windy areas, you may want to increase the number of screws you use.
- Isn’t the paneling too dark to transmit light?
The unique Solexx greenhouse covering transmits 70-75 percent of the available light. Most plants only need 40 percent light to grow, but 70-80 percent available light is the optimal growing range. Even on cloudy days, your greenhouse has a pleasant, soft glow inside. The panels diffuse the light evenly throughout the greenhouse eliminating "hot spots" and shadows. Also, a bit less light transmission will help to keep your greenhouse from getting too hot during warm weather.
- Does the covering break down in the sun?
Solexx panels are treated with a double UV inhibitor during the extrusion process. The covering has an eight-year limited warranty against ultraviolet breakdown and is tested and certified by an independent lab. Solexx greenhouses have been in the field for well over fifteen years and there has been minimal UV degradation. All plastics do eventually break down when exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time; however, these panels are easy and inexpensive to replace.
- How do you clean the paneling?
Solexx paneling can be rinsed or wiped clean without worry of scratching. The panels are impervious to chemicals so you can wash them with a mild soap. It’s a good idea to do this a couple times a year to keep your greenhouse clean and to maximize light transmission.
- How does the paneling hold up in cold or snowy weather?
Solexx panels are very durable. Solexx greenhouses have been undamaged after being covered in several feet of snow and exposed to subzero temperatures for most of the winter. Snow tends to slide right off of the slick paneling material. Unlike many greenhouse materials, our panels will not yellow from the sun or cold.
- What is H-Channel and U-Trim used for?
H-Channel is used to join the panels together on the long or you can overlap the panels. U-Trim gives the4’ ends of the panels a nice finished look.
- What is the difference between polycarbonate and Solexx panels?
Solexx greenhouses are made with polyethylene. Polyethylene is much more flexible and is easy to cut to any size. Polycarbonate panels tend to be thicker, but have about the same insulation factor as polyethylene. Both materials diffuse light, but polycarbonate diffuses less (because it is more transparent), making the greenhouses much hotter in the summer. Polyethylene is very easy to clean and will not scratch like polycarbonate.
- How do you cut the panels? Is it easy to do?
Solexx panels can be cut with a simple utility knife. Because the material is so flexible, it’s also possible to bend it around many curves and corners on a structure.
- Should I use 3.5 or 5mm paneling?
Solexx panels are available in 3.5mm or 5mm thickness. The 3.5mm panels are recommended in most areas because they provide more light transmission. The 5mm panels are used in very cold climates (for added insulation) and for areas in high altitudes. It is also recommended on many custom structures for added support. Both varieties are available in 4'1" x 8'1" sheets and 4'1" x 12' 3" sheets or continuous rolls.
Greenhouse Accessories
- What can you do to automate the greenhouses?
Solexx offers many greenhouse accessories and supplies to help make your gardening experience easier. A solar vent opener is available and can be set to automatically help regulate the temperature. The heaters that we offer can be thermostatically controlled to help you heat only when it’s necessary, keeping your costs low. Also, our exhaust fans all come with thermostat controls. This will help push out stale air as your greenhouse begins to get hot.
- Which basic accessories will get me growing?
Gardening with a Solexx Greenhouse is easy. Although we offer a full line of greenhouse equipment, we do have a few recommendations that will ensure success. First of all, you want to make sure that your greenhouse is properly anchored. We offer a Deluxe Tie-Down Kit, which includes four anchors—one for each corner of the greenhouse. On longer units, or in areas that have exceptionally high winds, you may want to purchase additional anchors (which are available individually.) Also, ventilation is a key factor. Two base vents (or more on longer units) placed on each side of the door will ensure good cross-ventilation. Eventually, a shade cloth is also a good investment. During those hot summer months, it will keep your greenhouse cooler and also increase the longevity of your glazing.
- Where should the heater be placed in the greenhouse?
We recommend placing the heater in the back of the greenhouse, either at the end of the walkway or under the bench frames. It's best to leave some space around the heater so that the heat can fully circulate and so that none of your plants get too warm. Having a small circulation fan is a good way to ensure even heating in your greenhouse.
- How should I place the vents in my greenhouse?
Typically, we recommend that you place a large louvered vent opposite the door, towards the top of the greenhouse. If you then place two or more base vents low to the ground (on either side of the door, for example), you get a natural ground-up ventilation. A solar opener can be attached to the louvered vent, in order to better regulate the temperature. We recommend that you close the base vents during cold weather.
- Are there books that can help me get started?
