From

Location

Message

Date Posted

SE Minnesota

So looks like a little clipper coming through...what are some of the tricks of the trade you guys use to keep the fruit warm for one or two days...I have heating coils on and blankets on already...anything else?
thanks

9/2/2013 4:14:45 PM

Rhode Island

blankets on the nights the temp is below 60 is what we always did,plus a tarp covering if its calling for rain.
(wet blankets dont offer much in the way of heat)

to much heat is no good as well. err on the side of caution when it comes to blankets/ one covering the pumpkins surface is enough when the temp drops into the fifties.the colder the nights however the more blankets you might use.

a little moth balls or some mouse bait around the bottom edges of the pumpkin helps keep the mice from having a picnic on your pumpkin.(ps---they like that heat to)

pap

9/2/2013 4:49:53 PM

Slate River,Ont. Canada

Ok...Keeping them covered at night. 25 days left til weigh off.Still gaining about 15 lbs. per day.
Temps are changing here now 44 at night high 80's during day.
My question about this is it ok to give them direct sunlight now to give them max heat to hold during the night or should I still shade in the day?
Thanks for any help

9/3/2013 9:34:11 AM

Central Minnesota

We have the exact same temps going on right now. I use a single sheet during the day and heavy blankets at night. I don't give them direct sunlight until much later in the year. As pap said, to much heat is not good either, especially if you are getting into the 80's still during the day. Last year late season I used a heated enclosure for a week and a half to keep the gains going because we were getting down to near freezing each night with cool days so the pumpkin temp was getting to cold. As long as your days are getting warm enough, you are fine.

9/3/2013 9:46:09 AM

Slate River,Ont. Canada

Thanks!
I covered the patch last night with tarps and every kin was covered with heavy blankets.
When I got home from work at 8 this morning there was a heavy dew and cold wind but notice that the temps were higher under the blankets.
I have a good tarp system now...Been burnt early before...not ready to lose plants yet.Behind from other years .but still doing good.
I've been told to remove cover in during daytime to get maximum heat but think that can still hurt kins .
Things will get back to normal after new moon...I hope! lol
Hey MNFisher! Bet I'm not far from you. I'm just across borber towards Thunder Bay.

9/3/2013 11:07:15 AM

Slate River,Ont. Canada

border!! lol

9/3/2013 11:08:35 AM