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Location

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On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

All of us have noticed that after a big rain, pumpkins increase in weight and may even split. I am wondering if this increase in weight is water only or if there is more growth with the extra water. If so, does this mean the weight gain after a rain might indicate the grower is not watering enough?

3/30/2021 8:48:40 AM

Wallingford,CT

yup

3/30/2021 10:22:01 AM

Grittyville, WA

The plant can not wilt, yet still not have optimal water.

3/30/2021 2:49:55 PM

Walla Walla Wa.

It may have something to do with the ozone in the rain water.

3/30/2021 3:47:20 PM

North Of The Border

Just my 2 cents...

When I water my plants, they get an inch or 2 a week, the optimal amount. This can get the growth of fruits up there into 40 pounds per day. However, the rain doesn't care how much a plant needs. I have seen 1-2 inches in a day before, many times, and this causes it to get everything more water, and growth. I think the plants are capable of more weight gains, because the roots can pump more water than we let them, but these gains come with a risk.

Just my thoughts.

3/30/2021 4:57:56 PM

North Of The Border

Same with tomatoes, but with less weight...

3/30/2021 4:58:44 PM

Wixom MI.

I see more big growth surge after a lighting storm over a general rain. And with tomatoes if you are only watering near the base of the plant and not 5 feet around the plant that could be a reason why a plant will do better after a rain compaired to hand watering.

3/30/2021 5:53:58 PM

Syracuse, NY

All great points, and 'thumbs up', Dan - Life on earth may have begun due to lightning billions of years ago; I even like the smell of O3 and am reminded of it when i am near a copier running; I'm also pretty sure that rainwater does have additional natural fertilizers in it as well, such as Nitrogen and any condensation nuclei from many miles up---eg

3/30/2021 9:22:00 PM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

Rain water also has a lot of Nitrogen in it. But, you already knew that. Welcome back Dan.

3/31/2021 8:20:56 AM

Gone With The Win

Not if it splits open

4/5/2021 9:32:16 PM