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Ellwood City, PA, USA

I have a few sprinklers setup to cover the patch. Is it OK to water in full sun, for a period of time, to cool the plant down? Does this cause stress instead, because of the temperature fluctuation? Thank you.

7/4/2011 3:32:11 PM

Western PA

I used them last year and grew some very respectable pumpkins, for a new grower. I think they are fine to help cool the plant, many people do that.

It should not cause any stress, if anything, it should help in the heat right now.
Just be sure that the leaves are dry before sunset.

I live a little north of you between Sharon and Mercer.

7/4/2011 4:07:57 PM

Ellwood City, PA, USA

Thanks Zappa. Nice to know someone is nearby. I figured it would be fine, as long as things had a chance to dry out. I appreciate your input.

7/4/2011 4:24:45 PM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

Watering in full sun to cool the plants is a fairly normal practice. There are alot of old wives tales out there, one of which says that you will burn the plants...I've personally never have burnt any plants by watering in full sun, but I suppose anything is possible.

7/5/2011 8:18:35 AM

Ellwood City, PA, USA

The "Burning" is what I had also heard about. That was one reason I was hesitant.

Thank you both for the information.

7/5/2011 8:31:47 AM

Deer Park WA

We have found that foilar feeding or spraying for pests/disease in the heat of the day can cause leaf burn. We try to spray about an hour before sunset or very early in the morning when the stoma are open.

7/5/2011 4:11:02 PM

Navarre,OH

The burning from watering during the day is caused if someones leaves the hose out all day and the water inside becomes HOT. So when you turn the hose on all that hot water scorches your leaves. If you leave your hose out in the hot weather all day turn the hose on for a minute before hitting your plants.

7/5/2011 7:46:00 PM

Ellwood City, PA, USA

The hose being heated by the sun makes a lot of sense.

7/6/2011 9:22:48 AM

Buffalo, New York

I totally agree with the hot water in the hose burning plants.....but then what good is a timer on a sprinkler system if you have it come on every few hours?

7/10/2011 2:32:02 AM