Film and Shade cloth sources
 

I am building a partial sun shade over a row of young Pitayas and orchids (Dendrobiums), shown below along a south-facing fence. A covering offering 25% to 30% shade would be ideal -- somewhere in the $1 to $1.50 a foot range. I will need 50 feet in length and 8 to 10 feet in width.

Harveyc mentioned in another thread ( http://www.bananas.org/f9/my-ae-ae-castle-3481.html ) Klerk's 6mm film. Looking this up, it has 88% transmission -- a bit too much for my application.

Anyone aware of economical sources for 25% to 30% shade cloth or film?

Here's the set up:

Re: Film and Shade cloth sources
 

site I stumbled across looking for heat mats

Growers Solution

Re: Film and Shade cloth sources
 

I just obtained a very reasonable quote for a custom size 30% shade cloth. When it arrives, I'll let you know about the quality.

Re: Film and Shade cloth sources
 

Thanks

Been looking at Twin-Wall Polycarbonate Sheet and films,
with our winters may need to double layer with an air pocket to help insulate.

Re: Film and Shade cloth sources
 

Me too. I am ready to buy but I will only cover 13 x 15 x 11

Re: Film and Shade cloth sources
 

I see this source only sells by the full roll: Klerk's K50 Infared/Anti-Condensate Greenhouse Film

When you say "13 x 15 x 11" do you mean a shed with 4 sides and a top, or ?

Re: Film and Shade cloth sources
 

That's 'yes' to all. 4 sides and the height is 11 feet and I would like to cover the top too.
I've got the frames done and I am working now to fill it with top soil, sand, pine bark, steer manure and compost. It will be one foot higher than the ground.

Re: Film and Shade cloth sources
 

there is a weather proof shading that blocks 65% of the sun, sold at Home Depot. One roll is just $35 (last year), and I think it is enough to cover what I see in the picture. I will have to look up the name, but then again, 65% blocking may be too much shade.

Re: Film and Shade cloth sources
 

Yep, Home Depot has switched suppliers and is now carrying 50 foot by 10 foot rolls of 50% shade cloth for $70. But 50% is too shady. This supplier Growers Solution provides many different intensities of shade cloth in any size you want, pre-hemmed with grommets, at a price cheaper than Home Depot, even with the shipping charges factored in!

:2220:

Re: Film and Shade cloth sources
 

i've used Growers Solution before and found them to be a very good & reliable source. i am curious as to what Dendrobiums you plan to grow under 30% shade, most prefer more shade than that, i know there are a few that prefer higher light. i grow most of mine with various vandas under 50% or 60% shade. i do have a handful from New Guinea that like 40% shade.

Re: Film and Shade cloth sources
 

OK, I am almost there to get all the info I want.
Now here's my problem:
What kind of shade cloth will I buy to grow bananas mostly and citrus in general?
Thanks in advance.
Benny

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Richard how did you do with getting the shade cloth?

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It was vetoed by my better half. So I'm currently using an old screen door to protect the orchid and Hylocereus ocamponis. So far she seems satisfied to look at it ...

Re: Film and Shade cloth sources
 

Benny, you'll want the 0% shade cloth (none at all). You'll have more shade than you need from all the roof and vertical 'beams' of your pergola. Now as for the polycarbonate...that's a different story...

Unless you're just joking, then you got me.

Re: Film and Shade cloth sources
 

What percent of shade cloth you want depends on where you're growing as well as what you're growing. In Indiana, 50% is good for hostas, down south or in Cali. you might need 70%.
Most things appreciate 30-40% here in Indiana during the summer, which means July, Aug and September!

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Micro:
No I am not joking. I read somewhere that bananas and citrus do not need 100% sunlight. Their full photosynthetic activities reach maximum to a lesser full sun.
But you are right, the roofs and beams shade my plants at various times so I don't need shade cloth.
I also plan to incorporate the glass greenhouse that I ordered from Costco to cover the sides and roof. If they are not enough, I have bought many 2nd hand shower sliding glass doors 3'x6' glass to patch the remaining holes if need be.
BTW I already planted all the bananas and citrus that I wanted to plant in to my pergola plat. Some of them temporarily until they grow much bigger. I figured they are better off plant on the ground than plant them in pots so their roots can spread out unhindered. BTW the soil is very porous.
They seem to be doing OK. All of them are waking up.
I'll post pix soon.
I also scattered seeds of unions, cilantro and radish in between plants and all are sprouting now.

Re: Film and Shade cloth sources
 

Good luck with the grow!!!!

National retailer Harbor Freight has cloth for many applications......