From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Can anyone tell me, or direct me to how to build a sturdy shading stucture for my AG? Thanks for taking the time.
behemoth27

8/2/2006 3:03:04 PM

Thornhill, Ontario, Canada

I think lots of people just pound four posts in the ground and put a tarp over top. I've also seen some people that use two pieces of pvc pipe crossed over each other and bent into a kind of tent. I've also seen four posts pounded into the ground and burlap wrapped around.

Last year I had a pumpkin growing near my fence. So, I just took two 4' pieces of 1x2" and pounded them into the ground and connected a tarp to them and the fence.

I think many people just build what they can with whatever they have around the house. Other than buying some cheap tarps (which really helped protect the fruit from hail), that's what I did. Then again, my pumpkin was also smaller than most.

8/2/2006 3:46:26 PM

Little-TON - Colorado

Greetings Fellow Colorado Grower,
I am planning on using the same type hoop house(small version) from (Hollands DVD) to cover over the baby...... as it is easy to setup and cheap. 1/2" pvc looped over to form 180° held into the ground with 1/2" rebarr. a single support across the top to hold the two end pieces sturdy. Draped over with 60% shade cloth or one could use sheets or whever is handy. In colorado we probably need to anchor it down in 15 places so the gail force winds dont take it away.....lol. Email heading your way.......Grow'em BIG

8/2/2006 4:36:27 PM

Rexburg, Idaho ([email protected] )

I do similar to Da Wiz but use three pieces of PVC and no support across the top. Then drape with a tarp. The tarp keeps the pumpkin dry, shade cloth will not do that. It is not what I would call sturdy but it doesn't need to be.
Brian

8/2/2006 4:59:46 PM

Colorado Springs, Colorado

thanks all

8/2/2006 8:19:11 PM

Sloughhouse, CA

We had left over 20ft. lenghts of pipe from the well. One length got a hole in it so we replaced it all when the well diggers came out. I cut the pipe in 10ft. lengths. We made 3 rows about 10 ft. from each pipe. We tide shade cloth over that. I don't have to worry about rain in the summer. I could still drive the tractor underneath if I needed to.We ran water and misting pipe down each pipe.

8/2/2006 9:14:59 PM

Bristol, ME ([email protected])

http://www.mainepumpkins.com/hoophouse.html

8/3/2006 5:12:14 AM

Bristol, ME ([email protected])

Whoops, wrong one.

http://www.mainepumpkins.com/shade.html

8/3/2006 5:13:10 AM

Cameron,ontario Team Lunatic

I throw a white blanket on top of the pumpkin. Easiest shade cover I ever made. LOL. Some of the best growers use this tech.

Phil

8/3/2006 7:57:17 AM

Long Island,New York

Phil...maybe in Ontario or other parts up north where sun isn't so strong, but a sheet alone down here or south of here will create "issues" of sunburn and the likely faint aroma of pumpkin pie during prolonged hot sunny periods.

8/3/2006 3:53:09 PM