I've been growing G.Pumpkins here in Colorado for 4-years but have not grown extra large (400-lb. up) pumpkins to date. I 'm blessed to find this assn. of growers. Our light intensity is very high @ this altitude 5440-ft. I did not know about shading until I joined this growers assn. Why is this important? Does not the sun give more energy to the vine? Also our farm has both snady soil and clay soil which is best. Glad to be a member!!! RKI (Bob)