From

Location

Message

Date Posted

New Berlin, PA

I see a lot of people using white sheets, and others using a structure with tarps to cover their pumpkins. What is best? Do sheets that get wet cause rot or mildew problems? Thanks in advance for any advice.

7/14/2015 9:34:53 AM

Central NY

Sheets are easiest...if you make structure, keep in mind that you will need to get in there to inspect the kin during growth...also be sure that structure is secure...never had a problem with mildew when using a sheet... I'll switch out with a dry sheet after a rain... Good luck

7/14/2015 10:13:06 AM

President - GPC

Yes sheets work well, dry off over over the day after the rain and overheadZ do their thing. Best part it allows easy viewing of the pumpkin and the stem...which needs to be inspected daily... stem stress, splitZ, all critical this time of year...

7/14/2015 10:23:37 AM

I agree here with these growers. I use sheets and then attach these to reclaimed pallet lumber ripped into smaller stakes. When temps get crazy hot, I also apply a clean old damp towel over outer skin - change this at least every other day. I also wipe down the outer skin blossom end and stem with a biological fungicide and/or bleach. I had no issues doing this last year especially since I am in a community garden where water has to be hulled by me to the plant from another source.

7/14/2015 10:54:32 AM

Plymouth, Mass.

A structure is nice if you end up needing a fan blowing 24/7. It keeps the motor and the kin dry.

7/14/2015 12:47:43 PM

Central Illinois

The overhead structure would be good if you live in a area with frequent hail, if your pumpkin is sitting in a low spot it would help to keep the rain from pooling up under the fruit

7/15/2015 7:49:54 AM

Freehold, New Jersey

Can you drape the sheet directly on to the kin?

7/18/2015 10:20:49 AM