Shade

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List Dudes,

 

Thanks for contributing to my pumpkin learnin’!  It is time for another question from a first year grower:

 

It has been consistently over 90 degrees with 8 days in a row over 100.  The last 3 or four days have been cool in the 80’s, but back into the 90s we go today.  I have at least one pumpkin that I am pretty sure has matured, and I believe the heat may have contributed to this occurrence, and to the slow growth of my other set pumpkins. 

 

My solution to this problem is still being worked out, but I have a couple things in mind that I was hoping I could get comments on.

 

First, I am hoping to obtain at least some seed to cross that comes from a successful grower in a hot region.  I am guessing that I need to get a hold of some of you that are livin’ la vida loca in the hot valleys of California!

 

Second, I am going to set up a misting system.

 

Third, I am planning on using a shade screen.  This is where I have a real question.  Because my main objective is to keep my plants cool, I am planning on having a cover over the entire patch.  Am I nuts?  Also, does anyone have any idea what percentage of shade the cloth should be for AG’s?  It comes in ratings from like 30% to 100%, with 100% being less sun with more cooling.  Most common are 47% to 63%, so I am guessing that I need somewhere in this range for AG’s.  I want to cool them, and yet allow them to get enough sun.  Any suggestions here?

 

Finally, when I see the pictures of your patches, they are weed free.  What is the secret?  You can’t be weeding them suckers by hand all through the season can you?  I have left a couple of vines alone because I don’t want to disturb the roots.  How do I get that wonderful weed free patch that you all seem to have?

 

Thanks all, I love this pumpkin habit I have developed and am trying to keep it going this year while I prepare for next!  Who could ask for a better hobby/obsession?  Lol…

 

God Bless,

 

Dale