Gardener's Oasis Greenhouse Kit

SOLEXX

Solexx is a leading provider of high-quality greenhouse kits and products. Our greenhouses are designed to help gardeners and plant enthusiasts grow their plants, fruits and vegetables with ease and efficiency. Solexx's twin wall panels are made of a unique blend of materials that provide the perfect combination of light diffusion, insulation and durability. With an R value of 2.2, Solexx greenhouses are able to regulate temperature, preventing plants from burning in high heat and excessive cold. The panels are also built to last, with a life span of up to 20 years.

Solexx greenhouses come in a variety of sizes and styles, including the Oasis, Harvester, Garden Master and Early Bloomer greenhouses. Each greenhouse is designed with the needs of gardeners and plant enthusiasts in mind, offering ample space and features such as wire shelves, solar openers and more. Whether you are growing herbs, vegetables, fruits, or just enjoy nurturing plants, Solexx has the perfect greenhouse for you.

Solexx is also known for its 5mm twin wall panels, which provide an ideal environment for growing plants. The panels are made of a special blend of materials, including UV protected polycarbonate, which helps to diffuse light and protect your plants. When it comes to cutting the panels, they are easily trimmed to fit any custom shape or size.

For those who are looking for a high-quality, long-lasting and easy-to-assemble greenhouse, Solexx is the right choice. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Solexx has everything you need to grow and nurture your plants with confidence.

SOLEXX GREENHOUSE KITS

Why choose Solexx for your greenhouse needs?
Solexx greenhouse kits are known for their strength and durability, offering diffused light that is gentle on plants, providing ideal growing conditions. Solexx panels are made of a twin-walled material that diffuses light, preventing plant burn and promoting healthy growth.

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.

Where are Solexx Greenhouses made?
Solexx Greenhouses and Greenhouse Covering have been manufactured in the USA for over 30 years. We are proud to offer American made products at our headquarters in Salem, OR! What difference does this make to the customer? Our product instructions are written in English with detailed explanations. If you call us with questions, we are easily accessible, knowledgeable and happy to help. Should you need a replacement part, we will quickly get you what you need.

What is the difference between Solexx and polycarbonate?
Solexx panels are made of a twin-walled material that diffuses light, while polycarbonate is a thermoplastic material used for glazing. Solexx offers diffused light that is gentle on plants, preventing plant burn and promoting healthy growth, while polycarbonate is a transparent material that allows for more light transmission.
How will my greenhouse arrive?
The greenhouse is sold unassembled. This helps us to keep both shipping and greenhouse kit costs low. Each kit comes with complete written instructions and computer-generated drawings. The framing is color coded for convenience and of course, we’re always here to help. The greenhouses are shipped in a couple long skinny boxes and an retangular box for the rolled Solexx panels. The 8' Garden Oasis, for example, comes in four boxes: Box 1- 23" x 23" x 43", Box 2- 99" x 7.25" x 5", Box 3 - 77" x 7.25" x 5", Box 4- 30" x 16" x 3".

What makes Solexx Greenhouses different than others?
Our specially formulated Solexx greenhouse panels are polyethylene and not polycarbonate. We manufacture the material with a special UV formulation for longevity. The covering is insulated to cut down heating and cooling costs, but most importantly, the translucent quality of the plastic provides outstanding light diffusion in the greenhouse. University tests have shown that plants growth is accelerated by 25-30% under diffused light. Solexx also is one of the highest insulated greenhouse materials available, saving you money on heating costs. Another feature that makes Solexx different is the built-in bench frames that triple or quadruple the available growing space. The benches will hold over 500 pounds each, so it’s easy to overwinter or grow in large and heavy containers. With almost all other greenhouse kits, benches are a large additional expense. Full-length hanging rods are also included to overwinter hanging baskets.

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 the greenhouse?
Assembling a Solexx Greenhouse takes just a few readily available tools. You will need a screwdriver, variable speed drill, sharp knife or utility knife, tape measure, step ladder, GE Clear Silicone-2 caulk, caulking gun, clear PVC glue and a level. A greenhouse kit generally takes a weekend for two people to assemble.

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. In heavy snow accumulation, 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. We do not recommend 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 frame is very difficult. Also, some parts are glued and 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.
*High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). 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. Solexx 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. 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. If you would like to compare the insulation of different greenhouse materials, you can go to the USDA website and download the virtual grower software to compare energy savings along with other useful growing information.

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 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 bench shelves specially designed to fit Solexx greenhouses or you can design your own shelving to fit on top of the bench frames. For example, attach 1/2" open wire mesh (hardware cloth) to wood slats. 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 the Early Bloomer Greenhouse.

