The LowCat™ Shade Cloth is a lightweight, durable covering for reducing heat and sun exposure over crops such as lettuce, spinach, and cilantro.
Available in 35% and 55% shade.
The 6.5' width is a good fit for 30" regular-height LowCats. It can also be used on 40" or extended-height LowCats when full ground contact is not required.
Choose the width and shade percentage that best match your crop and LowCat setup. Coverings can be cut to length.
LowCat tunnels are sold separately.
LowCat Shade Cloth
LowCat Shade Cloth
Reduce Bolting and Heat Stress
Longest in the Industry
18 Months
We guarantee our shade cloth against premature breakdown for 18 months or we replace it.
Commercial Quality
Unlike cheap shade cloth that can tear and unravel, LowCat shade cloth is solid and druable. It will last for many season.
Unlimited choices
LowCats Works with all Coverings
- Clear poly
- Perforated Poly
- Insect netting
- Shade Cloth
- Row cover
Coverings can also be combined and layered.
LowCat Coverings
Professional Quality
All LowCat coverings are the best quality available, and they are engineered for commercial farm operations.
Guaranteed against premature UV breakdown.
The LowCat™
The LowCat™
Low Tunnel Hoops
Compare LowCat Coverings
Details about all the coverings we offer
| Covering | Cover Weight / Life Span | Light Transmission | Main Purpose | Advantages Over Other Products in the Market | Other Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frost Protection FP-20 | Light duty | 82% | 20-weight row cover (20 grams per meter). Great indoor covering. Helps prevent frost damage on crops down to 27.5°F. | Lasts 65% longer in UV sunlight. Fewer rips with the same frost protection. Custom-sized for LowCats. | Light-duty covering is more susceptible to wind damage and rips. Keep the covering tight and sealed to the ground, and avoid overstretching. |
| Frost Protection FP-30 | Medium-light duty | 70% | 30-weight row cover (30 grams per meter). Helps prevent frost damage on crops down to 26°F. | Lasts 65% longer in UV sunlight. Fewer rips with the same frost protection. Custom-sized for LowCats. | Medium-light-duty covering is more susceptible to wind damage and rips, but can last multiple seasons if handled and stored carefully. Keep the covering tight and sealed to the ground, and avoid overstretching. |
| Frost Protection FP-40 | Medium duty | 60% | 40-weight row cover (40 grams per meter). Helps prevent frost damage on crops down to 24°F. Heavy-duty construction can last longer without tearing and can be secured on rings. | Lasts 65% longer in UV sunlight. Fewer rips with the same frost protection. Custom-sized for LowCats. | Medium-duty coverings have lower light transmission and should be removed during winter days for better soil warming. |
| Frost Protection FP-60 | Heavy duty | 40% | 60-weight row cover (60 grams per meter). Helps prevent frost damage on crops down to 22°F. Super-heavy-duty construction can last many seasons without tearing and can be secured on rings. Great for indoor overwintering crops. | Lasts 65% longer in UV sunlight. Heavier-duty construction means fewer rips with the same frost protection. Custom-sized for LowCats. | Heavy-duty coverings have lower light transmission and should be removed during winter days for better soil warming. |
| LowCat™ Insect Netting | Heavy duty | 90% | Blocks insects including flea beetles, whiteflies, and thrips. | Multiple-season use. Will not stretch and deform. Professional quality and tear-resistant. Custom-designed for LowCats. | Use LowCat rings on uprights to ensure a good seal with the ground. Netting can also be used on hoop-house sides to help prevent weed seeds from blowing in while allowing beneficial insects to leave. |
| LowCat™ Perforated Poly Covering — 1.5 mil | Medium duty | 94% | Increase growth and plant health during shoulder seasons. Great light transmission. Multi-season use. | Better than normal poly because the venting helps resist overheating. Custom-designed for LowCats. | Medium-duty covering can last multiple seasons if handled and stored carefully. |
| LowCat™ Heavy Duty Poly Covering — 4 mil | Heavy duty | 92% | Overwinter crops outdoors. Maximum protection against wind and snow. | Lighter than traditional greenhouse poly while still heavy duty. Custom-sized for LowCats. | Heavy-duty poly must be vented when used during warm or sunny periods. |
| LowCat™ Shade Cloth — 35% | Medium duty | 65% | Reduce temperature for cool-season crops such as spinach and lettuce. Helps reduce bolting and heat stress. 35% shade is well suited to cooler climates. | Professional, non-stretch product that is lightweight. Custom-sized for LowCats. | Consider lifting the sides on cloudy days to allow more sunlight. |
| LowCat™ Shade Cloth — 55% | Heavy duty | 45% | Reduce temperature for cool-season crops such as spinach and lettuce. Helps reduce bolting and heat stress. 55% shade is well suited to warmer climates. | Professional, non-stretch product that is lightweight. Custom-sized for LowCats. | Consider lifting the sides on cloudy days to allow more sunlight. |
Frost Protection FP-20
Weight / lifespan
Light duty
Light transmission
82%
Main purpose
20-weight row cover (20 grams per meter). Great indoor covering. Helps prevent frost damage on crops down to 27.5°F.
