Designed for a range of plants that grow naturally in filtered light, shade houses provide protection for ferns, orchids and many other plants. Shade houses are also used widely in Australia to provide a sheltered position for resting indoor plants.
In warmer climates shade houses are also useful for growing a range of plants that grow well in cool to temperate regions but do not cope with the amount hot direct sun.
Shade house designs and features
Size, although some models are in fact ‘extendable’ it is much better to install the largest size that you are likely to need at the beginning, if cost is not a problem. Its easier and in the long term cheaper.
Also consider height and interior layout, you need to be able to stand up easily and it it best if you have plenty of room for shelves.
Shelving is one of the most important elements of shade house design, consider the height of the plants you are growing and if the shelf height will suit, also consider reach, plants that you can not reach will be a problem.
Shade House Structure
Usually built with metal or PVC frame, consider weight, durability and strength. A shade house with ‘built in shelves’ can be an excellent solution, perhaps not as flexible as movable shelving but generally very strong and practical.
- Shelves
Height of shelves, this will differ according the plants you are growing. Ability to ‘hang plant’ in baskets etc, the structure will need to be strong enough to do this if required. - Door
A lockable door to keep out animals and birds. - Fixture to ground
Shade houses can easily be overturned by wind, they need to be secured to the ground - Degree of shade required
Shade cloth comes in a range of densities, 50% shade, 75% shade and so on, what do require. - Rain Cap
Useful to keep rain and wind from damaging plants, also to prevent excess water from reaching plants such as succulents - Watering or Misting Systems
This will depend on what you grow and where you are located, however automatic watering and misting systems are available - Kit or Prefabricated
This depends on your ‘handyman skill’. Look for clear instruction for any kit, and preferably telephone support. (Australian Made)
Shade Cloth
Shade cloth is designed to provide protection from the sun to plants, crops and activity areas. The reduction in heat and UV protects sensitive plants, as well as reducing the effects of drying damage from wind. Shade cloth is also used for shade sails, temporary screens for building and construction and a variety of other applications.
Shade cloth suppliers provide a range of custom and pre cut shade cloth to the horticultural industry for greenhouse protection. Shade cloth suppliers can supply shade cloth cut, measured and welded to size if required.
Shade Cloth is designed to control the intensity and amount of light that plants recieve. Shade cloth suppliers, wholesalers fabricators and welders can supply customize woven shadecloth material to suit a range of applications. Shade cloth fasteners are also available.
Shade Cloth Characteristics
Shade cloth protects plants from sun, heat, rain and hail
Types of Shade Cloth
Shadecloth can be either knitted and woven. Most shadecloths are usually knitted.
Shade cloth also comes in different densities, Light, Medium, Heavy and Extra Heavy Duty.
Being permeable shadecloth allows moisture in. Shadecloth can also act as wind or sunscreen for outdoor areas such as patios, eating areas and pools.
Shade Cloth Density
Shade cloth density is measured in percentage, 30% shade cloth blocks 30% of the sun and density goes up in stages.
- For lettuce and similar vegetables a 60% shade cloth is commonly used.
- For orchids and some ferns dshade cloth densty of 70 – 90% may be used.
- Colour is also important, lighter colours reflect heat so they can keep plants cooler.
- Darker colours absorb heat so can increas temperature
Shade Cloth Fasteners
Shade cloth fasteners are available to make attaching shade cloth to frames easier.
A range of standard and custom sizes are available from both retail and Wholesale Shade Cloth suppliers in Australia.