How to Keep Your Greenhouse Cool During the Summer

Don't Let the Summer Heat Keep You from Enjoying Your Greenhouse

One of the most common questions we hear from new greenhouse owners is:

"Won't it get too hot inside during the summer?"

It's a fair question. After all, a greenhouse is designed to capture heat, which is exactly what makes it so effective during the cooler months. But with the right setup and a few simple adjustments, your greenhouse can remain productive throughout the summer—even in Georgia's hot and humid climate.

The key isn't trying to eliminate the heat. It's learning how to manage it.

At Maco Structures & Trailers, we've helped countless gardeners choose greenhouses that they enjoy year-round. Here are some of the best ways to keep your greenhouse cooler during the hottest months of the year.

Why Greenhouses Get So Hot

Sunlight passes through the greenhouse glazing and warms the air and surfaces inside. Because much of that heat becomes trapped, temperatures can rise quickly on sunny summer afternoons.

Without proper ventilation and cooling methods, the inside of a greenhouse can become much warmer than the outside air.

Fortunately, there are several effective ways to control those temperatures.

Install Shade Cloth

One of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce greenhouse temperatures is by installing shade cloth.

Shade cloth helps by:

• Blocking a portion of the sun's rays

• Reducing heat buildup

• Protecting plants from excessive sunlight

• Lowering stress on vegetables and flowers

Many greenhouse owners notice a significant temperature difference after installing shade cloth, especially during the hottest part of the day.

Choosing the Right Shade Cloth

Shade cloth comes in different percentages depending on how much sunlight you want to block.

General recommendations include:

• 30%–40% — Cooler or mild climates

• 50% — General gardening use

• 60%–70% — Hot southern climates like Georgia

If you live in an area with long, hot summers, many gardeners find that higher-percentage shade cloth provides the best protection for both plants and people working inside the greenhouse.

Install Shade Cloth on the Outside

Many first-time greenhouse owners wonder whether shade cloth should be installed inside or outside the greenhouse.

For the best results, install it on the exterior roof whenever possible.

This helps:

• Block sunlight before it enters the greenhouse

• Reduce overall heat gain

• Improve cooling efficiency

Interior shade cloth can still provide benefits, but stopping the sunlight before it enters the greenhouse is generally more effective.

Improve Airflow

Air movement is just as important as shade.

Without good airflow, hot air becomes trapped inside the greenhouse.

To improve ventilation:

• Open windows and doors

• Install roof vents

• Use exhaust fans

• Add circulation fans

• Allow fresh air to move freely through the structure

Proper airflow not only lowers temperatures but also helps reduce humidity and promotes healthier plant growth.

Water Plants Consistently

Plants naturally use more water during the summer.

High temperatures increase evaporation, causing soil to dry much faster than it does during cooler months.

Check your plants daily and water as needed.

Depending on the crops you're growing and the weather conditions, some plants may require watering more than once a day during periods of extreme heat.

Garden During Cooler Parts of the Day

Summer gardening doesn't have to happen at noon.

Many experienced greenhouse owners adjust their schedule by working inside the greenhouse:

• Early in the morning

• Late in the evening

Not only is it more comfortable, but your plants also experience less stress during these cooler hours.

Grow Crops That Love the Heat

Summer is a great time to grow crops that thrive in warm temperatures.

Popular greenhouse crops include:

• Okra

• Peppers

• Eggplant

• Basil

• Sweet potatoes (slips)

• Certain herbs

• Flowers

Many gardeners also use the greenhouse to protect these plants from deer, rabbits, and other wildlife while still giving them plenty of sunlight.

Use Your Greenhouse Differently in Summer

One misconception is that greenhouses sit empty during the hottest months.

In reality, experienced gardeners simply change how they use them.

During spring, your greenhouse may be filled with seed trays and young transplants.

During summer, it often becomes a place to:

• Protect heat-loving plants

• Grow herbs

• Extend vegetable production

• Shelter container plants

• Start fall crops

Instead of shutting down, your greenhouse simply shifts to meet the season's needs.

Start Preparing for Your Fall Garden

One of the biggest advantages of owning a greenhouse is staying ahead of the seasons.

While many people are still harvesting summer vegetables, greenhouse owners are already preparing for fall.

Late summer is an excellent time to start seedlings for:

• Lettuce

• Spinach

• Kale

• Broccoli

• Cauliflower

• Cabbage

By the time outdoor temperatures begin cooling, your fall garden is already well underway.

A Greenhouse Is a Year-Round Gardening Tool

Owning a greenhouse isn't just about extending your growing season in the spring.

It's about creating a gardening space that adapts to every season.

With the addition of shade cloth, proper ventilation, consistent watering, and a simple adjustment to your gardening routine, your greenhouse remains one of the most productive places on your property—even during Georgia's hottest months.

Many greenhouse owners quickly discover that once they learn how to manage the summer heat, they spend just as much time enjoying their greenhouse in July as they do in March.

Find the Right Greenhouse at Maco Structures & Trailers

Whether you're an experienced gardener or just getting started, Heritage Greenhouses offer a durable, customizable solution for growing vegetables, flowers, herbs, and more throughout the year.

We offer a variety of greenhouse sizes and options, including:

• Ventilation packages

• Irrigation systems

• Shelving

• Workbenches

• Trex flooring

Our team is happy to help you choose the greenhouse that fits your gardening goals and your property.

Contact Maco Structures & Trailers today to learn more about our available greenhouse models.