I've been hoping for some clarification on the pros and cons of leaving Aluminet shadecloth in place during the winter. I have read in this forum that it's best to remove it for the winter, but I've been confused by this website, which says that one of the benefits of Aluminet is it works as a thermal blanket, reflecting "invisible heat radiation" back into the greenhouse at night, helping to maintain warmer temperatures. I notice that this page does not mention either summer or winter, which has added to my confusion. I've read that Aluminet is most efficient at reducing summer heat gain when used on the outside of the greenhouse, but I have mine installed inside, hanging a few inches below the roof. (My thought was, if this works passably well for me, I won't have to battle keeping it attached to the outside during our wicked winds.) As an aside, I have in fact kept mine up all winter, but I think I must have an odd situation that would not apply to the original poster. My problem here in the desert is too much light and too much heat, even on sunny winter days; without the shadecloth I'd definately have scorching even in winter. In fact, I thought 40% would be enough for me since I grow succulents requiring bright light. I know now that in my bright and hot climate I should have ordered at least 50%. Anyway, I thought I'd mention that website link above. I don't know that Shad has read that website, but it has definately had me a bit muddled as I tried to understand the winter/summer issue with Aluminet. Sheri

Wow....would I (and, I imagine, countless others) love to have something like that. No, I don't heat my greenhouse except for a 25 W boat heater that is suspended on the rims of the pots containing papayas--and only when the temps go below 40F. I have a very small PVC greenhouse, covered with 6 mil plastic and an added layer of bubble wrap, so it's nothing fantastic. Nonetheless, at least those two varieties of tomato have worked for me. I've grown some cucumbers as well but found them problematic for disease reasons. This spring I am trying Minnesota Midget cantaloupes (that summer fog.....) and they are doing well so far, but they require...ah...help in the reproduction department. Still, have a few small melons set already. Anyway, that is a great space. If inclined you could probably grow all kinds of things (think pineapples!).

It may be the trees are planted in the ground as ours are and they are 12' tall. We are in Western Nebraska so are at about the same level for sunshine as NJ. I would look into the ventilation of the greenhouse. Are the vents close to the highest point in the house? We use geo-thermal to heat and some cooling our "greenhouse in the snow". Depending on the greenhouse size this is very economical but the house has to be pretty large to make it feasible to use geo as the underground tubes need to be at or over 200' in length.

This is my first GH and I just didn't know if anyone used it on the inside with any success. The manufacturer said the shade cloth absorbs heat and if placed on the polycarbonate it will transfer it to and thru to GH. I have found more info and examples the last couple of days to help with our decision. I appreciate yours as well. Always nice to know what works and what doesn't. Thanks a bunch!