PRODUCT INFORMATION

By using a shade net/greenhouse plastic tunnel, you as the grower will be able to modify or create an ideal protected micro climate, in which to produce high quality seedlings, fruit, vegetables, pot plants and cut flowers. Plants and crops suffer from excessive heat, strong winds and UV burn, which generally results in smaller, lower quality yields. Hail, severe storms, insects and birds, can cause considerable damage to plants and crops.

Shade net/greenhouse plastic will provide protection against such calamities, providing an environment for optimum growth and yield. It ensures good air circulation, with excellent moisture exchange resulting in large savings in water and chemical sprays.

The use of shade netting/greenhouse plastic assists in optimizing the photosynthetic response of plants and crops which is the fundamental process in determining any plant or crop’s yield, as well as offering the opportunity to manipulate some of the photo morphological responses associated with the quality of the produce.

The principal environmental parameters that affect the rate of photosynthesis are temperature; light intensity, quality (wavelength) and quantity(shade percentage); carbon dioxide content of the air; water supply and mineral or nutrient element in the soil.

Light affects plants in two ways, namely, by providing the energy for the manufacture of sugars and starches (carbohydrates) and providing the signal that directs a plant’s morphological development. The growth of most plants is most efficiently driven by the absorption of the blue and red wavelengths from the light spectrum, by the chlorophyll and carotid pigments in the leaves of the plants.

The relationship of blue and red light wavelengths absorbed by the plant’s leaves, will ultimately determine the effectiveness of the photosynthesis process as well as the photo morphological responses. The relationship between the various wavelengths of light (colours) can be manipulated or modified through the use of the wide range of shade netting which is manufactured in various colours and constructions (aperture sizes).  Different plants have distinctly different light, water and nutrient requirements in order to produce the best crop. It is therefore important to establish the light requirements of the plants to be grown, which will depend on the geographical region and the light intensity available from the sun. Shade netting is not only used to protect, it is ideally suited to enhance the growth and quality of plants and crops and will ultimately result in improved returns.

(Please note that our growing method is not compulsory when purchasing a Veggie Dome®)

With our growing method there is no need for “good soil”. The vegetables are planted in black planting bags which are systematically packed within the Home Veggie Dome.