Hi all,
In my desperation, I'll be setting up an open-air shadebox for my Astrophytum.
Does anyone have advice for what % shade cloth I should be using for Zone 10a? (San Diego area).
Again, this will be open air, so no hard roof or plastic for additional shade. Just the shade cloth!
Thanks everyone!
-Ryan
Some of my astros for example:
https://i.imgur.com/Wl4dnuf.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/2p78lo1.jpg
Advice needed: What % shade cloth for Zone 10a? (San Diego)
- cactushobbyman
- Posts: 1437
- Joined: Sun Sep 11, 2011 8:01 pm
- Location: Sanger, California
Re: Advice needed: What % shade cloth for Zone 10a? (San Diego)
If you are not looking for custom fit, I bought off the shelf shade cloth at Lowes. Been using it since 2010 and no problems. Problems, not seemed or has eyelets. I have also bought custom size online with seams and eyelets and prefer custom because of the seams and eyelets. I live in Central Valley of California and Lowes is 70/30. My custom order was 70/30 and work fine.
Re: Advice needed: What % shade cloth for Zone 10a? (San Diego)
By 70/30, do you mean it is 30% shade?
I'll go check out Lowes today
Thanks!!
I'll go check out Lowes today
Thanks!!
- cactushobbyman
- Posts: 1437
- Joined: Sun Sep 11, 2011 8:01 pm
- Location: Sanger, California
Re: Advice needed: What % shade cloth for Zone 10a? (San Diego)
Easy Gardener 6-ft W Saddle Tan Shade Fabric from Lowes, Maximum Percent Shade Protection is 75, I think it is less, works for me, but the Fresno sun is killer, your area may need less.
Re: Advice needed: What % shade cloth for Zone 10a? (San Diego)
Another thing you do is buy a grommet maker, completely invaluable. You can also get those at lowe's or home depot.
Re: Advice needed: What % shade cloth for Zone 10a? (San Diego)
I like 50% shade cloth I think its called knitted shade cloth harder to find.
Re: Advice needed: What % shade cloth for Zone 10a? (San Diego)
I have been using a product called Aluminet for a few years now. Very durable! You can get it custom with tape and grommets or order bulk. There are several places to get it from. Last piece I got was 30 x 14 feet for less than $100, shipped.
I use 50% shade, but it seems like less than that to me.
This product is made out of woven silver mylar (or some material like that). So instead of just blocking/reflecting/absorbing the sun it, it diffuses the light with the mirrored surfaces. It doesn't fade or degrade. I've had some in the AZ sun for 8 years with no degradation. It will accumulate dust, but what doesn't.
I use 50% shade, but it seems like less than that to me.
This product is made out of woven silver mylar (or some material like that). So instead of just blocking/reflecting/absorbing the sun it, it diffuses the light with the mirrored surfaces. It doesn't fade or degrade. I've had some in the AZ sun for 8 years with no degradation. It will accumulate dust, but what doesn't.
Disclaimer: I'm in sunny Arizona, so any advice I give may not apply in your circumstances.
Tim
Tim
Re: Advice needed: What % shade cloth for Zone 10a? (San Diego)
I found grommets did not work on the Home depot shade cloth unless I folded the cloth over to make it thicker. Grommets worked well on cloth with sewn hems but these really up the cost. I finally switched over to the black plastic clips which HD also sells and some better ones I found online. It was rated at 75% which worked well for mid-day and afternoon sun in the low desert. If you are in coastal San Diego a lesser cloth might work or just use the 75% and leave the morning sun side open.
Also, tying up one side with rubber shock cords really helps prevent wind damage.
Also, tying up one side with rubber shock cords really helps prevent wind damage.
Re: Advice needed: What % shade cloth for Zone 10a? (San Diego)
I'm building a new greenhouse, and was not sure what shade cloth to use
I was using regular window screen either single, double or triple layered before
So I Goggled Shade Cloth and found this site:
http://www.shadeclothstore.com/?gclid=C ... MUEALw_wcB
They have it all!
I ordered 40% White knitted Shade Cloth, and it comes with sewn edges and grommets at very low prices.
And the shipping was less than a week
Since my new green house will be really big, I am planning on using different shades in different areas.
I will see how the 40% white works, it may be too glary since it's white or not.
I was using regular window screen either single, double or triple layered before
So I Goggled Shade Cloth and found this site:
http://www.shadeclothstore.com/?gclid=C ... MUEALw_wcB
They have it all!
I ordered 40% White knitted Shade Cloth, and it comes with sewn edges and grommets at very low prices.
And the shipping was less than a week
Since my new green house will be really big, I am planning on using different shades in different areas.
I will see how the 40% white works, it may be too glary since it's white or not.