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Bristol R.I. USA

Here in R.I. The nights are getting noticeably colder. I've put 2 comforters and a blue tarp over the fruit. Does anyone know of any other ways to keep the pumpkin warm. I was thinking that i could put a small heater near the fruit during the cold nights with a tarp directing the heat to the stem area of the fruit. Is this overkill? Is having the blankets enough? Another simple question from Kenny trying to get the fruit to the scales! Lol!

9/16/2009 9:51:19 PM

Sequim, WA

I quit covering my fruit since I cannot get to them every day and want them to warm up in the sun when it appears this time of year. Guess what, they still grow without a blankie to keep them warm. So yes, a heater is probably overkill and you'll probably electrocute yourself in the patch if it gets too wet. Maybe you could wrap in layers of this question. They're getting kind of thick and the photons and electrons should keep them warm. ;o)

9/16/2009 10:30:51 PM

[email protected]

If the fruit is done growing (read the daily tape) there is little left to gain. On the other hand if the tape is still moving then sun by day - blanket by night. A German grower (Martin maybe?) used an electric blanket some nights;.

9/16/2009 11:09:03 PM

Rhode Island

kenny
to add into steves comments. once a fruit stops growing it starts to die. some take months, some take weeks, some were going down a month ago and you just did not have anyway to know it.either way once they stop growing the no longer need "the heat" -kenny-
my suggestion would be to leave all blankets, sheets, tarps, etc ,off the fruit/ let it stay cool in the daytime and even cooler at night.
a tarp roof over the top of fruit will protect it from suns heat in the day time and any possible frost at night or any rainy days.
pap

9/17/2009 6:38:57 AM

Ohio

Kenny, I move my 1000 lb fruit in the living room this time of year when it gets colder, sit it right next to the lazy boy and heat vent that comes out of the wall.(I heat with propane). Not only does it keep the fruit warm you can also keep a eye on it for soft spots when watching NFL football on TV.
Only hard part is getting it through the front door, and I have scratched many fruit this way, so be careful when moving it, have someone watch the sides of the fruit very carefully when moving it indoors though doorways.

9/17/2009 6:56:08 AM

Westford, MA

Kenny 2 words
"Body Heat" Nice thick foam pad, and sleeping bag in the Hoop House, next to NOT on top of the fruit.
Hell it's only 13 more days til I harvest for Topsfield.
Capt Nemo (yellow lab) only lasted 1 night.
Didn't like the smell of fish emulsion.
kevin

9/17/2009 2:26:22 PM

Ohio

lol

9/17/2009 7:52:04 PM