09/13/2025
High temps don’t have to scorch your garden — and shade solutions don’t have to break the bank. We asked Oregon gardeners how they’re keeping plants cool, and of course they're creative: thrifted sheer curtains, broken rake handles, bungee cords, even sun umbrellas.
“Sheer curtain from thrift store doubled up for better shade, bamboo stakes and binder clips to shade my head lettuce from getting scalded in this heat. Seems to be working.”— Renee, Linn County
“I've always used wide rakes, discarded for broken handles etc. for lean-to shade and they work great too. Here is a photo of my variegated broken rake shade over a tiny cantaloupe plant.” — Sheila, Lane County
“Shade cloth and old sheer curtains over cages and bungee cords and clips attached to poles. So far all the veggies have survived.” — Cindy, Washington County
“Protecting some veggies!” — Alison, Washington County
What creative ways are you shading your plants during these high heat days?