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Picton,ON ([email protected])

Ive seen some comments that the colour of the shade tarp can influence the colour of the fruit. Any thoughts on this? I used blue traps last year. I had some pumpkins that had great colour and some that were lighter in colour. I am wondering if the pumpkin is naturally dark orange, it may not make much difference. But, if it is going to be lighter in colour it may have an influence.

2/19/2005 7:55:13 AM

[email protected]

In the past this subject led to more "orange" tarp conclusions. Let's see if that opinion prevails again.

My opinion is than any color is fine so long as the light is thoroughly blocked but heat & air circulation are not caused to be an issue.

2/19/2005 9:12:03 AM

Butler, Ohio

I've been wondering the same thing for a while myself about tarp color. I see alot of blue ones used in diary photos. I have a couple of heavy duty black ones that got too many holes in them to run them on my semi anymore (customers dont like their steel wet!! lol) They still got the D rings and a few straps on them and should be easy to secure from blowing away. The only thing that worries me is that they are black and may get too hot. Thats just a rookie's opinion though, the more seasoned growers should know better than me.

2/19/2005 3:09:02 PM

Rhode Island

i dont think its really matters on the color

we have used blue, silver and last year orange

with each color we always had a variaty of flesh colors
more so because of genetic background rather than anything to do with reflected light
i always was of the thinking that the tarp was only there to keep the harmful suns rays from drying the outer skin ( july and august ) then in sept we uncover on sunny days and just use the tarp at night to keep the dew off of the blankets

2/19/2005 4:15:17 PM

Hilpoltstein, Bavaria, Germany

I prefer white or yellow/orange colored tarps because they reflect the sunlight better and it doesn't get so hot under them...

Martin

2/19/2005 4:58:08 PM

Cameron,ontario Team Lunatic

I went with Al Eaton's proven method last year and had my best season. He just drapes a white blanket directly on the pumpkin. I'm like Pap though, I take them off in the fall on sunny days and cover at night.

Phil

2/19/2005 5:50:53 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

The only thing I dislike about the tarps are people know right where your pumpkin is. We prefer the white blanket or old sheet instead.

2/19/2005 5:52:52 PM

Montoursville, PA

We have heard of patch problems. Thus far we have had none.
Therefore I like the circus maximum with orange to surely compliment orange and the green leaf display. We jazz it up a bit with decorum.....some of which just seems to appear.

Our guest flow has been mostly adult. The patch is several hundred feet back into the property behind the house more or less.

The lowly ground hog and occasional coon are our only feared guests as of this moment.

2/20/2005 10:11:50 PM