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San Luis Obispo Ca

Does this work? My pumpkin is in direct Sun for about 8 hours. But I live on the Coast in Central Cali, we do not get the triple digits temps. It stays mostly in the 70/80 fog until 10:00am most days. Would I benifit from a tent?

7/15/2005 12:44:02 PM

Nipomo, California

I have always tented mine. I'm sure it never hurts to do so.

7/15/2005 12:54:30 PM

60C Bayview Rd.Castroville,Calif 95012

I keep mine covered with a towl, blanket or sheet.Then clear plastic sheeting over that to keep them dry. You do have to check them every day. The plastic helps warm them and keep them warm late into the foggy night.

7/15/2005 10:17:37 PM

Rhode Island

we use a white sheet early on and switch to shade once we are assured the fruit is a keeper ( 200 plus lbs )
i like the shade over the fruit for a couple reasons

air flow around the fruit and if possioned correctly this method stops water from splashing soil onto the fruits sides
( WHICH CAN ALSO INTRODUCE DISEASE )

we also use a layer of sand around the bottom edges of the pumpkin at the point where the fruit is most stressed and around the plants base

we put a small plexiglass covers over the base stump to keep that immediate 8 inch by 8 inch area dry

more important than any of the above is a good disease control program

i would not even begin to guess how many world class prospects are put down and/or compromised every year due to bacterial problems brought on by soil or air born diseases

(high humidity is like a visit from your inlaws ( you know there coming , ya just hope they leave after a short stay)

we have just about every type spray and soil additive you would want for disease and to be truthfull we still loose bases and sometimes plants to disease

mostly our problems are due to the high nitrogen levels from over loading the patch with various manures three years back

thats when we coined the phrase
" pigs get fat, hogs get slaughtered "

pap

7/16/2005 6:57:46 AM

Oz

I am convinced that the suns rays are "stronger" than five years ago. give it shade.

7/16/2005 2:32:27 PM