Shade cloth recommendations

[mr_gentleman]

The summers here in the inland southern california can be brutal. I get sun scald on my tomatoes and peppers pretty bad. I was thinking about installing some shade cloth over my raised bed. I notice they sell it in many different percentages and types of material. Does anybody have recommendations for %, material, manufacturer, etc.? I only need about 10' x 10' and most I saw online were really expensive and came in 100' rolls. Would something like this be ok? My garden is situated where it receives sunlight from sun up to sun down.

http://www.amazon.com/POLY-TEX-INC-G...5036716&sr=1-4

[rnewste]

Come about July 1, I throw up a shade for the tomatoes:



I use a Coolaroo fabric, stapled on 1 by 2" boards:



I attach it to the end cages with Zip-ties



Some direct sunlight still hits the plants - but the Coolaroo fabric does cut down on sun scald.

Check on amazon.com for product size and color options

EDIT: Here is one on amazon.com 10ft by 10 ft for $28.00 including shipping:

http://www.amazon.com/Coolaroo-Shade...038657&sr=8-35

Raybo

[Rockporter]

I use 50% white shade cloth because it allows the blockage of the brutal sun but also allows the light that does get through to reflect back onto the plants. This will keep the plants cooler but give them plenty of light.

Here is a pic of my setup, I can totally enclose it if I like. This got me through high winds, cold and hail as well as the brutal summer we had here in Texas last year.

[Rockporter]

for shade cloth.

Originally Posted by rnewste

Check on amazon.com for product size and color options

EDIT: Here is one on amazon.com 10ft by 10 ft for $28.00 including shipping:

http://www.amazon.com/Coolaroo-Shade...038657&sr=8-35

Raybo

Here locally, we have a few of the better nurseries that carry the bulk rolls, and will cut what you need to length. Call your best nursery and ask them.

[Tracydr]

I just finished putting up my shade cloth. Harbor Freight had a sale on shade tarps, 60% UV block. $29 for a 8 foot by 15'11" which just fit my 8x16 bed. I used t-posts and extended the posts with 1 1/2 inch PVC schedule 40 pipe to 7 feet tall. Makes a really nice little shade cover. The t-posts were in place for the CRW trellis anyway, with a center line, giving plenty of center support. This was a quick, easy and inexpensive shade option and actually looks relatively nice for less than $60.

[desertlzbn]

I use the new aluminet, and I think it its great stuff. Lasts forever, lightweight, which is really nice, and I can pretty much put it up anywhere.

[Rockporter]

Originally Posted by Rockporter

I use 50% white shade cloth because it allows the blockage of the brutal sun but also allows the light that does get through to reflect back onto the plants. This will keep the plants cooler but give them plenty of light.

Here is a pic of my setup, I can totally enclose it if I like. This got me through high winds, cold and hail as well as the brutal summer we had here in Texas last year.

Sure glad I posted this picture way back when. Finally convinced hubby to put it together for me.

http://www.tomatoville.com/attachmen...1&d=1335054932

[Gardeneer]

I am thinking about installing shade cloth over my tomatoes in 2018.
My garden gets FULL sun all day, sometimes 14 hours of it.
I will plant my tomatoes in an 8ft by 25ft area. That is about 200 sq-ft.
I want to do with strips of cloth, rather than one piece. I have heard some members here do that method ( forgot who he/she was ). This way the winds cannot lift it up.
I need to get something that UV won't deteriorate it.
Any suggestions ?

[Rockporter]

Originally Posted by Gardeneer

I am thinking about installing shade cloth over my tomatoes in 2018.
My garden gets FULL sun all day, sometimes 14 hours of it.
I will plant my tomatoes in an 8ft by 25ft area. That is about 200 sq-ft.
I want to do with strips of cloth, rather than one piece. I have heard some members here do that method ( forgot who he/she was ). This way the winds cannot lift it up.
I need to get something that UV won't deteriorate it.
Any suggestions ?

White knitted shade cloth. It won't unravel when cut and will allow plenty of light in..