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Santa Rosa, CA

I have set up an overhead mister / spray system for those hot days. Application is one minute of spray every 30 minutes. It seems to work quite well preventing the leaves from dropping due to the heat. I cover my pumpkins with white towels to protect them from the sun.

My Question is is there any harm to the pumpkin when they do get wet and stay wet for several hours past the mist application times?

Should I change to a supported sun shade?

7/24/2008 9:52:15 PM

[email protected]

I don't see it being a problem. The only things I'd keep an eye on are the stem and blossom ends. Keeping them wet all the time can lead to problems. You may need to use some fungicides and/or come up with a way to keep them dry. This is a problem more with the stem than the blossom, but watch both areas. Keeping the skin of the fruit wet while its growing could help to make it more elastic, which I would say is a good thing.

7/24/2008 9:58:10 PM

San Jose [email protected]

use a sheet for a cover, instead of a towel, it will dry out way quicker

7/24/2008 10:59:14 PM

Rhode Island

dito sheets not a towel.
also
on the east coast we have had hail several time already this year and we are tempted to go back to the 8 ft x 10 ft overhead blue tarp cover.

7/25/2008 1:59:11 PM

Santa Rosa, CA

Thanks Guys. I have switched to cut up sheets, my wife is not happy. I have also set my first spray to 12:45 vs 11:15. We had two hot spells that got us in and around Santa Rosa, CA worried. The weather has seemed to have calmed down as well as the local wildfires. Last nights pumpkin weight extimation has us at 130, 125 & 120 pounds. We are pleased.

7/25/2008 9:35:02 PM

Whidbey Island

Hoop house with tarps over the pumpkins, keeps 'em dry.
WPM

7/25/2008 10:17:12 PM

Santa Rosa, CA.

It looks like we will be back in the mid to low 80s next week. My misting system will be turned off.

7/26/2008 12:29:47 AM