The summer gets really hot here and last year I had too many of my tender lettuces and new seedlings wilt from the unrelenting heat of the day! So this year I got my thinking cap on and designed a shade that was easy to make and easy to use! And Voila!! I used shade cloth, velcro, tie straps and electrical PVC conduit piping. I use PVC glue to put the whole thing together. My fabulous hubby made special foot pod holders – see arrow. He used heat to melt the PVC to make a curve so the frame can rest on it.
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90cm x 120cm with 50cm legs[/one_half]
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Gives great shade[/one_half_last]
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The connection fitting[/one_half]
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Real neat and professional[/one_half_last]
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Used normal 90 deg fittings you buy in the shop[/one_half]
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Used velcro and tie straps[/one_half_last]
Great DIY project and easy to do! The shade cloth was machine stitched for strength and I used velcro and tie straps to attach it to the PVC frame. It is so light-weight, I can pick it up with one hand, making it easy to move where I need it. Does it hold up in the wind?? We have had a few blustery days and it stays!! Going to make a few more! You can make it any size you want!
Happy DIY Gardening xxxxx
6 replies on “Heat of the Day”
Great idea Barbie….I have used shade cloths or even shade but this is very easy to use.
Oh it has made such a difference – the sun and heat has destroyed my more delicate lettuces, but under the shade cloth, it has survived! We are making a huge one now – watch this space!!
Shadecloth protection is brilliant – my covered veggie patch and what I harvest from it attests to that 🙂 But here on the farm 40% cover was still too hot for lettuce. For everything else it works a treat 🙂
Love that it’s small and light enough to move about…
What percentage did you use – 40%?
Oo! Not so sure, but I do see that the lettuce needs more protection. The next one I build will have 40% – thanks for tip!
That does look professional! What a great idea. I’ve often needed some shade for plants and made do with awkwardly placing big flowerpots around or lawn chairs on top of plants. I need to make one of those!
Really cheep and easy!