Solexx offers several greenhouse books to help you get started. One book that we see as absolutely indispensable is Shane Smith’s Greenhouse Gardener’s Companion. It is loaded with information about greenhouses, specific plants, weed control, planting schedules… anything you would ever want to know. There are many great ideas that we use in our own greenhouses all the time.
What is Solexx Covering?
The twin-wall plastic Solexx greenhouse covering is made of high-density polyethylene extruded with the structure of corrugated cardboard but with the enduring qualities of plastic. The covering is insulated and can withstand virtually any weather condition.
The greenhouse covering is not clear. Isn't it too dark inside to promote growth?
No, actually Solexx greenhouse covering transmits 70-75 percent of the available light. Most plants only need 40 percent light to grow, but 70-75 percent available light is the optimal growing range. Even on cloudy or rainy days there is usually enough light in the greenhouse for growth. The Solexx greenhouse panels diffuse the light evenly throughout the greenhouse eliminating "hot spots" and shadows, eliminating plant sunburn in your greenhouse.
Does the greenhouse covering break down in the sun?
Solexx greenhouse covering has a UV additive added throughout the material during the extrusion process. Solexx is covered by a 8-year limited warranty against ultraviolet breakdown. Solexx greenhouses have been in the field for almost 20 years and there has been minimal UV breakdown. All plastics do eventually break down when exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time, however, the greenhouse panels are easy and inexpensive to replace. In high sunlight areas, the life of the greenhouse panels can be extended by using a shade cloth and/ or placing the greenhouse structure in a partially shaded area.
Will the greenhouse covering discolor?
No. The greenhouse covering will not yellow, mold or mildew. The material will not scratch so you will not have the "cloudy" appearance as with other types of greenhouse paneling.
How do I clean Solexx greenhouse paneling?
Solexx can be rinsed or wiped clean without worry of scratching. The glazing is impervious to chemicals, so you can safely wash it with a mild detergent.
What type of Solexx greenhouse glazing would be best in my area?
Solexx greenhouses are available with either 3.5mm (Solexx XP) or 5mm (Solexx PRO) thicknesses. The 3.5mm greenhouse panels are recommended in most areas as they provide more light transmission. The 5mm greenhouse panels are used in very cold climates (for added insulation) and at high altitudes.
Who developed the greenhouses?
The greenhouse kits were developed by Mike and Bev Perry. Mike and Bev hold degrees in Plant Science and Biology. They developed the Solexx greenhouses after working with the twin-wall corrugated plastic in several applications. Both Mike and Bev witnessed accelerated growth with a product designed for tomatoes and decided to make a greenhouse for their personal use.
How Are The Greenhouses Shipped?
Most greenhouses are shipped UPS. The 8' Garden Oasis greenhouse kit comes in five boxes, two 8' x 7.25" x 5" boxes, one cardboard drum approximately 2' in diameter and 4' long, one 24" x 12" x 12" box, and a small box for the Louver. You can easily fit the greenhouse kit in the back of a truck or roomy sports utility vehicle.
Where are the Greenhouses Sold?
All greenhouse kits are available through our mail-order catalog and our web site. We also have a retail outlet in Salem, Oregon.
What makes Solexx Greenhouses different from the other greenhouse on the market?
One of the most unique features of Solexx greenhouses is the greenhouse covering. The Solexx greenhouse provides highly diffused light (the best type of light) to your plants so they will have optimal growth. University testing has shown that plants grow best under diffused light. We also can deliver the greenhouse to our customer's door by UPS. Another feature that makes Solexx different is the built-in bench frames. With almost all other greenhouse kits, benches are a large additional expense. Strong steel-reinforced hanging rods are another great feature.
The greenhouses come in a kit? What does that mean?
The greenhouse is sold unassembled. This helps us to keep shipping costs and greenhouse costs low. Each kit comes with complete written instructions and computer generated drawings. The framing is pre-cut and color coded for convenience. Of course, you can call our toll-free customer service line if you need help.
How long will it take to assemble the greenhouse?
The 8' units can usually be assembled in a weekend or two using common household tools. Much of the greenhouse can be put together with one person.
How do I prepare my greenhouse site?
You can place your greenhouse on your lawn, over bare ground, on a gravel base, over a wood deck, on a concrete slab, or a brick patio. Very little site preparation is required for your Solexx Greenhouse. Simply find an area in your yard that gets plenty of sunlight (southern exposure is best) and level the ground. Lay down greenhouse flooring over the surface to prevent weeds in your greenhouse while allowing necessary drainage. Pour about 3" of compacted 1/4" gravel base on top for added drainage and a sturdier floor. And of course, don't forget to tie down your greenhouse once it's in place!
How do I secure my greenhouse?
