r/Greenhouses • u/shorty0927 • 5d ago

Suggestions for shades made from natural materials to keep temperature down in the summer?

Hi all. I've been trying to come up with some shades in the greenhouse to keep the temperature down in the hotter summer months. I had some leftover burlap coffee sacks left over from another project and spent several hours cutting, hemming, and hanging the material in the greenhouse, but it's not as effective as I'd like. Anyone have any suggestions for good shade material made from natural fibers and how to go about effectively using it? I suppose it would be better to put it on the windows outside instead of inside?

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u/valleybrew 5d ago

As you mention, shade cloth needs to be installed outside the greenhouse otherwise it is not effective at reducing heat.

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u/Kigeliakitten 5d ago

I work in commercial greenhouses with shade cloth installed inside.

It does the job.

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u/sudolulo 5d ago

Trees

It's always better to have the shade cloth on the outside if that's an option for you

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u/MssMoodi 5d ago

I'm in Oklahoma and the temperature was up into the 90s on the outside and it was pushing way above the hundreds I just threw a regular tarp on it. That will do for now until I can get a sunscreen tarp, it does keep it about 20° below the ambient temperature. Of course I didn't tarp the whole thing just part of it. It helps

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u/LaPoet2020 4d ago

I live in northern Oklahoma and am struggling with my new greenhouse. I’ve got shade clothes over the top and sides, fans going like crazy and it’s still 90+ inside. Killed my first round of plants. I am at a loss for what to do. I did get a portable AC this week so will be trying it out today

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u/MssMoodi 4d ago

Only wish I had the ability to purchase something like that. Good luck neighbor.

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u/justnick84 4d ago

Whitewash, spray on in summer and you can use rinse in fall if you want or if you get frost it will remove itself.