[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg__animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg__animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Written by Shawna Coronado” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]
Summer heat can seem devastating to a home garden, which is one of the reasons we suggest using a shade cloth. This simple-to-make and easy-to-use structure can help your plants thrive during extreme sun and heat. Because plants sometimes need to get out of the hot sun and into some cooler shade.
Gardening in raised beds is a great way to grow vegetables herbs flowers and other plants. But when that summer sun starts beating down, extra shade is often needed to prevent plants from getting scorched. While you can buy pre-made shade structures for raised beds, these can be expensive. Luckily, there are lots of creative DIY methods to make your own affordable shade!
In this article, I’ll share 7 easy DIY shade ideas for raised garden beds that anyone can do These are inexpensive projects using common materials you can source yourself. I’ve tried most of these techniques in my own raised bed vegetable garden with great success So let’s get started on shading your raised beds the cheap and clever way!
1. Build Shade Structures from PVC Pipe and Shade Cloth
One of the simplest DIY shade structures starts with basic PVC pipe and shade cloth, Just construct a frame to size using 1⁄2” or 1” PVC and corner joints Cut the PVC pipes to the lengths you need and assemble into a square or rectangular frame using the connectors
Then use cloth clips, zip ties or duct tape to attach your shade fabric. Opt for a 30-60% shade cloth that reduces sunlight but still lets some in. This PVC frame and shade cloth method allows for plenty of air circulation and lasts for years. Take it apart when not needed.
2. Upcycle Old Doors into Mini Shade Screens
Got some old doors you don’t use anymore? Repurpose them as charming shade screens for raised beds! Full size doors can be cut down to fit bed widths using a circular saw. Smaller closet or cabinet doors can work great too.
Prop the old doors up behind the beds on sturdy stakes. Angle them to block midday sun but allow morning and evening light. For weather protection, paint or stain the doors. Salvaged doors create slatted shade, let air flow through, and are movable to where needed.
3. Craft Roller Shades Using Bamboo and Shade Cloth
Make adjustable roller shades from bamboo poles and shade cloth. Use bamboo sticks of various lengths for the rollers. Attach sticks at ends to form long rollers. Staple shade cloth to one edge of the rollers.
Add ropes to each end of the rollers to lift shades up and down. Stakes in the garden bed hold the roller when not in use. These shades roll up neatly when not needed, provide adjustable shade when wanted, and the bamboo keeps the fabric hanging evenly.
4. Repurpose Old Patio Umbrellas into Free-Standing Shades
Got some old patio umbrellas? Give them new life as adjustable free-standing shade structures! Remove the fabric from umbrellas with good, sturdy poles. Use the umbrella poles and hardware to make stand-alone shades.
Reattach the original fabric or use new shade cloth, burlap, etc. Secure the material to the umbrella rib tips. The best part is you can easily crank the shades open or closed as needed! Umbrellas make perfect freestanding shade structures.
5. Create DIY Shade Sails Using Scrap Fabric
Shade sails are super simple to make with scrap fabric and rope. Just cut or fold any fabric into a square, rectangle or triangle with rounded corners. Old sheets or tablecloths work great.
Attach rope to each corner and secure the ropes to posts or stakes around the raised bed. Make sure the shade sail is high enough for air flow. Tight corners keep the sail fabric taut. Add ties to ropes to easily change the sail angle.
6. Build a Lattice Wood Canopy for Permanent Shade
For fixed shade, build a simple wood canopy. Use 2×3 boards for the frame and 1×2 slats for the lattice top. Cut wood to size and assemble into a frame using corner joints. Make sure the frame is tall enough for head clearance.
Add your slatted lattice top to filter sunlight. Growing vining plants like beans over the lattice provides dappled shade too. Take apart and store the frame in winter or leave up year-round. This lattice canopy lasts for years and casts great shade.
7. Make an Adjustable Tarp Shade Structure
Need shade on a budget? Use tarps and PVC pipes or long wood poles. Stick the poles in the ground around the raised beds. Drape tarps or shade cloth over the pole frame.
Use bungee cords, rope or zip ties to attach the fabric. Raise or lower the sides as needed for sun control. Large tarps cover bigger areas economically. Poles allow for adjustable customizable shade. Great for the frugal gardener!
