To protect vulnerable seedlings from sunburn and drying out

[Johan]

My newly transplanted peppers were not doing so well in our hot climate. The last few days were around 40C / 104F. The tomatoes coped but the peppers not.


I pushed some branches of trees to protect against the sun but it wilted within a day.


I made use of brickforce and made seven little covers. Look at the plakkie (sandal) strap tan on my foot. I used a sail needle and 50% shade cloth and sun resistance string.


The cover compared to my foot for size.


The covers over the plants, but not good enough. They are still wilting.

[Johan]

Now it is working after another 50% cloth. Overhead is a 40%, on the little shelter is a 50% and the loose piece is a 50%. After a week I will remove the loose piece and another week or two later the shelter. I wet the soil around also to to keep the soil cool enough. I have to ensure the root system develope first.

[mothhawk]

Great idea Johan, very ingenious. Could you send a bit of your sunshine over here to the UK please? We'll swap it for some rain.

[Johan]

We mostly have rain in the winter, but never as cold as there. The coldest is still above freezing (night) and never frost (Cape Town Peninsula). In the days the cold days are 10C or above.

[Bigmallly]

It just goes to show how hot climates have their own challenges to conquer.

[Feral007]

Yes, I'm going to have to get some shade organised for next year. Plants just couldn't cope this year. Due to no rain either, I didn't get excited and make some shade, but plan to have a shade/wind break for them next year.