In summers, using a shade cloth can be one of the most effective ways of keeping your vegetable garden safe from excess heat.
However, selecting the right shade cloth is not a very simple task as there are multiple options available to choose from and several factors to consider. That’s why I’ve compiled this guide to help you out, explaining all about the various options and how to choose the best one.
So, let’s get started!
What Is A Shade Cloth?
A shade cloth is a material specially designed to protect plants from excess heat while providing adequate ventilation for proper growth. It was developed about 30 years ago and is now available for different purposes including horticultural, sports, and more. A shade cloth is especially beneficial for young plants while they are developing, and you can use it to cover the frame of the house or greenhouse during the summer.
Besides protecting plants from the unbearable heat, a shade cloth offers other uses as well, such as shielding them from pets, livestock, and even humans.
Construction Of A Shade Cloth
A shade cloth is generally made from materials such as aluminum or loosely woven polyester with varying densities. While these densities range from 5 percent to 95 percent, all types of shade cloth allow rainwater and water from sprinklers to pass through to reach the plants to facilitate their development.
Types Of Shade Cloth
The two most common types of shade cloth include knitted and woven shade cloths. Knitted shade cloth is made of lightweight polyethylene and is best suited for use in greenhouses, shade houses, and hothouses. On the other hand, woven shade cloth is made of 100 percent polypropylene and is generally used for pet kennels, windscreens, and privacy screens.
Both these options have different advantages and disadvantages. For instance, knitted shade cloth is more resistant to tearing, fraying, and unraveling. It is also UV-resistant and lasts longer than woven shade cloth. Another advantage of knitted shade cloth is that it does not require edge taping and can withstand most chemicals and fertilizers.
On the flip side, woven shade cloth is heavier, making it suitable for withstanding even the most extreme heat but it’s more difficult to install. Besides the percentage, another aspect of selecting the right shade cloth is color. Most shade cloths available on the market are green in color, but you can also get black ones.
Various Shade Percentages
Both knitted and woven shade cloths are available in varying densities called percentages. These varying percentages allow different amounts of light to get through, which is why there are several options on the market to meet different requirements. And selecting the shade cloth with the right density is crucial to ensure proper plant growth.
For instance, most plants do well in shade cloths with the percentage ranging from 40 to 60. On the other hand, a shade cloth used for sheltering people should have a percentage between 80 and 90.
Selecting The Shade Cloth With The Right Percentage For Vegetables
Different plants have varying light requirements, hence it is vital to know about them before getting a shade cloth. For your vegetable garden, a shade percentage of 30-50 percent should be ideal, as it allows enough light while blocking out intense heat. Vegetables like cabbages, peppers, lettuce, and others can thrive well in such conditions.
Additionally, they require partial shade with just the right amount of sunlight to grow, in contrast to plants like orchids and ferns that require dense shade. And such a shade cloth can be used for both.
Final Thoughts
With that, it is time to conclude this guide, and hopefully, now you know what percentage shade cloth for your vegetable garden is best.
But when buying one, keep in mind a few things, such as the type of plants and the area where the plants are located. For regions that experience higher temperatures, I recommend getting a shade cloth with a higher percentage.
Also, don’t forget to factor in other aspects such as the type of fertilizers or pesticides that you plan to use for your plants as well as the ease of use of installing the shade cloth. Doing so will make it easy to select the most suitable option and ensure that it lasts for longer periods.
I’ll now be wrapping up for the day. Take care and until next time!