Re: Maryland update


  Just an observation but when you use styrofoam you should have a cover 
over your pumpkin anyhow so it will not get wet and lead to rot.  Also, if 
you still have a bit of water coming in, just put down a towel.  I did it 
this year and it worked out great

>From: William Susa <WSusa@CompuServe.COM>
>Reply-To: pumpkins@mallorn.com
>To: Pumpkin Mailing list <pumpkins@mallorn.com>
>Subject: Maryland update
>Date: Sun, 1 Aug 1999 21:48:21 -0400
>
>Well all, I'm glad to see that some of us are coping with the weather
>extremes this year.
>
>   PNW has had too little heat and too much rain when here in the
>Mid-Atlantic we've been hit with the second driest year this century.  This
>coupled with the hottest  month (July) recorded this century have really
>put me to the test.
>
>I've been watering about 600 gals a week on each of 3 plants-Hicks
>745/Burke 1092 and Greer 727 and all of the plants and pumpkins appeared to
>be quite healthy until last week.  Pumpkin shade covers went up in mid
>July.
>
>   1092 had a 20 day old pumpkin set 12 feet out on the main that measured
>72" circ when it went down due to rot-initial diagnosis is that the
>styrofoam, though poked with drainage holes, may have held enough water
>next to the skin to doom it.  (Going back to sand and taking my chances
>with the mice/moles)  All others have aborted with the exception of one
>recent set that I've been keeping chilled on our recent 100 degree days.
>Leaves look old and are still green but are quite brittle.
>
>745 is still fairly healthy with some leafs standing 42/44" tall.  Leaves
>starting to yellow on some vines-but not wilting.  Unfortunately, fruit set
>on this one have stopped growing at about 60" circ.  No more female flowers
>or sets.
>
>727 is the best looking of the 3, possibly because it is 10 days younger,
>and this one still has quite a few "young" sets, as well as a 230" OTT
>about 15 feet out on the main.  However, the 230" has basically stopped
>growing and it appears a surface rot has started. (whitish depressions
>showing  on the top left quadrant were sprayed with clorox dilution
>tonight)  This plant appears to be my best bet for a  replacement in case
>the  230" does what I expect it will do.
>
>I have been doing some overhead watering to cool the plants in the heat of
>the day, but I fear it hasn't been enough.  Oh well, this year I spent the
>big bucks putting in the water collection and irrigation system, next year
>I guess I need to set up a true mister as well as follow through with my
>plans to erect shade cloth over the plants.
>
>Wishing you all the best of luck-just about 2 months to go!!        Bill
>Susa, Jefferson, MD
>
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