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Cochecton, NY

Correct me if I am wrong, but the fruit needs to get light too. Not direct sunlight, but light. If this is the case, then I need someone to give me a good shot upside the head. I covered my pumpkins with blankets to keep them warm on the cool nights and I decided to leave them covered constantly thinking that this would work as shading too. I broke out the blankets two weeks ago. Since then, my gains have dropped severely. Did I shoot myself in the foot? Should I just go outside and beat my head against all my pumpkins until they are smashed, since I may have been the reason they are stalled? Any inut here can either ease my mind or give me a bigger headache. I do want input though! Need to add to my book of lessons learned or my book of things that are ok to do!

Thanks in advance

Nick

8/28/2008 12:17:29 PM

Midway, UT

I heard of a grower in California that leaves their pumpkin covered all day late in the season without any problems. However I think how high the temperatures are might influence if it would be helpful or detrimental.

8/28/2008 1:07:02 PM

Western NY

no need for sun. gains dropped for some other reason.

8/28/2008 1:17:33 PM

Mulino, Oregon

Nick, my pumpkins only get uncovered to measure. The growth rate has nothing to do with the sheet/blanket. My fruit get covered from the day of pollination until harvest.

8/28/2008 1:28:33 PM

Preston CT

It is late in the year...gains should be dropping now...if you had a good one it should be around 1k+ by now...The 1689Jutras was 1175 by August 19th....

8/28/2008 1:56:06 PM

Cochecton, NY

OK, I guess I will go on to live another day!! Since I did not plant proven seeds, just dill's ag's from a local garden center, I will just take it as it comes and see where I land @ the end of the season. Providing I have no splits or other catastrophies I am cutting mine off the vine on 9/30. My sister runs a local harvest festival and wants to put my pumpkins on display for the last couple of weeks. I have already started getting ideas to have them consider becoming a GPC site. The harvest festival I am talking about is on the grounds of the original 1969 Woodstock festival. Now known as Bethel Woods Performing Arts Center. If there are any GPC top dogs reading this, get in touch with me, this place is HUGE and runs from around 8/21 to 10/12, depending on the calender. A great place for an event.

I believe the website for the venue is www.Bethelwoods.org
Like I stated earlier, I have an "IN".

My e-mail is [email protected] This place would be an awesome place for an event. Huge exposure!!!!

8/28/2008 2:13:12 PM

Western NY

http://www.bethelwoodscenter.org/

looks like a nice place. tough part would be scheduling around existing contests. shoot me an email sometime, or we can talk at one of the NY weighoffs if you're planning on going to coop, elmira, or pumpkinville.

8/28/2008 2:57:31 PM

Santa Rosa, CA

Nick,

I am one of those California growers who cover the pumpkins. The pumpkins have sheets, blankets or towels on them and then there is a tarp covering that.

From what I have experienced the sunlight may turn the skin color to orange. Towards the end of the growing season, I take the covers off during the day to warm up the pumpkin and then put the blanket back on late in the afternoon to keep the pumpkin warm at night.

My 1069.5 Zunino ('06) has been orange from day one. I can't wait to take of the blankets and let it get REALLY ORANGE.

Your reduction in daily weight gains is probably because the pumpkins are getting older, not because you covered them up.

Chuck

8/28/2008 3:21:29 PM

Cochecton, NY

I am hoping to go to check out Cooperstown. My not have a pumpkin with me, but still might go. Did you send me an e-mail? I will definitely be in touch. Actually getting ready to shoot over to my folks house. From there I can see the festival site!!!!

If you have not e-mailed me, do so so I can get back to you ASAP.

8/28/2008 3:21:50 PM

Cochecton, NY

Thanks for the advice Chuck. I figured that my 'kins were at that stage since they were generic. Just thought I would ask if anyone had any input. Seems like the general opinion is take what ever I get from here out and hit the ground running next season. And I will be running hard!!! I am a first timer here and I am absolutely 100,000% hooked!!!!

8/28/2008 3:26:32 PM