So you’ve invested in a greenhouse to ensure year-round production, stability, and security for your plants, but did you get a shade cloth for a greenhouse? If the answer is no, you’re probably not maximizing the efficiency of your crop production.
Greenhouses are great for producing crops outside of the growing season without worrying about the weather. However, shade cloth for plants is what ensures maximum protection to your crops.
The quality of your plants is directly related to the production environment. Therefore, as the summer approaches, you need to take extra care of your plants.
To protect your crops from the scorching heat and UV radiation, you’d need an agricultural shade cloth.
Read on to learn more about the best shade cloths for greenhouses and how they protect your plants!
What To Know About Shade Cloths for Greenhouses?
Plants are too sensitive to bear the harshness of summer heat. Especially if you live in a place with blistering heat like Texas or Las Vegas, your plants may become wilted from dehydration.
Shade cloths act like sunscreen for your plants; they protect them from sunburn. Also, they provide proper ventilation to your crops, so you don’t have to spend money installing costly cooling systems.
But before you consider buying a greenhouse shade cloth, you need to know about its color, size, and material. Otherwise, you may end up purchasing an inappropriate shade cloth for your plants.
Here’s what you need to know:
Color
While shopping for shade cloth, you may be stricken by the sheer number of colors available. So, the variety of options may leave you wondering, “What color shade cloth is best for my greenhouse?”
Blue, red, white, green, black, and silver (aluminized) are common shade cloth colors. So let’s figure out how each one works.
We all know that light colors reflect heat from the sunlight. As such, choosing a light shade cloth could improve ventilation.
On the other hand, dark shade cloths are likely to absorb more heat from the sun. Yet, they do protect your plants from harmful UV rays and filter out light.
So, we cannot say that one color is better than the other. It all depends on your plant needs. If you want to grow flowers, white shade cloth for greenhouse may work better.
However, dark shade cloth (black or red) is ideal for growing lettuce, while blue shade may be suitable for cucumber growth.
For additional cooling, you can use an aluminized cloth.
Material
Shade cloths are either knitted or woven. Here are some details about the fabric of each kind and its durability.
Knitted
- Made of lightweight polyethylene fabric
- UV resistant
- It has a longer life expectancy
- More durable and flexible
- Easy to install
Woven
- Made with heavier polypropylene fabric
- UV resistant
- It cannot be customized (may wear out when cut)
- Suitable for extreme winter weather
- It can also serve as a windscreen
Density
Density is yet another essential factor to consider when shading greenhouses. Generally, the density of cloth measures the amount of sunlight that can penetrate it.
Each plant requires a different amount of sunlight; therefore, one density cannot accommodate the need of all types of crops.
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30%
A few fruits and vegetables require a shade cloth with 30% density. Vegetables like tomatoes and eggplants do well under 30% shade cloth density, as do fruits like peaches.
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40-50%
Flowering plants like salvia, geraniums, lilies, and camellias are ideal for growth under 40-50% cloth density.
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60%
Dark green vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli are best grown in 60% cloth density.
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75-90%
The plants that require the minimum amount of sunlight do best in 75-90% density of shade cloth. Ferns, impatiens, lobelia, and orchids are among a few shade-loving plants.
10 Best Shade Cloths for Greenhouse
You made the right decision to install a greenhouse for your delicate plants. But do you want to complement your efforts by providing extra protection to your crops from harmful UV radiations?
If yes, you would need to purchase a suitable shade cloth for greenhouse.
To assist you in making the right choice, we have compiled a list of top ten shade cloths for greenhouses.
So, without further ado, let’s get right to it!
DirectShade – 70% UV Green Shade Cloth
Are you planning to grow wood spurge, snowdrop, bellflower, or any other delicate plant that needs minimum sunlight? If yes, Direct Shade brings you a suitable shade cloth for your sensitive plants.
With 70% cloth density, this shade cloth for greenhouse ensures minimum sunlight penetration.
Aside from that, it is made from polyethylene fabric, which is both lightweight and durable.
