Shade nets for greenhouses and gardens: choosing % shading and installation
What types of nets are available, how to choose the shading percentage by crop, practical installation tips for greenhouses and garden plots.
30-90%
Shading
4 densities
Selection
10 min
Reading time
-50%
Temperature
Why you need a shade net
- Protects plants from sunburn during peak summer (temperature > 32°C)
- Reduces greenhouse temperature by 5–10°C in heat
- Protects seedlings from UV during the first 2 weeks after transplanting
- Protection from hail and heavy rain (dense nets 80%+)
- Bird protection in berry patches (fine-weave nets)
- Protects livestock (sheep, poultry) from direct sunlight
% shading by crop
| % shading | Color | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 30% | White, grey | Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, eggplant |
| 45% | Green, grey | Ornamental flowers, blueberry, raspberry |
| 60% | Green | Lettuce, greens, seedlings, post-harvest strawberries |
| 70% | Dark green | Orchids, shade-loving ornamentals |
| 80% | Dark green, black | Rest areas, canopies, livestock shelters |
| 90% | Black | Pergolas, parking, hail protection |
Rule: For most vegetable crops in central Ukraine, the optimal choice is 30–45% shading in white or grey (reflects light, less overheating).
Material and quality
- HDPE (high-density polyethylene): the standard. UV-stabilized lasts 4–6 seasons; without UV stabilizers — 1–2 seasons
- Density: 45–55 g/m² — lightweight garden (30% shading), 75–100 g/m² — standard, 140+ g/m² — commercial (80–90%)
- Edge: with a reinforced border — does not tear when stretched
- Grommets (metal rings): every 40–50 cm along the perimeter — mandatory for mounting
- Weave: tricot (mono) — classic; knitted (tape) — stronger, for commercial use
Greenhouse installation
- Measure length × width + 20% allowance for tension and overlap
- Drape the net over the greenhouse frame
- Tie to the arches with rope through the corner grommets
- Along the perimeter — fasten every 40–50 cm to prevent sagging
- For large greenhouses — run 3 mm cables between arches and attach the net to them
Tip: During hot seasons (June–August), drape over the top; remove for winter and store indoors. This way, the net will last 5–6 seasons instead of 2–3.
For commercial greenhouses and farms
- Automated shading systems (screen systems): Svensson, Ludvig Svensson, Nettex — nets on motorized rollers that deploy based on temperature
- Energy-saving thermal screens (Svensson Tempa) — shade during the day + retain heat at night
- Aluminized net (Aluminet) — reflects 50%+ of heat, the best solution for extreme heat in southern Ukraine
- Combined shade + anti-hail nets with 2.5×2.5 mm mesh for commercial orchards
Shade nets in the catalog
Our catalog offers nets with 30–90% shading with UV stabilizers, various densities, and all colors.