Greenhouses – Where Great Gardens Begin

Gardening in South Africa comes with its challenges—strong sun, dry conditions, and unpredictable weather can make it tough for young plants to establish themselves. A greenhouse provides a protected space, allowing seedlings, herbs and delicate plants to develop before moving into the main garden.

Setting up a greenhouse is simple and cost-effective. Two great ways to create a controlled environment include shade cloth or a portable greenhouse – depending on your space and plant needs.

The Right Balance of Sun & Shade

We all love sunshine, but plants can’t just pop on a hat and sunscreen for protection. Too much exposure to direct sun, wind, and sudden temperature changes can slow growth or damage fragile leaves. Without proper shelter, plants may dry out quickly, struggle to establish roots, and become vulnerable to pests.

Many gardeners use shade cloth to create a nursery or greenhouse setup because it softens sunlight, reduces heat stress, and slows moisture loss, while still providing the right amount of light for healthy growth.

For those working with limited space, a compact covered setup—such as a portable greenhouse or tiered nursery structure—provides a controlled growing environment, keeping plants shielded from harsh conditions while maintaining steady airflow and natural light.

Grow All Year-Round

A greenhouse isn’t just useful in summer—it helps plants adapt to different seasons. Shade cloth reduces heat stress in warmer months, while an enclosed structure offers insulation during cold snaps.

For outdoor seedlings in winter, additional frost protection ensures plants remain safe from sudden temperature drops, preventing damage before their roots are fully established.

With the right setup, edible plants stay productive, flower seedlings have better survival rates, and cuttings develop stronger roots before transplanting.

Use Less Water Without Sacrificing Growth

South African summers can be hot and dry, meaning frequent watering is a must. But what if your plants could stay cooler for longer without needing extra water?

Shade cloth lowers ambient temperatures and slows evaporation, helping soil retain moisture longer and keeping roots hydrated.

Not only does this cut down on watering, but it also makes your garden more sustainable, reducing water use without compromising plant health.

Natural Protection from Pests

If birds are snacking on your tomatoes, or insects are turning your garden into a buffet, a nursery setup can help.

Shade cloth acts as a physical barrier, protecting plants from unwanted visitors, while reducing the need for chemical sprays.

Choosing the Right Shade Cloth

Finding the best shade cloth depends on what you’re growing and the level of protection needed:

Shade Percentage:

• 30–50% shade – Best for herbs, leafy greens, and seedlings, allowing filtered sunlight while reducing heat exposure.
• 70–80% shade – Ideal for orchids, ferns, and moisture-sensitive plants, providing deeper protection from intense sun.

Material Types:

• Knitted shade cloth – Lightweight and breathable, perfect for vegetables and herbs that need gentle light control.
• Woven shade cloth – Rigid and dense, offering stronger coverage for plants requiring consistent filtered light.

Colour Options:

• Light-coloured shade cloths (white or beige) – Reflect sunlight, keeping temperatures lower—ideal for heat-sensitive plants like lettuces and delicate flowers.
• Darker shade cloths (black or green) – Blend seamlessly into garden landscapes while absorbing heat to provide deeper shade—best for orchids, ferns, and shade-loving plants.

For long-lasting performance, opt for UV-stabilised shade cloth, designed to withstand South Africa’s intense sun and changing seasons.

Setting Up Your Greenhouse

Whether you’re starting cuttings, shielding seedlings, or growing herbs, veggies, and flowers, a greenhouse improves plant survival rates and keeps everything organized—season after season.

Ready to set up your own? Here are a few go-to essentials to help:

• Wonder Plant Guard Frost Cover – Offers extra protection in colder months.
• Alnet Premium 80 Shade Cloth Green and Alnet Premium 80 Shade Cloth Black – Filters sunlight for delicate plants.
• Garden Master Multifunctional 3-Tier Covered Shelf – A portable greenhouse to keep plants neatly stored and protected.

With a bit of cover and the right setup, your plants get the care they need to grow stronger — and your garden gets a head start.