Re: sand and fruit protection

Debbie,
I run both all day...ie...I put up 10 fence posts around the pumpkin and put
up 1 tarp 6x8 on top and then put the 6x8 folded in different ways around the
posts(sides)...so allow very little sun on them...that is 5 tarps...I use a
6th tarp to get more protection in front of the pumpkin so it hangs down below
the other side tarp.(keep it on the inside to the rain  stays out)

Take a look at my 2008 pictures and you'll see the posts and tarps...


http://webpages.charter.net/dbhaskaran/pumpkin08/

Good luck.
Dave.




-----Original Message-----
From: Debbie Runkle <yorunk13@att.net>
To: pumpkins@hort.net
Sent: Sun, Aug 1, 2010 8:17 pm
Subject: Re: sand and fruit protection


Dave, if I am understanding you correctly, you use a sheet during the day,
ropped up with stakes.  When do you use the tarp?  Or is the sheet put on top
f the tarp and overhangs to catch the sun?  After reading your post, I think I
ill drape the sheet over some 3 & 4' bamboo sticks during the day to keep if
ff the fruit and vines.
Debbie


________________________________
rom: "dbhaskaran@aol.com" <dbhaskaran@aol.com>
o: pumpkins@hort.net
ent: Sun, August 1, 2010 5:48:58 PM
ubject: Re: sand and fruit protection
Debbie,
y suggestion would be to run both...which is what I have done now for 2 years
ow.  I didn't like  just the sheet, as we get periods of too much wetness so
unning both of them protects the pumpkin from some of the sun that my 6 tarps
nd 10 fence posts allow in. (6x8 tarps)
 have put down wet sand before but it seems to dry with a few days...so I
on't think you need to worry.
 also dig a trench around my pumpkins tents so that water hitting the tarps
nd dropping...goes into a trench and away from the pumpkin, plus this also
uts the pumpkin on "higher ground" due to the trench and thus more drying.
Also becareful with the MV and the tarps rubbing on them if you use it and
lso if you use the sheet on the pumpkins...make sure the front and back get
ome  "air"...I use a small stake in front of the pumpkin and put the sheet
ver it...thus giving the them stem area some "air".
Hope this helps.
ood luck.
avid Bhaskaran
ochester, MN




----Original Message-----
rom: Debbie Runkle <yorunk13@att.net>
o: pumpkin <pumpkins@hort.net>
ent: Sun, Aug 1, 2010 9:07 am
ubject: sand and fruit protection

hat type of fruit protection is recommended?  I am currently using a tarp day
d night, but noticed that there isn't a whole lot of air movement.  Now I am
ndering about just using a sheet on the pumpkin during the day and removing
t
t night.  We have alot of humidity, esp. at night.  That leads me to my next
estion.
 have sand under the pumpkins.  Yesterday I removed as much of the play sand,
at I had originally used, and replaced it with all purpose sand.  I found
hat
he play sand held too much moisture and was damp right out of the bag.  This
rning all of the sand is damp.  The ground is pretty moist due to some recent
ins.  The pumpkins were covered with tarps so no rain got on it or the sand,
t the sand seems to be absorbing moisture from the ground. I am worried about
e pumpkin rotting.  I don't know if fans would help much since I would most
kely have to keep them on the pumpkins every day.
ebbie
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