I'm curious about the use of shade cloths in gardening. Do you think they're really necessary, or do some gardeners manage fine without them? I'd love to hear your experiences or opinions on this topic!
3 Answers
I do most of my gardening in containers on the Canadian prairies, and I usually just move my pots into the shade rather than use cloths. However, when I had a bigger garden, I did have to provide shade for my squash on particularly hot days. I reckon in many regions, shade cloths might not be necessary, while in others, they could be a lifesaver.
In my experience, especially during those 100-105°F days, shade cloths can be really beneficial. I didn’t use one for years, but then I had issues with root knot nematodes, and eventually tried a 30% shade cloth. It made a huge difference! Not only was it cooler working under it, but my tomatoes also produced better. Just be aware of the hassle when it comes to setup, especially with tall plants!
It really depends on where you live and your local climate. For instance, folks I know in Arkansas swear by their shade cloths, especially when it comes to brassicas in early fall when it's still super hot. But up north, like in my case, our summers aren't that scorching, and honestly, I get less sunlight than I wish for, so I've never felt the need for shade cloths, personally.