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Bemidji, MN

Seems a few growers are having problems with their plants due to cold weather. Are WE learning anything from this experience. If your in the northern half of the country(Minnesota here), it would be wise to plan a mini greenhouse that can hold your plant for up to 5 weeks. I've done this with my plants for 7 years and have never had frost or cold weather affect plants drastically. I add 500 watt heat lamp for warmth to keep temp above 50 at night,and cover with blankets if need be. We've been in 20's for past 6 nights here, and my plants are laughing at the weather by giving me my best starting growth rate ever. As the boy scouts say, BE PREPARED. Steve

5/21/2002 10:49:03 AM

Webster, NY

Steve, do you have an actual greenhouse, or just a cold frame? Do you add anything to help with air circulation? Thanks for sharing your expertise.

5/21/2002 11:12:47 AM

Utah

steve---
sssssshhhhh !!! quite please... you're giving away a
good secret. :)
here in the pacific northwest we typically
have cool wet weather in the spring- not snow
or frost but not warm ideal pumpkin growing weather.
Most everyone I know who grows around here uses a
hoop or green house. I like to fill 1 gallon milk
jugs with water and completely cirle my young plants.
glad to hear you're a good scout by being prepared.
and doing your good turn for the day by sharing your
thoughts with us.

5/21/2002 11:29:09 AM

Bemidji, MN

Steelydave, my greenhouses are 4' wide, 6' long, 3' high. Made out of 2"x2" lumber. On the north/south ends I have hindged windows that allow me to vent air to control heat/humidity. Probably have $10 into each greenhouse, other than new plastic each year, they've lasted 7 years w/o problem. I like mine longer than wider. By 5-6 weeks, plants are vining out and the extra length gives me more time to keep them under a controled environment. I also keep my height to 3' because any higher and you lose to much heat above plant. Better to keep the heat at plant level Try it, works great. Steve

5/21/2002 12:48:46 PM

Bemidji, MN

Figure out the average last frost date in spring(around here it's June 9th), and keep plants protected till that date and you'll come thru this nasty weather just fine. Steve

5/21/2002 12:51:56 PM

canal winchester ohio

Hey Steve, that last average frost date is what's throwing me for a loop. Our's is May 13th & since I wasn't putting anything out until May 15th I thought all would be fine. All I basically have is 5 gallon buckets to cover with. The last 3 years by this time we were well into summer & their was no looking back. Well since I planted we have had 3 frosts & 1 more called for tonight. Not to mention we've had 5" of rain at my place so far this month.
With cold, soaked soil I'm glad my weighoff isn't until Oct. 16th. I'm gonna need the extra time........Paul

5/21/2002 1:05:14 PM

Bemidji, MN

Paul, that's why they call it the AVERAGE last frost date.:) Steve

5/21/2002 1:25:22 PM

Rexburg, Idaho ([email protected] )

My Greenhouses are 16' x 20' I have an electric heater in each one and the temps inside are about 10 degrees warmer then outside. By mid June the plants are growing out of them but it lets me start in May. Our quoted last frost date is June 1 but since I've been growing pumpkins the last three years it has been June 11, June 15, and June 19. Thank Heavens for these "mini" greenhouses.

5/21/2002 5:48:08 PM

Tacoma, WA

I have found that temperatures need to be above 60°
for any growth of AG's to occur. We, in the Pacific Northwest, must start in hoop houses of considerable size(16'X 16' or so)in order to have any growth in May. My hoop house temps are at least 85° when exterior temps are 60° during the day. My pumpkins love 80-90°! When the plastic comes off the third week in June, I can hear them crying for more heat! Our July and August average high temps are only 78°.

Stan

5/21/2002 7:07:05 PM

Billerica,Massachusetts

My plants are in 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 heated cold frames, although temps have been around or below freezing a nite with even a little snow the plants continue to thrive.

Glenn Peters

5/21/2002 11:15:50 PM

Puyallup, WA

Glenn
Today the Bobier 723 had a leaf that measured 19" acrossed! The leaves are growing 1-2" a day...not sure if my plants could still fit in that size of enclosure!

5/22/2002 12:20:35 AM

Yukon, Canada

You bunch of whiners! Try growing them north of 60. They need a heated greenhouse from conception to pie time. I built a 1200 square foot greenhouse last year and am planting it for the first time this year. Watch for a Yukon record come Sept.!

5/24/2002 1:59:14 AM