Creating Temporary Shade for Tender Plants

Sudden hot, sunny spells with drying winds can irreparably damage newly planted transplants and seedlings. Temporary screens protect them until weather cools or roots establish.

Simple Screens

For a few plants, insert shingles or plywood pieces (6 inches wide, 1 foot tall) on the sunny side. For larger plants, drape burlap or shade cloth over a cylinder of 3/4-inch mesh wire, or staple to stakes.

Shade Cloth

Also called shade fabric, this UV-stabilized polypropylene woven material is available at nurseries and mail-order. Use 30% shade cloth for most vegetables (lets more sun through); 47% or 63% for shade lovers. Drape over beds on stakes, fasten to hoops for row coverage, or cover permanent shade structures.

Portable Plant Screen

Prefabricated lattice panels (sold at home improvement stores) make quick screens. Use whole or cut to fit. Drive 1–1.5 foot 2x2 stakes at bed corners and midpoints. Set horizontal 1x2 slats on stakes; rest lattice on top. Or prop a panel on the south side of a bed for shade and wind protection.