Advantages
Lasts 65% longer in UV sunlight. Fewer rips with the same frost protection. Custom-sized for LowCats.
Other considerations
Light-duty covering is more susceptible to wind damage and rips. Keep the covering tight and sealed to the ground, and avoid overstretching.
Product
Frost Protection FP-30
Weight / lifespan
Medium-light duty
Light transmission
70%
Main purpose
30-weight row cover (30 grams per meter). Helps prevent frost damage on crops down to 26°F.
Advantages
Lasts 65% longer in UV sunlight. Fewer rips with the same frost protection. Custom-sized for LowCats.
Other considerations
Medium-light-duty covering is more susceptible to wind damage and rips, but can last multiple seasons if handled and stored carefully. Keep the covering tight and sealed to the ground, and avoid overstretching.
Product
Frost Protection FP-40
Weight / lifespan
Medium duty
Light transmission
60%
Main purpose
40-weight row cover (40 grams per meter). Helps prevent frost damage on crops down to 24°F. Heavy-duty construction can last longer without tearing and can be secured on rings.
Advantages
Lasts 65% longer in UV sunlight. Fewer rips with the same frost protection. Custom-sized for LowCats.
Other considerations
Medium-duty coverings have lower light transmission and should be removed during winter days for better soil warming.
Product
Frost Protection FP-60
Weight / lifespan
Heavy duty
Light transmission
40%
Main purpose
60-weight row cover (60 grams per meter). Helps prevent frost damage on crops down to 22°F. Super-heavy-duty construction can last many seasons without tearing and can be secured on rings. Great for indoor overwintering crops.
Advantages
Lasts 65% longer in UV sunlight. Heavier-duty construction means fewer rips with the same frost protection. Custom-sized for LowCats.
Other considerations
Heavy-duty coverings have lower light transmission and should be removed during winter days for better soil warming.
Product
LowCat™ Insect Netting
Weight / lifespan
Heavy duty
Light transmission
90%
Main purpose
Blocks insects including flea beetles, whiteflies, and thrips.
Advantages
Multiple-season use. Will not stretch and deform. Professional quality and tear-resistant. Custom-designed for LowCats.
Other considerations
Use LowCat rings on uprights to ensure a good seal with the ground. Netting can also be used on hoop-house sides to help prevent weed seeds from blowing in while allowing beneficial insects to leave.
Product
LowCat™ Perforated Poly Covering — 1.5 mil
Weight / lifespan
Medium duty
Light transmission
94%
Main purpose
Increase growth and plant health during shoulder seasons. Great light transmission. Multi-season use.
Advantages
Better than normal poly because the venting helps resist overheating. Custom-designed for LowCats.
Other considerations
Medium-duty covering can last multiple seasons if handled and stored carefully.
Product
LowCat™ Heavy Duty Poly Covering — 4 mil
Weight / lifespan
Heavy duty
Light transmission
92%
Main purpose
Overwinter crops outdoors. Maximum protection against wind and snow.
Advantages
Lighter than traditional greenhouse poly while still heavy duty. Custom-sized for LowCats.
Other considerations
Heavy-duty poly must be vented when used during warm or sunny periods.
Product
LowCat™ Shade Cloth — 35%
Weight / lifespan
Medium duty
Light transmission
65%
Main purpose
Reduce temperature for cool-season crops such as spinach and lettuce. Helps reduce bolting and heat stress. 35% shade is well suited to cooler climates.
Advantages
Professional, non-stretch product that is lightweight. Custom-sized for LowCats.
Other considerations
Consider lifting the sides on cloudy days to allow more sunlight.
Product
LowCat™ Shade Cloth — 55%
Weight / lifespan
Heavy duty
Light transmission
45%
Main purpose
Reduce temperature for cool-season crops such as spinach and lettuce. Helps reduce bolting and heat stress. 55% shade is well suited to warmer climates.
Advantages
Professional, non-stretch product that is lightweight. Custom-sized for LowCats.
Other considerations
Consider lifting the sides on cloudy days to allow more sunlight.
Product
More Information
LowCat Videos
For more about installing and using LowCat tunnels check out our YouTube LowCat playlist.
Apply For NRCS Funding for your LowCat Purchase
The NRCS department of the USDA can help reimburse your purchase of a LowCat tunnel and covering. It is pretty easy to apply. Just reach out to your local NRCS representative. To find yours, CLICK HERE, and select your state and county. Your rep can walk you through it.
LowCats exceed the NRCS requirements.
CLICK HERE for The LowCat Technical Sheet to give your NRCS Rep.
NRCS cost share contribution
1000 square feet or less - $4 to $5 per square foot
1000 to 5000 square feet - $1 to $2 per square foot.
Historically Underserved Farmers can get higher rates.
Most states have signed on to the program. To find out if your state participates, talk to your NCRS representative. The EQIP reimbursement practice code for Low Tunnels is 821. Example reimbursement rates for Georgia can be found HERE. Scroll to the bottom of the document.
It is important to contact your local NRCS representative for accurate information and to check whether your state participates. CLICK HERE, and select your state and county. Your rep can walk you through it.