Why plants need shading netting and how to choose it

When the garden plot is in an arid area, located in an open area, on an elevated position and blown by the wind, the soil quickly dries out and hardens. To protect plants from heat, harsh rays and weathered soil, a plant shading net is stretched over the beds.

Plant shading netting properties

Shading netting for plants is woven from flat polymer threads so that the cells are formed. The size of the holes determines how much light will pass through the fabric. The material does not let the ultraviolet radiation, withstands blows of hail, protects from wind. Due to these characteristics, the shading netting protects plants from excessive exposure to the sun. The light is diffused and penetrates to the plants evenly. The fruits ripen around the same time. Diffused light increases photosynthesis. It increases the yield of tomatoes by 8-9%, cucumbers by up to 15%.

A shading net is stretched on a frame over the beds, which protects them not only from excessive sun, but also from birds and large insects. It shelters sunflowers from pests that peck out the seeds. Under the plant shading net, the grains don't wither as if they were covered with cellophane bags. Besides, thanks to such a covering the evaporation of moisture decreases, it is lost more slowly and evenly.

Also, a shading net is placed over the greenhouses outside or inside them. It protects from overheating and additionally insulates the polyethylene base from hail blows and wind gusts. 

How to choose

A shading net for plants is chosen according to several parameters. One of them is the size of the cells:

• 45 % - a lot of light passes through the material, which is good for cucumbers and gourds: melons and watermelons, legumes, greens.
• 60% - medium degree of darkening, suitable for eggplants, tomatoes, beets, pattissons and cabbage.
• 70% - the grid is used for shading greenhouses and is placed on top of its base. It prevents overheating by letting in enough light for the plants.
• 80% or more - These nets are not good for plants because they let in little light and air. They are used to cover cars or stretched over gazebos and beach sheds.

Shading netting is not only insulation from the sun and wind, but also a tool to increase the growth rate and quality of the crop. The color of a shading net affects plants in different ways:

• Red - increases yield, fruits grow larger and heavier, and plant disease is reduced.
• Gray - accelerates the growth of shoots, reduces the impact of frosts, because it accumulates heat and the greenhouse freezes less when the air cools.
• Blue-green - creates an optimal microclimate for growth, prevents the growth of mold, accelerates ripening.

Light, passing through the material of a certain color, changes the wavelength according to it. Thus the effect of color on the development and growth of plants and fruits is created.

Shading mesh is sold in rolls, where the width of the cloth varies from 2 to 10 m, or in pieces. If the size of the plot is unusual in length or shape, the fabric in a roll is suitable. For standard beds or greenhouses you can choose the appropriate size of already cut shading netting. The material is convenient to work with due to its light weight. The canvas is not difficult to deliver to the site, stretch or remove if necessary.