10 x 20 tent to shade house questions

[Hank Brent]

My collection has grown too large to summer outside in the small spots that they were in last year. I have a 10' X 20' tent that I would like to make into a shaded area in my backyard. It is the type that you see venders under with the 1.5" poles and white plastic top and sides.
Can I use the top that came with it or should I put up shade cloth? If I use shade cloth, how do I keep rainwater out of my Phals on the 75% side (I read another post about dbbl 50% cloth)? Do I need to put the sides on the tent for any reason? The tent would run east to west with a 5' picket fence behind it.
Anything else I need to know?

[Ray]

Hi Hank.

You get a lot of sun down there (I have family near Shady Grove & 301), but even at that, the cover you have is likely opaque as far as the plants are concerned. Your eye adjusts; chlorophyll doesn't.

My suggestion would be to cover the frame with clear plastic (if you can find a scrap of UV-resistant greenhouse film, that would be better than drop-cloth film), then cover that with the shade cloth.

I don't think the sides would be necessary unless you're planning on having plants close the the outer edges of the cover. Early-, and late-day rays are significantly reduced in intensity. You might consider low-light plants toward the middle and high-light plants toward the edges.

Plants grown outdoors WILL be more prone to insect issues, so be prepared to be diligent, and to do several thorough pesticide treatments before bringing them back in come autumn.

[Hank Brent]

Thank you Ray.

I now have a plan. I will put the east side next to the fence on and leave the rest off. Is there a reason the shade cloth goes on last?

I live about 2 miles from the Shady Grove and Pole Green road intersection.