Hello... I am a newbie greenhouse owner. I live in TN and on sunny days the greenhouse is too hot. I started some seeds and everything burnt up... Realizing I need to cool things off before the spring/summer months get here. How do I determine the quantity or size cloth I need to purchase? Any info will be greatly appreciated 😊
And if anyone can recommend the sun blocking percentage, type of material, woven or knitted etc.. That would be great also 👍

That greenhouse is far too pretty to put anything in it that will get it dirty.

Regardless of the shade cloth, unless you have a swamp cooler or AC, your greenhouse will probably be far too hot in the late spring and summer to grow much. That is unless you have a great source of shade (trees) that blocks the sun during the heat of the day. I have two greenhouses and even with all vents and doors open, 80% shade cloth, and four fans running, they still get 110-120F during the summer months. The only thing I do with my greenhouses in the late spring and summer is start vegetable or other seeds and root plumeria. I don't grow cacti, but they would do fine.

I love your greenhouse, CJ !

I have to agree with Ken about the heat... even way up here in the north, and with the doors wide open, this time of year when our high temps are only about 40F, my GH can easily get up to 100° when the sun is out. The summer, obviously is even worse...

My GH only really gets utilized for seedlings in the spring (most of which actually get started under lights in the house, to avoid the expense of heating the GH), although I do keep a few of my heat-loving houseplants in there all summer.

Probably wouldn't be a total solution, but I would think having an exhaust fan in that back window could help remove some of the built-up heat.

I have a 50% black shade cloth I got at a very good price from Growers Supply. I found it as a remnant in the discounted items. I believe they also list small pieces in their regular listings for shade cloth. With both ends open and the cloth on, my GH remains some what usable. The reflective shade may do better in your area, but is more $$$.

Are you opening up your greenhouse during the day? even on a cloudy day with a little sunshine now and then and quickly over heat a house. Even on a cool day with sunshine I have my houses all open. side rolled up and ends opened. If it is windy I let down the side part ways. If you don't have any openings to open you will constantly have an overheated house. Shade cloth won't "help" your plants. It makes too much shade and the plants stretch or don't produce flowers for fruit if you have fruit bearing plants started. Otherwise a vent/s and an automatic fan with a thermostat will help stabilize the temperature. I depend on mine especially in the Spring as I am starting up the greenhouses with new plants and I have to be away for the day. Good luck.

Have you heard of "aluminet" it allows the light through but reflects the heat. a bit pricey, but maybe worth it for your crops if you are doing it to save money ( in the long run on electricity or growing a crop for consumption) or sell any plants.