Insulating containers from heat

[NewbieGrower]

Exploring ways to insulate my EarthTainer as temperatures are getting hot. Has anyone tried rigid extruded or expanded polystyrene insulation boards? Can get 4' x 8' board (Rmax Plus-3 1/2 in. x 4 ft. x 8 ft. R-3.2 Polyisocyanurate Rigid Foam Insulation Board at Lowe's $12). Typically used in building construction. Easy to cut, doesn't hold water and won't mold or mildew. Can use on exterior. Cut into four pieces to surround EarthTainer. Then make simple shell to go around that (wood, cloth, bamboo, whatever) . Maybe only need 3 sides. Can make a number of these from one board. Might this work?

[Cole_Robbie]

If you get the foil-faced insulation, the strongest tape for it is metal ducting tape. If you just taped the corners, it's not coming apart.

[dmforcier]

Look around the Containers forum. There were some really interesting threads last year, with pics. Might give you some ideas.

[NewbieGrower]

How about shading the container itself by leaning a short piece of plywood on 3 sides (E, W, S)? It doesn't shade the plant at all. Just the container.

Another idea I have is to wrap plastic tubing around the tote. Have a small pump circulate tepid or cool water through the tubing around the container continuously (day and night). This would stabilize the temperature of mix and water in reservoir.

For the plants, use shade cloth during brightest and hot part of the day.

Can't control mother nature. Last week temperature dropped to 45 degrees just one night with daytime temps in 70-80s. Predicted to happen again. Perfect recipe for blossom drop.