Arched greenhouses are very similar to quonset and hoop houses because the top and sides are rounded. This shape utilizes more space inside a small greenhouse. Rounded greenhouses are also easy to cover using plastic greenhouse sheeting. The sheeting is spread over the greenhouse and attached at strategic points, creating the roof. Installing poly covers on an arched greenhouse may be accomplished in one afternoon.
Lay 4 mil poly tarp on the ground along the side of the arched greenhouse.
Punch a hole with a paper hole-punch at the edge of the poly tarp. Do this on both bottom corners. Tie a rope or twine through the holes. Tie the other ends of the twine around a rock or tennis ball.
Toss the rocks or balls over the top of the greenhouse arch. Walk around the greenhouse and gently pull until the poly tarp until it reaches up and over the top of the arch. Gently pull the poly tarp all the way down to the ground. You now have a loose poly tarp covering the greenhouse.
Walk around the greenhouse and adjust the poly sheeting until to ensure it is even and the plastic covers the appropriate areas.
Secure the poly to the bottom of the greenhouse on both sides. Staple the plastic onto a wooden base, or use greenhouse clips to attach the plastic to a metal base. Some gardeners prefer clips because they make changing the film easier.
Lay the 6 mil tarp on the side of the greenhouse, punch holes and thread with twine. Use a longer length of twine than before so that the ball may reach all of the way over the greenhouse. Tie the twine to the rocks or tennis balls, as before.
Throw the rocks or balls over the greenhouse to land on the other side. Walk around the greenhouse and gently pull the 6 mil poly tarp over the 4 mil covering.
Adjust so that the the edges of the poly tarp are even. Staple or clip to the base of the greenhouse.
Things You Will Need
- 4 mil poly greenhouse sheeting
- 6 mil poly greenhouse sheeting
- Hole punch
- Rocks or tennis balls
- Step ladder
- Staple gun or greenhouse clips
- Choose a calm day with no wind to install plastic sheeting on an arched greenhouse.
- Ask a friend to help you install poly covers on an arched greenhouse.
- Use 4 mil and 6mil polyetheline greenhouse plastic sheeting available in home and garden supply centers. Use two layers to increase the warmth inside of the greenhouse.
- Greenhouse sheeting must be replaced every two years or more frequently.
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