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Mission Viejo, CA

Hey all you hot weather growers,

I am looking for any techniques you may have for the hot weather conditions in my patch. Temps will reach 105 here before the season ends, usually in late July early August (we had mid 90's in April this year).

Already have the shade cloth and misters/foggers set up to attempt to control the microclimate but what about other tools/ tricks?

I've been doing some reading here and came across some info on potassium silicate. It looks like a decent way of preventing powdery mildew and heat flagging, both of which we hot weather growers face. Just wondered if any of you had any experience or use it?

Its not too pricey from what I can tell. Here's one product I found:

http://www.amazon.com/Botanicare-NSSILQT-Silica-Blast-Quart/dp/B000EJZAWA/ref=sr_1_2?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1369845621&sr=1-2&keywords=Potassium+Silicate

and another

http://www.amazon.com/Dyna-Gro-Pro-tekt-Tek-032-Silicon-Supplement/dp/B000E1VZHC/ref=sr_1_6?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1369845621&sr=1-6&keywords=Potassium+Silicate

Thanks in advance

6/3/2013 2:09:33 PM

Elk County, PA

I use the second one, since then I was told about this site and would recommend it.

http://www.kelp4less.com/shop/silica-powders/

Get a pound make two gallons of concentrate for less than those products, free shipping as well.

6/3/2013 5:03:22 PM

Upa Creek, MO

Kevin, I had corresponded with a Georgia grower last year and he told me about Purshade. It's like a sunscreen for plants. Give it a search. My only qualm with anything besides traditional shade like a canopy is you have to consider everything you put on your leaves and can it be added with the plethora of other substances we already foliar feed with. Time and time again, I see people leaves age way too fast because they over do it with sprays supposed to be beneficial.

6/4/2013 10:10:39 AM

Little-TON - Colorado

Great site....indeed.

6/4/2013 12:03:10 PM

Winston Salem, NC

I've been looking at the Purshade too and had the same concerns. Do we know if anyone has used it with success? with or without shadecloth too?

6/4/2013 4:36:34 PM

Mission Viejo, CA

Thanks for the feedback all. I like that link to kelp4less. Interesting store!

Here's the pdf link for the melon applications for the Purshade. I'd love to know if anyone has tried it. Is there any logic in that this product is on the top of the leaves, verses feeding foliar ferts underneath?

http://www.novasource.com/english/ag-products/Documents/NS_MELON_web_Purshade.pdf

6/4/2013 5:08:59 PM

Mission Viejo, CA

It does say it doesn't interfere with the stomatas. Isn't that how the pumpkin leaves take in the nutrients?

6/4/2013 5:17:30 PM

Torrance, Ca.

I wouldn't even try growing in your area Sir,,,,,, its gets way to hot!

6/4/2013 8:45:42 PM

Fresno, CA

Ron Root grew a 1500 pounder last year in Citrus Heights (Sacramento Area) which gets plenty hot (110 F forecasted this Saturday). As far as I know he doesn't use shade cloth.

6/5/2013 12:15:50 AM

Winston Salem, NC

Sounds like we all need to talk to Ron Root!

6/5/2013 10:24:17 AM

Mission Viejo, CA

How much do you think genetics plays a part in this? Does it matter if the seed was from a hot weather plant?

6/5/2013 12:22:06 PM

San Diego

climate and genetics. Sun angle is different too even in same temps from up north to down south. A 110 degree day in san diego is harder on a plant than a 110 degree in sacramento, but neither is good! ;) So question is, would Ron have grown a bigger fruit under 22% shade or smaller? A great question.

6/5/2013 4:45:20 PM

Mission Viejo, CA

Great question Jim....

We are having great growing weather right now at my place. Low 60's at night and mid to high 70's in the daytime.

I am going to try to get a sample of the PurShade. First request got shifted to another department. But try try try again!

6/5/2013 4:50:30 PM