Imagine stepping into your greenhouse on a stormy spring day, the wind howling outside, but inside, your tomatoes are basking in diffused sunlight, your lettuce is thriving, and your herbs are fragrant and green. The secret to this serene growing haven? The Greenhouse Woven Plastic 8 mil Solarig 156, a USA-sourced, heavy-duty covering that’s transforming how gardeners and farmers protect their crops. This isn’t just plastic—it’s a fortress of strength, light diffusion, and durability designed to withstand nature’s toughest challenges while nurturing your plants. Whether you’re shielding delicate microgreens or cultivating a year-round vegetable empire, the Solarig 156 could be your greenhouse’s best friend.
What Is the Solarig 156 Woven Plastic?
The Solarig 156 (formerly known as Solarig 140) is an 8 mil woven polyethylene greenhouse covering designed for hoop houses and greenhouses. Manufactured with cutting-edge technology, it’s up to 15 times stronger than standard greenhouse plastic, boasting a coated poly construction with UV additives for long-lasting performance. Available through Bootstrap Farmer, this USA-sourced product is custom-cut to any length, making it versatile for structures from small backyard setups to sprawling commercial high tunnels.
Why Woven Plastic?
Unlike traditional clear polyethylene films, woven plastic like the Solarig 156 is made by interlacing polyethylene strips, creating a fabric-like structure that’s incredibly tough. This weave, combined with a protective coating, gives it unparalleled puncture and tear resistance, making it ideal for harsh climates where hail, wind, or debris could shred lesser coverings. The Solarig 156 also offers light diffusion, scattering sunlight to ensure even coverage for your plants, reducing sunburn and boosting growth.
Key Features of the Solarig 156
The Solarig 156 isn’t your average greenhouse plastic. Here’s what makes it stand out:
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8 mil Thickness: At 8 millimeters, it’s significantly thicker than standard 6 mil films, offering superior strength and insulation.
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Puncture and Tear Resistance: The woven structure can withstand hail, falling branches, and accidental snags, protecting your investment.
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UV Additives: Built-in UV protection prevents degradation from sunlight, extending the plastic’s lifespan.
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Light Diffusion: Provides 88% light transmission with 60% diffusion on the matte side and 35% on the shiny side, ensuring even light distribution for healthier plants.
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Anti-Fog Additive: Reduces condensation drips, keeping your plants dry and reducing disease risk.
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Warranty:
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4 years when used as a single layer.
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6 years when used as the interior layer in a double-layer inflated system (with a 6 mil exterior layer).
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Custom Sizing: Cut to any length, with widths up to 48 feet, fitting any greenhouse or hoop house.
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Wind Resistance: When secured with batten strapping, it handles high winds, with a breaking strength of 60 lbs per inch.
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Compatibility: Designed for spring wire and lock channel applications, ensuring a tight, secure fit.
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Free Shipping: Available to most US locations, saving you hundreds on delivery.
These features make the Solarig 156 a premium choice for growers who need reliability without constant replacements.
Why Choose the Solarig 156 for Your Greenhouse?
Unmatched Durability
The Solarig 156 is a beast when it comes to standing up to the elements. Its woven polyethylene construction is 15 times stronger than standard greenhouse films, making it ideal for regions prone to thunderstorms, hail, or high winds. Unlike clear 6 mil plastic, which can tear under stress, the Solarig 156’s fabric-like weave shrugs off impacts. Growers in places like West Central Florida have reported it lasting 17 years in intense sun and wind, a testament to its longevity.
Optimal Light for Plant Growth
Light is the lifeblood of plants, and the Solarig 156 delivers it in spades. Its 88% light transmission ensures plenty of sunlight reaches your crops, while its diffusion properties (60% on the matte side) scatter light evenly across foliage. This reduces hot spots and sunburn, making it perfect for sensitive plants like lettuce, cannabis, or orchids. The matte and shiny sides allow you to customize diffusion based on your crop’s needs.
Eco-Conscious and Cost-Effective
While not recyclable like some films, the Solarig 156’s long lifespan reduces waste and replacement costs. Its 4- to 6-year warranty means you’re covered for multiple seasons, and its durability minimizes the need for frequent repairs. Free shipping from Bootstrap Farmer and custom sizing further sweeten the deal, ensuring you get exactly what you need without breaking the bank.
