When to "shade"my cool-weather crops?

new2this 5/20/2010, 8:28 am

Here in se MN it is finally reaching warmish temps...getting into high 70's - 80's for this weekend.

My ? is.....when should I cover (as in shade protection) my lettuce? They are only 1-2" now.
Is shade only to prevent bolting? or is it used throughout the season if it gets "hot"?

Aslo - does the same apply to spinach?

Not sure what to do......................

ColoradoNatureGirl 5/20/2010, 12:38 pm

Great question! I was wondering the same thing. Hopefully you will get some great feedback that we can both use!
Good luck!

jkdistad 5/20/2010, 4:05 pm

...another Minnesotan echoing "good question!". I've got some romaine under my pea tee-pee, so I'm hoping that gets some shade there, but I've got another square that will be left to fend for itself if I don't shade it with something else.... Looking forward to hearing the suggestions!

Selandra 5/20/2010, 5:40 pm

I'm interested in this also.. I even have my shades already... I finally thought of a use for all those elections signs everyone wanted to plant in my yard, they even come with thier own posts. Good protection from the wind around here too!! When to "shade"my cool-weather crops? Icon_biggrin

new2this 5/25/2010, 9:08 am

Anyone have an idea for me?

I think I'll just go ahead and shade them (sorta like quiltbea does with her wire hangers and shade cloth pinned to them - like mini shade covers)

But I am still curious......do you all shade your "cool" crops right away, or wait for growth (if so, how much growth?)?

thanks

Retired Member 1 5/25/2010, 9:30 am

I live in hot, hot Texas and shading does help, although it only extends the harvest for a week or so. In northern climes, I doubt you would need to shade unless you have a hot spell into the mid 80's - 90's. Lettuce likes temps in the 70's with coolish nights, so I think you are fine for now. If you do shade, since the sun is not as intensive there perhaps place the shade cloth at an angle to block the midday to afternoon sun. Lettuce does need some sun to develop well.

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