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Madera, CA

Growing in the central valley of California shade cloth is needed to keep the plants cool. We have shade cloth up but I am curious if we need additional sun protection over the growing pumpkins? I do not know the shade % because I got it used. I will say the leaves do not wilt at all compared to those that are not protected. Thank you for any help.

6/28/2011 9:52:55 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

marty, lots of folks use tarps of different colors, or plain white sheets to cover a growing pkn. Helps to keep cooler, I am sure, and also to slow the ageing process of the skin of the kin. Lots of varieties, on how this shade cover is done. Imagination is the mother of invention!!! Have fun, Grow em BIG!!! Peace, Wayne

6/28/2011 10:48:05 PM

Nottingham, UK

mtalley, we have had some hot days in the UK recently although I havent noticed any wilting. Do you shade the entire plant as it is something I am considering. I have debri/scaffold netting and wouldn't want to filter out too much sun. It's a bit of a gamble.... a little wilting on days vrs diminshed sun on less sunny days as I would want to leave whatever I put up in place.

6/29/2011 6:01:38 AM

Madera, CA

Dandytown, Where we live it is hot and dry in the summer so we shade as much as the plant as possible. You can see our set up in my diary, entries 69-70. Thanks for the help Wayne.

6/29/2011 10:41:04 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

marty, I should clarify a lil bit...any tarps used are suspended above the pkn...build a lil shelter type thing. Some use white sheets, right on the pkn...but I wouldn't have the nerve to do that!!! One other quick correction...I think it was necessity that was the mother of invention!!! LOL Peace, Wayne
PS...I have heard stories of folks down here in KY. who have built retractable shade structures that cover entire patches!!! Shade cloth strung (thru eyelets or grommets) on cables so they can slide it back when needed, and slide it over on hotter sunnier days!!!! Peace, Wayne

6/29/2011 11:35:40 PM