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Pinedale, WY

I shade my pumpkin, because everyone else that grows big pumpkins does. But I am not sure why I shade it? I have some ideas, but I would like to know the real reason, thanks.

9/2/2007 10:23:59 AM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Taken from pumpkinnook.com how to section;

Sun protection is a vital part of your plant protection program . Then again, everything is a vital part of the process. To promote maximum growth of the fruit, you want to protect the skin of the fruit from prematurely drying due to direct exposure to the sun. As the skin matures, it hardens, limiting the ability of the skin to expand as the plant grows ,and increasing the risk of splitting.

The fruit of a giant pumpkin begins as a a soft yellow fruit, similar to it's cousin, a yellow summer squash. The skin is soft and almost moist. Because of these characteristics, it can expand rapidly as the fruit grows, rather than act as a limiter to growth. The fruit should be shaded from the sun to help the skin to maintain it's soft, pliant texture as long as possible ,and to slow the maturing process. Plan to construct a sun shade, and make sure it is helping your fruit, not harming it.

9/2/2007 11:13:25 AM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

Daytime heat, Pastor. Some use white sheets in lieu of the huts.

Just removed my huts due to the cool nights here recently. This will allow daytime temps. of 80 degrees or so to warm the fruit. Will cover at night with blankets to retain heat overnight.

Keep in mind, too, that fungicides may need to be applied more regularly due to nighttime dew. Plant health is vital this time of year to pack on those extra few pounds.

9/2/2007 11:13:49 AM

Pinedale, WY

My plant has had a bad year, between hail, tornados, and my over fertilizing, it looked dead all of July, then in August the leaves started growing back and the plant took off, I got a fruit cross pollinated and set 10 days ago. Then pumpkin is taping at 17 pounds now. It is a personal best for me. last year it was the size of a golf ball. I am a horrible gardener, but I am learning and want to do well. It is still 95 during the day and 60's at night.

9/3/2007 12:53:45 AM

southwest MO

I have a short insparational story for U. (As do many I'm sure) Last year I had a real hard time getting going. Kept looseing plant after plant due to all the typical suspects... I finally got ONE plant going and pollinated on September 2nd... It grew for 50 days before I lost the whole plant to a hard frezze. I let it sit to admire it for a couple weeks then choped it up and weighed it. #575 Just keep it going and dont give up. What started as a very frustrating season for me was forgotten and replaced with very enjoyable memories.

9/3/2007 1:01:40 PM

Pinedale, WY

Cool thanks, I plan on keeping it going until the freeze.

9/3/2007 3:48:59 PM

Farmville, Virginia (mfowler@hsc.edu)

This hobby can be VERY frustrating!!! Last year was my first year and everything that could go wrong went wrong. By late July I had lost all pollinations and pulled my plants up. I said then that I would not plant again this year, of course I was already addicted even if I didn't want to admit it and I did plant again this year...I'm glad I did. Hang in there Pastor!!!

Good Luck!

9/3/2007 5:19:45 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Shading early prevents sun scald.
Shading later prevents early maturation.
Shading might also include keeping the fruit dry to prevent rots.
Shading late isn't shading at all. Now we leave the sun upon them during the day & wrap to prevent cold at night.

9/3/2007 8:09:54 PM

Clarence, NY

One not listed is that the size of your shading shack keeps the some of those unwanted pumpkin eating varmits away - deer are my nemisis.

9/5/2007 3:41:53 PM