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Randlett, Oklahoma

I am going to shade my plants because of the extreme heat and wind they will face. Last year when temps started hitting 100+ every day they obviously burned and wilted. So I started protecting it. I know most protect just the pumpkin and the growing tips, but I don't think that is enough for me.

I used 90% shade tarp, but it was not covering the plant from the sun for all the daylight hours. So just looking for opinions on if 90% is too much and I should go down to like 60% so it gets plenty of sun? or should I stay at 90%? I know they need plenty of sun but I feel like my temps are too high, and the benefits are greater with 90%.

Still would like to hear ideas/opinions

11/21/2016 9:53:11 PM

Eugene,OR

Check out Don Young's diary. He is in Iowa & probably has similar conditions. He uses shade cloth. That would be a good starting place.

11/22/2016 1:00:44 AM

Randlett, Oklahoma

I see he turned in a 1641.5! Ill have to send him an email. Thanks for the suggestion

11/22/2016 8:56:58 AM

Home of happy lil plants

think more toward 35-40% shade

11/22/2016 10:24:42 AM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

I'm don't know how humid Oklahoma gets, but it is bad here in Iowa. Then in August our winds are the slowest of the year. That means disease. My patch is in a deep valley with trees on the hills, so I get less air movement than most, and cool humid air sinks into it in the evening. If you use shade cloth, make sure you still get good air circulation.

11/22/2016 10:51:59 AM

shade can be good tool but need a whole toolbox to work with id use 90 percent for wind fence early in year once plants well rooted less of need for wind but for shade ideal you want 100 percent sun until its creeping on 90 degrees id make shade retractable so if morning are 60- 70 degree let sun on them but noon or so I ussualy pull mine back across/ unless hi wind storms forecast. 30 percent my choice along with misting. its a trail and error deal when humidity also adds trouble. no one size fits all answer

11/22/2016 4:29:29 PM

Randlett, Oklahoma

Thanks for input don. I can rig up something just as you describe. I think I will have higher heat but a little lower humidity. Also wind can avreage 20mph on many days.

11/22/2016 8:22:29 PM

Partlow,Va

I use 30% shade net and 70% aluminet for wind

11/22/2016 9:17:36 PM

Hot West Tennessee

Watch out for powdery mildew.

11/24/2016 9:38:23 AM

Hot West Tennessee

jakeb30 We have it extra tuff in our climate. I have tried many ways. Shade, misting, etc. I am going with half 30% am and half 50% pm. Afternoons can get brutal here. Drip irrigation is important . Keep them hydrated. Mildews are a battle with the humidity. A good spray program is essential.
Good luck to ya

11/24/2016 9:53:28 AM