The Solexx Greenhouses

The Solexx Greenhouse Models

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.

SOLEXX GREENHOUSE KITS

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 four boxes, two 8' x 7.25" x 5" boxes, one cardboard drum approximately 2' in diameter and 4' long, 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.

How well does Solexx Insulate? What is the R-Value (R-Factor)?

Compare the insulation quality of Solexx to other greenhouse coverings on the market...

Greenhouse Covering	R-Value	U-Value
5mm Solexx Panels	2.30	0.43
3.5mm Solexx Panels	2.10	0.48
8mm Triple Wall Polycarbonate	2.00	0.50
Double Pane Storm Windows	2.00	0.50
10mm Double Wall Polycarbonate	1.89	0.53
8mm Double Wall Polycarbonate	1.60	0.63
6mm Double Wall Polycarbonate	1.54	0.65
4mm Double Wall Polycarbonate	1.43	0.70
Single Pane Glass, 3mm	0.95	1.05
Poly Film	0.83	1.20

R Value - the measurement of ‘insulating ability’ of the material. The higher the R Factor number the greater the insulation value.
U Value - the measurement of ‘heat loss’ through the material. The lower the U Value the less heat is escaping.
*Independent testing, Solexx with caulked flutes.

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.

Solexx Harvester 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.

ABOUT THE GREENHOUSE CATALOG:

Where is the retail outlet?
The retail outlet and the factory are located at 3740 Brooklake Road NE Salem, OR 97303.

How long has The Greenhouse Catalog been in business?
We have been in business since 1974. We have been manufacturing and selling greenhouses since 1987.

What are the store hours?
The store is open 8:00 am to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday pacific standard time, Saturdays by appointment only.