How to Choose the Right Shade Cloth for your Greenhouse ...

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Burlap, sheets, shade cloth, lace…what can you use? What should you use?

Let’s simplify this so that you and your plants and animals stay happy and healthy!

The most important thing to consider will be the density of the fabric. This is the term for how loosely or tightly the fabric is woven - and therefore how much sun shines through. Yes, color and type of fabric play a little role, but are secondary considerations in my opinion.

Spoiler alert! 50% shade cloth that is knitted (vs woven) is the simple answer that will be a fine solution for quite a few plants and greenhouse locations.

Of course, we’ll go ahead and dive in deep and consider all aspects, but know that 50% shade is good for many plants.

The trick to knowing which shade cloth to buy is simply to know how much sun your plants need. Are you growing tomatoes, tropical houseplants, orchids, or herbs? You’ll want to choose shade cloth density based on what you want to grow.

You may be wondering if you need shade cloth if your greenhouse is already in shade or partial shade. Like the answer to many gardening questions, the answer is…it depends…and you may want to experiment. (My greenhouse is in partial shade and I use shade cloth. More on that below.)

The ultimate goal here is to control how much sun your greenhouse is getting, whether that’s by it’s location or by using shade cloth. And how much sun you want your greenhouse to get will depend on what you want to grow.

Shade from trees or a building will block light from reaching the plants. Shade cloth will filter sunlight to let a certain percentage through.

This brings us back to fabric density. This refers to how loosely or tightly the fabric threads are woven, which directly affects how much sun gets through. Products labeled as garden shade cloth are either knit or woven. Knit shade cloth is made from polyethylene and it has more loosely woven threads and it can be cut it to size without it unraveling. This means it’s more lightweight and easier to work with. Woven shade is made from polypropylene. Its threads are tightly woven together and it’s a bit heavier, but it offers more UV protection than knit shade cloth. It will unravel if it is cut or gets a hole.

Let’s talk about some other options. I use burlap in my greenhouse and a friend of mine uses large pieces of lace. Both of these are loosely woven and so they make a good shade option. Burlap is a natural material made from the jute plant. It can also be made from sisal, hemp, flax, or other fibers. Lace can be made from cotton or synthetic fibers.

Now that we’ve talked about thread density, let’s talk about what that means for shading our plants! Garden shade cloth will be labeled with a shade percentage such as 30% shade, 60% shade, and so on. Here’s a guide to optimal plant shade percentages:

• Heat-loving fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and strawberries, generally need shade cloth that is around 30% shade, meaning that about 70% of the sunlight gets through to the plants

• Many flowering plants and many fruits and vegetables generally like 40%-50% shade

• Partial-sun vegetables and herbs such as lettuce, spinach, and cilantro do well in 60% shade

• Shade loving plants like ferns, orchids, and philodendrons like 60%-90% shade

• People and animals will be the most comfortable in 80%-90% shade

Burlap isn’t labeled with a shade percentage of course, but it’s about 50% and creates a beautifully natural look. I’m going to guess that lace is about 30%-50%, depending on the lace pattern and if pieces are layered and overlap each other. Thrifted lace from garage sales and second-hand shops can be one of the cheapest options and has huge cottage charm appeal!

I’ve seen some folks use pretty sheets as garden shade. Since sheets are made of tightly woven fabric, I’d have to guess that the shade percentage is pretty high. I probably wouldn’t use them unless I’m growing shade-loving plants. Even then, it might turn out to be too much shade.

As I mentioned above, my greenhouse is located in partial shade and I use shade cloth. The back half of my 8’x12’ greenhouse is under very tall oak and maple trees. The front half gets more sun although it still gets a little shade from surrounding trees. Even though it gets natural shade, it still heats up to 100 degrees on hot days when it’s in the path of the sun. It definitely feels better inside with shade cloth! Plus, I use my greenhouse as a sanctuary to putter about and hang out in. It’s important to me that it’s comfortable. I don’t try to grow fruits and vegetables; those are in my raised beds in the garden.

I decided to use burlap because I love the airy charm it lends the greenhouse and because it was inexpensive. Believe it or not, when draped across the header beam and down the sides, it has a billowy, elegant look. It easily clips on to the metal cattle panel sides, and I can roll it up if I want to. As of this writing, I’ve been using it for two years, and I love it.