Where should the heater be placed in the greenhouse?
We recommend placing the heater in the back of the greenhouse, either at the end of the walkway or under the bench frames. It's best to leave some space around the heater so that the heat can fully circulate and so that none of your plants get too warm. Having a small circulation fan is a good way to ensure even heating in your greenhouse.

How should I place the vents in my greenhouse?
Typically, we recommend that you place a large louvered vent opposite the door, towards the top of the greenhouse. If you then place two or more base vents low to the ground (on either side of the door, for example), you get a natural ground- up ventilation. A solar opener can be attached to the louvered vent in order to better regulate the temperature. We recommend that you close the base vents during cold weather.

GREENHOUSE COVERING

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. Will my plants get enough light?
Solexx panels diffuse light evenly throughout the greenhouse eliminating "hot spots" and shadows. 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 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 days, your greenhouse has a pleasant, soft glow inside.

Does the covering break down in the sun?
Solexx panels contain UV inhibitor throughout the material; it is not simply a coating that can scratch or wear off. The covering has a 10-year limited warranty against ultraviolet breakdown. Solexx greenhouses have been in the field for well over 30 years and there has been minimal UV degradation. All plastics do eventually break down when exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time; however, these panels are easy and inexpensive to replace.

Will the greenhouse covering discolor?
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 you clean the paneling?
Solexx paneling can be rinsed or wiped clean without worry of scratching. The panels are impervious to chemicals so you can wash them with a mild soap or a bleach solution. It’s a good idea to do this a couple times a year to keep your greenhouse clean and to maximize light transmission.

Should I use 3.5 or 5mm paneling?
Solexx panels are available in 3.5mm or 5mm thickness. The 3.5mm panels are recommended in most areas because they provide more light transmission. The 5mm panels are used in colder climates (for added insulation) and for high altitude areas. It is also recommended on many custom structures for added support. Both varieties are available in 4'1" x 8'1" sheets and 4'1" x 12'1" sheets or continuous rolls.

I am interested in your Solexx covering. How do you install it?
They are much more flexible than twin-wall polycarbonate greenhouses panels and can easily be screwed onto an existing greenhouse frame. This covering is available in 4’ x 8’ or 4’ x 12’ sheets in 3.5 or 5mm thicknesses. Solexx greenhouse covering can also be ordered in continuous rolls up to 900 feet so you can conveniently cover just about any structure.

When designing a greenhouse frame, how much spacing should I leave between supports for the panels? How many screws should I use?
For maximum strength, we recommend that the framing (trusses) that will support your Solexx be placed 16" - 24" on center. If applying to a greenhouse frame with 4' or 6' centers, cross bracing is recommended to prevent sagging between the bows. Ask us about cabling over the bows to prevent expansion sagging. On the perimeter of your structure, we recommend attaching screws every six inches. For your supports, you only need to attach screws about eighteen inches apart. As a general rule, figure that you will need one screw per square foot of paneling. In extremely windy areas, you may want to increase the number of screws used.

What is H-Channel and U-Trim used for?
H-Channel is used to join the panels together on the long side (another option is to overlap the panels). We recommend caulking the open flutes of the panels with clear silicone caulking to keep bugs and moisture out and maximize the insulation. U-Trim gives the 4’ ends of the panels a nice finished look.

What are the differences between polycarbonate and Solexx panels?
Solexx greenhouses are made with high density polyethylene. Polyethylene is much more flexible and is easy to cut to any size. Polycarbonate panels tend to be thicker but have a lower insulation factor than polyethylene. Both materials diffuse light, but polycarbonate diffuses less (because it is more transparent), making the greenhouses much hotter in the summer. Polyethylene is very easy to clean and will not scratch like polycarbonate. Polyethylene does not contain BPA's that are found in polycarbonate materials.

How do you cut Solexx panels? Is it easy to do?
Solexx panels can be cut with a simple utility knife. Because the material is so flexible, it’s also possible to bend it around the curves and corners on a structure.

What is the difference between Solexx and polycarbonate?
Solexx and polycarbonate are both popular choices for greenhouse coverings, but they have some distinct differences. Solexx is known for its durability, insulation capabilities, and flexibility, while polycarbonate is known for its transparency and impact resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the specific needs and requirements of the greenhouse.

Is Solexx Recyclable?
Solexx panels are high density polyethylene and have the same recycle # '2' as plastic milk jugs.

Others

Is there a restocking fee for returns?

Garden Forests does not charge any restocking fee. Solexx charges a 15% restocking fee on returns and does not cover the return shipping. Return shipping is the responsibility of the customer. Please refer to our return policy for detailed information.