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Decatur, IL

Is covering your fruit with a sheet a satisfactory method of shade protection? What would be a disadvantage-possibly lack of air flow?
Charlie

8/4/2004 12:58:15 AM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

Never had a problem with the sheets... More problems with the tarps and lack of air flow. Plus I find the tarps on their little hoop structures are like big magnifying glasses requiring people to see whats under them.

8/4/2004 2:04:29 AM

Vancouver, White Rock, Canada

I'm using sheets this year as well, so far so good. If I build anything man made in my patch, the cats come running to mark their territory and urinate all over my plants! Check my diary - that stuff kills leaves. Anyway, they seem to leave things alone if I just throw a sheet over the pumpkin, so far.

8/4/2004 3:52:39 AM

[email protected]

Large towels seem to be retaining the chelated calcium wraps longer. Plus the Squirrels have so far only scratched a small portion of one fruiut that outgrew it's first bath towel.

8/4/2004 6:22:55 AM

Rhode Island

if you got a good one going i guess anything you do would be ok
i like the sheet and the tarp overhead ( orange tarp, it looks good and some say it helps add coloring to the fruit )
i like the tarp because i dont like my pumpkins to get or stay wet any more that neccessary
plus you still have the hail factor that sheets wont protect
we like to put a circle of moth balls around our best fruit
it helps keep the rodents away
pap nepga

8/4/2004 6:44:46 AM

Ohio

thanks pap on the moth ball idea, never thought of that.

8/4/2004 9:03:29 AM

Decatur, IL

Thanks a bunch! You all gave good info.
Charlie

8/4/2004 11:18:54 AM

Wv

towel may be a good idea but remember the fruit sweats during the afternoon hours

8/4/2004 9:37:28 PM