Seedlings and nursery beds are the most vulnerable stage of a crop’s life — too much direct sun causes scorching and stunted growth before plants are established.
Recommended Percentage
Most nurseries in Kenya use a 75% shade net over seed beds and young transplants, reducing to lighter shading or full sun as plants harden off.
Good Practice
- Keep netting at least 1.5-2m above the bed for airflow
- Water in the early morning to reduce heat stress under the net
- Gradually reduce shading over 1-2 weeks before transplanting (“hardening off”)
Setting up a nursery bed or shade house? We can quote supply and installation together.