Kitchen Garden Forum

Anyone able to give me some advice about greenhouse shading please? Does it work better to have just one ‘sheet’ of netting draped over the entire roof; or, cut several strips with longer lengths situated over the opening window; or some other method? What is the best way of fixing it down so that it doesn’t take flight? I assume that with any diy method there isn't a way of being able to pull it back easily when it's not needed.
Thanks.

Seen greenhouse with scafolding netting over the outside. Would think with some bunjy/elastic in centre you could fold it back where needed.

I'm probably in a minority but I never use greenhouse shading. Perhaps things would do better if I did.

When we had a large greenhouse at the allotment, we threw the shade netting over the top and just pegged it on with pegs randomly. Seemed to work!

Like retropants I used clothes pegs as well! I use them for lots of securing challenges with netting, fleece & mesh around the plot (canes, wire hoops). Unlike plastic coated wire & stuff they don't slip & move unless you get a proper gale!

What I don't understand is green shading netting. Seems like an error. Many plants are sensitive to green light and grow upwards in response - a competition mechanism. Some ornamental plants are grown under magenta filters - exactly the opposite - to encourage compact, stocky plants.

Having said that, I have never shaded my greenhouse. Sometimes local shading for recently repotted plants or cuttings. Definitely lots of airflow to avoid overheating.

I just put mine on today - I use clothes pegs, too, plus fold back clips. This has worked fine for the past few years. But I only put it on the sunniest side (gets the sun from mid-day onwards). It keeps the temperature a bit less “fried egg” and the plants seen fine.

HelenH wrote:Anyone able to give me some advice about greenhouse shading please? Does it work better to have just one ‘sheet’ of netting draped over the entire roof; or, cut several strips with longer lengths situated over the opening window; or some other method? What is the best way of fixing it down so that it doesn’t take flight? I assume that with any diy method there isn't a way of being able to pull it back easily when it's not needed.
Thanks.

I just put mine on today - I use clothes pegs, too, plus fold back clips. This has worked fine for the past few years. But I only put it on the sunniest side