Ultraviolet light has been considered the enemy in many greenhouse gardens over the years. Because of this, many gardeners try to find ways to stop it from entering their gardens.
With innovations in greenhouses, you’d be amazed at how there are plenty out there designed to help you deal with the possibility of harmful UV rays. But do any greenhouses actually block UV light?
That’s a great question to ask. We’ve done some digging to find the answers for you.
Quick Answer: Do Greenhouses Block UV Light?
Sometimes. A lot of greenhouses are designed specifically to block UV rays, but this doesn’t have to be the case. There are also now greenhouses created to let in ultraviolet light, and some gardeners prefer to use them.
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Types of Greenhouse Panels
There are a few kinds of greenhouse panels commonly used today. Since the panel is what either does or doesn’t block UV rays, we’d like to show you some of the most prevalent types quickly.
Glass, although one of the older options available, is still one of the most popular. There are a few reasons for this. The first one is simply aesthetics; a lot of people just prefer the look of glass over alternatives.
Panels made from glass are fantastic at diffusing sunlight. Many of them are designed to block UV rays, as well.
Check out: Do Greenhouses Need Direct Sunlight?
Polycarbonate panels are probably the second most popular. A lot of hobby greenhouse kits use them, because they’re practically indestructible. These panels will stand up to transportation and all kinds of severe weather conditions.
Similar to glass, polycarbonate panels can also block UV light.
Want to see more greenhouses that use glass and polycarbonate panels? You can take a look at our list of best greenhouses for Minnesota.
Related Article: Are Greenhouses Good for Growing Vegetables?
Should You Allow UV Light in Your Greenhouse?
Since you can choose whether or not you should allow ultraviolet light in your greenhouse, you might be wondering what you should choose. In other words, what are the benefits to either option?
Traditionally, UV rays have not been welcome in greenhouses. They can be harmful to all kinds of living things, including plants. Additionally, there are garden pests that rely on ultraviolet light to navigate, so eliminating it in your greenhouse can naturally make the environment less attractive to pests.
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If you’re choosing to use bees in your greenhouse, though, ultraviolet light might be your ally for the same reasons it can be your enemy. Many types of bees need this light in order to safely move, so blocking it can also repel these helpful pollinators.
Furthermore, UV rays occur in plants’ natural environments. Choosing to include them in your greenhouse more closely mimics the environment each plant came from, which some gardeners feel is a huge benefit.
Related Article: Best Greenhouses for Northern California
Wrap Up
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In conclusion, yes, plenty of greenhouses are designed to block UV rays. This is done through their panels, which can block ultraviolet light from ever entering your greenhouse.
But you don’t need to choose panels that block UV light if you don’t want them to. Some gardeners feel that UV light can be helpful for a garden, because it’s more attractive to pollinators like bees and it more closely resembles a natural environment.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
