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Anamosa, Iowa

I have the urge to uncover pumpkins to take in the September sun in order to heat up pumpkin for hopes of bigger gains on these cooler 70 - 80 degree September days.
Is this a wise move or will the skin toughen for less weight gains and earlier maturity?

9/7/2010 7:50:53 AM

Western NY

I've been doing it for a couple weeks now.

If it toughens the skin and they keep growing, you'll get some minor skin cracking, I have that on a few here. No big deal.

9/7/2010 8:04:32 AM

Jefferson Me

Why not use a colored sheet? Thats what I've done. Like dark green, dark blue. NOT black! You get warmth without the U.V.rays.

9/7/2010 9:45:21 PM

Anamosa, Iowa

Thanks sound like sheet or open is fine. Why not a black sheet to cover?

9/7/2010 11:04:12 PM

Anamosa, IA [email protected]

Black can get too hot and burn the top of the pumpkin: I learned that the hard way. Also if your tarp gets loose and touches the pumpkin it can burn. After the cold this morning, I think it is time to get out the blanket for the night. Lets just keep our fingers crossed that the creeks don't rise like last year!

9/8/2010 9:15:05 AM