Choosing the Right Shade Block Percentage
Getting the shade density right makes a genuine difference to plant health. Here's a quick guide:
50% Shade Block — Light to moderate filtering. Best for hardier plants such as olive trees, native shrubs, and ornamental grasses. Also widely used as a fencing or building site barrier where full shade isn't needed.
70% Shade Block — The most popular all-round choice for Australian home gardeners. Ideal for protecting orchids, ferns, vegetable seedlings, and greenhouse plants from peak summer heat, while still allowing air circulation and some natural light through.
90% Shade Block — Heavy-duty coverage for highly sensitive plants or demanding agricultural environments. Suited to shade houses, nurseries, and structures where maximum UV reduction is the priority.
98% Shade Block — Near-total sun screening. Best suited to commercial nursery applications, propagation areas, or situations requiring maximum heat and UV reduction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is shade cloth made from?
A: Our shade cloth rolls are manufactured from mono-tape UV-stabilised HDPE (high-density polyethylene) knitted fabric. This construction provides superior strength, consistent shade coverage, and resistance to tearing and fraying — even after prolonged exposure to harsh Australian sun.
Q: What percentage shade cloth do I need for my vegetable garden?
A: For most Australian vegetable gardens, 50% to 70% shade block is the right choice. Leafy greens, seedlings, and herbs benefit from 50–70% coverage, which reduces heat stress while allowing enough light for healthy growth. If you're gardening through peak summer in Queensland or Western Australia, 70% is generally the safer option.
Q: Can shade cloth be used on a greenhouse?
A: Yes — shade cloth is one of the most effective ways to regulate temperature inside a greenhouse during summer. Drape or attach it over greenhouse glazing or a shade house skeleton to reduce internal temperatures and protect heat-sensitive plants. The 70% and 90% rolls are most commonly used for greenhouse applications.
Q: How do I cut shade cloth to size?
A: HDPE knitted shade cloth can be cut with sharp scissors or a utility knife. To prevent fraying at the cut edge, run a lighter quickly along the edge to lightly melt and seal the fibres — a standard technique used by nurseries and commercial growers.
Q: Can shade cloth be used for privacy screening or wind barriers?
A: Absolutely. Beyond plant protection, shade cloth is widely used as a practical barrier for building sites, farm fencing, and privacy screening. The dense weave of the 90% and 98% rolls is particularly effective at blocking wind, reducing dust, and deterring unauthorised access.
Q: How long does shade cloth last outdoors?
A: With UV-stabilised HDPE fabric, our shade cloth is built for long-term outdoor use. Lifespan depends on exposure conditions, but quality knitted shade cloth typically performs well for several seasons when installed correctly and not left under heavy mechanical stress (e.g. pooling water or prolonged wind tension).
