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Buffalo, MN ([email protected])

There are many posts about trying to add pounds on during September by covering them at night with blankets. After losing fruit the last several years waiting for late weighoffs, I was pondering this today an in the case where the pumpkin has stopped growing shouldn’t we do the reverse, uncover at night and cover during the day? (except when frost is expected) I would think trying to keep them cooler would allow more of them to make it to weighoffs. Or once they cool down keep them covered with blankets.

9/3/2012 12:33:38 AM

Rhode Island

yes bill i agree with you. possibly only a sheet on cool/cold nights and, on cloudy days --- uncovered.
it only makes sence.the cooler the better once they stop growing.

9/3/2012 6:27:32 AM

Zurich, Ontario Canada

I agree, but you have to be absolutely sure it is done growing. I had one that showed no growth on tape but still put on a 100 pounds by weigh off!! Thickening up internally!!(I don't know!!!)

9/3/2012 7:40:05 AM

West [email protected]

First time grower and I think the same way and the past 5 days we have had temps over 85 so at the peak of the day I have been putting cold wet blankets over them just for an hour or 2, I would rather keep it longer than try to get an extra 100 pounds and I'm even close to 1000 pounds with one of them

9/3/2012 8:42:27 AM

Gays Mills, Wisconsin

Bill, a follow-up (albeit imagined) thought. Does the pumpkin contract/expand with large quick temperature changes? If so one could use the blaket to moderate this.

9/3/2012 1:04:02 PM

Colorado

good topic bill-Depends on the climate-my thought is blanket all the time to keep away from temp fluctations-overall might keep fruit on the cool side-which would be good

9/3/2012 2:00:17 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

I like the pap's idea of just a sheet at night, as this may prevent some animals from taking a bite into it. Of course when the pumpkins are larger, two sheets may be needed.

9/3/2012 3:49:42 PM