Home What's New Message Board
BigPumpkins.com
Select Destination Site Search
Grower Diaries
 
Entry Date Nick Name Location
Tuesday, August 06, 2019 Matt D. Connecticut

Entry 167 of 210  
Grower Diary Menu
  Back to Previous Page
Show Full 2019 Diary
List Other Grower's Diaries
Submit to Your Own Diary
Shade Cloth Addition to Structure

After the hottest July on record (records kept since 1905) I wanted to try and add an addition method of structure cooling. The two large high-velocity intake vents and one exhaust vent (All same model: Dayton 48” Backdraft Damper model # 4FZJ2) in addition to the misters have been working out well since indoor temperatures have been only 5-7degress F above outside temperature. However, I still looked into potential options to try and reduce the heat inside the structure.

Shade netting was the only feasible option and then it became a matter of what percentage to purchase. Online recommendations offer a good starting point, but I like to have actual data to support my decision. By taking PAR readings under different conditions (ex. full sun, mostly sunny, cloudy) and knowing the inside environment was carbon dioxide enriched 30% shade netting was chosen.

When adding CO2 it increases the light use efficiency of the plant so at 30% shade, I am essentially not limiting the plant and only blocking light that is basically excessive. As a result even when shading the plant it should not restrict the plant growth. If I was not enriching with CO2 than 40% or even 50% would essentially allow the plant to still receive the maximum amount of usable light it can process through photosynthesis.
 



Top of Page

Questions or comments? Send mail to Ken AT bigpumpkins.com.
Copyright © 1999-2024 BigPumpkins.com. All rights reserved.