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Greenhouses & Garden Structures

When to take off shade cloth for winter

17 years ago

Hi, I have a 50% shade cloth on my greenhouse right now (southern facing) I have some hoyas and a couple of my orchids in there right now. I am still getting the hang of things so I am moving the plants in slowly.

My greenhouse is double walled polycarbonate. So I was wondering when I should be able to take the shade cloth off for winter. Should I wait untill November? I figure it should be back on around April ?

I have a home attached greenhouse so my low light plants will be moving in against the back and side walls. Hopefully this set up will work well. Right now I have mostly african violets but I love all types of plants so I have been branching out lately and have a collection of other gesneriads. I am not sure how violets will grow in the greenhouse, I will have to see.

I just finished insulating the lower half of the walls and have to finish by figuring out how to insulate where the door is.

-renee

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Comments (6)

orchiddude
17 years ago
It all depends on what your plants need for light levels. Remember your plants govern what you do with the greenhouse. Now with orchids, most want 2000 foot candles or less depending on what you have. With the other plants you will have to check the requirements. If you have a light meter, you can check you light levels. Anyone growing orchids should have a light meter. Measure your light, and remove if you need more light.

On average, right now you probably could wait until Sept to remove it, but that all depends on what light levels are needed in your greenhouse. :-)
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milwdave
17 years ago
Here in Milwaukee, I won't touch the shading until late October. I've had problems with burning in the past. The GH will still absorb an amazing amount of Solar heat.

Dave
Milwaukee
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scryn
Original Author
17 years ago
I don't have a light meter and they are rather expesive :(

I figured I would try to keep it on untill we are starting to get some heavy snows.
I do have a cloth for inside, however it won't cover as much as the cloth on the outside, however I figured this wouldn't be as much as a problem because the sun is a differnet level during the winter. The outdoor cloth shades all the way to the bottom of the greenhouse while the indoor one only shades the top portion and a little down the front wall.
-renee
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orchiddude
17 years ago
Light meters only cost $25.00
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scryn
Original Author
17 years ago
Oh, I guess I should look further. The ones I have seen are at least 50 dollars.

-renee
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trigger_m
17 years ago
I wait till about Late November.My greenhouse is in Full sun-and it just stays too hot in there if I take the cover off before then.The exhaust fan runs all the time,and has a hard time keeping the temps down.Of course,I'm in North Georgia,so your conditions may vary.
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