On hot summer days, even heat-loving tropical plants and vegetables need effective sun protection anyway. There are several possible solutions for optimal greenhouse shading. They range from simple UV-stable film to slat shades made of plastic mats.
How do I create shade in the greenhouse?
To effectively shade a greenhouse, external shading such as mesh films or reed and plastic tube mats can be used. These block sun rays and heat energy, regulate the internal temperature and can be easily adjusted as needed.
Just as important as the proper ventilation of a greenhouse for growth is the plants' need to be able to enjoy a shaded existence in extreme heat or too intense sunlight. When it comes to the shades, which by the way have a not-to-be-underestimated influence on the overall climate in the house, we distinguish between the designtwo different variants:
- Interior shading (a little more complicated to install afterwards than immediately when setting up the greenhouse);
- Exterior shading (particularly effective because, in addition to sun protection, the interior temperatures are also better reduced);
Sun protection better inside or outside?
External shading is definitely more effective, as it not only prevents the sun's rays from penetrating the interior of the greenhouse, but also blocks the heat energy. On the other hand, interior shading allows the summer heat to reach the shading material, which in turn reduces thecooling effect overall. However, this method has its advantages, especially in winter, as it works on the principle of energy shielding, the heat radiation which absorbs plants and therefore keeps them inside the house.
Shading the greenhouse – a material question
And not only that, the costs also sometimes differ significantly if sun protection is to be installed in the greenhouse. One of the inexpensive options for shading the greenhouse is painting the transparent window surfaces. A mixture of chalk and water sometimes does the trick. Clear disadvantages of the color scheme, which is usually carried out on the outside:
- The sun protection cannot be adjusted.
- The paint has little weather resistance and is washed off quite quickly by the rain.
In terms of appearance, the paint, which usually comes off soon and then looks unclean, is not really for everyone.
External shading of the greenhouse with foil
Simple and often practiced: Shade fabric is simply placed over certain areas of the greenhouse windows as needed, removed again on less sunny days and stored rolled up. The so-called mesh foils (€119.00 at Amazon) made of polyethylene are available in many widths, sold by the meter from the roll, and they can easily besecured into the ground with ground anchors. Due to the material, this type of greenhouse shading can be used for several years. However, with this sun protection, the existing roof windows can no longer be opened so easily.
Tip
The best regulation options are offered by greenhouse shading with reed or plastic tube mats, which, mounted on a frame and connected to the window front, can be rolled up and down manually or automatically as required and the intensity of the sun.
