Which is better for a greenhouse?

The clear vinyl tarp. It is optically clear, so plants get light, and it stays flexible in cold weather. Polyethylene blocks and diffuses light.

The vinyl tarp should last longer outdoors. At 24 mil it is thicker, and PVC resists tearing and cold cracking better than thin polyethylene, which degrades under UV.

Is the SHADEPLUS tarp really clear?

Only partly. Clear polyethylene lets light through but looks milky, so you cannot see sharp shapes through it. The vinyl tarp is the see-through option.

Can I use either one in winter?

The vinyl tarp is rated for cold down to -32 C. The SHADEPLUS tarp has no cold rating, and polyethylene gets brittle and cracks in freezing weather.

Is the vinyl tarp worth the extra cost?

Yes if you need clarity, cold flexibility or a flame-rated material. For a simple rain cover, the $20.40 SHADEPLUS tarp does the job for far less.

How are they fastened?

Both use grommets. The SHADEPLUS spaces them every 36 inches with reinforced edges; the vinyl tarp lists grommets but no spacing.

SHADEPLUS Clear Tarp 8'x20' 15MIL vs Heavy Duty Clear Tarp 8x20FT, UV Resistant, Waterproof Greenhouse Tarps with Grommets for Garden,Outdoor,Yard (10 mil)

Buy the SHADEPLUS polyethylene tarp if you want a cheap, light cover for a roof, woodpile or truck load. Buy the clear vinyl tarp if you need see-through walls for a greenhouse, patio or cold-weather enclosure. The SHADEPLUS is listed at $20.40 as of 2026-10-31; no price was given for the vinyl tarp, so compare it at checkout.

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