Portable Garden Shade Canopy

I just erected this canopy, so please note that the plants hadn’t had enough time to recover at the filming of this video. Will post an update!
-PVC pipe 3/4inch 10ft in length, twelve each should yield the following:
8ft x 5 pieces
6ft x 6 pieces
4ft x 8 pieces
2ft x 6 pieces(not used in this design)
-90 degree corner connectors 3/4in, 8 each
-“T” connectors 3/4in, 2 each
-four way connectors 3/4 in, 2 each
-30% shade cloth 10ft x12ft
-zip ties 8in, 1 pack(100 each)
-tape measure
-hand saw or pipe cutter
Total cost about $140
Inspiration:
www.thejoyblog.net/2016/07/DIY...

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

The connections are dry fitted and you may need to tap them back in place several times throughout the summer season😊

[@SeanMcAnarney]

Your highlighting the parts as you speak of them really helps the instruction. Well done!

[@maximusgreat8433]

Thanks for this. Been thinking that I need to do the same…but wind is my challenge. I think though that I could do this and maybe lock in the top section with some drilled out holes and zip ties in the corner connectors and legs (tying them all together).

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

That’s a terrific idea! I will likely do the same. I do want to be able to take it down but I suppose that’s nothing more than clipping a few zip ties.

[@astikennel]

I would leave the overhang of the sunshade loose for more coverage and as Maximus added below, a few screws for security due to wind and even use a bungee cord to a security point - I add this as my small table umbrella did cart wheels around my yard last night 🤣 Loved the screen shots of the materials used, thanks for the video!

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

Cathie, I keep checking to see if the canopy has flown off😛 So star so good, but y’all are right. I think I need to secure it better. I appreciate y’all taking the time to add some great suggestions. I learn so much from the comment section 🙌

[@growingoutthebox]

I like this. Very good diy. Working on kinda umbrellas for my peppers and tomatoes.

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

Will you make a video? Definitely would be interested in seeing other shade options 🙌

[@bobgarcia182]

This is a really good, instructional video. I'm going to make a shade structure like this for my container, vegetable garden sits on our concrete driveway and it gets blasted by the afternoon sun for a few hours in the hottest summer months. One question: is the structure very hard to take apart for storage in the winter.? Thanks very much for the video!

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

I’m so glad you found it helpful! The connections are dry fitted so I find it pretty easy to take apart even without help. Finding storage space for the top is the challenge as it’s so large, but I just rest it against the inside of my garage wall.

[@bobgarcia182]

Thank you!

[@brucetouzel6484]

nice job

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

Thanks!

[@susannebarnhart1322]

Great concept, I see success! Your plants will appreciate the semi shade. Sure like the idea of pottery for slow watering I assume ⁉️

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

I learned that terracotta pot trick from a master gardener 💗

[@creinicke1000]

All great.. here in AZ I've tried several things.. I like the pvc because of ease..BUT wind we get, especially during haboobs destroy it all. I'm a work in progress trying to figure it out, but either burying the base.. or slice the cloth so it's not a sail.

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

Hello from Texas! I have had some really windy days and have done well with weighting the base with stone. I think the lower shade percentage helps as well because there’s more “room” between each fabric strip for air to go through. That being said, I definitely think this design can be augmented to fit different gardening needs and I think you’re on the right track! Best wishes and happy gardening😊

[@SeanMcAnarney]

Why do we need a shade set up? Why can’t we just water the dickens out of the plants?

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

Watering is important but so is the prevention of water loss. A screen can help decrease evaporation (along with a good layer of mulch). A shade can also cut down on radiation from the sun, which helps prevent sun scalding/scorching. Apparently there’s also a particulate film you can apply to the plants(I guess like sunscreen) that can help cut down on some of the effects of the sun’s radiation.

[@libertylion6088]

How does this handle high winds, from summer storms?

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

Yes mine has done well with weighing down with heavy stones along the corners. The connections are dry fitted so sometimes I’ll have to tighten them up after a heavy wind. I typically don’t have this up through spring/fall so I miss the bigger storms for the most part.

[@ericnyamu9981]

why do you have so much space that you can grow so much more.

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

I agree! I’m limited by knowledge and time. I’ve slowly expanded as I learn more about vegetable gardening and become more efficient.