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FAQ's for Greenhouses, Silage, Shade Cloth, Construction Plastic, Erosion Control, and much more!

Where is Farm Plastic Supply Located?

  • At Farm Plastic Supply we guarantee great customer service and fast same-day shipping from either one our our locations. We have two full-service cut to length warehouses across the country in the Midwest and on the West Coast. Our main and original full-service location is in Addison, Illinois, right outside of Chicago and our second full-service location is in Sparks, Nevada. With these two locations we guarantee that we can get orders to our customers faster and cheaper than competitors. Feel free to call us at 312-625-1024 for the best service and prices.

Can I pick up my order at Farm Plastic Supply or come into shop or is it just an online only Business?

  • Yes, you can pick up your order at Farm Plastic Supply and come into browse and shop. We have a full-service and cut to length Warehouse and a committed and knowledgeable customer service team that can help you with anything. For Bulk orders of Erosion Control products and Ground Cover we have a pick-up center in the back of our building as well. 

What are your hours of operation?

  • Monday to Friday - 8:00AM To 5:00PM
  • Saturday - 9:00AM To 1:00PM
  • Sunday - Closed

What is the use of Greenhouse Film?

  • Clear Greenhouse Plastic Sheeting is ideal and much needed for the proper growth and maintenance of plants. It helps transmit the proper amount of light needed for the plants to grow effectively. The greenhouse film also helps regulate the temperature to the optimal growing temperature for the plants.

How Thick is the film in a Greenhouse?

  • Greenhouse covers are typically offered in a range from 3 mil – 12 mil, with the most common greenhouse cover thickness being 6 mil. We offer greenhouse film in the thickness range of 4 mil to 10 mil It's important to note that, when it comes to plastic sheeting, “mil” is not a millimeter, but a unit of measurement equaling one one-thousandth of an inch.

What Types of Greenhouse Film Does Farm Plastic Supply Carry?

What Thicknesses of Greenhouse Film Does Farm Plastic Supply Carry?

What is an Erosion Control Blanket?

  • An erosion control blanket is a specially designed matting that provides stability to soil and encourages the establishment of vegetation.
  • Made from various Biodegradable Materials, such as straw, coconut fiber, or jute, these blankets form a protective layer that shields the soil from erosive forces. 
  • At Farm Plastic Supply, our Erosion Control Blankets are crafted to seamlessly integrate with your garden's ecosystem, providing protection against erosion. 
  • In the world of gardening and landscape management, erosion control blankets are essential tools. They mitigate the impact of heavy rains, prevent the dispersal of seeds by wind, and conserve moisture. 

What Are The Benefits Of Erosion Control Blankets?

  • The primary benefit of erosion control blankets is their ability to prevent soil erosion effectively. By anchoring down soil particles, you can minimize the loss of topsoil, thereby protecting the precious seeds.
  • This not only prevents loss of investment but also ensures that landscapes can flourish without interruption.;
  • Moreover, our erosion control blankets outperform many other erosion prevention methods in terms of cost-effectiveness and ease of installation.
  • They support the establishment of vegetation, leading to a self-sustaining defense against erosion, and they require minimal maintenance.;

How Long Do You Leave Erosion Control Blankets On?

  • The longevity of an erosion control blanket depends on the material it's made from and the environmental conditions it's exposed to. Our blankets at Farm Plastic Supply are designed to degrade naturally over time, typically between 12 to 24 months.
  • It's this intelligent design that allows our erosion control blankets to work in harmony with nature, providing protection as young plants take root. Our erosion control blankets leave behind stabilized soil and established vegetation, setting the stage for long-term landscape health.;
  • By incorporating our erosion control blankets into your landscaping strategy, you're not just purchasing a product; you're investing in enduring landscapes, robust gardens, and a defense against erosion.

How Do Farm Plastic Supply's Erosion Control Blankets Stand Above the Rest?

  • When it comes to combating erosion, Farm Plastic Supply offers a superior line of erosion control blankets that are crafted to outperform and outlast.
  • Unlike common market alternatives, our erosion control blankets are designed with durability, soil-friendliness, and versatility in mind. ;
  • Each blanket is constructed to provide optimum soil stabilization, ensure seed germination, and facilitate plant growth, setting them apart from the one-size-fits-all solutions.

What Type of Landscape Plastic and Garden Fabric Does Farm Plastic Supply Stock?

  • We carry a wide range of landscape plastic. Some plastics are better for landscaping, while others are more suited for use in gardens or a grow set-up.
  • Our 4 mil, 6 mil, and poly mulch landscape plastic are best for use where killing weeds quickly is a priority. These options are more cost-effective and may be more beneficial in larger growing operations.

What Is The Difference Between Landscape Plastic and Landscaping Fabric?

