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canal winchester ohio

As some may or may not know I'm growing one of my 353 seeds to test the hardiness & possibly get some seeds. As we are approaching cool weather I face a tough choice (1) erect a greenhouse over the plant which I can very easily do because I put the frame over the plant before planting just in case. or (2) let mother nature take its course because I'm testing the hardiness of the plant & this would be the best way to do so.
I would like as many responses to this post as possible, because I value all of your opinions " yes Tom even yours" I was brought up to be a forgiving person , but this IS your last chance.
Now back to the subject at hand, please help me my brother is my only other source of help " and he does give me alot of help" but we are at odds on this one.
Now come on guys & gals help me with this one.......Paul

9/24/2001 1:14:37 PM

Commack, NY

Hey Paul..........i have a question for you, when you say you want to test the "hardiness" of this seed....what do mean exactly? its ability to handle different climatic conditions? just curious what it is exactly that you would be testing. ......personally i would put the greenhouse up, reason being is you are unlikely to encounter conditions like you are encountering now, during the course of the season.......except of course in the spring time. so if you are looking to get viable seeds, and the biggest fruit possible, definatly put that house up. if you just want to experiment with it, then leave it off. just my .02 cents

good luck
scott

9/24/2001 2:51:26 PM

canal winchester ohio

Scott,
Yes ,I'm testing it to climatic conditions to see how it holds up. I'll count your vote to keep it for seeds....Paul

9/24/2001 3:01:01 PM

Rexburg, Idaho

There is no need to test the hardiness of your plant for frost. That experiment has been done. They will die at or just below 32 degrees. If you truly want to save the seeds you better cover the plant.

9/24/2001 3:45:46 PM

Ga.

cover,cover,covver Paul....

9/24/2001 4:15:31 PM

Long Island,New York

Im watching my Sept 2 set grow ever so slowly...and we all know frost will kill the plant.If you put the plastic up you'll get experience and insight on growing under plastic...will moisture be a problem? What temp outside means frost inside?Will it boost the growth? Will 6mil plastic work? will greenhouse grade be required? What if you put a heater in it...how long will the plant survive?Better chance at Halloween carvers with plastic than w/o...I see more benefit from covering than not Paul...even though the cross you had to make is less than worthy of the work covering, its good practice when you have next years 900lber in sept going for 1000......G

9/24/2001 5:35:31 PM

canal winchester ohio

You guys win I'll call Charly's Greenhouse Tuesday & place a order for plastic. By the way thats what my brother wanted to do to........Paul

9/24/2001 5:52:17 PM

Greencastle, PA

you could burry the vines like James Pacelli and just put heavy blankets over them. Thanks, Paul. Good luck,
Tom

P.S. I'm planning on growing one of my 30's in a green house this winter to see what it produces. I don't know if that helps you though.

9/24/2001 8:39:27 PM

Deer Park WA

Hi Pual, I have been covering my two remaining pumpkins with heavy old quilts at night to try and moderate the average daily temps inside the pumpkins. I did cover my entire plants last year, but when it frosts to 25 degrees, and your plants are 8 to 9 hundred sq. ft. your season is over. I say let nature take her course. My pumpkins have slowed way down as they allways do in the fall, I'm gaining around 8 lbs per day. Best wishes
Gerry Gadberry

9/24/2001 11:54:28 PM