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Edmonton, 53.5N, 113.6W

Hi all, for the first time this year I've put my pumpkin out early and built a hoop house. So far it's been fantastic - I've never had such a big plant by this time of year. For most of May I closed the ends at night to keep the plant warmer but for the last few weeks I've left the ends open. Now the plant is getting too big for the house and I need to access the secondaries.

Do most folks just remove the hoop house completely one day or do you slowly wean the plant by starting to lift the sides etc. I'm concerned because my plant hasn't really been hit with much wind or direct sunlight in its happy little plastic tunnel and I don't want any kind of a setback.

6/12/2012 12:12:06 PM

President - GPC

Go SLow....I pull my sideZ up....and use stakes to clothes pin the sides to. So it startZ to look like the hat the flying nun wore. HelpZ protect the leaves from sun UV, wind and hail. I leave my frame in the dirt and let the vineZ grow over it. the main has a section cut out for it however...just take the poles and conduit off and leave it out there...... I find that for what ever reason...the leaves in the hoopZ die first when older...opening up the stump area which may need protection again.

6/12/2012 3:23:28 PM

Goodwood, Ontario, Canada

if the vines are growing out of the hoop house then you have to remove the hoop house. But from bad experience I can tell you that you need to put up wind breaks and stake the vines down. One bad gust of wind and the plant could blow over and upright the tap roots, twist and even break the main vine. Next year I will be building much bigger hoop house because the wind at this time of year is our worst enemy.

6/12/2012 4:12:27 PM

Edmonton, 53.5N, 113.6W

Thanks WiZ - caution was what I was leaning towards.

I was hoping though that someone in a northern climate like mine would say just take it away - no ill effects. Would make the maintenance and care of the plant a lot easier.

6/12/2012 4:26:16 PM

Edmonton, 53.5N, 113.6W

Thanks pburdon,
My vines were pushed up against the sides. I don't really need any wind breaks as I don't have the luxury of a big open space. My pumpkin is crammed into a nicely sheltered corner of my garden. I've found that just burying the vines is usually enough wind protection. This is what my plant looks like after the skirt lifting. http://www.flickr.com/photos/reckhard/7366547776/in/photostream

6/12/2012 4:54:16 PM

East Jordan, MI

lol Reckhand. Never seems to go the easy way out, at least not for me.

The local growers in your area know the best tricks to help you out. The UV at higher elevations is stronger and the sheeting that has been over your precious plant has acclimated it to that environment, and abrupt changes can cause problems. Have you joined a club yet?

Good luck.

6/13/2012 8:39:10 AM

Westford, MA

I'm with the Wiz.
I leave them up, cut openings to let the vines out.
I lift the sides as needed, and can seal it up if we get weather.
I'm moving shade tents, 3ml foggy/clear plastic, with the vine leaders.
I like to protect the small leaves from scald, until they are atleast 1-1 1/2' across.

I'll eventually trim the plastic off the original hoop house, leaving a 4' x 3' piece over the trunk to keep it somewhat dry and provide some protection.

I do use wind breaks.

6/13/2012 11:10:04 AM

Sourthern Utah

i never remove the hoop frame.. just let them grow around it ,, but plastic is off now. keep blankets an such close fer the rare,, weather that comes by here .. and use frames as a hail protection,, with tarps on them,, wind gaurd around the area is a good idea,, just my thoughts

6/15/2012 6:38:50 PM

Edmonton, 53.5N, 113.6W

Well I've taken all the helpful comments under consideration and have decided to slowly wean the plant from the hoop house - so far all is well with no visible ill effects. Lifted the sides first - then rolled back most of one side - then removed half the house. Now only the stump is covered under plastic and that will be going on the weekend.

6/19/2012 4:50:26 PM