Library · Air, climate & CO₂
Shade Cloth Selector.
Shade Cloth Selector
What shade % for what crop. Plus area calculator, fabric specs, color implications, and seasonal management.
Shade percentage by crop (full reference)
| Use case | Recommended shade % |
|---|---|
| Lettuce, spinach, leafy greens | 30-50% (summer extension) |
| Herbs (basil, parsley, cilantro) | 30-40% |
| Tomato (heat-stress protection) | 30-40% (above 95°F regions) |
| Pepper | 30% |
| Cucumber, summer squash | 30% |
| Strawberry / berry | 20-30% |
| Orchids (mid-light) | 50-70% |
| Orchids (low-light Phalaenopsis) | 70-80% |
| Ferns / hostas | 60-80% |
| Propagation / rooting cuttings | 50-60% |
| Outdoor mushroom logs | 70-80% |
| Seedling hardening-off (week 1) | 50% |
| Seedling hardening-off (week 2) | 30% |
| Livestock shade structures | 70-90% |
| Cannabis vegetative outdoor (heat region) | 30-40% |
| Cannabis flowering outdoor (light dep) | 90%+ (light deprivation) |
| Greenhouse summer cooling (general) | 30-50% |
| Carport / parking shade | 80-90% |
Color matters
| Color | Effect | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Black | Standard; absorbs heat (heat-island under fabric) | General use; structural shade; livestock |
| White / silver | Reflects light; cooler under fabric | Heat-sensitive crops; orchids; under hot greenhouse |
| Aluminet | Reflective metallic; best heat reduction | Hot/desert greenhouses; high-value crops |
| Red / blue | Selective wavelength filtering | Specialty research; some crops respond morphologically |
| Green | Aesthetic; reduces certain wavelengths inefficiently | Backyard / aesthetic; decorative |
Knit vs woven
| Knit (HDPE) | Woven | |
|---|---|---|
| Edge stability | Won't unravel when cut; cleaner edges | Frays at cut edge; needs hemming |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years (UV-stabilized) | 5-10 years |
| Wind tolerance | Better — slight stretch absorbs wind | Tears under heavy wind load |
| Best for | Permanent structures; long-term investment | Temporary / seasonal; budget |
Mounting & management
- Don't cover at full midday in spring/fall. Plants need full sun in shoulder seasons; deploy only when temps consistently exceed crop tolerance.
- Retractable / roll-up systems ideal for greenhouses — allows seasonal management.
- For high tunnels, mount above ridge with 18+" airflow gap — prevents heat trapping under cloth.
- Tension is critical. Loose cloth flogs in wind, abrasion shortens life.
- Grommets every 2-3 ft on perimeter; reinforced corners.
- Don't lay shade cloth directly on plant tops for long periods. Distance + airflow gap reduces fungal pressure.
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