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Salem, Oregon

I've been tracking the soil temperature in the patch since day 23 after pollination. Going into the peak of my pumpkins growth, (in the middle of August), the soils average temperature peaked at 71 degrees. Just like a soil test, I do a "composite" by inserting a thermometer with a 12" probe down to about 8" and get a reading from 8 spots throughout the plant and average them.

Days and nights are cooling down, I suppose the only way to make any attemp to keep the soil temperature up is to use warmed water? What about splitting the amount of watering from 1 hour in the morning to three 20 minute intervals? Right now the only warm water coming out of the hose is the first couple minutes after it's been turn on.....Anyone else tracking the soil temp and late season growth?

9/2/2012 11:45:09 PM

Arden, NC

Nope, but it sounds like an interesting project.

9/3/2012 12:02:10 AM

Muddy Waters

You can buy a mixing valve to combine hot water with your cold to keep water warmer.It works great on toilets that sweat.There really affordable.I could drive out & install it for about 1000$.lol!

9/3/2012 5:38:23 AM

Zurich, Ontario Canada

Make sure your warm water isn't going through a water softner.High salt (bad news)

9/3/2012 7:42:34 AM

Salem, Oregon

I could always set up a hot water heater in the patch, I adjusted the watering from an hour in the morning to three 20 minute intervals 9a 12p and 3p. My thought was even though it takes a few minutes for the water to cool down, I'm getting something warmer. Looks like a warm water tank is in order for next year.

The other thought was even if I did 80 degree water, wouldn't it cool down anyway? I guess that's why I like to monitor these thigs, gives me something to do watching this thing coast to the weigh off in October....

9/3/2012 6:48:19 PM

Torrance, Ca.

You keep this up John,,, your going to get a 1500 +++ out of that patch of yours!!! :)

9/3/2012 7:58:10 PM

Salem, Oregon

1,500 pounds is a very long shot....Lomita,CA to Salem, OR long shot. I'm going to have to be 20% heavy! Trying to keep the soil warm as I can, without sacreficing too much on the watering. Splitting up the interval appears it could work. Warm water initially out of the hose, 9am 12p and 3pm for 20 minutes. I'm watching that soil temp like a hawk. However my warm hose water won't do no good if the sun ain't out....lol

9/3/2012 11:43:11 PM

Torrance, Ca.

Awesome stuff John!!!

9/4/2012 12:14:30 AM