WHAT PERCENT SHADE IS BEST FOR ME?

30% Chrysanthemums, Asters, Snapdragons, Geraniums
40% Various Vegetables & Herbs, Berries, Iris, Lilies, Gloxinias, Misc. Bedding Plants
50% Bromeliads, Ficus, Orchids (Dendrobiums, Epidendrums, Vandas)
60% Orchids, Azaleas, Ferns, (Oncidiums, Phalaenopsis)
70% Ferns, Philodendron, Orchids (Cypripediums)
80% Ginseng. Great for Patio Shade and Screen. Lets substantial water pass through
90% Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen) Heavy Patio Shade
100% Full sun block, no water penetration, basically a tarp, solid material, not woven.

If your plant type is not listed select a % shade of a similar plant type. Most common are 40%, 50% and 60%. The higher % creates greater cooling, but remember your plants still need sunlight!

WHY SHOULD I PURCHASE KNITTED INSTEAD OF WOVEN?

Knitted will not unravel whereas woven will ravel loose. Both hold up well but knitted seems to last longer from the experience we have had with it.

HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?

The average lifespan of a shade cloth with normal wear and tear is 8-12 years. We have had shade cloth that is over 12 years old that are still in great shape.

HOW DO I ATTACH?

We recommend attaching the Shade Cloth in the same wirelock channel that your greenhouse film is in however if you are unable to do that you can attach with rope, screws, nails, or cable.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET SHADE CLOTH ?

Normally during the Peak Season (March – Sept) Shade Cloth will be shipped within 21-30 business days. The rest of the year it will take 7-14 business days. We try to stock all widths available but sometimes we are running behind… Just remember that when you need Shade Cloth most of the U.S. needs it also.

WILL SHADE CLOTH ALONE COOL MY GREENHOUSE?

Greenhouses require shade cloth to help prevent plant burn and overheating. For effective greenhouse cooling use a shade cloth and appropriately sized ventilation system (FAN) are needed. The Proper light, temperature and humidity are crucial in providing an environment for healthy plant growth and human comfort.

IS BLACK THE ONLY SHADE CLOTH COLOR AVAILABLE?

No, we offer Aluminet, Green, White, Saddle Tan, Violet, and Blue in various percentages.

HOW DO I DETERMINE SHADE CLOTH SIZE?

Most greenhouse growers will position shade cloth so that the roof and 2/3 of the side walls are covered. Size your shade cloth panels so that this amount of covering occurs. If your greenhouse has rollup sides we recommending sizing your shade to where it hits at the top of the rollup sides.

ARE CUSTOM SIZES AVAILABLE?

Yes, you can get custom sizes. Please visit our Custom Shade Cloth Calculator.

DOES SHADE CLOTH GO ON THE OUTSIDE OR INSIDE OF GREENHOUSE?

We prefer to install shade cloth on the exterior of the greenhouse. If placed on the inside the light will be transmitted through the greenhouse and the result will be overheating. Also Shade Cloth can be removed if needed for winter months.

WILL SHADE CLOTH HARM POLYCARBONATE GREENHOUSE COVERINGS?

Shade cloth on the exterior of polycarbonate greenhouse is standard practice. It will not harm polycarbonate sheets.

HOW FAR APART ARE GROMMETS INSTALLED ON THE EDGES OF THE SHADE CLOTH?

Grommets can be placed every 1' or 2' with the option to have them mirrored. We do NOT offer custom grommet spacing.

Black Shade Cloth

Classic multi-purpose shade in a wide variety of shade values is ideal of every application. Black color naturally resists the sun’s harmful UV Radiation for many years of satisfactory performance. A large selection of widths in stock makes it easy to choose the right size for your application. Use where plants are being light conditioned for indoor/outdoor use or where plants are being deliberately drawn to achieve increased height by reaching to a restricted light source. On hot days, black shade cloth absorbs the sun’s heat into the structure.

White Shade Cloth

White shade cloth offers reduced heat build up thanks to reflection of the sun’s powerful radiation. Diffusion of light underneath white shade cloth is also improved. Use for flowering plants which will be effected by longer natural light exposure due to an increase in light quantity and duration. White shade cloth absorbs and reflects the white scattered light from the atmosphere. 

Colored Shade Cloth

This is the shade cloth of choice for nurseries, windscreens, temporary fencing, privacy screens, retail garden centers, patio lovers, baseball diamond fences, and tennis courts. Available in Green, Violet, Miller Blue, and Desert Tan.

Aluminet “Cool Shade” Shade Cloth

Maximum radiation reflection on both sides, night and day. Substantially reduces heat buildup in greenhouses, skylights, patios, and more. Bright shiny appearance also maximizes light diffusion underneath, improving plant growth. Also ideal for retail garden centers thanks to its cooling and “high tech” appearance.