Covering Pumpkins-??

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idealpeggy Lexington, KY(Zone 6b) Oct 23, 2013

I planted some baby pumpkins (late) and the little pumpkins just "showed up" last Saturday. We are supposed to have a hard freeze for 3 nights in a row. Would covering them save them? The weather after that is supposed to be in the 60's. Good ole' Ky! Please respond if you have any idea! Thanks.


This message was edited Oct 23, 2013 1:37 PM

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WeeNel Ayrshire Scotland, United Kingdom Oct 23, 2013

I would cover them with several layers of Horticultural fleece and perhaps lift the fruits and stems up off the soil IF they are traveling across the top soil, use some chicken straw from pet shop or farmer, this gives both insulation and prevent the cold soil spoiling the fruits that you say have just formed.
Alternatively, use the straw as before mentioned, and make a shelter (TENT) from clear plastic sheeting and some garden canes, this type of shelter will work as a mini greenhouse, Make sure when you build your tent framework, you splay the canes outwards from the plant as this will direct any dew / Moisture away from the fruit but allow it to get down to the roots, the last thing you want is to have water sitting on the fruits and causing fungal or Mould diseases to creep in.
For both the above methods of frost protection, I always allow plenty air to circulate in day time and close the fleece or plastic cover late afternoon, always do your normal watering regime at this time or the fruits will drop off the plants or shrivel up.
Hope this helps you out a bit and you can continue to enjoy your crop.
Kindest Regards, WeeNel.

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idealpeggy Lexington, KY(Zone 6b) Oct 23, 2013

Thank you SO much!

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Diana_K Contra Costa County, CA(Zone 9b) Oct 23, 2013

I have kept certain summer vegetables going really late into the frost with a clear plastic tent supported with PVC arches.

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