Wet SE Mn. Pumpkin Update
Growing pumpkins on SE Minnesota is starting to become a real challenge.
June was a cool and very wet month as we set an all time record for any
month with 12.52 inches of rain. This put the pumpkin plants 4-7 days
behind their normal growth.
At the start of July, the soil was completely saturated and it was
difficult to find a day where the soil was dry enough to be able to work
in the patch. Since the start of July, the patch has received 1.2, .75,
and 3.8 inches of rain on saturated ground. Even though the soil drains
well, puddles developed and covered the young females for a short time.
Do not know why, but this stops the growth of the female and put
pollination even further behind. More rain is predicted for this week.
At least this area has not been hit with heavy hail or extremely strong
winds during these storms,
So far, four females have been pollinated in the last couple of days and
they are:
1) 693 Heyne 98 x 815 Checkon 98 - So far, it looks like it growing.
2) 783 Baird 99 x 837 Thorson 99 - A very hot day - hope it survives.
3) 1009 Eaton 99 x 858 Baird 97 - After 3.8 inches of rain
4) 858 Baird 97 x 1009 Eaton 99 - After 3.8 inches of rain
Pollination will be slow this next week as many of my females on the
main vine died due to the overdose of water.
On the positive side, the plants look terrific -- probably the best ever
at this time in the season. No watering has to be done, but it seems
that Sevin and the squash vine borer spray have to be applied about
every other day.
My best to you all during this pollination time.
George Heyne
Rochester, Mn.
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