Greenhouse film – flexible cover for DIY growing projects

Greenhouse film is a flexible and affordable way to create your own protected growing space. It can be fitted over a suitable wooden or metal frame to build anything from a small DIY greenhouse or low growing tunnel to a larger polytunnel or professional cultivation area.

For gardeners and growers who want to decide the dimensions and construction themselves, greenhouse film provides more freedom than a complete greenhouse kit. It is particularly useful when you need to cover an existing frame, build to unusual dimensions or create a growing area tailored to a specific site.

What is greenhouse film used for?

Greenhouse film is a transparent plastic cover designed to allow daylight into a protected growing area while shielding plants from direct exposure to wind and rain.

It can be used for:

• DIY greenhouses
• polytunnels and growing tunnels
• crop covers
• propagation areas
• larger professional growing structures

The frame itself must provide the necessary strength and stability. The greenhouse film forms the protective cover rather than the supporting structure.

Which greenhouse film thickness should you choose?

Dancover offers greenhouse film in different thicknesses, currently ranging from 100 to 200 micron, depending on the product. The films are UV-resistant and supplied on rolls that make it possible to cut the material according to the dimensions of your project.

A thicker film generally provides a more substantial cover, but thickness is not the only consideration. The size and design of the structure, wind exposure, installation method and intended use should also influence your choice.

Always check the specifications of the individual film before ordering, particularly when the material is intended for a larger or more exposed structure.

Build a greenhouse to suit your space

One of the main advantages of greenhouse film is the freedom to design the growing space yourself.

You can construct a frame from suitable timber, steel or another robust material and adapt the width, length and height to your garden, allotment or growing project.

This can be particularly useful where a standard greenhouse size does not fit, or when you want a simple tunnel over vegetable beds rather than a permanent rigid structure.

For larger professional projects, greenhouse film can also provide an economical way to cover substantial growing areas without investing in glass or rigid polycarbonate panels.

Protect the film during installation

Correct installation has a significant influence on how well greenhouse film performs and how long it remains usable.

Sharp edges, rough frame surfaces and excessive movement can damage the material. Foam protection tape can therefore be fitted between the frame and cover at vulnerable contact points. Dancover currently offers dedicated foam protection tape as an accessory for greenhouse and polytunnel covers.

The film should be fitted smoothly and securely rather than being allowed to flap excessively in the wind. On Dancover polytunnels, keeping the cover stretched and taut is specifically recommended to reduce unnecessary movement and wear.

If a small tear occurs, suitable greenhouse repair tape can help prevent minor damage from developing further.

Greenhouse film or a complete greenhouse?

Choose greenhouse film if you want to build your own structure, adapt the dimensions yourself or cover an existing frame.

Choose a [polytunnel greenhouse] if you prefer a complete lightweight solution with the frame and cover designed to work together.

A [polycarbonate greenhouse] provides a more permanent structure with rigid, impact-resistant panels, while a [glass greenhouse] offers excellent transparency and the classic greenhouse appearance.

For large-scale cultivation, our [commercial greenhouses] provide complete structures intended for more extensive growing projects.

The right solution depends on whether you prioritise DIY flexibility, price, durability, appearance or ease of assembly.

Growing with greenhouse film

A properly constructed film greenhouse can create more sheltered conditions for vegetables, herbs, fruit, flowers and young plants.

The transparent cover allows daylight into the structure and helps create a warmer environment than the open garden, potentially extending the useful growing season.

Ventilation remains essential. Temperatures and humidity can rise quickly inside a covered structure, so doors, openings or other ventilation should form part of the design.

Regular watering is also necessary because the cover prevents plants from receiving natural rainfall.

Plan the structure before you start

Before ordering greenhouse film, calculate the complete area that needs to be covered rather than simply using the footprint of the greenhouse.

Remember that the film must extend over the roof and sides and may require additional material for fastening, overlaps and end sections.

Also consider how the cover will be secured, how the structure will be ventilated and whether the frame contains any edges that should be protected with foam tape.

Careful planning before cutting the film can reduce waste and make installation significantly easier.

Frequently asked questions about greenhouse film

What is greenhouse film?

Greenhouse film is transparent plastic sheeting designed for covering greenhouse frames, growing tunnels and other protected cultivation structures. Dancover greenhouse films are available in different dimensions and thicknesses and are UV-resistant.

How thick should greenhouse film be?

It depends on the structure and intended use. Dancover currently offers greenhouse film in thicknesses from 100 to 200 micron. Larger or more demanding projects may benefit from a more substantial film, but correct installation and frame design are equally important.

How can I protect greenhouse film from damage?

Make sure the frame has no sharp or rough edges, use foam protection tape at vulnerable contact points and keep the cover properly tensioned. Minor tears can often be repaired promptly with suitable greenhouse repair tape.

Can greenhouse film be used for a homemade polytunnel?

Yes. Greenhouse film can be fitted to a suitably designed frame to create a DIY polytunnel or growing tunnel. The frame, anchoring, ventilation and fastening method must be appropriate for the size and location of the structure.