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Sacramento, CA

How necessary is shading device for pumpkins in the sunny califronia counyrtside? This is my first year of getting serious. Can someone tell me how important is a shade unit?

7/24/2002 12:07:37 AM

Yreka, CA

Yes, I would like to know that too. PVZ

7/24/2002 2:02:57 AM

Pumpkintown, SC

Quite important if you plan on growing that big one. The sun can bake the pumpkin from the inside out if hot enough and aid in the premature ripening of the fruit and in some cases make the outside skin more brittle which lead to cracking. I'd guess-timate that over 95% of all the biggins had sun protection. Only negative is your pumpkin may not orange up as much as it would with more sun time.

7/24/2002 2:43:52 AM

Pumpkintown, SC

PS. Most of these shade units double to keep the pumpkin dry and free from water - which is also very important.

7/24/2002 2:51:57 AM

Sloughhouse, CA

I bought shade cloth from Home Depot. I just tie it at the corners on four stakes. We don't have to worry about humidity or rain in Sacramento. I do use misters when it gets to 95+. Luckly the weather has been cooler this week under 100.

7/26/2002 1:00:29 AM

Kennett Square, PA

I've learned the hard way. I've had to harvest some that have gone orange as early as August when planted the last week of April. I've found that a cost effective way to do it is this: go to Lowes or Home depot and buy a bunch of 36-48" iron rods designed to hold up tall plants. These have a spiral top to them ideal for sliding the same styrofoam most put under their fruit as well. The spiral top allows you to snuggly rotate the metal top around the stryofoam and create any angle or size you need. The rods were only .98 cents and the styrofoam sheets (huge) were only 7.98 which I usually get about 6-8 "roofs" out of. It protects from sun, rain, hail and is wind resistent. Email me if you want a picture.

Gary

7/26/2002 9:41:58 PM