BENEFITS OF USING SHADE CLOTH
HEAT REDUCTION
Through the reduction of greenhouse heat, shade cloth can help create microclimates during the hot summer months, resulting in a reduction of ambient heat by more than 10 degrees.
SEASON EXTENSION
Normally, during the heat of the summer, some crops such as lettuce don’t fare well, but shade cloth can help reduce temperatures and extend the growing season well into the summer months.
LIGHT DIFFUSION
The damages caused by too much direct sunlight on plants can be mitigated through the use of shade cloth.
REDUCED WATER CONSUMPTION/ENERGY USE
A reduction in temperatures results in a need to irrigate less frequently. In addition, with the use of shade cloth, less energy spent cooling greenhouses in other ways.
PESTICIDE REDUCTION
When some plants get too hot, they can become stressed and unhealthy, allowing for insects to do damage. The use of shade cloth allows plants that may have been susceptible to heat stress to grow healthy and strong, enabling the plant to ward off much of the insect pressure and subsequent pesticide use.
INCREASED PRODUCT QUALITY & BETTER YIELDS
When pants are strong, healthy, and are grown in optimal conditions, they produce better yields. Increases in blossom and fruit set are apparent when temperatures are moderated, making shade cloth an indispensable part of any grower’s tool kit.
PLANTS THAT BENEFIT FROM SHADE CLOTH
50% shade cloth is can be used to aid with growing a variety of flowers during the summer (orchids, camellias, azaleas, and African violets), and is also a perfect aid for peppers, lettuce, nursery stock and potted plants. Shade-loving plants can thrive during the summer months under this shade cloth. Some lettuces, spinach and other greens can be extended well into the summer using 50% shade cloth.