  • Landscape plastic - is a thin plastic sheeting that smothers weeds and can benefit soil by retaining moisture. It is a more cost-effective option for weed control.
  • Landscape Fabric - This material is made from a heavier-duty polyethylene than landscape plastic and mitigates weed growth while being permeable, letting water, air, and important nutrients reach the soil. It is commonly used in landscaping applications where mulch, rocks, or gravel are placed over it for a walkway or decoration.

How Do You Install Landscape Plastic Material?

  • Landscape plastic is quick and easy to install. While you can customize our landscape plastic installation to your particular needs, it is generally laid over the desired area and secured in place. Used in landscaping, garden fabric be covered with mulch or dirt and will prevent weeds from growing. Organic weed control - no chemicals. Farm Plastic Supply Landscape Plastic.

Is Your Garden Fabric UV Resistant?

  • Our woven and non-woven landscape plastic is UV treated and can last for years depending on the installation and environment. Regular black garden fabric is not UV treated and will degrade in the sun over time. By the time the landscape plastic degrades, all weeds will be long gone.

Can You Install Landscape Fabric Under Gravel?

  • For gravel and landscaping applications, our heavy-duty 5oz landscape fabric is the best option. Landscape plastic may work, but the wear from gravel may tear it over time. A stronger, thicker landscape plastic will last longer in terms of durability. Also, our 3oz, 3.2oz, and 5oz landscape plastics are all UV resistant. Get years out of your landscaping installation with our landscape plastic!

What Is a Silage Tarp?

  • Tarps, commonly known as 'silage tarps,' are placed on the soil surface a number of weeks or even months prior to cash crop planting. They kill weeds, prevent emergence of living weeds, and can spark fatal germination of some species. They protect livestock feed from UV Damage, Weather, other damage.

What Are The Benefits Of Silage Tarps?

  • In the world of agriculture, silage tarps have become an indispensable tool. Silage tarps, also known as agricultural tarps or bunker covers, are large, durable sheets made from UV-resistant polyethylene material. 

    Benefits:

    • Protect Feed
    • Weed Control
    • Soil Moisture Retention
    • Improved Soil Health
    • They are primarily used in farming and agriculture to cover and protect silage, a type of food made from green foliage crops that have been preserved. Silage tarps play a crucial role in this process, helping to maintain the quality of the silage by protecting it from external elements.
    • Silage tarps can also be used in weed control. By blocking sunlight, they prevent the growth of weeds, eliminating the need for manual weeding or harmful herbicides.

How Long Do Silage Tarps Last?

  • Our Silage Tarps are made from high-quality, durable polyethylene material. This ensures they can withstand harsh weather conditions and provide long-lasting service. 
  • The material is also resistant to tears and punctures, ensuring the tarp remains effective even when used on rough or uneven terrain. As long as they are properly cared for, our tarps can be reused year after year.

Are Your Silage Tarps UV Protected?

  • Yes! One of the key features of our tarps is their UV resistance. This protects the tarp from harmful UV rays that can degrade its quality.
  • It also extends the lifespan of the tarp, as it prevents the material from breaking down due to sun exposure. Save time and money with Farm Plastic Supply silage tarps!

What Is The Difference Between A Silage Tarp And a Regular Tarp?

  • A regular tarp is a general-purpose cover that will likely degrade under UV rays, while a silage tarp is specifically designed for agricultural use.
  • It is made from durable, UV-resistant material and is designed to protect silage, control weeds, retain soil moisture, and improve soil health. Looking for general use plastic covers?

What Is The Difference Between Your Clear Vinyl Rolls And Plastic Sheeting?

  • Clear vinyl plastic is a synthetic material made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is a durable and flexible material that is resistant to water, and chemicals. Our clear vinyl rolls are often used in construction, agriculture, automotive, and marine industries, as well as for home improvement projects.
  • Plastic sheeting is generally thinner and less durable than our clear vinyl rolls and sheets, but it is more affordable. Plastic sheeting is often used in packaging, construction, and agriculture industries, as well as for DIY projects. Our clear vinyl sheets are more durable and much more clear than plastic sheeting.

Can You Use Your Clear Vinyl Sheets In A Greenhouse?

  • Our clear vinyl sheets of plastic can be used in greenhouses as window coverings, end walls, and for doors. If you use our vinyl plastic in your greenhouse, make sure to invest in our 15 mil vinyl as it is UV resistant and will hold up under sunlight. For the actual greenhouse covering, we recommend you use one of our clear greenhouse covers.

Do You Offer Clear Vinyl Rolls In Bulk?

  • Yes! All of our clear vinyl plastic are available in bulk rolls. You can select the required sizing for either the 12 mil, 15 mil, or 20 mil vinyl plastic or contact us if you have any custom sizing needs. All of our vinyl plastic products are in stock and ready to ship today!

