Great replies and ideas for use. Salsa, nice setup to retard the new mex heat, as plants look healthy instead of crispy.
My garden area I established as a refuge for idle enjoyment and creative aesthetics as well as, mental respite from this crazy world and work. So don't want to make it look like a hooverville and willing to spare the expense once a year, or every other year with the ideal in mind that this is a 20 year plan that can be enjoyed into my retirement (ha!) years. Probably won't feel like doing much heavy lifting in my mid-70's (who knows?); so will take that task on now with longevity in mind.
The arches I was interested in have a 12 foot base, pole-pole, but only 7' in height. I have to go raised bed, so that will not be high enough. Now thinking about sinking some metal poles (12') in concrete and attaching cloth to top of poles. I don't want to tether poles (hate guide wires w/ mowing maintenance), so looking to drill 3' - maybe more and hope that is deep enough to give stability. No garden project shall be initiated w/o permission from the head groundskeeper!! Unfortunately, I am one in the same. Got to hate in when someone has a "grand" idea, but adds 1 hour of weedeatin' to the maintenance schedule.
Thanks for the wonderful replies and outstanding pictures of pudding proof that shade cloth does indeed help with intense heat.
In addition, think I am going to try the gutter thing will some peppers next year.
I have a "no build" policy from Memorial Day ----> Labor Day. Just too hot and hate calf cramps working in the high heat. Have a small deck project on the docket already and then this little detail.......
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