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New Hampshire, USA

or is it the vine that the temperature effects and slows the growth. Just wondering if the blankets are worth the time or not, or should i try to warm the soil to keep the vine warm andkeep the pumpkin growing?

8/27/2009 7:33:18 PM

Ohio

I was wondering the same thing. We are supposed to be in the low 40's next week and have gotten the blankets out but would some kind of light/heater work also? If so, what would you suggest I use. Thanks

8/28/2009 7:30:13 AM

Hernando, Mississippi

Cold temps will harden the skin of the pumpkin and cause it to seal up like you were going to store it to keep.

8/28/2009 11:37:29 AM

Joliet, IL

in my mind, the blankets put on a pumpkin are just to trap as much internal heat and let it slowly dissipate as the night progresses. they are placed over the pumpkins on colder nights to avoid quick changes in temperature in the pumpkin to avoid splitting. i am not sure if it helps them grow anymore, but it doesn't hurt the growth that is for sure. i believe the cooler nights means cooler soil temps and also cooler vines and leaves. the soil doesn't work as well when cooler with nutrients being locked up a bit, and i imagine the internal juices flowing from the leaves through the vines to the pumpkin will maybe become a little more viscous when cold and slower moving through out the system. i would have to say my guess is that the plant is what is affected by the cold and the reason for slower weight gains. just a guess though. and if cold temps harden the skin and cause it to seal up like jcwHort stated, then get the blankets out.

8/28/2009 1:07:34 PM

Midwest

If we have heating cables in the ground, adding some heat couldn't hurt just like in the Spring?

8/28/2009 6:48:39 PM

Bemidji Minnesota

Well, I think cold temps may give the vine a biological reaction that says ripen up, its near the end of the season.

Problem is if you want to grow more...

Kind of the situation I'm in. I got a July 31st pol date, and with the cold temps I am just happy if I get a decent porch pumpkin.

Kind of at the mercy of the weather. I do have a blanket on the fruit, but I cannot smother the leaves with a blanket.

8/28/2009 11:38:41 PM

Joliet, IL

while on the topic here of blanketing pumpkins, as this cold spell begins to take hold for the next 4 nights, it is not a bad idea to put a tarp directly over the the blanket besides the one you may have as a sun shade. cool nights and heavy dew will leave the blanket cold and wet by morning in many cases. also the extra heat trapped in by the tarp and the blanket is not a bad thing either.

8/29/2009 6:24:44 PM