RE: Advice needed, esp from my neighbors

Hey Kathie,

The earliest I've started thus far was tax day, April 15th, and it was for
an early weigh-off.  In this day of smaller plants, I don't think we need
the jump-start by starting earlier.  The fruit will most likely only grow
for a certain number of days, the trick is to have that growth period during
the most favorable days.  If your weather becomes unfavorable toward the end
of the season, Ray may very well be right about starting the plants now.
The biggest consideration is getting the fruit picked and stored properly
before something happens to them.  

The fruit I picked on August 15th last year went to a farm in New Jersey and
lasted through Halloween, outdoors no less.  This fruit obviously had very
thin walls at certain points, but it held together.  I guess it depends on
genetics and what you do to preserve that outer layer.  If you want to make
a fruit last longer, I think this can be accomplished by adding Calcium
directly to the skin as a rub.  From what I understand, this really
fortifies the skin...my early pumpkin may serve as proof.  Use chelated
(sp?) calcium if you can find it as it is immediately available to the
plant.

Just my thoughts...anyone want to jump in and add something?

-Gus

 -----Original Message-----
From: 	Kathie Morgan [f*@earthlink.net] 
Sent:	Thursday, April 03, 2003 1:20 PM
To:	pumpkins@hort.net
Subject:	Advice needed, esp from my neighbors

Mr Ray Barenchi plans to start my seeds in his greenhouse, just as he
did last year. He will start them today.
I'm concerned that this is early, but I'm too inexperienced to know. I
know Ray has started them earlier and earlier each year. 
Should I be concerned? If so, what can I do to make up for my early
start?
Would love to hear from you Napa growers, Boonville, Sonoma County,
other North Bay growers.
Thanks!
Kathie

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