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Alabama

I was wondering who had trouble pollinating this year is it a soil problem or a heat?

9/26/2012 2:09:37 PM

Princeton Kentucky

pumpkin bell, I think the question would be easier asked: Who "didn't" have trouble pollinating, lol. I think close to everyone who had High Temps fought pollination including me. Had to resort to packin ice in a upside down cooler and in the end was about 60 percent succesful. Heat definetly played a factor I personally feel. Soil plays a big part of growth along with pollination, soil tests are a must to see what you start with so you know what amendments you need and make sure your crop listing is Atlantic Dill Pumpkins on the soil report thats submitted with the soil sample. Lots of other veteran growers here might chime in. Good Question

9/26/2012 2:56:38 PM

Princeton Kentucky

meant to say "Maybe some veteran growers here might chime in"...Only my 2nd year growing Atlantic Dills..Good Luck to You!!

9/26/2012 2:59:10 PM

Muddy Waters

It did not seem to make a difference ice or not all my first rounders aborted.My kins were the 2nd on the MV when temps dropped to a cool 90 degrees instead of 98.

9/26/2012 7:43:28 PM

Ashby, MA

For the first time I had some issues this year.

9/26/2012 8:36:11 PM

Perry Iowa USA

I've never had problems setting a pumpkin like this year and was definitely the heat.One plant was beautiful with huge vines but all aborted.Two plants actually fried and I had to start 2 more.No pollinations survived on main vines even with icing and shading and misting etc.Finally got a set on 1395 Wallace and a late open on 1354.5 Young.Both of these were on the side of the main vine away from the afternoon sun.

9/27/2012 1:43:11 AM

Rhode Island

i think just the fact that we started pollinating a week earlier this year ( june 17th ) that this helped in having a good pollination rate.

9/27/2012 4:07:32 AM

Muddy Waters

Yes there seems to be a quite a few early June 22nd kins that made it.I will get an earlier start next year with ground cables & miss the heat.

9/27/2012 5:37:33 AM

Lymington UK

Stuart and I had real problems this year which was mainly down to our own doing. It was not great to lose most of our pumpkins this year but it was great to be able to work out why. As usual I have put our experiences in my diary which hopefully will help other growers. I have also put in my diary some interesting temps and how we intend to solve the problem in the future.
I hope this helps Ian

9/27/2012 1:16:41 PM