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Entry Date
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Nick Name
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Location
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Wednesday, August 01, 2018
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Matt D.
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Connecticut
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Entry 42 of 62 |
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Well the patch is just about filled in which once the pumpkins starting growing, took a lot longer to fill in that last 25% or so of growing space compared to the plant growth pace the plants were on. The under plant weed control is good up to this point as I have been using the old manual pull and remove method. The perimeter is not as well kept as the under leaf but the mainly grass species that I have, allow me to walk on the edges without dealing with bare soil.
In addition, this year I am experimenting with a new shading system. This year has been very rainy so I have taken my cold frame design of PVC pipe and basically made it just a little wider (about 5.5ft instead of 5ft) and shorter (7.5ft instead of 9ft.). Then using the same pipe/snap clips I attached the white sheet I normally use directly on the pumpkins, but this way it is elevated over the pumpkin. Now, I have easy access and can make quick visual inspections. It is great to reuse the same materials as earlier in the season and I think it will be effective.
This is version 1.0, as the rain is daily and very heavy at times so I am considering attaching a tarp to help shed the water to keep the pumpkin dry. The white sheet may absorb some water, but under normal rain events most water does roll off to the side, but during the heavy downpours some is getting through and on to the pumpkins.
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