Child Item

How to install shade cloth for garden beds?

tinker83

Hello, I would like to add some shade cloth above my garden beds to protect them during the extremely hot summer days..

I would love some advice on what timber I could use to create poles for the shade cloth to attach too.

I have attached a photo of my veggie garden for reference.

It's a 6 m by 10 m space

Find more posts tagged with

Tools and Materials

Gardening

Building and Construction

Fencing and Screening

Comments

JacobZ

Hi @tinker83,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

If you addressed each garden bed individually, it would be much easier because the amount of force applied to shade sails, which is then transferred into the posts, is quite high.

In smaller applications, you could use things like hardwood stakes or star pickets.

If you were going slightly bigger, you could look at concreting in 100x100 H4 posts.

If you wanted the shade sail to cover the whole area, then you would need to speak with a builder as the force exerted on the shade sail would be very significant and for safety, it would need to be installed by a professional.

I hope this helps.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

AlanM52

Hi @tinker83,

What is the size of the two areas and while waiting for you come back with that I am working on a retractable shade mesh idea.

Retractable shade mesh.jpg

That uses star pickets or round pine poles and stainless steel wire rope.

Back soon...

Cheers

AlanM52

Hi @tinker83,

Basic version: Star pickets.

Deluxe version: Pine poles (impress the neighbors)

Retractable shade mesh.jpg

Retractable shade mesh.

Screenshot 2026-01-18 114744.jpg

With Eyelets.

Screenshot 2026-01-18 115351.jpg

Supported with wire rope.

Cheers

tinker83

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/61772#Comment_61772

My veggie garden is roughly 6m X 10m

The retractable mesh or shade cloth would be fantastic.

I would love to hear you plans please

tinker83

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/61765#Comment_61765

Thank you for all your help Jacob.

I'm looking to do it myself , your advice to keep it smaller over my garden is perfect, as I'm only looking to have the shade cloth set up on the hot summer days .

AlanM52

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/93370#Comment_93370

Hi @tinker83,

I have already posted my suggestions earlier today.

I would be helpful when referring to someone if you tag then with the @ symbol.

Screenshot 2026-01-18 144613.jpg

Like that.

Cheers

Child Item