Greenhouse shading

Discussion in 'Greenhouse Growing' started by GreenhouseShading, Jan 29, 2025 at 10:25 AM.

  1. GreenhouseShading

    GreenhouseShading Apprentice Gardener

    Joined:
    Yesterday
    Messages:
    1
    Ratings:
    +0
    Hi everyone, what type of shading do you use throughout the year to protect your greenhouse plants?
     
  2. NigelJ

    NigelJ Total Gardener

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2012
    Messages:
    7,083
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Mad Scientist
    Location:
    Paignton Devon
    Ratings:
    +23,856
    @GreenhouseShading At this time of year none, spring I use agricultural fleece to shade specific plants and trays as required. Summer again agricultural fleece on seedlings also four large pine trees keep the midday sun off and 20 tomatoes in large pots also cast a bit of shade. Autumn generally none.
    It really depends on what you are growing, were in the country you are and how big your greenhouse is.
    So what do you use on your set up?
     
  3. Philippa

    Philippa Gardener

    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2019
    Messages:
    343
    Location:
    West Somerset
    Ratings:
    +669
    Slatted blinds on rollers are ideal but not always feasible ( cost/fitting etc. ) but the close woven green material can also be useful if you are in a very sunny area.
    As @NigelJ says, much depends on your GH, what you are growing in there and your location.
    Whenever possible, I grow edible Passion fruit and train it along the length of the roof and over the side roof panels. As well as helping to shade the likes of toms and cukes, the added bonus is that you can enjoy the fruit come November :)
    This early in the year you can as said use fleece which will protect young plants and seedlings from frost.
    More info on your set up and ( rough) location will no doubt bring more precise advice.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • infradig

      infradig Total Gardener

      Joined:
      Apr 28, 2022
      Messages:
      1,151
      Gender:
      Male
      Occupation:
      Freelance self preservationist
      Location:
      Solent
      Ratings:
      +1,380
      Tempted to say geen algae but realistically mid-day sun is shaded by adjacent gable end of neighbouring house Difficult site.
       
      • Funny Funny x 2
      • Like Like x 1
      • pete

        pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

        Joined:
        Jan 9, 2005
        Messages:
        52,045
        Gender:
        Male
        Occupation:
        Retired
        Location:
        Mid Kent
        Ratings:
        +97,180
        My greenhouses dont get enough sun so shading isn't a problem for me, but years ago I just used the "Cool glass" paint on shading.
         
      • ricky101

        ricky101 Total Gardener

        Joined:
        Jun 15, 2016
        Messages:
        3,494
        Gender:
        Male
        Location:
        Sheffield
        Ratings:
        +4,428
        For full summer sun we use the liquid paint on Vitax Greenhouse Shading, works ok on glass and plastic, comes off reasonably easy.
        In late spring when its very mixed weather we use some of the green shading cloth attached to two wooden battens so we can just roll it out over the glass and hold it in place with a couple of hooks, taking it down if several days of rain are forecast.

        Its always best to use whatever shading on the outside of the glass.
         
        • Like Like x 2
        • jay__0

          jay__0 Apprentice Gardener

          Joined:
          Nov 27, 2023
          Messages:
          4
          Gender:
          Male
          Occupation:
          Software Developer
          Location:
          South Yorkshire
          Ratings:
          +9
          On the sunniest days on our allotment plot I just use a double layer of scaffold debris netting. I put it on the roof on the side that is in full sun. Since we use it to net our crops, I have loads spare. It's not the prettiest but I've never suffered with any scorched plants, so seems to do the trick for me :)
           
          • Like Like x 1
          • CarolineL

            CarolineL Total Gardener

            Joined:
            Jun 12, 2016
            Messages:
            2,136
            Gender:
            Female
            Occupation:
            Retired Software engineer
            Location:
            Rural Carmarthenshire
            Ratings:
            +5,462
            For the last 2 summers I haven't needed to shade. Before that I used the green plastic mesh thrown over the top and held down by those huge metal clips market stallholders use.
             
            • Like Like x 1
            • NigelJ

              NigelJ Total Gardener

              Joined:
              Jan 31, 2012
              Messages:
              7,083
              Gender:
              Male
              Occupation:
              Mad Scientist
              Location:
              Paignton Devon
              Ratings:
              +23,856
              @GreenhouseShading there you go seven responses, all different and depending on the site, available materials, the season and what the plants require.
              So what do you use/suggest?
               
              • Like Like x 1
              • kindredspirit

                kindredspirit Gardening around a big Puddle. :)

                Joined:
                Nov 21, 2009
                Messages:
                3,730
                Gender:
                Male
                Occupation:
                Retired.
                Location:
                Western Ireland (but in a cold pocket)
                Ratings:
                +4,732
                I use the shade roller blinds that came with my greenhouse (Griffin).
                I used to roll them up in the winter but now I don't bother; I leave them down winter and summer.
                 
              • shiney

                shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

                Joined:
                Jul 3, 2006
                Messages:
                64,377
                Gender:
                Male
                Occupation:
                Retired - Last Century!!!
                Location:
                Herts/Essex border. Zone 8b
                Ratings:
                +125,953
                I have another solution to add to the list. I don't clean the glass so it is permanently shaded aft having been there for 49 years. Works for me :blue thumb:

                It's too dangerous nowadays to attach something or put pressure on the wooden framework.
                 
                • Like Like x 1
                • Funny Funny x 1
                Loading...

                Share This Page

                1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
                  By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
                  Dismiss Notice