From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Middle TN

Im making plans for next year Im thinking about ordering a larger quantity of shade cloth. greenhousemegastore.com has 30% black which I 'think' is probably best for my area and most common but then I saw 22% white and I wonder if the heat reflection of the white would be more beneficial than the extra light blockage the 30% black would provide? Would it be worth the extra cost? Does anyone use white shade cloth? Id appreciate any thoughts or opinions
Tammy :)

7/5/2010 11:47:34 AM

San Diego

I use white and I really like it. I used 40% last year, and 22% this year. Both work good. I also mist too in my heat. The 22% this year seems to work fine, just enough shade so the leaves aren't scorched. Depends on the plant too. Some plants suck in the heat so bad they need more than 22%, others do fine. But no matter what, white works great, get it.

7/5/2010 12:14:15 PM

Colorado

Tammy Ive used both of the mentioned shadecloths.I like the 22% white better.I got better growth on the fruit using the white.I think the black may absorb more of the useful uv range that the plants utilize

7/5/2010 12:14:27 PM

Deer Park, WI

Biological perspective- shading serves two purposes, #1 to keep intense radiation off the fruit. color of the cloth is immaterial here, so long as UV rays and other harmful radiation are filtered. #2 as a heat source. Pumpkins function optimally at 85 degrees farenheit. If its hotter, growth can slow down because the enzymes (chemical reactors that make growth processes occur) get too hot. Likewise, chemical processes slow down when the temp dips below 85. Your shading process should take this into acct. during the blazing summer heat, white will be your best option. when late august and september bring cooler days, the heat-absorbing properties of darker colors will best suit the fruit. Good luck.

7/5/2010 1:19:59 PM

Fresno, CA

I am using 22% White from megastore this year and it seems to be working well in combination with misting. Plants aren't drooping in the middle of day!

7/5/2010 8:17:26 PM