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Greenhouse shade/thermal cloth #556550

Asked April 28, 2019, 3:58 PM EDT

My husband and I just built a greenhouse from recycled windows. We were wondering if there are best recommendations for stabilizing the temperatures inside the greenhouse? It is getting pretty toasty in there during the day, so we are going to put up a shade cloth of some kind, but is there a shade cloth that also works somewhat as an insulator overnight to help prevent temperature drops? We do have a brick floor and some water jugs to help with keep everything a little warmer at night.

Deschutes County Oregon

Expert Response

Hi, Looks like a fun new space! The appropriate amount of ventilation(should be at least 25% the size of the total square footage of the floor) is the best way to cool a greenhouse. Roof ventilation is ideal, but doors and windows can be used also so air can pass through, are you leaving the door open? Shade cloth will only cool a little and is not a substitution for ventilation. Also shade cloth affects plant growth, so should be used with crops that can handle decreased light. The ideal temperature range for plants is 50-85 degrees F. Shade cloth is not typically used for insulation just to adjust the light emission. Feel free to call me at the number below with additional questions. Thanks 
Amy Jo Detweiler,  Professor and Extension Horticulturist Replied April 30, 2019, 12:55 PM EDT

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