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Centennial Colorado

Hi all,
There is a 40 degree day coming up and I am considering covering my pumpkin. What temperature do you all typically cover? My teammate has horse blankets if necessary. Also, what temperature to remove the blankets? We have 40 degree nights and 70 degree days.
Thanks,
Leif

9/19/2024 3:55:08 PM

Germany

Whenever you want to cover the pumpkin (cold night sounds like a reasonable reason), cover it over night but remove the blanket during daytime. The fruit will always cool down at night (but the insulation thanks to the blanket will slow down the process of cooling), so that the fruit will, in the morning, certainly have a lower temperature than the daytime max temp. You want to make use of every degree temp above the fruit´s morning temperature, so don´t inhibit the warm-up by any insulation.

9/19/2024 4:04:26 PM

Cheshire Ma USA

I cover when the temp gets below 50, and uncover when the sun hits it in the am or when it gets to 60.. I know one 2000 lb grower that never uses more than a sheet and another 2000 lb grower that uses blankets whenit is 60 or below.

9/19/2024 10:04:39 PM

Grittyville, WA

I dont think the cold hurts them but if they stay that cold all day then they basically wont grow.

9/19/2024 11:25:43 PM

Merrimack NH

I agree with Dan- I cover them with a blanket when the night time temps are expected to get near 50 degrees or below, then uncover them in the morning. I also agree that the jury is still out on whether it really matters.

9/20/2024 11:30:08 AM

Bethlehem CT

i only use a sheet, i would surely forget about the blanket and leave it on all day

9/20/2024 12:51:43 PM

Centennial Colorado

Thank you all for the comments. I decided to layer 3 tarps. We have over an inch of rain expected.

9/21/2024 11:24:27 AM

Colorado

You want to cover more when the nights are cool. Your trying to slow the rate of temp change to avoid splits that can happen when a chilled pumpkin warms up too fast. Also Leif I heard sleeping out next to the pumpkin keeps it calm so it wont crack up.

9/21/2024 5:18:03 PM

Colorado

Maybe I dreamed that second part. Please ignore.

9/21/2024 5:19:35 PM

Whidbey Island

Blue tarp hoop house with a small space heater aimed away from the 'kin set on thermostat for 60 degrees. Keeps 'em warm and dry.

9/22/2024 6:37:22 PM

Grittyville, WA

Definitely listen to whatever Whidbey says! He gets great results.

9/23/2024 12:06:24 AM