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Connecticut, USA

Great looking fruit!

7/18/2025 11:48:09 AM

Grittyville, WA

Nice! Plant does look healthy. Maybe you could get a small gain by using a clear plastic rain cover, and covering the pumpkin with a white sheet? Tarps are so dark. But maybe someone else can give their opinion on this idea.

7/18/2025 1:42:17 PM

Ontario

So, it is in the greenhouse, rains not a concern. I was talking with Russ Landry this spring at the GVGO seminar briefly and he seemed to suggest covering fruit directly with a sheet, not allowing any "breathing room" would cause ethylene gas to build up, leading to premature ripening. Now, proving this, mostly impossible, but it is a sound theory, so I was sticking away from direct cover (aside from I will do blankets once nights begin to cool) and my tarp will likely come off mid August or so, as I suspect the frame can't house much over 12-1300 pounds.

Is your thinking just to allow more warmth onto the fruit?

7/18/2025 8:10:33 PM

Ontario

And yes, the plant is healthy, I might get a picture of it soon to post here as well

7/18/2025 8:11:53 PM

Grittyville, WA

It just seems like a lot of shade, but I guess its keeping the sun off the fruit which is good. I don't know if extra warmth would be helpful or unhelpful. I think the ethylene theory could be true, but cotton sheets should breathe fairly well. We should all copy the Patons, lol. I'm not sure what they use! I'll have to start paying attention.

7/19/2025 12:27:49 AM