From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Conway, NH

Help! Today,the biggie had a weepy cracking stem right where it joined the vine.The hut (row cover) was swarming with fruit flies, so I cut it. We moved it into an airy shed, and its sitting on a truck tire tube, but I'm worried. The stem is about 3" across, with a good 3/4" hole in the middle. Should I plug it with something? Treat the cut end? Weigh off is Oct 2. This is my first effort so its all grist for the mill.
Thanks for any suggestions, Tracy

9/17/2010 6:47:21 PM

Topsfield, Ma.

I'm pretty sure that stem hole doesn't go thru to the pumpkin cavity, and if it does for any reason you'll know soon enough...just keep it cool and dry and chances are very good Oct 2 will see you there! Good luck!

9/17/2010 8:18:35 PM

Western PA

I cut my big one off a month ago, maybe even longer than that.I have it covered with a tarp in my front yard. I checked under it the other day and noticed the same thing. I got a stick and poked the hole in the middle of the stem. It does not go into the cavity. Stems are usually hollow on AG's, so you should be fine. The more the stem drys, the bigger the hole will get, at least mine did. You could try to get some captan powder in the hole if it will make you feel better.

I would not recommend plugging that hole, that could lead to mold / mildew issues, than you may be in trouble. Just keep it dry and let some air get to it.

9/18/2010 8:59:41 AM

Cincinnati,OH

Use a fan and keep that stem dry.

9/18/2010 3:59:28 PM

Garden State Pumpkins

stick a straw in the cavity...if it goes through without any problem.......it's over...start carving it today and enjoy it while it's still here...keeping it cool will prolong the stay but if the cavity is open it's starting to decompose. Most cases the shoulders are the thickest part but the stem side is the easiest access to the cavity. wait for the big guys to tell ya what ya need to do..if ya got a stem 3" across the first time out you had a great year!!! enjoy it...GrowEmBig! chuck

9/19/2010 2:32:56 AM

Conway, NH

Thanks, all, and sorry for the delay in replying. Update is: straw test is negative but stem is not drying much. Will try the fan. It looks good, though. Six more days to go! I'm guessing 250, not epic but definitely the biggest thing I've ever grown. Just wait til next year! Tracy

9/26/2010 7:26:39 PM