Terrace gardening is a wonderful way to grow plants and vegetables even in urban areas with limited space. However, the terrace can get extremely hot during summer months, making it difficult for plants to grow and survive. To overcome this challenge, providing shade to your terrace garden becomes crucial. In this article, we will discuss the different types of shades available for terrace gardening, the importance of providing shade, benefits, and precautions that need to be taken.
Types of shades
Pergola: Pergolas are overhead structures that consist of vertical posts supporting crossbeams and an open lattice. The lattice allows some light to penetrate while still providing shade to the plants beneath.
Shade cloth: Shade cloths are made of woven polyethylene and come in various densities ranging from 30% to 90%. They are available in various colors and sizes and can be easily installed using ropes or clips.
Umbrellas: Large umbrellas are perfect for small terrace gardens. They are portable and can be moved around to provide shade to specific areas of the garden.
Canopies: Canopies are permanent or semi-permanent structures that are attached to the walls of the house or supported by columns. They provide complete shade to the garden and can also be used as an outdoor seating area.
Trees: Trees are a natural way to provide shade to your terrace garden. However, they take time to grow and may not be suitable for all terrace gardens.
Importance of providing shade to terrace gardening
Protection from harsh sunlight: Excessive sunlight can be harmful to plants, causing them to wilt or die. Providing shade protects the plants from the harsh sun and helps them to grow healthy.
Control temperature: Shading can help to regulate the temperature on the terrace, keeping it cooler and more comfortable for both plants and people.
Prevent water loss: Shading helps to reduce the evaporation of moisture from the soil, thus reducing the amount of water needed for irrigation.
Benefits of providing shade to terrace garden
Increase plant growth: Shaded plants tend to grow better and produce more yields as they are protected from excessive heat and sunlight.
Extend growing season: Shaded gardens have a longer growing season as they are protected from extreme temperatures.
Create a comfortable outdoor space: A shaded terrace garden can be a comfortable outdoor space for you to relax and enjoy nature.
Precautions that need to be taken
Make sure the shade structure is securely anchored to prevent it from blowing away during windy conditions.
Avoid shading plants that require full sunlight to grow.
Regularly check the shade cloth for damage and replace it if necessary.
Do not place the shade structure too close to the plants, as this can block out too much sunlight and inhibit plant growth.
Conclusion
Providing shade to your terrace garden is crucial for the growth and health of your plants. The different types of shades available provide various options to choose from depending on the size and location of your terrace garden. With proper precautions, you can create a comfortable and thriving garden on your terrace.