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Now, back to some other considerations when choosing shade cloth. You might be wondering if dark colors or light colors are better.

Here’s the scoop. But first, it’s important to remember (you’ll see why in just a minute) that if you’re using greenhouse plastic on your greenhouse, it protects from UV rays.

White shade cloth reflects sunlight and heat. It keeps a greenhouse cooler, but it only diffuses light and so lets the full light spectrum in, including harmful UV rays. You might want light shade cloth if you live in a hot climate and you’re constantly trying to protect your plants from too much sun and heat.

Black shade cloth absorbs sunlight and heat. It makes a greenhouse hotter, but It filters light and offers protection against harmful UV rays. You might want dark shade cloth if you live in a cooler climate and want to keep as much heat in as possible. Or you might want dark shade cloth if you’re using it out in the garden without the protection of greenhouse plastic; as an added benefit, it will blend in to the landscape better than white shade cloth.

Are the differences significant or negligible? It’s hard to say. It will depend on your climate, your goals, and your aesthetic preferences. For me, black shade cloth wouldn’t help me much in the winter because my greenhouse doesn’t get much sun during that time of the year (it’s on the north side of my house and I live in a cloudy area). In addition, I don’t try to grow during the winter, so I’m only concerned about the other seasons.

This post wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t mention one other idea. And that is to place the shade cloth over the top of the greenhouse, on the exterior. The benefit is that the cloth absorbs or reflects the light and heat before they even enter the greenhouse. Again, is it significant or is it negligible? I haven’t done it so I can’t say. But some folks do place it on the outside and then fasten it down.

If all this information has got you feeling a little heady, just remember this: shade cloth in a greenhouse is usually necessary, and many, many plants do just fine with 40%-50%. If your greenhouse is dedicated to growing something specialized then you may want to consider a different option, but for many of us this will be a good solution.

And don’t forget about other little tweaks you can do in the greenhouse. Move light-sensitive plants under a table or behind a larger plant. Place shade cloth on the sides and leave the top unshaded. Or shade one side and leave the other side unshaded. The more time you spend out there, the more in-tune you'll be with where the sun is hitting and what plants need shaded. Observe, and your plants will tell you what they need.

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Shopping for the proper shade cloth for vegetable gardens can be challenging. These rolls of netting come in many different weave patterns and colors, and their ability to block out the sunlight can vary depending on the density of the netting.

These nets vary because they are each specially developed to accommodate specific plant species in particular environments. The right shade net will make a difference in your yields because it can protect your plants from insects, high temperatures, and sunburn. So, how do you select the correct shading for a vegetable garden? Let’s take a look.

What Percentage of Garden Shade Cloth is Best?

The best shade cloth for growing vegetables is a cloth that offers 20% – 40% shade. A shade percentage level below 20% usually doesn’t provide adequate protection from radiation and scorching rays.

Researchers also found that shade cloths with a shade percentage of over 40% block out too much sunlight and restrict photosynthesis, which causes plants to grow slower, more leggy, or hinders flowering. However, other factors, such as the following, impact the effect obtained from shade cloths.

1. Geographical Location

Farmers in warmer regions with more direct sunlight can benefit more from shade cloth with a 30 – 40% shade range, while those in colder and higher humidity regions can consider something with a lower percentage range of 20 – 30%.

2. Crop Type

Some vegetables are more sun-dependent than others, and the fruits of some species are more sensitive to sunburn. Legumes, for example, will start showing flower drops and other signs of damage when temperatures reach over 90 degrees F. On the other hand, strawberries will show signs of sunburn damage when temperatures reach over 105 degrees F.

3. Season

Your shade cloth needs might be different depending on the season. Temperatures are much lower during winter, and plants often have a hard time due to the lack of photosynthesis and the colder temperatures.

Farmers who like to produce crops throughout the year often invest in removable shade cloth systems to increase sunlight as the seasons progress. Exchanging a 40% shade cloth used in summer with a 20% cloth during autumn can be suitable for increasing your annual yields since crops could continue producing for much longer.

4. Cloth Durability

Shade cloth with a low shade percentage level is usually much thinner than cloth with a higher percentage. Lighter-shade fabrics tend to be more fragile and are more likely to tear or become damaged while they are in use.