Whether your greenhouse is small or large, direct shade has you covered. With nine varying sizes, this garden house shade ensures maximum coverage to your greenhouse.
Also, the cloth has double grommets at each corner. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about strong winds or heavy rainstorms pulling the shade away from your conservatory. The grommets ensure strength, protecting your greenhouse shade cloth from wearing out.
YGS Perfect Sunblock Shade Cloth
If you’re looking for a dark color garden shade cloth for plants, YGS’s perfect sunblock comes in jet black color.
Black color will filter sunlight protecting your crops against the harmful UV sun radiations.
This premium quality shade cloth is made up of lightweight polyethylene material. Besides, its fabric is pure mesh and breathable.
Furthermore, the net is equipped with grommets at each edge so that it can be attached to your greenhouse easily.
Also, this shade cloth is multi-purpose. You can utilize it for greenhouses, swimming pools, porches, or playgrounds.
This high-quality shade cloth is not only easy to install but also ensures maximum safety for your plants.
ZG UV Resistant Aluminet Shade Cloth
Aluminate shade cloths are known to provide additional cooling in sweltering summers. So if you live in a city where summers are unforgivably hot, a ZG UV Resistant shade cloth might come in handy.
ZG UV Resistant cloth is made of reflective aluminized fabric that keeps your vegetables and fruits cool in summer.
Also, you won’t need to worry about its size as it’s available in eleven varying lengths and widths!
Therefore, no matter what type of greenhouse you have, you’ll have the option to choose from a range of sizes.
In addition, you do not need to take the shade cloth off to water your plants. The mesh material ensures that water droplets reach all your vegetation. Even though this shade cloth allows water and air to pass through, dust cannot penetrate through its holes.
So, in case of a heavy dust storm, your crops remain protected.
With about 85% density, the shade cloth offers protection from the sun and enhances the growth of your plants.
GFYWZZ Shade Cloth 90% Sunblock
What smells better than fresh flowers? The fragrance and colors of beautiful flowers are sure to delight any viewer. So, if you’re willing to grow some, know that you can bloom gorgeous flowers in your greenhouse.
However, proper maintenance is the key. As such, shade cloth is like an accessory that you must carry for your greenhouse.
GYWZZ white shade cloth will let you grow unique flowers while ensuring their safety.
This shade cloth provides 90% protection against the UV rays, making it ideal for exquisite shade-loving plants.
In addition, the cloth comes in five distinct sizes, making it a suitable fit for any greenhouse. With high-quality polyethylene material, this greenhouse shade cloth provides durability. As such, you won’t need to buy a new shade cloth frequently.
UV Resistant Net for Garden Covers
If you want to slow down the rhythm of your plants and delay the blooming, this blue shade UV-resistant cloth may work best for you.
Blue cloth shade has its own distinct purposes, just as white, black, and green shade cloths do. It may work for you if you
- Want to postpone flowering.
- Want more compact plants.
- Desire to grow leaves that are darker than usual
This lightweight greenhouse is made out of UV stabilized polyethylene material. It gives support to your plants and alters the growth pattern based on your preferences.
In addition, you can select from a range of thirteen sizes. Moreover, metal grommets located at each edge of the fabric allow easy attachment to your garden house.
You may want to use this if you grow vegetation for commercial purposes. Hence, farmers willing to gain profits in the market may benefit from blue shade cloth.
IMFILM Green Shade Cloth
If you’re looking to maintain ventilation in your greenhouse and protect your plants from pests, this green shade cloth may serve your needs.
Plants that receive more sunlight than needed may suffer the consequences, such as slow growth and eventual defoliation.
However, this lightweight and durable green cloth plummets the temperature inside your greenhouse, providing a safe, consistent temperature.
While it does resist harmful UV rays, it doesn’t stop airflow. So, your plants get enough oxygen to thrive.
Whether you want to cover your garden house in green shade or hang it right in front of it, the metal grommets provide easy coverage and hanging.
Additionally, there are three options available, so you can select one that best suits your needs.
