Shade cloth is the simplest way to cut heat and intense sun for plants that are scorching — over a greenhouse, a raised bed, a patio of containers or a nursery bench. This guide helps you choose shade cloth: shade percentages, sizing, mounting and use. For the how-to on protecting plants, see protecting plants from heat and sun.
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What shade cloth does
Shade cloth is a woven or knitted mesh that blocks a percentage of sunlight, lowering light intensity and heat beneath it while still letting air and rain through. It reduces leaf scorch and heat stress, and in summer can keep a greenhouse from overheating — without the solid, airless cover of a tarp.
Shade percentages
Shade cloth is rated by the percentage of light it blocks — commonly from about 30% up to 90%. As a general guide (not a universal rule):
- ~30–40% — light shade for sun-tolerant vegetables and flowers that just need the edge taken off.
- ~50–60% — a versatile middle ground for many plants and general greenhouse cooling.
- ~70–90% — heavy shade for shade-loving plants, propagation, or very hot climates (and non-plant uses like patios).
The right percentage depends on your plants and climate — there’s no single correct figure for every plant, so match it to what you’re growing and how harsh your sun is.
Garden vs greenhouse use
Over a greenhouse, shade cloth prevents summer overheating — external fitting sheds more heat than internal. In the open garden, it’s used on frames, hoops or posts over beds, or draped to give afternoon shade. For containers and benches, a simple frame or clips let you shade just the vulnerable plants.
Temporary vs permanent shade
Decide how long you need it: temporary shading for heatwaves or newly planted stock (put up and taken down as needed) vs seasonal/permanent shade over a greenhouse or a shade house for the summer. Permanent installations justify sturdier cloth with reinforced, taped edges and grommets.
Sizing
Measure the area to cover and allow extra for fixing and overhang. Cloth is sold by pre-cut panels or by the roll; check the listed dimensions and whether edges are hemmed. Buy a little larger rather than too small.
Mounting
- Grommets/eyelets along the edges let you tie or hook the cloth to a frame, hoops, wires or a greenhouse.
- Use bungees, clips, zip ties or rope; keep it taut to avoid flapping and pooling water.
- Raise it above the foliage where possible so air circulates between cloth and plants.
Airflow
A key advantage over solid covers: shade cloth is breathable, so heat escapes and humidity doesn’t build up. Mount it with some gap around the plants so hot air isn’t trapped underneath — the goal is cooler and shaded, not still and stuffy.
UV & weather exposure
Quality shade cloth is UV-stabilised to resist sun degradation and can be left out for seasons; knitted (vs woven) types resist fraying when cut. Durability and UV claims vary by product — rely on the manufacturer’s stated specifications rather than assumptions.
How to choose — quick criteria
- Shade % matched to your plants and climate.
- Size/format — pre-cut panel vs roll; hemmed edges + grommets for easy mounting.
- Knitted vs woven — knitted resists fraying when cut to size.
- UV-stabilised for outdoor longevity.
- Use case — greenhouse, bed frame, patio, or bench.
Shade cloth at a glance
| Shade % | Typical use |
|---|---|
| 30–40% | Sun-tolerant veg & flowers, light relief |
| 50–60% | General plants, greenhouse cooling |
| 70–90% | Shade-lovers, propagation, very hot climates |
FAQ
What percentage shade cloth do I need? It depends on your plants and climate — roughly 30–40% for sun-tolerant plants, 50–60% as a general choice, 70%+ for shade-lovers or intense sun. There’s no one-size figure.
Will shade cloth stop my greenhouse overheating? It significantly reduces summer heat and scorch, especially fitted externally with airflow — often combined with ventilation.
Related guides
- Protecting plants from heat & sun · light requirements
- Climate & season protection · frost protection supplies
- cooling a greenhouse
- greenhouse climate control
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