If you are buying with longevity in mind, it is usually better to go with something a little bit thicker, even if that means altering the shade cloth’s orientation or the distance between the fabric and the crops.

5. Installation Method

Shade cloths can be used in different orientations, angles, or distances to protect crops. If you are using a shade cloth as a windscreen, you can select an 85 – 90% greenhouse shade cloth since this will offer optimal protection from frost.

Shade cloth used for partial shading can also have a higher shade percentage than those used for permanent installation. You can select something with 50% shade for partial shade since the plants will still get enough indirect sunlight. For an enclosed tunnel and permanent setup, selecting a 30% shade cloth is usually best since this tends to be the most diverse.

What Color of Shade Cloth is Best for Vegetables?

Shade cloth comes in various colors, and these different hues can significantly impact temperature because the fabric color impacts how radiation moves through the material.

Black is the most common color for shade cloths, but there are also other hues like white, silver, green, blue, and red. Some shade cloths even come with multiple colors woven through the fabric.

The combination of colors can affect how radiation is scattered and moves through the netting. This can be beneficial since scattered radiation has been known to enhance photosynthesis and can increase plant growth and flowering. Let’s look at the different effects of shade cloth coloring.

1. Black or Green Shade Cloth

These darker hues are much more durable than shade netting with a lighter tint. The darker colors do, however, conduct more heat and can dramatically increase the temperature of a greenhouse. These greenhouses can be cooled down a little by keeping the materials moist with spray nozzles during the hottest time.

In most cases, darker shade cloth might be a better option for plant species that are more heat tolerant or a more desirable option in colder regions since it can keep your greenhouse nice and cozy for longer.

2. White, Tan, or Grey Shade Cloth

Light-colored shade cloths are less durable than dark netting. Still, the interior temperature of these greenhouses tends to be much cooler since the materials tend to deflect UV rays and radiation.

Light shade cloth can be a perfect option for plants sensitive to high temperatures, for warmer regions, or can be very functional during the hottest time of the year.

Recommended Garden Shade Cloths

We have several suitable options if you are looking for quality agricultural netting to protect your vegetable gardens for years. Here is a quick look at some of the best home greenhouse or garden options.

1. 30% Tape Knitted Shade Fabric

The 30% knitted shade cloth roles are perfect for covering greenhouses or as temporary netting because they provide just enough shading to accommodate most crop varieties. The knitted weave pattern of the shade cloth is quite flexible and offers good tear resistance, so you can keep using it for a long time.  It also comes in various colors, including white.

2. 30 – 90% Greenhouse Netting

INSONSHADE premium greenhouse netting is an ideal solution for covering more permanent structures. This netting is available in a 30% shade range up to 95% range to accommodate a greater variety of farming needs.

FAQ’s

1. What are The Benefits of Shade Netting?

Shade netting offers a magnitude of benefits. These nets help protect your crops from sunburn, wind, frost, and pests. Shade netting can also reduce water evaporation and increase humidity so plants can grow better. Shade netting can also affect temperatures and may prolong your growing season since it can offer protection from cold and heat, depending on its design.

2. What Types of Netting Are There?

These shade cloths come in two main categories;

Knitted Shade Net

The netting is designed with interlocking loops of treat, resulting in a more flexible material with a more stretchy nature and excellent tear resistance.

Woven Shade Net

The Woven shade net is designed with interlaced treads at straight angles in a weave pattern. The netting tends to be more rigid and often blocks more direct sunlight.

3. What are The Shading Ratings of Shade Cloths

Shade netting can block anything from 10% up to 90% sunlight, depending on the design and materials used for these products. A 10% netting will still let 90% of light and UV rays pass through the net, while a 90% net will only let 10% of sunlight through.

Conclusion

The right shade percentage for vegetables is 20 – 40% netting. A 30% shade cloth is ideal since the material is a bit thicker, more durable, and won’t block out too much sunlight. If you live in warmer regions, it is always best to use light-colored shade cloth. A darker hue can be more suitable for colder areas since it will raise the temperature of your vegetable garden.

If you are looking for the perfect shade of cloth or need more information on the suitable fabric for your products, we welcome you to email INSONGREEN. We are happy to answer any questions and help you find the right product for every crop type or region.

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