Solexx FAQ's

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?
Solexx 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 and keep your plants from burning. Diffuse light is critical for optimal plant growth because diffuse light bends around corners and reaches all of the plant's leaves instead of just the upper canopy. The additional light exposure substantially increases the plant's photosynthesis, creating more energy and more robust, healthy growth. Additionally, plants will not burn under Solexx, making it the ideal choice for both shade and sun-loving plants. The unique Solexx greenhouse covering transmits 60-65 percent of the available light. Most plants only need 40 percent light to grow, but 60-65 percent available light is the optimal growing range. Even on cloudy days, your greenhouse has a pleasant, soft glow inside.

Does the greenhouse covering break down in the sun?
Solexx greenhouse covering has a UV additive added throughout the material during the extrusion process (not just a coating like polycarbonate). Solexx is covered by a 10-year limited warranty against ultraviolet breakdown. Solexx greenhouses have been in the field for over 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. The Perry's developed the Solexx greenhouses after working with a similar twin-wall tote used in agriculture. The Perry's left a tote upside down on their lawn. When they removed it days later, the grass under the tote was inches longer than the surrounding grass with a lush green color. Mike Perry realized this was an ideal greenhouse material, and set out to design an affordable and effective greenhouse that best suited a plant's needs.

How Are The Greenhouses Shipped?
Most greenhouses are shipped UPS. The 8' Garden Oasis greenhouse kit comes in four boxes, 99" x 7.25" x 5" box, 77" x 7.25" x 5" box, one cardboard drum approximately 24" in diameter and 43" long, and a small box for the Louver, 30" x 16" x 3". You can easily fit the greenhouse kit in the back of a truck or roomy sports utility vehicle.

What makes Solexx Greenhouses different from the other greenhouse on the market?
The two most unique features of Solexx greenhouses are the greenhouse covering and the tremendous growing space in a small footprint. The Solexx greenhouse provides highly diffused light (the best type of light) to your plants so they will have optimal growth and maximum insulation. University testing shows plants grow best under diffused light. 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 full-length hanging rods are another great feature. Because there are no shadows in a Solexx greenhouse, all areas are usable growing space. The double-stacked benches provides more than four times the growing space found in other greenhouses with the same footprint. This means it's possible to grow significantly more in a small space, making the greenhouses extremely economical.

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, but it's extremely helpful to have an extra set of hands with some of the assembly.

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. While our tie down augers are effective in most situations, proper conditions are required to prevent failure. Improperly tightened or loose anchors, high winds, loose or sandy soil, waterlogged or flooded soil, or extremely rocky soil can contribute to anchors pulling out of the ground. You will need to determine the best means to anchor the kit for your unique situation. If you have concerns about your conditions, a concrete perimeter, concrete slab, or corner holes are good alternatives to anchoring into soil.

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, clear GE Silicone-2 caulk, caulking gun, clear PVC glue, and a level.

Will the greenhouse handle high winds?
Solexx Greenhouses out-perform all other hobby greenhouses in wind. The combination of a strong frame and flexible paneling works very well in adverse conditions. As long as the greenhouse is firmly anchored (which we can help with) you should not have problems with wind. Because the greenhouse covering attaches over the top of the frame, there are no gaps for wind to twist or push the material through the frame. Many of our customers live on the coast and frequently experience winds of 70 mph or greater. We have had many customers report to us over the years that their greenhouse survived a hurricane 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.

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

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

R-Value - the measurement of 'insulating ability' of the material. The higher the R-Value 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?
Solexx greenhouses are easy to heat, in fact they are the most efficient on the market. 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. 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 in helping to determine what you can grow in a greenhouse.

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. For example the shelving can be made by using wood slats and 1/2" open wire mesh (hardware cloth). 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.

If have additional questions before your purchase, just call our toll-free number 1-800-825-1925 and ask to speak to a friendly customer service specialist.