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Worland, Wyoming

Old topic, how about the latest ideas on shade/hail netting. Thoughts on percent of shade, white, or?? TIA

3/12/2019 11:23:26 PM

Muddy Waters

I dont think color matters.Keep in mind plants need 50% of the suns intensity for 100% production.So say a 40% shade netting is perfect on a sunny day.If you live in a sunny region perfect.If you live in a cloudy region like Michigan.The great lakes I believe are cloud magnets & produce them as well.A cloudy day blocking out 40% of the sun plus your shade netting30%-%40 combined.Now your going back wards.I suggest your shade netting is removable each day as the weather changes.Same with a screen house/greenhouse the ultimate will be a convertible house.Weather is a roller coaster.

3/13/2019 7:26:55 AM

If you go over to other gardening , about 12 down I put up a link to a shade cloth study . Make up your own mind on whether you wish to believe it , because the research these people did says color matters .

3/13/2019 7:33:29 AM

That site has a lot of information that some people might find helpful. Look up your bug ,crop or even led's and there is a good chance you will find info.

3/13/2019 7:50:45 AM

Johnston, Iowa

This University study provided some great data (data is true whether or not people choose to believe it :-)). What I can see being different is that the white netting provider for more "diffused light" and other benefits in a greenhouse setting. I see this as a big positive for greenhouse grown pumpkins. For outdoor growers, who are currently using black shade cloth, in a non-greenhouse outdoor setting, isn't there already enough diffused light?

3/13/2019 11:12:44 AM

Muddy Waters

I grew the 2043 using black.I guess it depends how technical you need to be.Im just trying to protect the plant from sun damage mostly.The black I think is lower priced.

3/13/2019 8:01:20 PM

Muddy Waters

Actually I used both white & black just to stop the harsh sun over 88 degree days

3/14/2019 12:24:17 PM