Tikola 70% Shade Cloth
With 70% cloth density, Tikola shade cloth is yet another best shade cloth for greenhouse. This shade cloth is made from high-quality polyethylene to protect your plants in extreme weather conditions.
So, whether it’s the scorching summer heat or high windy conditions, this black shade cloth has you covered. Let’s see how.
While the cloth will emit UV sun rays, it will allow the amount of light ideal for plant growth. By allowing wind to pass through and blocking dust from entering, the mesh material will maintain the health of your plants.
Also, the company offers a one-year warranty, so you won’t have to worry about it wearing out any soon.
It is reinforced by copper grommets (18 in number each spaced 3.3 feet apart), making it strong and resistant to high winds. Additionally, the edges are double-bound with needles for durability.
E.Share 70% Green Shade Cloth Taped Edge
Gardening experts believe that green-colored shade cloth is best for providing ventilation to your plants. Especially if you live in a place with frequent harsh weather conditions, installing a lightweight polyethylene green shade cloth will increase your plant growth.
As such, E.share brings you green shade cloth with 70% cloth density. While 60% cloth density is ideal for growing fruits and vegetables, most gardeners opt for 70% density shade cloth to be on the safe side.
This green shade cloth comes in 12ft x 8ft size with a grommet every 2ft apart. E.share can be used to cover not just your greenhouse but also any tiny plants you have in your village or backyard.
Plus, considering the benefits, the price is pretty reasonable.
Artpuch 10’3×13’ Sun Shade Sails
So far, we’ve discussed black, white, aluminized, blue, and green shade cloths. Artpuch sun shade brings you a red shade cloth for your garden house. Are you wondering whether or not you need this?
To figure that out, you can consider the factors given below. Plants grown in red shade cloths have
- Large leaf surface
- Higher foliage volume
- Thicker and larger stems
Besides, if you’re looking to obtain early flowering without decreasing the flower quality or enhancing root development, a red shade cloth would work for you.
You have the option to select from ten different sizes. The cloth is made of high density and durable polyethylene material, which reduces heat and blocks 95% harmful UV rays.
Also, it has durable stainless steel D rings at each edge which ensures strong attachment. Therefore, heavy winds would not rip it apart from your greenhouse.
Greenhouse Shade Cloth for Plants
This shade cloth is the last on our list but not to be taken for granted. It comes in breathable material, which circulates the air and blocks out extra heat simultaneously.
The shade cloth has metal grommets installed at each end, giving it a firm grip when attached to your greenhouse.
Furthermore, the four corners are leather-bound with inward folding, which ensures greater strength.
Make sure that you do not pull the shade cloth too hard while installing if you want the product to last longer. If you have a large greenhouse, consider purchasing an accurate size.
Also, note that the company warns to keep it away from open flames as it may catch fire.
How to Install a Shade Cloth for Greenhouse?
The shade cloth installation is pretty straightforward once you have decided on the shade cloth you wish to purchase.
First, double-check your plants and their needs before deciding on a color or material of the shade cloth. After this, you need to get accurate measurements of your garden house to ensure you’re buying just the right size.
If your shade cloth is too small, you might have to pull it from each side, and if your shade cloth is too big, it may droop.
Once you’ve got the accurate measurements, you can order a suitable size of greenhouse shade cloth.
Now comes the installation process. For this purpose, you may need two or more people and a ladder as it will ease the process of installation for you.
To begin with, you need to pull the shade cloth’s long roof portion over the top of your greenhouse, leaving equal amounts to dangle off both sides.
Now stretch the cloth as needed to fit over the area of your greenhouse.
Pro Tip: Tie a rope to one of the grommets and throw the shade net above the top so the other person can easily pull it from the other end.
Once you’ve scattered the shade cloth, staple it ten inches along the wooden frame. If your greenhouse has a steel or metal frame, you can tie it with a rope threaded through each grommet.
Lastly, make sure you install a shade cloth in pleasant weather; otherwise, the wind will drive you nuts.
Happy Gardening!
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