Frank,

The degree of shade, and how much of the GH needs to be covered is
determined a lot by what kind of plants you have, in addition to your
location.

Here in SE PA, for example, I use my ascocendas and vandas as shade for the
plants below, adding nothing more. If I had all phals, I'd probably go with
some shade cloth.

You might want to consider aluminet - aluminized mylar - as it reflects the
heat away in summer, while black and green cloths absorb light more and
reradiate heat.

--

Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
Plants, Supplies, Books, Artwork, and Lots of Free Info!
..
"Frank H. Kirchner" wrote in message
news:JYgcd.4501$233.3242@okepread05...
Hello Orchid Friends-

I am about to order new shade cloth for the greenhouse. I live in Coastal
SE Virginia where we have temperate winters and hot sultry summers. The
greenhouse has a direct, unshaded in winter, southern exposure. The
current shade cloth is 78% lathe and the greenhouse needs more light
especially as we move into the winter months. The back wall of the
greenhouse is a cinderblock wall with a lean to type greenhouse attached
to it and resting on a three foot foundation. Suggestions regarding the
best density shade cloth and/or reasonable quality distributors would be
appreciated.

Hope the Florida folks are recovering from all the terrible weather and
that all are enjoying a peaceful and wonderful fall.

Thanks.

--
Frank H. Kirchner