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Middle TN

A dry pumpkin is a happy pumpkin, correct? I put up a tarp but the rain came in through the sides... its already hot under there and if I put up sides it will only be hotter. The temp was 92 today with more heat and storms in the forecast. So which is the lesser of the two evils? Heat or rain?

6/11/2010 4:45:32 PM

Anamosa, IA [email protected]

A little rain blowing in from the sides shouldn't hurt it. Just make sure the tarp doesn't sag and touch the pumpkin or it will burn it. I learned that the hard way.

6/11/2010 5:50:50 PM

Rhode Island

a barrier or bed of sand a couple ft out around the botton of your fruit will also help keep dirt and mud from splashing on the sides of your pumpkin.
you can also lower the tarp around the fruit when it rains and raise the tarp once the storm is over .

6/11/2010 6:51:00 PM

Las Cruces NM

Heat! but you should be concerned! Sun heated surfaces are much hotter -- the tarp prevents sun from hitting the fruit so it is, relitively speeking, cool at 92. For the plants, as it gets hotter, they need more and more water, so rain is good!

6/11/2010 8:26:58 PM

Middle TN

Ok, more sand and movable side flaps it is. Thank you! :)
Tammy

6/11/2010 8:53:45 PM