The most important accessory is a tie down kit. The greenhouses are lightweight and must be tied down. We have a tie down kit available, but you can use any method that will securely anchor the frame. Some methods include tying the frame to cement anchors or screwing brackets over the frame and into a deck.
What tools will I need to assemble my greenhouse?
You will need: a screwdriver, variable speed drill, sharp knife or utility knife, tape measure, step ladder, GE Silicon-2 caulk, Caulking gun, clear PVC glue, and level.
Will the greenhouse handle high winds?
As long as the greenhouse is firmly anchored you should not have problems with wind. The combination of a strong frame and flexible paneling works very well in adverse conditions. Many of our customers live on the coast and frequently experience winds of 70 mph. One customer in New Jersey has a Solexx greenhouse that survived Hurricane "Bob" with no damage from the impacting tree branches.
Will the greenhouses withstand heavy snow loads?
The greenhouses do well in snow. The greenhouse paneling is slippery so snow frequently just slides off the structure, and low temperatures will not harm the greenhouse plastic. If there is a snow build-up, the greenhouse can support several hundred pounds of pressure. Solexx greenhouses are undamaged after being covered in several feet of snow and exposed to subzero temperatures for most of the winter. See a video of the greenhouse snow load!
Is the greenhouse portable and/ or can it be disassembled?
The greenhouse is portable; it is easy to put onto a trailer for transport or move from one area of your yard to another for the best light. It is not suggested that the greenhouse be disassembled - the panels are attached to the frame with screws and once the screws are removed, realigning the panels to the pipe would be very difficult. There is also gluing involved in construction that cannot be disassembled.
How can I heat my greenhouse?
The greenhouses can be heated with propane, natural gas or electric greenhouse heaters with thermostatic controls. In mild conditions, 5-gallon covered black buckets filled with water will trap the solar energy during the day and release heat for most of the night. Another option is adding rabbits to your greenhouse. Rabbits put out 8 BTU’s per hour which amounts to roughly 2.5 gal of fuel in 6 months. Rabbit manure also adds heat and makes a great non-burning fertilizer. For more complete information, there is a book available called Solviva by Anna Edey.
Is it expensive to grow all winter?
The cost of heating your greenhouse will depend on your area and what you plan to grow. Many plants require only a 45-degree nighttime temperature. The 3.5mm Solexx XP covering provides more insulation than most other hobby greenhouse materials. Many people are able to heat their greenhouse all winter for under $20.00 a month in the coldest months. Heating costs can be reduced by using buckets or plastic jugs of water or by lining the greenhouse with a layer of Visquine or bubble wrap in the cold months. To find out what size heater is right for your greenhouse, use our heater calculator.
What can I grow in my greenhouse?
There are numerous vegetables, herbs, flowers, tropical, exotics and cacti that flourish in a greenhouse environment. All of these plants can do well year-round in a Solexx greenhouse. The book The Greenhouse Gardener's Companion is an excellent resource.
SOLEXX GREENHOUSE MODELS:
What models are available?
There are four Solexx greenhouse models to chose from: Solexx Gardener's Oasis Greenhouse, Solexx Harvester Greenhouse, Solexx Conservatory Greenhouse, and Solexx Garden Master Greenhouse.
The Solexx Gardener's Oasis and Solexx Garden Master Greenhouses:
What sizes are available?
The standard Gardener's Oasis Greenhouse and Garden Master Greenhouse are available in 8' x 8', 8' x 12', 8' x 16' , and 8' x 24' models. The greenhouse kits are modular, so another 8' can be added at any time. Past customers have built greenhouses as large as 8' x 32'. The height of the Gardener's Oasis Greenhouse is 8' while the height of the Garden Master Greenhouse is 8'9" with 6'6" tall side walls.
What are the advantages of this greenhouse model?
These are our most popular models. There are four bench frames and two hanging rods, so there is ample growing space in your greenhouse. These models are excellent greenhouses for both starting seedlings and over-wintering.
Is a vent included?
Yes, it includes a large rear Louvered Air Vent to help bring in fresh air. Add base vents and a greenhouse exhaust fan for the best ventilation.
Do they come with bench frames?
These greenhouses includes four full-length, built-in bench frames. The benches will support up to 500 pounds each.
Do I need to add greenhouse shelving to the bench frames and if so what works best?
We have greenhouse bench shelves specially designed to fit the Solexx greenhouses or you can design your own shelving to fit on top of the bench frames. The greenhouse shelving that fits on the bench frames is provided by the customer - for example - the shelving can be made by using wood slats and 1/2" open wire mesh (hardware cloth) or our heavy-duty wire bench racks. There are many materials available but keep in mind that plants grow better when there is some airflow beneath the roots.
