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Chicago

Last year a few of the neighbors and I tried to grow giant pumpkins on the lot next to my house. We are located just outside of Chicago. After a few disasters, (the lawn guy wiped out all of the first plants when he accidently mowed the planted beds) we did manage a few big (about 75 lbs), but not giant pumpkins. We are determined to try again.

First, we need help with a problem we couldn't solve. Late in the year (August - Sept) something was eating the very skin of the pumpkins in a pattern. The pumpkin would then rot. We tried every type of pesticide and even cheese cloth. We never saw any critters in the garden. Anyone have any ideas?

Second, we need seeds. I doubt we are on the way to growing a world class pumpkin, so we don't need top notch seeds, but we have room to grow about 12 or so plants. I would appreciate any help anyone can give us. Thanks.

4/8/2006 6:18:46 PM

ahhh,,it sounds like a case of "pattern mice"
These creatures evolved in the "60's" they were thought to have mutated from picking up scraps of various drugs found around college campuses,,often the "patterns" were of the peace sign or a more intricate madras design.
Then in the "70's"and a few generations later, the mice usually left "patterns" relating to disco, things like strange shaped shoes and tall/big hair designs.
The "80's" brought a rather blah era with nothing that was definative in nature.
In the "90's" most of the "patterns" had started taking a conservative left turn in nature,,,ultimately leading to the near invisible patterns that are rotting this country and your pumpkins from within !

Ahem,,on a serious note,,were there teethmarks from a "2 toothed critter"? Mice are usually the culprit, bunnies, or moles perhaps.
Seeds abound and the folks here are very kind, I'm sure you will get some offers for the price of a bubble pack envelope.

4/8/2006 7:20:16 PM

New Carlisle IN

you have mail

4/8/2006 8:22:48 PM

Norton, MA

E-mail me, I have some seeds for you. AleX Noel.

4/8/2006 8:51:06 PM

Mt Vernon Ky

E-mail me, I have some seeds for you vic in ky

4/9/2006 12:31:36 AM

valparaiso, in

i live in Northwest Indiana also. email me and ill send you some seeds this week.

4/9/2006 12:44:11 AM

San Jose garysand@pacbell.net

i have seeds email me

gary

4/9/2006 1:20:14 AM

Chicago

Thank you for all of the replies. I think we now have enough seeds on the way. I am still baffled by the pest that got our fruits last year. It could have been mice since it did look like teeth marks, but it was usually on the top or to half of the pumpkin. Why wouldn't a mouse eat the lower half?

4/12/2006 5:55:44 PM

Long Island,New York

Woodchucks have been known to climb atop a pumpkin and eat away..........

4/12/2006 6:31:44 PM

deer?

4/12/2006 6:44:19 PM

Norton, MA

I could see a toddler climbing up and making "art" with patterns on the top. Maybe even eating it?! AleX Noel.

4/12/2006 7:21:32 PM

Sloughhouse, CA

My cat likes to sit on top of the pumpkin. One day I had quail flying over the fence and sitting on top of the pumpkins.

4/12/2006 10:17:09 PM

Follansbee, Wv

If the "patterns" were more like lines carved into the skin I would suspect either slugs or cucumber beetles. Slugs feed primarily at night, so their detection would be difficult. Cuke beetles are harmless looking little monsters that will devestate a pumpkin as they feed on the skin and leaves.
Since you tried pesticides and cheesecloth, I would lean toward ground dwelling pests...slugs. Other than that, I think Suzy has a very likely candidate as well. Cats will use anything as a scratching post.

4/13/2006 7:36:27 AM