What Is Shade Cloth?

  • Shade cloth is a lightweight netting made from low-density polyethylene and designed to block a certain amount of sunlight. We offer shade fabric for plants in 35% - 80%. Shade fabric allows air flow, it can store and release heat quickly - allowing your plants to stay cool. The perfect shade covering for plants!

What Does Percentage Mean For Shade Cloth?

  • The shade fabric percentage is the amount of light that the particular shade fabric will block. The higher the percentage, the more light the shade fabric will block. 30-50% shade fabric is commonly used in the garden or greenhouse to protect seedlings, plants that favor shade, or vegetables and fruits. 75% and higher is used to protect people plants or animals from the intense sun, such as using shade cloth for plants or for a patio.

What Color Shade Fabric Do You Carry?

  • Our shade fabric comes in both Black, Green, White, Gray, and Tan with varying light blocking percentages. The color of shade fabric does not change the amount of light it will block or how much heat will get through to your plants.

Can I Use Shade Fabric For My Greenhouse?

  • Yes! Shade fabric can be used as a covering for a greenhouse. Shade fabric will help protect plants from the sun and it won't prevent any water from getting through to your plants.

What Percentage Shade Fabric Should I Use For My Plants?

  • The best shade fabric for plants is 30-60%. Any higher will likely block too much sun and stunt the growth of your plants. Before purchasing and installing any shade netting, it is always best to do some research on the particular plants that you have to understand their requirements.

How Is Shade Cloth Sold?

  • We offer a wide range of widths and lengths for all of our shade cloth. If you have a custom or bulk order, please contact us. Smaller sizes may be shipped folded, while larger shade cloth sizes will be sent as a roll.

Woven VS. Knitted Shade Fabric?

  • Farm Plastic Supply carries knitted shade fabric for plants. Knitted shade material is a much more lightweight and durable shade fabric than woven shade material. Both woven and knitted shade fabric will work for reducing sunlight, but our knitted material works better to keep plants from overheating due to its heat dissipation attributes.

Is Shade Cloth Waterproof?

  • Yes, shade cloth is waterproof. Water or moisture will not damage the shade fabric material. While shade fabric is waterproof, it will not block water from reaching your plants, giving you the benefit of permeability while still blocking harsh sunlight.

What Is The Purpose Of Shade Cloth?

  • Shade Cloth not only provides UV Protection, but it also helps to keep your greenhouse cool, improves plant ventilation, and reduces water usage. Plants can reduce the amount of excess light energy that they are absorbing, which leads to cell damage and often sunburn.

How Do I Install Shade Fabric?

  • Our shade fabric is easy to install with clips or grommets. The edges of our shade netting are unhemmed, giving you the freedom to use the shade fabric any way that you want. Shade fabric can be added to a greenhouse, hoop house, used as a patio covering, and more!

How Should I Install Your Concrete Vapor Barriers?

  • Overlap the vapor barrier plastic by at least 6 inches. Secure the concrete vapor barrier to the subgrade by taping the edges of the plastic sheet to the perimeter of the slab using approved adhesive tape.
  • Seal any joints or seams with approved sealing tape or adhesive to prevent moisture from penetrating through barrier. These are general guidelines only - each installation may have its own challenges. 

Can I Use 20 Mil Thick Plastic Sheeting As A Vapor Barrier?

  • Yes, our Dura-Smooth 20 mil plastic sheeting can be used as a vapor barrier. In fact, 20 mil plastic sheeting is one of the thickest and most durable plastic sheeting materials available, making it a good option for vapor barriers in construction and home improvement projects.
  • However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of a vapor barrier depends on the specific conditions and requirements of the project.
  • Even though Dura-Smooth is heavy duty plastic, factors such as the climate, building materials, and intended use of the space will all play a role in determining the approach type and thickness of vapor barrier. 

Can I Use Dura-Smooth 20 Mil Plastic Sheeting In My Crawl Space?

  • Yes, you can use our Dura-Smooth 20 mil plastic sheeting for your crawl space. In general, crawl spaces may require more heavy duty plastic sheeting if you are installing as a vapor barrier. 
  • Crawl space vapor barrier should be able to withstand foot traffic and a 20 mil plastic sheeting is great for a crawl space. 

Is Your 20 Mil Dura-Smooth Plastic Sheeting UV Resistant? Can I Use It As A Greenhouse Cover?

  • Our Dura-Smooth 20 mil polyethylene sheeting is UV Treated and while it can be used as a greenhouse covering when you want to block out all light, we carry greenhouse blackout plastic in 6 mil and 8 mil thickness that would be a better option. 
  • 20 Mil plastic sheeting will work fine, but a greenhouse won't require a heavy duty plastic sheeting. Check out our greenhouse blackout plastic here.