On the hot, humid coast of Kenya and Tanzania, growers often ask whether to cover a structure with shade net or with greenhouse plastic film. The two do different jobs.
What shade net does
Shade net cuts the strength of the sun and lets air move through the structure. That airflow helps manage heat and humidity, which matters at the coast. It does not keep rain off the crop.
What greenhouse film does
Film protects the crop from rain and can hold in warmth, but it traps heat and humidity unless the structure is well ventilated. Ventilation is the main design question at the coast.
How growers decide
- Choose shade net when the main problem is sun and heat, and airflow matters more than rain protection.
- Choose film when protecting the crop from rain is the priority and you have the ventilation to manage heat.
- Some growers combine both, using film on the roof and net on the sides.
Your agronomist or greenhouse designer should confirm the right layout for your crop and site.
If you choose shade net
Send us the shade %, GSM, colour, width and length you need, and your destination port (Mombasa or Dar es Salaam). We quote within 24 hours, and samples are free with you paying only the courier. We supply agro shade net and agricultural mulch film. We do not supply greenhouse film as a core product.