How to Install Shade Cloths in a Greenhouse

Determining when you need to place a shade cloth on your greenhouse and how much coverage you need is tricky. You want your plants to get enough sun, yet not too much. Depending on the type of plants you are growing and the growing season, utilizing a shade cloth is a smart decision. Here's how and when to install a greenhouse shade cloth.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Greenhouse shade cloth
• Grommets
• Grommet tool
• Ties and stakes, unless they are provided with the cloth

1. Determine the area you need to cover. If you want to cover the whole greenhouse, calculate the roof area plus an additional foot or so to get the correct size of your greenhouse shade cloth.
2. Choose a long lasting shade cloth with UV protection. As a rule, expect about 5 years worth of life from your greenhouse shade cloth.
3. Install the shade cloth over the greenhouse. Typically, you will need to lower the temperature in the summer months, and using a shade cloth can lower the temperature as much as 15 degrees.
4. Use the manufacturer's directions for staking your shade cloth. Most greenhouse shade cloths have grommets and ties attached for easy staking.
5. Remove the shade cloth and store when not in use. Reducing the sun exposure to the shade cloth will increase it's lifespan. You also don't want to slow the growth of your plants in the winter months, so be sure to store your shade cloth when it is not needed.

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