From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Nottingham, UK

Can someone explain why some growers keep a blanket on their pumpkins, presumably at night?

To keep them warm for growing?

thanks

8/18/2011 11:45:27 AM

Stanwood, Washington

I believe the sheets are used primarily to protect the skin fron sunburn and premature aging.

8/18/2011 12:25:07 PM

Sourthern Utah

dandy,, i use sheets during the day as stated to protect from sunburn,,, at night i cover with heavy blankets/quilts to help hold the heat, the reason is, i believe is does assist in the growth rate of the fruits,,

8/18/2011 1:03:04 PM

Ohio

So at what nightly temps do you start covering?

8/18/2011 7:31:39 PM

Frankfort Ohio

i cover mine when it gets below 60

8/18/2011 8:00:40 PM

Muddy Waters

Word Jed!

8/18/2011 10:20:28 PM

Sloughhouse, CA

I'm covering this year for the first time to keep the skins soft and still growing. Will see.

8/20/2011 12:56:21 AM

South Hero, VT

Blankets help to avoid wide temperature fluctuations that may result in an AG splitting. Any time temps are forecast to be in the low 60's Fahrenheit or lower, I put blankets on top of the sheets, and a tarp on top of that--the old belt and suspenders approach.

8/20/2011 7:25:09 PM

Rhode Island

a blanket on nights when the temp is predicted to go below 60 degrees accomplishes several things.
most important is it keeps the fruit warmer during its growth cycle at night, and a warmer pumpkin in early morning prevents that stall /start - cold to warm temp variation that could also contribute to splits and cracks on an older fruit.

8/23/2011 6:49:09 AM

Mass

When do most of you stop covering with the sheets during the day?

8/23/2011 7:11:06 AM

Western PA

Sweet 1, This is what I have read and do.

When the day time temps start to cool, say the last 3 weeks in September, is when I let direct sun on my pumpkins. You want to heat them up during the day, then throw the blankets on them to hold that heat in during the growth period at night. I guess around day 70-80 would work if your daily gains are down into the single #'s.

8/23/2011 8:32:08 AM

Mass

Thanks Zappa, was kinda thinking a week before each weighoff to add a little more color to some of the lighter ones, If I can guess as to which one may go where and when 7 days ahead. :-) 53 here last night, had half of them covered. Need more blankets.

8/23/2011 10:49:21 AM

Middle TN

I wondered at what temp I should start blanketing my pumpkin. Thanks for the info :)
Tammy

8/23/2011 11:46:57 AM