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Kennett Square, PA

I've read alot and seen more pictures of make-shift environmental protectors than I care to mention. I wanted to share a very cost effective method of installing and modifying pumpkin protectors. Lowes, Home Depot and garden centers care 36", 48" and 72" plant rods designed to stick into the ground and hold up plants that require vertical stability. These holders have a spiral top on them which is pliable. I have simply taken 4 rods (@ .98 cents for 36") and stuck them safely around the subject needing shade. The rods are only 1/4" in diameter at best so they are strong enough but go in the ground easily. Once these are in place I cut the same 1/2" styrofoam sheets we use under the pumpkin to size (spray paint green, wife has a fit if it looks too trashy) and rotate the spiral metal coil into the styrofoam for a very snug fit. If the sun angle changes or I lose some natural leave shading later in the season it is only 30 seconds to reconfigure the shape and size. Raising or lowering the rods allows for more or less air space between the pumpkin and the styrofoam. All in all each shelter runs about six dollars and well worth it for how durable, simple and effective it is. Thus far it has with stood winds of 31 mph with no problems even though it is the lightest construction I have seen. Good luck . Email with any questions or if you want to see a picture of it I'll send it to your email account.

Gary

7/26/2002 9:56:14 PM

Northern Ohio

Hi Gary 2,
I can't get anyone to tell me how to water when the pumpkin is set. First time here. DOes the pumpkin get all it's nourishment from the stem? When you apply fert and fung. etc., do you do it under the "porch " you have built so the pumpkin is supplied? I would like to see a picture because I wouldn't know the size. Do you make it really big to cover a giant one? Thanks for answering and the picture. Mary

7/27/2002 12:25:15 AM

Sask, Canada

Mary:

Yes the pumpkin gets it's nutrients from the stem/plant.

Think of it as a baby in a mothers womb, you wouldn't feed the baby but the mother and the baby gets it's nutrients from the umbilical cord or in this case the stem attached to da pumpkin.

Don't water under the pumpkins, yer just asking for trouble. The shade protection you build over the pumpkin is multie fold, 1) for shade against the sun which keeps the pumpkin from rippening to fast and keeps the skin pliable. 2)keeps the water/rain out as if it gets UNDER the pumpkin it could cause the pumpkin to rot from the bottom, that is why when you place something like styrofoam under yer pumpkin you punch holes in it to help let water drain out if any gets in there. And 3) keeps flying objects from hitting the pumpkin which could cut it's delicate skin, like beer caps.

I myself use folded cardboard boxes taped together with duck tape when they are young, as if ya had say ten pollinated there is no since building 10 shade structures as you probably are going to cull it down to one or two so this works for the short term then ya want to build a big one once ya have the pumpkin on that you will grow to full term, I would suggest building one that is 1 1/2 times the size of a wooden skid/palletand about 4' high so ya have a little room to bend in and get measurements.

For pics of 101 different shade structures look at the pics in growers diaries.

Hoped this Helped
TTYL
Ernie
Giant Veggies

7/27/2002 2:06:26 AM

Deer Park WA

Uh, Mrr this thred is about shading not watering, maybe I am confused but whats new.... Hay Gary cool idea I have been hiding my 200 #ers under blankies but thats getting old, fast... I useually use 4'x6' paneling with 2x2 frame and legs but I have found that to be very cumbersome and time cinsuming I think I will go to Home Depot and check out your idea...

7/27/2002 3:37:03 AM

Northern Ohio

Thanks you VERY MUCH Ernie. Now I understand A LOT more. I thank you for taking the time and making everything so well explained. I am happy now! :)
By the way, Gads, My question was about shading too. Sorry if I annoyed you. I will me more careful where I place my questions.

THanks again Ernie. I appreciate it.
Mary

7/27/2002 10:26:35 AM