With a bit of creativity and effort, you can craft practical DIY shade structures tailored exactly for your raised garden beds. Shade cloths, frames, sails and canopies will help your plants thrive through intense summer sun. Just pick a project that fits your space and budget. Your plants will thank you!
3 Reasons to Use a Shade Cloth in a Home Garden
- Solar Radiation Protection – Shade cloths protect plants from sun radiation. With excessive heat and sun exposure, some plants can suffer leaf curl, browning and scorching. Sometimes it is even beneficial to cover plants in extreme cold to protect from sun scald.
- Pest Protection – Shade cloths protect the garden from severe heat and sun exposure, but depending on the type of cover it can also defend your garden against insect and bird attack. Bonus!
- Soil Moisture – Shade cloths can help plants retain more water. Intense sunlight can be very drying. Shading a garden helps plants retain hydration and helps conserve water and moisture too. Keeping roots cool in general is a smart plan in order to stave off drought and to keep the plant in the cooler photosynthesis production zone.
What Is a Shade Cloth and How Does It Boost Garden Production?
A shade cloth doesn’t have to be complex. You can DIY one with an old sheet, floating row cover, window screen, or a piece of lattice. You can also use a roll of lightly woven material purchased specifically to shade a garden. Whatever kind you use, shade clothes are simple ways to reduce the amount of heat that reaches your plants via sunlight. Shade cloths are used for vegetables, annuals, perennials, shrubs, and even fruit trees in order to reduce the heat zone and protect the plant from sunburn and scald.
Use an umbrella and move it around to shade your SFG as needed throughout the day. We understand some folks may not want to build a shade cloth structure and this is a “quick” solution.
4 Dead-Simple DIY Project to Upgrade Your Raised Beds
FAQ
How to shade a vegetable garden from sun?
Use a light horticultural cloth to shade plants, sheet plastic to protect from early frosts or to warm the beds in spring, or netting to keep birds from …
How to make temporary shade for a garden?
Start by measuring the area you want to cover and cut the shade cloth to size for a frame, making it slightly larger than the area. Depending on your garden layout, assemble the wireframe in the shape of some arches. Once you have the frame in place, drape a piece of shade cloth over it and peg it on.
What should I cover my raised garden bed with?
You might consider adding a plastic tarp over your old blankets or frost cloth (just make sure to use garden hoops to keep the plastic from coming into direct contact with your plants. You could also use garden cloches, cold frames, or even burlap sacks.
What is the best shade cloth for a vegetable garden?
Cold-hardy plants like kale, spinach, and arugula benefit from the cool microclimate of white shade cloth, while warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and …Jun 20, 2024
Can you make a garden shade for a raised bed?
During the hot summer months, giving your plants some shade in their raised beds can really help them grow. But buying those garden shade structures from the store can get pretty pricey. That’s why I’ve put together this list of 7 creative DIY shade ideas you can make for your raised beds on the cheap.
How do you build a shade garden?
Lumber frames – Build open-topped rectangular frames from 2×2″ lumber to support shade cloth over sections of garden. Cold frame lids – Place spare glass cold frame lids atop raised beds to allow air flow while filtering harsh sun. For ongoing shade in key areas, incorporate permanent structures into your garden plan:
Can you use shade cloth on raised garden beds?
Shade cloth can be used for raised garden beds that have solid arching. You can drape, cover and wrap shade cloth to any requirement that you have. How do I shade my garden for cheap? A shade cloth can be DIY, such as an old white sheet, floating row cover, window screen or a piece of lattice.
How do you cover a garden with shade?
PVC hoops – Bend PVC pipes over beds and cover with shade fabric as needed in summer. Wood lath panels – Hinge together 1×2″ wood lath panels to angle shade down onto beds as desired. Lumber frames – Build open-topped rectangular frames from 2×2″ lumber to support shade cloth over sections of garden.
How do you keep plants shaded?
Paper shades – Make cones from paper or cardboard to shade individual plants when necessary. For shade needs lasting weeks or months, try these season-extending structures: PVC hoops – Bend PVC pipes over beds and cover with shade fabric as needed in summer.
How to protect raised garden beds from Sun?
A shade cloth can be DIY, such as an old white sheet, floating row cover, window screen or a piece of lattice. It can also be a roll of lightly woven material purchased to shade your SFG. Whatever kind you use, it will reduce how much heat can reach your plants via sunlight.