From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Upa Creek, MO

Does anyone use just one white sheet to cover their pumpkins without a shade tent?

This isn't what I am currently doing, but might be forced to for a week. I am just wondering since light can filter in the sheet if the pumpkin will age faster?

Thanks

7/23/2014 7:18:36 PM

Colorado

Luke ,a white sheet is fine. Especially with less than full day sun that your garden has.

7/23/2014 7:40:48 PM

southwest MO

I would say if you are ever able to get away with it in our climate it would be this year. In a really hot and sunny year No way here.

7/23/2014 9:15:56 PM

Princeton Kentucky

Luke, double or triple fold the sheet up if you can depending on thread count. You may have to use more than one sheet depending on kin size. I used some printed checkered old sheets last year and when I removed the sheet the kin had checkered patterns on the skin,lol from the sun so the sun does penetrate white sheets pretty good still.

7/24/2014 6:04:31 AM

Williamsburg,KY

I just use a sheet. I found that when I use a tarp, and it rains real hard, soil can splash everywhere from the tarp. Good Luck Luke.

7/24/2014 6:47:31 AM

Bethlehem CT

I use just one sheet. Ditto what pumpkin goober said about the printed sheets.

7/24/2014 7:36:43 AM

Upa Creek, MO

Thanks for the replies! I won't be able to access the pumpkins for some time, and I'm afraid a storm could blow the tarp structure down and eventually fry the pumpkin, or never let the wet sheets dry if it rains. One thick sheet it is.

7/24/2014 7:40:31 AM

Austin MN

Not that I'm smart lol...but I do a colored sheet like blue or something like that with a white sheet on top...the white on keeps it cool and the colored sheet stops the remaining sun from coming in ;)

7/24/2014 7:51:27 AM

Hinckley MN

I have a Blue tarp hanging 40 ft up in an oak tree from a storm two years ago. I just use sheets now. hospitals are always throwing out used colored sheets.

7/24/2014 9:50:07 AM

Johnston, Iowa

For the last few years, I've only used a white bed sheet in a patch that gets sun all day long - its worked just fine.

7/24/2014 10:00:43 AM

Central Minnesota

One white sheet here, and then white blankets as it gets cooler in the fall.

7/24/2014 11:14:13 AM

Upa Creek, MO

Alright, now I'm feeling confident taking the tarp shade structure down while away. Thanks again

7/24/2014 11:28:52 AM

southwest MO

It's supposed to cool off starting Monday to

7/24/2014 12:47:17 PM

Halifax nova scotia

So just draped over the kin? No structure?

7/24/2014 12:50:14 PM

Upa Creek, MO

Yeah I saw the cold front or 80s all next week. Yes draped over and tucked in under slightly to keep pests out and avoid blowing off.

7/24/2014 2:32:55 PM

Littlerock, WA

That's all I ever use. Works great. Shade structures are a pain and they can shade leaves, making them susceptible to powdery mildew late season.

7/24/2014 5:34:12 PM

Alex, IN

Just a cheap white sheet here, they have always worked very well for me. I have seen some guys use fitted sheets to help keep it on the fruit.

7/25/2014 6:53:58 AM

Bethlehem CT

I used to do the tarp structures, what a pain in the butt they were. So much easier to use the sheets. I like to have the stem still out in the open so that the sun can hit it. I think that helps prevent stem rots.

7/25/2014 8:32:57 AM

JACKSON, WISCONSIN. ; )

I use white cloth drop clothes like a painter uses... Heavy thick and soft if washed enough... I like them because they do not blow off..

7/25/2014 9:56:13 AM

Central Minnesota

Couple things for those that are new to using a sheet. As Big Moon said, I leave the stem out and when they get wet, take them off and let them dry. They dry very fast. As the pumpkin gets older this becomes less important but early on it is a must.

7/25/2014 9:58:23 AM

Little-TON - Colorado

I make sure my stem iZ hanging out... so the sun can hit it ALL Day.. ALso allows me to keep an eye on it...

7/25/2014 10:22:13 AM

Little-TON - Colorado

I'm a PapZ wannabe....

7/25/2014 10:23:14 AM

Rhode Island

sheets work fine from baby size through mid august.
if by that time you know you have a special fruit? then by all means protect it with a tarp or other protection.
pap

7/25/2014 3:54:57 PM

Kittanning,Pa

Do you even leave it on through the rain and all??

7/27/2014 4:13:55 PM