From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Colorado

We have had alot of cool nights lately.(mid 40's or even lower). My question is this, am I doing enough by just covering the pumpkin and not the plant. I hope to have some sort of structure built this fall for next year to cover the whole plant. If the pumpkin itself is warmer will the plant still feed it?

8/4/2013 4:00:06 PM

Cheyenne,WY

We have also had nights in the 40's. This year, I am trying a little experiment. Under one pumpkin, I have placed heating cables to see if that will make a difference. The verdict is out on this one and I look forward to reading other responses.

8/4/2013 6:07:08 PM

Lakewood, Colorado

Jack, I just put blankets on and hope for the best. Hopefully we are going to have some warmer weather soon.

Yesterday, my mother in law suggested a heated hoop house over the pumpkin for the duration. Not a terrible idea, but haven't pulled that trigger yet.

8/5/2013 11:48:59 AM

Ohio

Ive often thought about does covering your pumpkin to keep it warm still help it grow on cold days/ nights? I dont think anyone has the answer for that question but Heres how I look at it....

Does a cold plant feed a warm pumpkin better? Id would think not very good.
Or does a warm plant feed a cold pumpkin better? Id say the warmer the leaves and vines are the better the nutrients flow through out the plant to feed the pumpkin even if the pumpkin might be colder,( even better if both was warm of course) but this is just a guess on my part. I think you have to keep both warm as best you can, not just the pumpkin.

8/5/2013 4:47:18 PM

Ely Mn

I grow in a greenhouse. But I put a partition wall of plastic just around the pumpkin and I only heat that spot. it's getting down into the 40's some nights and the gains are still pretty big. so yes im ia beleiver in heating the pumpkin.

8/5/2013 9:15:22 PM

Wi

I think Brooks is a smart man.

8/5/2013 9:58:11 PM