The importance of netting in horticulture

Once viewed mainly as a shield against hail, wind and sun, netting has evolved into a core business strategy in modern horticulture. According to various sources, as margins tighten and climate risks intensify, undercover farming is increasingly non-negotiable for premium horticultural production. Petri de Beer reports.

- Petri de Beer

For many years, netting in horticulture was regarded as a defensive measure; a way to shield crops from hailstorms, strong winds, and excessive sunlight. However, today undercover farming has shifted from being a protective/reactive tool to a strategic business decision. With margins tightening and competition intensifying, netting has become central to profitability.

For premium-grade production, it is increasingly seen as nonnegotiable.

Farmers are aligning their netting investments with cultivar selection and market demand, ensuring that the crops they grow under cover deliver both resilience and higher returns.

The expansion of horticultural plantings into less than optimal areas in South Africa has accelerated this trend. In regions where climate and soil conditions are marginal, netting is often the only way to optimise production and protect against adverse weather.

The advantages of netting are numerous, and each contributes to the sustainability and profitability of undercover farming.

PROTECTION FROM HARSH SUNLIGHT

One of the most immediate benefits of netting is its ability to moderate sunlight exposure. In South Africa’s climate, excessive solar radiation can cause sunburn on fruit and vegetables, reducing both quality and packout percentages. Shade nets allow farmers to fine-tune the growing environment.

The discussion about sunlight penetration is essential when planning netting. For crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and leafy greens, nets that provide between 30% and 40% shade strike the ideal balance of light and protection.

Shade-loving varieties like lettuce, spinach, and certain flowers thrive under nets offering 50% to 60% shade. Meanwhile, nurseries that care for young seedlings before they are transplanted generally require nets with 70% to 90% shade.

WATER CONSERVATION