Theory
- To: pumpkins@mallorn.com
- Subject: Theory
- From: j* b*
- Date: Sun, 17 Jan 1999 19:05:24 -0600
Fellow Pumpkineers;
I'm looking towards the upcoming season with enthusiam. Currently I'm
planning the construction of a cold weather frame. After the plant gets
to go out on its own I plan to convert the frame into a shelter for the
chosen pumkin. Since my preliminary plans have me building a doghouse
style frame I'm looking forward for "Duke" to feel at home in it.
The subject of this letter deals with a theory I conceptualized. My
theory involves the growing pumpkin. From what I've gathered the
pumpkin needs protection from drying out, shade, hail safety, vandalism,
rodents, etc.. My doghouse will provide that but I've come across a
thought that could also be employed with this structure.
The pumpkin is said to grow the most at night and that watering at night
is most readily taken up by the pumpkin at this time. Why ? Why? Why?
The Barlow Theory :
The make-up of the pumpkin tissue/flesh has a high percentage of water.
Water cools and warms slower than soil. When the temperature starts to
drop at night it does so at a faster rate than the pumpkin. This
enhances somehow the uptake of water and nutrients from the soil. Thus
it grows faster at night.
To capitalize on this concept if one were to maintain the warmth of the
pumpkin after the sun goes down longer it would extend this uptake of
water and nutrients for a longer period of time, thus faster, larger,
and more consistent growth. Another idea would be to use cool water in
the evening versus warm water. Another idea would be to warm the pumpkin
on cool/cold days (end of Sept.?).
Thus, I'm thinking of insulating my doghouse very well to control the
temperature somewhat.
Comments? Experiences?
John "Cornhusk" Barlow
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