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DeWitt, Iowa

What are good ways to shape my pumpkin from shade next year?
This year i used post with a tarp.
I've heard of people just putting sheets on them also.
What are some more ways, and what are the best ways?

10/24/2009 6:30:42 PM

DeWitt, Iowa

I meant Sun Shade in the title sorry.

10/24/2009 6:31:04 PM

Farmville, Virginia ([email protected])

I used white sheets this year for the first time and loved it! To tend to the pumpkin just pull the sheet off and put it back on when done. No tarps to crawl under. I even left them on if they got wet. The sun dries them quickly.

10/24/2009 7:37:39 PM

DeWitt, Iowa

Thanks Mark so how did you keep them from blowing away?

10/24/2009 7:38:45 PM

Anamosa, IA [email protected]

Grant,
If you use a large sheet it usually won't blow off except in high winds. If you don't have any old white sheets to use, you can go to Walmart sewing department and get remnants of white cloth very cheap.

If I get a real good pumpkin going, I will also suspend a 5' X 7' plastic tarp over it, using steel fence posts. This will also keep rain off the pumpkin and keep the soil under it dry. It helps prevent rot from starting. You need to set it so rain water will drain off and not puddle in the middle. Also be very careful to keep it from sagging down and touching the pumpkin. That can cause a burn on the skin of the fruit. Use good strong cord when attaching the tarp.

10/25/2009 6:32:14 AM