Quick answer

The main difference is light transmission. A 50% shade net blocks half of the sunlight and lets 50% through, while a 70% shade net blocks 70% and lets only 30% through. A 50% net suits general vegetable gardening, young seedlings, hardening off nursery plants and sun-loving crops that need protection from extreme midday scorch.

The primary difference is light transmission:  a 50% shade net blocks half of the sunlight (allowing 50% through), while a 70% shade net blocks 70% of the sunlight( allowing only 30% through). Choosing the right density depends entirely on the heat and light tolerance of your plants or livestock.

50% Shade Net

  • Light transmission: Allows 50% of ambient light to pass through.

  • Best for: General vegetable gardening, young seedlings, hardening off nursery plants, and sun-loving crops that need protection from extreme midday scorch.

  • Environment: Creates a moderately bright microclimate with robust air and light flow. 

70% Shade Net

  • Light transmission: Allows only 30% of ambient light to pass through.

  • Best for: Shade-loving crops (like ferns and orchids), highly delicate ornamentals, and intense low-altitude hot regions.

  • Non-farming uses: Excellent for livestock shading (poultry, goats, and cattle) to heavily reduce heat stress, or for human carports and recreational outdoor covers.

  • Environment: Creates a significantly cooler, heavily filtered, and lower-temperature zone.

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About Maimun Fishing Tackles. Serving Kenya's fishing community since 1975 (founded as Asma & Sons in Old Town Mombasa) — fishing tackle, nets, aquaculture equipment and farm netting, with branches in Mombasa (Nehru Road), Nairobi (Darosa Plaza, Karen Road), Malindi and Naivasha. Questions about this guide? Call or WhatsApp +254 706 903 465 or email [email protected].