From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Hudsonville, Michigan ([email protected])

Anyone know how much (if any) difference the shade structure color has on the overall color of the fruit? I see many using orange tarps in How to Grow III. Is that just wishful thinking? Or does it really effect fruit color?
Frank

8/8/2003 2:20:57 AM

Deer Park WA

I used orange tarps, painted my green houses orange and laid down orange construction netting on the ground all around/under one of two identical plants (same seed). The other one I didn't add any color I noticed no diference in pumpkin color however the "Oranged out plant" was much healthier and vigerouse than the other. I believe it has to do with the suns light spectrum wave reflection. I posted a little article about it from GE electric a couple of years ago, very interesting stuff.

8/8/2003 10:17:15 AM

Caceres, mid west of Spain

Curious indeed.

8/8/2003 11:25:34 AM

San Diego

I used a new blue tarp from a local discount store. The inside is grey and the outside blue. Seems to work real nice. Blocks the sun but it's not dark under it, let's a small amount of light in. I like it a lot. Very cheap to buy too. Jim

8/8/2003 5:01:34 PM

Montoursville, PA

Don't know about the growing value except that it makes your patch most attractive. It casts an orange glow to the yellow we often get. Stops the eternal question....will it get orange? I think the major function of a cover is to keep the skin soft and the fruiting area dry. In the tent like structure it may increase air circulation to your advantage.

8/10/2003 11:17:40 PM