Greenhouse Shading
Sheps
Posts: 2,236
Hi everyone...in preparation of getting my first Greenhouse, I have been looking at the different types of Greenhouse Shading and trying to decide which one to go for, all I know for now is it will be the internal type.
I had planned to go for this, though it is quite expensive, it's very easy to fit as you are not messing about with clips.
http://www.twowests.co.uk/product/greenhouse-shade-blind
But after more Internet research, I've read that dark coloured shading can actually make the problem worse by increasing the temperature inside the Greenhouse, is this true?, or will the ventilation ( 3 roof vents and 2 louvres ) counteract the supposed heat increase?
Also, do I just shade the roof, or will the sides need shading as well?
So, any help with this would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Sheps...
Last edited: 07 March 2017 10:29:28
Posts
As always it is a compromise between cost practicality and what you are trying to achieve and what you are growing. The ultimate wold be external wooden slatted blinds as shown in the Victorian garden programme. I once just draped some reed matting over the roof of my greenhouse for a season. The two wests solution looks a good one to me if you can afford it. Usually you only shade the roof, but it may depend on how exposed your greenhouse is. Remember you are only trying to reduce excess heat, too much shade will cut light levels so ideally roller blinds will allow you to open them on dull days. As you say ventilation will help control heat also damping down (water the floor!) will reduce heat and increase humidity. You don't say what part of the country you are in which will make a big difference. In some summers you will be lucky to need it at all.
Thanks for the advice, Iain... I'm in West Yorkshire, so maybe not too many really hot days, but I'd rather have the shading to hand just in case I need it.
Is there a max temperature that I need to keep an eye out for, so I then can put up the shading?
Sheps...
Once you get up to the high 20's many of the plants biochemical functions loose efficiency or can even stop. Many enzymes have quiet a narrow temperature range. If the transpiration rate (water loss through leaves) exceeds the capacity of the root system to replace the water even if ground or container has moisture in soil the plant will wilt. If the daytime temp is getting above 25 for any more than an Hour you need to take steps to bring it down but ventilation & watering will help that as much as shading.
I see you have had more luck with replies on your other post.
Thanks Iain...now knowing what temperatures to keep an eye out for will be a great help, and will definitely make my first foray into tomato growing much easier
Hi Lantana...that's a very good idea and thanks for the advice
Sheps...
Lantana - sounds like an ideal solution!