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San Diego

I've got a few eyeballed and wonder when to set them on something up off the ground. I've got them resting in bunker liner (fabric mat), dirt and straw. They look awful comfortable. Is there a recommend hard surface? I have some galvanized perforated steel sheet it'll let the water drain and keeps the ground based varmints away (darn gophers).ALSO:

It's getting hot out and the sun is just getting extreme. Need to get the shade cloth up. What should I use for shade cloth?

6/7/2010 10:03:52 AM

West Central Indiana

For shade, I use a 5x5ft tarp secured over the pumpkin with 4 small posts, one at each corner of the tarp. Tie one end of the tarp higher up on the posts than the other end so rain water will run off instead of collecting on top. Run plastic cable ties through the eyelets of the tarp to secure it to the posts.

6/7/2010 4:32:35 PM

Middle TN

for shade I use a cotton sheet clipped to pvc pipe that is arched over rebar in the ground. Almost like a hoop house but smaller and with a sheet instead of plastic.
Tammy

6/7/2010 4:40:39 PM

Breslau, Ontario, Canada

Hey Tugg,

Put some mill fabric under the pumpkin and a whole load of sand.

6/7/2010 5:38:21 PM

San Diego

Thanks all. I've got pictures in the gallery of the site. Palm trees and a peach tree. I was thinking of using a lot of umbrellas out of the mai-tai glasses...LOL.

6/7/2010 9:38:44 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Tugg, you must drink the BIG MAI-TAI's!!! LOL!! I agree w/ mill fabric...w/or w/ out sand, but if you use sand, use the white sandbox type!!! It is finer and allows the pkn to move easier!! Peace, Wayne
PS..the idea is to put a water permeable barrier (not a hard surface) under yer fruit!! I would remove all dirt and straw ASAP!!! Tempting things for to help rot the bottom of yer pkn!!! Hope this helps!!

6/8/2010 11:38:26 PM