When it gets hot outside and the sun does not give up, many people reach for umbrellas. We should treat the same cover to the plants in the vegetable garden so that they survive the drought. However, we do not cover them with an umbrella, but with a shading mesh, which also protects against hail, wind and birds. It is worth having it up in the summer.
The shading mesh is a light and stretchy material made of plastic, usually polyethylene. It is designed to protect the plants against excessive solar radiation, but it does not completely block access to the sun.
Before buying, it is worth paying attention to the density of this fabric. If it passes 70-80% of light, it is suitable for delicate shields for or lettuce. In turn, the permeability of 50% is dedicated to vegetable gardeners and greenhouses. Decorative plants can also be covered, but with a material with a permeability of 30%.
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We use the shading mesh when the outside temperature is above 30 degrees Celsius. As mentioned, it can be used not only in vegetable gardens, but also in greenhouses and plastic tunnels, in seedling and on terraces and balconies.
What plants in these places should be protected from full sun? Salad, rocket and spinach need protection, which fall into flowering in a sunny position. We also protect cucumbers and green beans, because their delicate leaves can quickly wither.
It is worth covering with a thin mesh of herbs, i.e. coriander or tribula prefers semi -shade. Let’s not forget about new seedlings and seedlings that are sensitive to strong sunlight. We also recommend protecting fuchsias, begonia and impatiens.
In the vegetable garden it is worth creating a small roof from the shadow mesh, stretching it between the poles. You can also attach this material to the frame – in this way we will create a movable veil for plants.
In tunnels and greenhouses, it is best to tie the shading mesh to the structure, creating a side cover. In turn, pot specimens on the balcony should be protected with this fabric with a cable or fence mesh.
Remember not to lay the material on plants, keep the distance between them and the fabric. Then they will have adequate air circulation.