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Myrtle Creek, Oregon

Just wunderin what cheep-n-easy shade protection does everyone do?
A sheet and 4 sticks?
Ask the large lady across the street to sun bath where she casts a shadow over it?
I say simple is just as good as fancy.
<;-) H-K-J

8/10/2004 3:10:01 PM

Eugene, OR

I'm using two white sheets over each of my pumpkins. I just drape them over the pumpkin and weight the corners down so it can't blow away. Easy, cheap, and dirty. Just the way I like it! I haven't noticed any problems with excess heat either.

Good idea on the sun bathing. I think three or four *nicely proportioned* girls would work just as well as one large one. Plus it will give you something to look at while you're in the patch!

8/10/2004 3:22:21 PM

Rexburg, Idaho

Harold, Have you got one big enough to put shade on this year??? I use six 4' pieces of 3/8" rebar then 3 sticks of 10'x 1/2" PVC and cover with a tarp. I get the tarps and PVC at CAL and the rebar at BMC.

8/10/2004 8:42:58 PM

I'm with Gordon... GO UTES!

Since this is appears to be an Idaho thread...

I've gone on a "keep them warm and stable" kick, I have
styrofoam underneath, a blanket on top, and a tarp over
that. Of course the blanket and styrofoam are in contact
with the fruit. This was designed to help with our overnight
temps in the 40's, but since I leave early for work the
coverings remain on all day. They don't really get hot in
there, just warm and stable. I open them up in the evening
to let them ventilate.

I'm doing better than ever, but that is not sayin much.
Only 10 pounds a day... and I'm at a loss for what to try
next.

- Cliff

8/11/2004 11:07:21 AM

I'm with Gordon... GO UTES!

Question: Is it a good idea to let a true-green squash go
without shading? I've noticed that my squash has become more
pale since I've been shading it.

8/11/2004 11:11:13 AM

Rexburg, Idaho

Cliff, I've been taking the quilts off during the day. Initially I thought it was helping but now I'm really not sure. The 3 days before I started using covers I averaged only 7#/day (seven pumpkins on 5 plants) for the next six days while I did use the quilts at night the weight gain increased to 14.6#. Then I was gone for two days and for the three day period they were covered only for one night and the average wieght gain remained essentially stable at 14.1#. The last three days in which the covers were used the gain has been 15#. Is this small fluctuations due to the covers or "environmental" factors. I have no idea. The bottom line is it may be helping, I doubt it is hurting so I'll probably continue.
I would probably cover the squash as well but I would uncover it during the day if possible.

8/11/2004 11:56:38 AM

Sloughhouse, CA

I put shade cloth over my whole patch. see last years diary. I getting the last two rows put up tomorrow. We have to do something to keep the pumpkins from cooking on the vine.

8/12/2004 1:25:23 AM

Myrtle Creek, Oregon

come on Brian C. if your gettin 15lbs uh day I aint even goin tuh show up to the Fair LOL

8/13/2004 11:31:32 AM

Myrtle Creek, Oregon

Now instead of shadein them I,m going to steal the comforter out of the closet and throw it over the pumpkin,
My wieght gain aint nothin you guys are getting.

8/13/2004 11:40:53 AM

Rexburg, Idaho

I'll bring my small one again!! LOL. I haven't checked yet but I'm assuming we are supposed to be there the Thursday night before the fair.
If you don't want to cut the big one bring your small one to the fair and then bring your big one to the 4th Annual Eastern Idaho Pumpkin Pickin Party at my place. Still trying to decide on the best dates. September 18th works best with my work but September 25th gives us an extra week of growing but I'm usually frozen out by then anyway. Let me know if you're interested.
Brian

8/13/2004 11:36:00 PM