Do I have to get the bench frames and/ or are they removable?
The greenhouse bench frames are part of the structure of the greenhouse and give you 76-sq. ft. or more of growing area. If you do not want bench frames, consider another style such as the Early Bloomer Greenhouse.
What sizes are available?
The Harvester Greenhouse is 8'x8'x8', 8'x12'x8', 8'x16'x8', or 8'x24'x8'. Additional 8-foot sections can be added to the length.
What are the advantages of this model?
The Harvester greenhouse is designed to sit against a wall. You can place the flat edge next to an existing structure to take advantage of the additional insulation. The 8' wall also makes for roomy bench frames, which is excellent for larger plants. The Harvester Greenhouse is also very easy to expand with your growing needs.
Does the Harvester Greenhouse include a vent?
Yes, it includes a large rear Louvered Air Vent to help bring in fresh air. Add base vents and an exhaust fan for the best ventilation.
Does the Harvester come with bench frames?
Each Harvester greenhouse includes three built-in bench frames. The greenhouse benches will support up to 500 pounds each.
Do I need to add greenhouse shelving to the bench frames and if so what works best?
We have greenhouse bench shelves specially designed to fit the Solexx greenhouses or you can design your own shelving to fit on top of the bench frames. The shelving that fits on the bench frames is provided by the customer - for example - the shelving can be made by using wood slats and 1/2" open wire mesh (hardware cloth) or our heavy-duty wire bench racks. There are many materials available but keep in mind that plants grow better when there is some airflow beneath the roots.
Do I have to get the bench frames and/ or are they removable?
The greenhouse bench frames are part of the structure of the greenhouse and give you nearly 60 sq. feet of growing area in the 8' unit. If you do not want bench frames, consider another style such as the Early Bloomer.
Solexx Conservatory Greenhouse:
What sizes are available?
The Solexx Conservatory Greenhouse is 16'x8'x9'6", 16'x16'x9'6", or 16'x20'x9'6". Additional 16'x8' and 16'x4' sections can be added to the length.
What are the advantages of this model?
The Conservatory Greenhouse is the most versatile model. You can custom design a unit to take full advantage of bench space or create a greenhouse with plenty of pass-through space. With the tall height of the greenhouse, large plants and small trees can easily be grown. The greenhouse model is popular for commercial nursery greenhouses and school greenhouses.
Does the Conservatory greenhouse include a vent? How many doors are included?
Yes, the Conservatory greenhouse includes two doors in the 16' x 8' model and four doors in all larger models. The Conservatory greenhouse also includes two large Louvered Air Vents for ample air circulation.
Does the Conservatory Greenhouse come with the bench frames?
Each Conservatory greenhouse includes six built-in bench frames. The benches will support up to 500 pounds each.
Do I need To add shelving to the bench brames and, if so, what works best?
We have greenhouse bench shelves specially designed to fit the Solexx greenhouses or you can design your own shelving to fit on top of the bench frames. The shelving that fits on the bench frames is provided by the customer - for example - the shelving can be made by using wood slats and 1/2" open wire mesh (hardware cloth) or our heavy-duty wire bench racks. There are many materials available but keep in mind that plants grow better when there is some airflow beneath the roots.
Do I have to get the bench frames and/ or are they removable?
The greenhouse bench frames are part of the structure of the greenhouse and give you about 110 sq ft of growing area in the 8'x16' unit.
Shipping
- What method of shipping do you use?
Greenhouses and heftier items (including panels) are mostly sent UPS. Small accessories not purchased with a larger item are usually sent USPS.
- How will my greenhouse arrive?
The greenhouse is sold unassembled. This helps us to keep both shipping and greenhouse kit costs low. Each kit comes with complete written instructions and computer generated drawings. The framing is color coded for convenience and of course, we’re always here to help.
The greenhouses are shipped in a couple long skinny boxes and an octagonal box for the rolled Solexx panels. The 8' Garden Oasis, for example, comes in five boxes: two 8' x 7.25" x 5" boxes, a box about two feet in diameter and four feet tall for the panels, one 24" x 12" x 12" box, and a small box for the Louver.
Miscellaneous
- Can I come see your greenhouses in person and what are your business hours?
A sample greenhouse is located at 323 Stager Lake Rd, Crystal Falls, MI 49920, call for an appointment at 906/875-6047. Ask for Sheri Or you can ride by and see it. More samples are coming in future. We are also planning to have on hand accessories and panels in 2008. Thank You!
Click Here for Heating BTU's and Fuel Usage Information
Click Here for Fan and Exhaust Information
The Secret is in the Plastic!
