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Nottingham, UK

Last year was a blow-out year for me in that the weather was terrible here in the UK and both my pumpkins aborted around day 30.

I wonder if it was just the cooler temperatures or excess rain. What are the effects of both temperature and excess water on pumpkins in the first 30 days? I know I'll never see the type of 30 day growth that US growers see due to sun/temp so there is a chance that I overwatered on dry days.

Here's a shot at the weather which was typical for the entire season.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=187311

Thanks for your imput

3/20/2013 6:57:42 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

In my experience cool weather helps pumpkins set rather than cause aborts. Excessive moisture on the other hand can enhance disease pressure. A plant fighting off disease will have less resources for the fast growing pumpkin. Sick plants often abort.

3/20/2013 7:48:56 PM

Nottingham, UK

There were no outwardly signs of disease so I'm not sure. Two out of two plants though.

Our weather was more cold and wet then damp and when I did water on warm days I did it with cold tap water (something to avoid this year!)

3/22/2013 5:25:14 AM

Garden State Pumpkins

wonder if the pumpkins were ever really pollinated...

3/24/2013 5:23:00 PM