From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Cranston, Rhode Island

Does anybody throw a white towel over their fruit for protection from the sun? I hear some that some growers use a tarp suspended above the fruit but the stress that you should have good ventilation around the area of the fruit. If that's the case would I be doing more harm than good with the towel resting on the fruit? Day 22, 85" circumference, est. 165 lbs. Thanks, Will

8/12/2003 1:51:01 PM

Montoursville, PA

My tents went up shortly after basketball size. Two inches of sand were placed under the fruit to prevent soil contact and keep the bottom dry. I prefer open ended tents to maximise ventilation. Look at the most recent pix in my diary if you care to see the simplicty I am speaking of here.

8/12/2003 2:12:30 PM

Key West, FL

I have a blue tarp over mine and then a white sheet on the pumpkin

8/12/2003 2:29:01 PM

Nova Scotia

i just used a white sheet directly on top

8/12/2003 2:42:57 PM

Caceres, mid west of Spain

I have a green 100% shade cloth over a pvc pipe structure 2 ft over the top of the fruit and then a white sheet directly on the pumpkin. No sun light neither dry air is permitted to reach the skin, but good ventilation is provided.

8/12/2003 3:12:01 PM

[email protected]

Silver woven poly tarps from Walmart ($3.88) over galvanized metal conduit bent into "U's".

8/12/2003 4:23:20 PM

old mattress pads that my mom uses for drop clothes when she paints. white with paint splotches. free.

8/12/2003 5:32:55 PM

Monrovia,CA

I'm using an orange tarp as a shader...should I also have a white sheet directly on the pumpkin? What does this accomplish? Temps are in high 90's and 100's.
Thanks!
Michelle

8/12/2003 9:20:25 PM

Sloughhouse, CA

I have shade cloth on top of 10 ft. poles. The shade cloth is 6 ft. wide held to ropes by plastic clips. See diary for picftures. Suzy

8/13/2003 2:18:22 AM

Cranston, Rhode Island

Thanks for all your feedback. I decided I'm going to set up my dome tent above the pumpkin and leave both ends open for air circulation. Free.

Thanks, Will

8/13/2003 8:42:18 AM