Versatility Across Climates
Whether you’re in the scorching Southwest or the snowy Northeast, the Solarig 156 adapts. Its UV additives protect against sun damage in hot climates, while its thickness and strength handle moderate snow loads and wind gusts. For extra insulation in cold regions, pair it with a 6 mil exterior layer in a double-layer setup to extend its warranty and boost thermal efficiency.
Real-World Applications
Let’s see how the Solarig 156 shines in different scenarios:
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The Backyard Hobbyist: Emma, a Seattle gardener, covers her 10’x20’ hoop house with Solarig 156 to grow kale and spinach through winter. The woven plastic withstands Pacific Northwest rain and wind, while its light diffusion keeps her greens vibrant. She uses batten strapping to secure it against gusts, and the anti-fog additive prevents drips on her plants.
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The Commercial Farmer: Miguel runs a 30’x100’ high tunnel in Texas, growing tomatoes and peppers for local markets. The Solarig 156’s hail resistance saves his crops during spring storms, and its 6-year warranty in a double-layer setup gives him peace of mind. The custom-cut length fits his structure perfectly, and free shipping keeps costs down.
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The Cannabis Grower: In a state where cultivation is legal, Sarah uses Solarig 156 for her 20’x40’ greenhouse. Its high light diffusion protects her cannabis plants from sunburn, and the woven strength deters pests and debris. The 60 lb/inch breaking strength ensures it holds up in windy conditions, keeping her crop secure.
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The Homesteader: In Montana, Jake and Lila cover their 14’x60’ gothic hoop house with Solarig 156 to extend their growing season. The plastic’s snow-shedding ability and UV protection keep their carrots and beets thriving through early frosts, and the 6 mil exterior layer adds insulation for winter.
Comparison Table: Solarig 156 vs. Other Greenhouse Coverings
To see how the Solarig 156 stacks up, let’s compare it to three popular alternatives: Solarig 182 (11 mil woven), Bootstrap Farmer’s 6 mil Clear Polyethylene, and Luminary 6 mil High Diffusion Plastic.
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Feature |
Solarig 156 (8 mil Woven) |
Solarig 182 (11 mil Woven) |
6 mil Clear Polyethylene |
6 mil High Diffusion Luminary |
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Thickness |
8 mil |
11 mil |
6 mil |
6 mil |
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Material |
Woven polyethylene with UV coating |
Woven polyethylene with UV coating |
Clear polyethylene, 5-layer |
High-diffusion polyethylene, 5-layer |
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Light Transmission |
88% (60% diffuse matte, 35% shiny) |
88% (similar diffusion) |
90% (low diffusion) |
85% (high diffusion) |
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Breaking Strength |
60 lb/inch |
Higher (not specified) |
Lower (not specified) |
Lower (not specified) |
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Warranty |
4 years single, 6 years double-layer |
6 years single |
4 years |
4 years |
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Wind Resistance |
High (with batten strapping) |
Very high (with batten strapping) |
Moderate |
Moderate |
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Puncture Resistance |
Excellent |
Superior |
Good |
Good |
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Anti-Fog |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
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Price (Approx. per sq. ft.) |
$0.30–$0.50 | $0.40–$0.60 | $0.20–$0.30 | $0.25–$0.35 |
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Best For |
Versatile, hail-prone areas |
Extreme weather, long-term use |
Budget-friendly, heat-loving crops |
Sensitive crops, high diffusion |
Analysis:
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Solarig 156 (8 mil): Strikes a balance between strength, diffusion, and cost. Ideal for most growers needing durability and light control.
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Solarig 182 (11 mil): Thicker and stronger, perfect for extreme climates but pricier and heavier.
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6 mil Clear Polyethylene: Affordable and great for heat-loving crops like tomatoes, but less durable and low diffusion.
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6 mil High Diffusion Luminary: Excellent for shade-loving plants but lacks the puncture resistance of woven plastics.
