I always vote for shadecloth, as it can be changed or removed, depending
upon your needs. If you start out with a permanent reduction, such as
tinted glazing, you're stuck with it!

The best shade scenario is twofold: 1) Aluminet 2) supported 6" or so
above the greenhouse roof.

Aluminet is aluminum-coated Mylar, so it is very effective in reflecting the
light and heat away - much better than pigmented polymer fabrics.

Putting the cloth outside of the greenhouse is always better than inside, as
part of the attenuation process absorbs and converts some of the light into
heat, and it's better to keep that outside. An air gap between the cloth
and the roof allows it to dissipate more easily.

If you MUST put it inside, then going with the Aluminet is a "must"/

--

Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
Plants, Supplies. Books, Artwork, and lots of Free Info!


"Uncle_vito" wrote in message
...
I am considering building a greenhouse for my orchids. It is the humidity
that I want/need. Living in Southern California, low temperatures are not
much of a problem.

Also, seems like most orchid growers in the area (Normans, SBOE) use shade
cloth or opal translucent polycarbonate panels overhead.

I am looking for a greenhouse kit with these opal translucent
polycarbonate panels for the roof. All that I can find seem to use clear
panels.

What are you folks using? Clear glass/polycarbonate with shadecloth or
opal panels?

Also seems that clear glass would make the GH hotter than heck, even with
the use of shadecloth.

Thanks for any advice.

Vito