HELP...MY GREENHOUSE IS 110 Degrees!!

by Gladys Hutson
(Waxhaw, NC)

I live in a Southern zone 7B. I have a fiberglass greenhouse that is 8'X12'. I am wondering if a shade cloth will reduce the temp so that the fan is not running all the time. I read on your website that I should get 70% -90% shade cloth. How does this effect the growing of the plants that are still in the greenhouse? (which isn't many) How big should the shade cloth be? Should it also cover the south side as a lot of heat comes through that side.?

Doug says that yes, shade cloth will cool down the greenhouse. You can get any density you can find (in practical terms)

And yes, it will slow down the growth of plants that want full sunlight - but most of those should be outside by now (June) in your climate. Do not try growing plants all summer long in a greenhouse such as this - it's far too under-ventilated to make them very happy. Put them outdoors.

With this tiny greenhouse, I'd be tempted to cover the roof and south walls. And to get a slightly bigger fan. :-)