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Shadecloth question

Discussion in 'Growing Areas' started by Jon, Mar 8, 2009.

  1. Mar 8, 2009 #1
    Jon

    Jon Mmmm... bulbophyllum...

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    I'm going to need to install my shadecloth soon. It is aluminet, I think. If I want to maximize shade, should I make the metallic threads run north/south or east/west?
     
  2. Mar 8, 2009 #2
    Forrest

    Forrest Really Neat

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    the threads arent symmetrical?
     
  3. Mar 8, 2009 #3
    Jon

    Jon Mmmm... bulbophyllum...

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    Huh? Symmetrical?

    The metallic threads run the length of the cloth like this:
    scloth.jpg
    scloth.jpg
     
  4. Mar 8, 2009 #4
    Forrest

    Forrest Really Neat

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    hmm. Well, on mine there is a cross stitch that runs long and then again wide. Creating little squares. Which means it doesnt matter which way you run it. So how is yours being held together if it doesnt have stitches across?
     
  5. Mar 8, 2009 #5
    Jon

    Jon Mmmm... bulbophyllum...

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    Inconsequential threads are used to keep the metallic threads connected. No squares here.
     
  6. Mar 8, 2009 #6
    Forrest

    Forrest Really Neat

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    what % is it?
     
  7. Mar 8, 2009 #7
    Jon

    Jon Mmmm... bulbophyllum...

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    Whatever came with the GH.
     
  8. Mar 8, 2009 #8
    T&J San Antonio

    T&J San Antonio New Member

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    Personally I think it is a little early for shade cloth but you need to monitor the amount of sunlight you are getting to know for sure. Do you have a light meter?

    just tom
     
  9. Mar 9, 2009 #9
    JonP

    JonP all that Supporting Member

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    I put the shade cloth up today. We're supposed to get a break from the rain and cloudiness. Besides, with the switch to DST there's another hour of sunlight per day...
     
  10. Mar 9, 2009 #10
    Forrest

    Forrest Really Neat

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    hehe. Jon, where did the extra hour come from?
     
  11. Mar 9, 2009 #11
    JonP

    JonP all that Supporting Member

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    from the guvmint.
    duh...
     
  12. Mar 9, 2009 #12
    Forrest

    Forrest Really Neat

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    LOL!! I guess you are right.
     
  13. Mar 9, 2009 #13
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    I use Aluminet and have never worried about the direction. There is so much reflection and distribution of light with it that it never occurred to me to consider that. But now that you have brought it up, I will make a conscious decision to ignore the question.

    It's not to early to put up shade cloth here! I'm a couple of weeks behind and waiting until I get someone to help with the project. I have multiple layers, so for much of the growing area, there is always one layer and in the summer, some of them have 3.
     
  14. Mar 9, 2009 #14
    Alexis

    Alexis New Member

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    I would think you'd put it up N/S, so the plant gets sun and shade on each leaf as the sun moves. Otherwise, your leaves might turn out striped since the same section will be getting brighter light all day.
     
  15. Mar 9, 2009 #15
    Jon

    Jon Mmmm... bulbophyllum...

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    I'm going to try N/S. I might end up getting a new one, though. A weave as opposed to the one I have now.

    I do have a light meter. My issue is that I have a large number of shade-loving species. We're less than two weeks away from the highest light time of year. I'm not going to put the cloth on now, but I will within the next month.
     
  16. Mar 9, 2009 #16
    T&J San Antonio

    T&J San Antonio New Member

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    You know I have a good number of plants that prefer more light than some of the other genera that I have. What I have found is that I can place a small portion of a very low percent of shade over a small portion of the greenhouse during this tricky time of year. I know many may disagree but considering your location and having spent some time in Denver myself, I know that overcast skys during this period are very common. Too much shade during this critical period can delay growth when strong root growth is more desireable. Holding off till next month may be be a good idea.

    Oh yes, I about fell out of my chair when I read the "extra hour of sunlight comment"

    just tom