Installation and Maintenance
Installation
Installing the Solarig 156 is straightforward with the right setup:
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Tools Needed: Spring wire, lock channel, batten strapping, and a helper or two.
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Steps:
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Measure your greenhouse and order a custom-cut size from Bootstrap Farmer (lead time: 14 business days).
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Secure the plastic to the frame using spring wire and lock channel, ensuring the matte side faces inward for maximum diffusion.
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Install batten strapping on the exterior to reduce wind movement, especially in stormy areas.
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For double-layer setups, pair with a 6 mil exterior layer and inflate for insulation.
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Tips: Use protective felt tape on hoops to prevent abrasion, and consider a double or deep lock channel if combining with insect netting or roll-up sides.
Pro Tip: Check Bootstrap Farmer’s installation instructions for detailed guidance, and contact their tech team at [email protected] for advice on complex setups.
Maintenance
The Solarig 156 is low-maintenance but benefits from care:
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Inspect Regularly: Check for tears or loose strapping after storms. Repair small cuts with Bootstrap Farmer’s woven plastic repair tape, which holds up to 3 years.
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Clean Annually: Wash with mild soap and water to maintain light transmission.
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Store Properly: If removing for off-season storage, keep it in a dry, UV-protected area to extend lifespan.
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Avoid PVC Contact: Direct contact with PVC can cause premature degradation due to chemical reactions with UV additives.
Pros and Cons of the Solarig 156
Pros
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Exceptional Strength: 15 times stronger than standard plastic, perfect for hail and wind.
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Light Diffusion: 60% diffusion on the matte side promotes even plant growth.
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Long Warranty: 4–6 years, depending on setup, ensures long-term value.
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Customizable: Cut to any length, fitting any greenhouse size.
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Free Shipping: Saves hundreds on delivery costs.
Cons
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Higher Cost: More expensive than 6 mil clear plastic ($0.30–$0.50 per sq. ft. vs. $0.20–$0.30).
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Lead Time: 14 business days for custom cuts can delay urgent projects.
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No Returns: Custom-cut orders are non-returnable, so measure carefully.
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Single-Layer Limitation: Too heavy for double-layer woven setups; requires a 6 mil exterior layer for inflation.
FAQs About the Solarig 156 Woven Plastic
What size do I need for my greenhouse?
Measure your greenhouse’s width, length, and height, adding 2–4 feet to each dimension for proper coverage. Bootstrap Farmer offers custom cuts up to 48 feet wide and any length. Contact their team for a quote if your size isn’t listed.
Is the Solarig 156 worth the cost?
Absolutely, for growers in harsh climates or those seeking long-term durability. Its 15x strength, 4–6 year warranty, and hail resistance justify the price, especially compared to replacing cheaper plastics every 1–2 years.
Can I use it in a double-layer setup?
Yes, but only as the interior layer with a 6 mil exterior layer for inflation. Two layers of woven plastic are too heavy to inflate properly.
How does it handle extreme weather?
The Solarig 156 excels in wind (115 mph with batten strapping) and hail, with a 60 lb/inch breaking strength. It’s not rated for heavy snow, so gothic-style greenhouses are better for snowy regions.
Where is it made?
While Bootstrap Farmer’s kits are USA-made, the Solarig 156 woven plastic is manufactured in Israel, though sourced and distributed by Bootstrap Farmer in the USA.
Why the Solarig 156 Is a Game-Changer
The Greenhouse Woven Plastic 8 mil Solarig 156 is more than a covering—it’s a shield, a light diffuser, and a long-term investment in your growing success. Its unmatched strength, tailored light diffusion, and 4–6 year warranty make it a top pick for growers facing challenging weather or seeking optimal plant health. From backyard hoop houses to commercial high tunnels, it delivers peace of mind and performance.
Priced at $0.30–$0.50 per square foot, it’s a premium option, but the durability, free shipping, and custom sizing make it worth every penny. Whether you’re protecting delicate crops or scaling up production, the Solarig 156 empowers you to grow with confidence. With the Solarig 156, you’re not just covering your greenhouse—you’re creating a thriving ecosystem that stands up to nature and nurtures your plants.
Start growing stronger today!