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Hinckley MN

Here is a US map of monthly average Daily light interval (DLI) which is a sum of outdoor average Photosythetically Available Light (PAR) levels: http://www.parsource.com/resources/general-light-information/monthly-light-maps

anything above a DLI of 25 is sufficient for high quality Tomato and watermelon growth. Anything above 20 is sufficient for cucumber growth. AGs are likely closer to cucumber in light requirements.

there is alot of interesting reading out there if you search for PAR and DLI...and you happen to like technical papers.

3/15/2012 1:13:47 PM

formerly RGG

Very interesting indeed Farmer Ben.

3/15/2012 8:55:43 PM

Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

According to that map I have three months where it might be less than 25, one month of that less than 20. Primo mater growing...

3/16/2012 8:43:41 AM

Hinckley MN

Most of us have enough light to grow plants in hoophouses starting in March. If pumpkins are growing longer into the fall, then we need to move pollination earlier, pushing seed starting earlier. Many long steady growers that were also very heavy to chart, are not maturing many seeds. from 1631 Mckie to 1810 Stevens and all of the 1605 Sweet x 1810 Stevens grown last year, there are alot of steady growing , % heavy fruit, that may just need another 2-3 weeks of growth.

And southern growers could start plants March 1st in a hoop house, then remove the plastic and cover the hoops with shade cloth by May and have 1500lb fruit by early August...if they had a place to weigh it.

just rambling thoughts of a newbie.

3/16/2012 9:29:17 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Ben, assuming that Ky, is considered southern...this has & is being done!!!! Earliest weighoff near to KY. is Indiana St. Fair (mid August)!!! Top ten at Indy, each year, I am sure are in the ground in March! Sorta likin yer ramblin thoughts...but the 1500# barrier seems to have missed us, this far south!!! Alas, 7 or so years ago, I read over, and over...you can't grow 1K# that far south!!! It's too hot!!! Ky. Record is now 1331!!! Peace, Wayne

3/17/2012 3:15:29 AM