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Myrtle Creek, Oregon

Is there a particular way to shade Our pumpkin ? and also
how important is it, what happens to the pumpkin if it's
not shaded? Right now I am more worried about these thunder storms and hail. I dont want it to look like someone took a 12 gage shotgun with double aht buckshot after it.
After all you know Mother nature, when you think you got it made she comes up and slaps yuh on the head WACK!!! LOL
It's not funny when it happen's though.

7/15/2001 10:38:16 AM

Commack, NY

different people have different preferences. when the fruits are small, before i've made my final cut, i put four stakes in the ground and attach weed fabric to the stakes. when my final cut is made, i use soemthing a little different for the long haul. its very similar in design to some hoop houses. i use pvc, and rebar, and make hoops over the pumpkin. then i attach a tarp oer them. i try and get a good amount of air circulation under the tarp because if its too close to the fruit, it will get hot under there. this year i'm using a ailver reflective tarp which i feel will block more of the sun then a standard blue tarp. shading in my opinion is absolutely necessary. you dont want to scorch that tender skin so that it cant accomodate growth.

good luck,
scott

7/15/2001 11:06:01 AM

Long Island,New York

Just remember...to much shade and you increase your chances for a squash......and we all know how bad that is.......G

7/15/2001 11:26:07 AM

Myrtle Creek, Oregon

Thanks for the reply,
our pumpkin is shaded most of the hot afternoon but it seems to be a good idea to set it up for shade the rest off the day, now all we have to do is figure out what to do about these thunder storm,s. Love the rain hate the hail!!

7/15/2001 11:42:34 AM

western Kentucky

Glenn,

Now that you mentioned it, does any one know anything about color manipulation? I know that Nic Welty has an article about it, and i have read that. But I had a hard time following it, so could someone help me out with the basic steps? Oh... i want to know how to turn it into a squash... i understud the part about darkening the the pumpkin.


Thanks Justin

7/15/2001 1:03:28 PM