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Connecticut

I have seen a few pictures of shade tents, but what do people generally use? Tarps? Shade fabric? What do you use to stake it down or hold it up? Tent poles, PVC, or something else? I have no idea how to build one and would like some advice!?

8/4/2007 4:07:04 PM

Ohio

I use white sheets and carpet padding, I used to use shade structures but sheets are the ticket, plus they saves loads of time.

Brooks

8/4/2007 6:53:46 PM

Buffalo, New York

i use old towels.

8/4/2007 7:17:24 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

Old Towels there is your problem...To much moisture retention

8/4/2007 8:03:44 PM

Washington

We used to build shade structures out of PVC and tarps. We would angle rebar into the ground and make a hoop out of the pvc and attached the tarp. The past 3 years we haven't bothered unless we are keeping a fan on an injury. Now it is just sheets and later blankets when the weather is colder. A lot less work and easier to work around the pumpkin.
Sherry

8/4/2007 8:12:46 PM

Rexburg, Idaho

I overhead water so I use the rebar, pvc and tarp tents. They shade the pumpkin as well as keep it dry.

8/4/2007 11:02:09 PM

Omaha, NE (N41-15-42 )

I have used several methods, but have settled on using 1/2" aluminum electrical conduit and a conduit bender. I bend 45 degrees at 30 inches and then again 18 inches further on each side. sturdier than pvc, lasts longer, and not much more expensive. Then I do like Sherry and put rebar in the ground and slide the conduit over the rebar. Then I put tarps over the top and then use 1/2" snap clamps to hold the tarps on. I will try to get a pic in my diary tomorrow.

You have to be careful with the rebar though. I have accidentally impaled a fruit with rebar and I think there are a few others out there who have done the same.

8/4/2007 11:07:33 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

yep that rebar is a killer when you roll the fruit. We impaled on one year on a lambsquarter weed stem right through to the cavity..

8/4/2007 11:16:56 PM

Buffalo, New York

so i shouldnt use old beach towels?

what is the difference if i use old towels or old t-shirts?

8/5/2007 6:08:55 AM

Mulino, Oregon

Jeremy, those t-shirts would have to be XXXXXL in order to cover a mature pumpkin. Old bed sheets bought at garage sales are the ticket! Double - queen work the best.

8/5/2007 10:43:15 AM

San Jose [email protected]

towels are fine

8/5/2007 12:34:56 PM

Buffalo, New York

tree.....my pumpkins are only about 50" around currently so i dont need big t-shirts yet.......i wont be getting any 800# or more so i dont need big sheets.

8/5/2007 12:55:26 PM

Anamosa, IA [email protected]

Go to the fabric section at WalMart and get some white cotton fabric. They usually have some for $1.00 per yard, and about 1.5 yards will cover most any giant pumpkin.

8/5/2007 8:46:42 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

I bought cheap white sheets at Walmart for $2.50 a piece.

8/6/2007 1:12:20 AM

Minnesota([email protected])

I should add twin sized.

8/6/2007 1:12:40 AM

Rhode Island

i had to sew two together lol

8/6/2007 5:12:41 AM

White Plains, NY

Flannel sheets are preferred. When the Wife finds a bottom sheet (elastic corners) missing the pumpkins might have to move over.

8/6/2007 8:31:44 AM

Monrovia, CA

Sheets...zip tied on to pvc pipe structure...too easy

8/6/2007 12:15:17 PM