Shade Cloth for Gardens: Protecting Plants from Sun and Winter Burn

Shade cloth shields plants from intense summer sun and prevents winter sunscald on evergreens. Available in various materials, weights, and colors (UV-stabilized polyethylene, aluminum, netting), it’s a versatile tool.

Summer Shade Solutions

• Row crops: Floating row covers (lightweight fabric) draped directly over carrots, cabbage.
• Taller plants (tomatoes, peppers): Use support hoops to hold cloth above foliage.
• Budget DIY: White sheets on stakes, suspended several inches above plants.
• Other options: Old window screens, lattice panels on south/southwest sides.

Winter Protection for Evergreens

Sunscald occurs on dry, windy, sunny winter days when frozen soil prevents water uptake. Do not wrap evergreens completely—traps heat and worsens dehydration. Instead:

• Install burlap screens on south/southwest sides before ground freezes.
• Stake and staple burlap, leaving 12+ inches from plant.
• Screen height should exceed plant if possible.
• Reflective tree wraps are an alternative.

Proper shade management prevents stress year-round.