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Antwerp, Belgium

Do you cover your pumpkin to shield it from the sun?

I read opposite advices on the net.

And if so, do you cover it from a young pumpkin until you harvest? Or later when it's quite big already?

Thanks in advance for any reaction!

8/7/2020 9:55:40 AM

Western NY

I cover:

- starting a few days after pollination so the deer don't bite them
- orange ones so that the color does not fade
- extra blankets on cold nights

I uncover:
- white pumpkins during the day to warm up (if it is not too hot)
- pretty pumpkins during the day, but wad the sheet on top to allow for airflow around the side

8/7/2020 10:02:41 AM

South Dakota

I am wondering a similar thing, I have a damn cat jumping up on top of my pumpkin and is scratching, or more like puncturing, the shit out of the side and top. I am planning on covering with a canvas tarp that the claws can't penetrate. Does the cover need to let air exchange with the pumpkin and will the canvas cover cause problems? Option two is try to fence out a cat which could be a problem, cats can get into about anything one way or another.

8/7/2020 5:26:39 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

Canvas is going to cause problems. You’re better off going with an old quilt or comforter from the goodwill store that’s too thick for the cats to puncture through.

8/7/2020 6:55:15 PM

Central Illinois

LJ you could try some double-sided tape ,I used it on a turntable my cat would jump onto, they hate having their foot stuck to it .Once it happens they probably won't do it again. Make sure the tape won't stick to the cat when it leaves

8/8/2020 5:45:56 AM

Colorado

Moving blankets make a nice cover,prob thick enough to stymy the cats claws.I keep a sheet on most of the late season.moving blanket on top of that when we have cool nights.

9/22/2020 3:27:10 PM