Quick answer

To choose the right shade net, match the shade percentage and colour to your crop, growth stage and climate. Use 30–40% for sun-loving tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers, 50–60% for vegetable gardens and hardening seedlings, and 70–90% for ferns, orchids, nurseries, livestock housing and car parks. Choose UV-stabilised HDPE for durability.

choosing the right shade net is more important than many growers think. different crops require different levels of sunlight protection temperature control and airflow. o choose the right shade net, match the shade percentage and color to your specific crops, plant growth stage, and local climate.  High-sun crops need low shade percentages, while delicate seedlings and hot climates require higher blockage. Always select high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with UV stabilization for durability.

Shade Percentage Guide

  • 30% – 40%: Best for sun-loving crops like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers that need high light levels.

  • 50% – 60%: Ideal for general vegetable gardens, hardening young seedlings, and partial-shade plants.

  • 70% – 90%: Used for sensitive shade-loving plants (ferns, orchids), delicate nurseries, livestock housing, and car parking covers.

Choosing Color and Climate

  • Black: Absorbs and blocks heat; great for very hot, sunny lowlands or intense summer peaks, though it can lower temperatures slightly.

  • Green: Balances light and shadow; ideal for moderate climates and general garden use.

  • White: Reflects heat while diffusing light evenly across the canopy; excellent for reducing hot spots and accelerating fruiting or flowering.

Material and Quality Factors

  • UV Stabilization: Ensure the net is labeled UV-treated so it resists degradation from harsh sun exposure.

  • Knitted vs. Woven: Knitted HDPE nets offer better flexibility and tear-resistance under wind and weather stress

Published · Updated

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].