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Deer Park, WI

Hey folks- Theoretically speaking, lets say i have a really nice fruit going, possibly reaching the much coveted 1000lb mark by Oct 4th. However, given the climate of its growing area, September usually brings growth to a grinding halt. I'd like to hear your ideas on plant/fruit preservation during this crucial growing time. Anything that can optimize my environment and keep my lbs/day up high till the end. Im afraid a blanket over the fruit at night wont "cover" it. A little more effort is required here.

8/21/2003 11:52:19 AM

South Hill, Virginia

How about the whole patch hoop house Ken D used last year? It's in his diary.

8/21/2003 12:09:56 PM

derry n.h u.s.a.

Joze,Last year i had a good fruit going,so early sept i started to erect a makeshift green house, i figured the cheaper the better,so i went to the local lumberyard and bought 3 or 4 16 ft long bundles of strapping at about 14.00 a bundle then cut 5 ft steaks and pounded them in the ground where i wanted them then added the side peices and the top supports,then i was going to cover the whole plant,leaving the inside of the huge hut open for air circulation.covering the top and the outside edge of the patch.I think it would have worked well had my pumpkin not split!!Good luck.John

8/21/2003 12:20:06 PM

Western Pa.

Joze,

Good luck! First, I'd use a little Calcium nitrate, but not too much! I think it helps growth during those cooler days. I use no fertilizer in September. Cover the whole plant with re-may. It's expensive, but what isn't anymore?

kilr

8/21/2003 2:40:27 PM

Knopp, Germany

i wonder what Geneva and Charlie did?

8/21/2003 3:26:42 PM

Morris, Connecticut

I think the slow down in growth is related to shorter day length and also cooler temperatures. Rig up a lighting system so that you can extend day length by a few hours in the evening. Also, build yourself a greenhouse over the plant and place a few heat sources inside. Try to keep the environment the same as those peak August days.....

8/21/2003 3:50:54 PM

Amherst, WI

Kilr, would you stump feed the Calcium Nitrate or foliar feed?

8/22/2003 12:11:43 PM

Western Pa.

I feed through my sprinklers, and then let them run for an hour to soak it in. I've also sprinkled it before, "side dressing".

8/22/2003 2:01:34 PM