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Monroe Nc

I live in north Carolina, should I be putting sheets over my kins? And also what are the benefits? I'm guessing for bug and dew coverage, any help would be useful, thanks cp out.

7/16/2012 5:05:19 PM

Rhode Island

benefits?
keeps the fruit shaded which in turn keeps the skin softer and is less apt to crack - aka keeping the fruit from maturing early as well.
never thought of the sheets as protection from bugs or dew but i suppose those things could be a benefit.
ps--always leave the pumpkins stem exposed to the sun. it helps keep it healthy and sound.

7/16/2012 6:51:56 PM

Torrance, Ca.

There's another new one for me pap, keep the stem in the sun. Thanks pap, I've been covering it with the sheet.


What would we do without you :)


And keep um coming!

7/16/2012 9:22:47 PM

Bristol R.I. USA

Sheets are simple and yet they do so much.

7/16/2012 9:31:48 PM

Muddy Waters

Thanks Pap i was wondering about that.I havent been covering the stem I thought it would be better to let air flow around stem.I dont think it will get any direct sun though.I have shaded cloth over Kin(on hoops) to keep it cool should hit 97 to 100 tomorrow.

7/16/2012 10:26:56 PM

Monroe Nc

Thank you, helps a lot. Had a good one going and lost the stump, now down to 1.5-2.0'inchs per night. Rest of plant looks very healthy though. Day 33 ott is 242.75 or 324 lbs. Only 1.5 inch ott last night and those gains were ss and ee. No gains in cc hope it's not the end for this kin. Still biggest I have ever grown, but it's only my first year.

7/17/2012 7:36:28 AM

Ashby, MA

Keep the stem exposed.... I learn something new every day from this site. Excellent advice. Thanks Pap.

7/19/2012 1:25:33 PM

Rhode Island

the stem is that pumpkins life line. just as important as the main vine for sure.we have learned through the years that a healthy pumpkins stem goes a very long way to having a healthy pumpkin.

we sprinkle powdered sulfer on our stems and replace it as needed if it gets washed off.never lost a stem since we started this practice.
before that? it was a battle each and every year and many years i feel growth was held back because of less than perfect stems.

pap

7/20/2012 10:00:22 AM