Shade Netting

I have a 4x4 SFG in my yard in full sun. I would estimate it gets about eleven hours of direct sun per day, way too much for cool season vegetables according to my research. Too much sun will quickly cause moisture to dissipate from the soil and can cause spotted leaves and premature bolting. 

After having installed a 6 foot by 6 foot shade net with 50% sun protection, I have increased my harvest, probably fourfold. I installed  a dome  structure as pictured on page 73 of Mel's 2006 SFG book, and attached the shade net by clamping it to the PVC pipes with the very large office clips one can buy at any office supply store. The four sides of the netting were secured by running a string from the end of the middle portions, and attaching them to the ground outside the SFG box by means of 4 metal bolts. This allowed a gap at the bottom of about 12 inches all around, to insure proper ventilation. Plants needing pollination, such as pepper plants, are planted in the four corner squares, and can be tied to the PVC poles on the outside with string. I believe that the netting discourages wildlife, as the loose portions of the net flop around in the wind. I have had no problems with cats, birds, or rabbits. I would suspect the netting could afford some protection from high winds and maybe mild frosts. 

The 6x6 netting works fine but a 7 foot by 7 foot netting with 70% sun protection might be even better (depending on your climate).

Thanks for the testament.