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phoenix AZ

I will only be able to visit my new patch about twice a week, so I wont be able to cover or uncover them every day. I am going to need some type of system to keep the pumpkins warm. Average temps the first 2 months will be about 35 at night to 65 in the day, but could range from 25-75 during a cold or warm spell. I realize that If I used clear plastic with no openings the pumpkins would probably bake on a 70 degree day. So my choices seem to be a plastic hut with openings that I just leave open, but then it seems like it wouldnt hold in much heat at night. Or a enclosed hut made out of remay floating row cover but I am not sure if they will overheat? Does anyone know how warm it can get before you need to take off floating row covers. Whatever I build I plan on putting a light on a timer in there for heat. Does anyone have any suggestions on the best way to keep them warm at night without frying them during the day.

12/1/2009 3:35:42 AM

Billerica,Massachusetts

or get an automatic opening vent

http://www.charleysgreenhouse.com/

Glenn

12/1/2009 7:57:25 AM

Bethlehem CT

Last year I built some cold frames that were an A-frame style. I had plexiglass over the top and the gable ends were covered with floating row cover. (Not plastic.) They did not require any ventilation and worked well for me.

12/1/2009 7:57:34 AM

I believe the Reemay could stay on, but if you get down into the mid 20's it may not provide adequate frost protection.

http://www.obcnw.com/b2b/shop.php?prod_action=showdetail&prod_id=3135#Agro%20Fabric%20Crop%20Covers

If you're only concerned about smaller plants, you could try double protecting with an open plastic hut and Reemay on the seedling itself, but I would worry about wind whipping through the cloche and using the Reemay as a kite. You could also try an open plastic hut and put some red brooder lamps next to the plants. Put the lights on a timer and situate them so that water doesn't drip on the hot bulb.

I have used this and found that it creates a nice microclimate right around the seedling. Make sure your seedling does get watered regularly, as the lamp will dry out the soil a bit. I have also discovered the neighborhood cats enjoy this setup, which is okay with me as long as they don’t use the plant as bedding. In your neck of the woods, I might be less concerned about cats than critters without any legs.

12/1/2009 11:48:25 AM

phoenix AZ

I like those automatic opening vents. Has anybody used one are they reliable? I think for now I will kind of go with big moons idea with plastic or glass on top and remay around the sides, I will just have to get a thermometer and test if it gets to hot. If it does I will go with all remay, or even an automatic vent opener.

12/1/2009 2:43:39 PM