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Garden Grove CA.

Hi I have a big problem I have a small split in vine at the pumpkin the vine was so tight.I have a little slack in the vine now, after losing up the soil a head of pumpkin its about 60" over the top.It was pollinated on june 5th and is growing very fast.It is 10 feet plus away from stump.I can not find captan here in So.California are goal is 600 lbs.Or at least keep on the vine a few more weeks for the fair. Does anyone have any advice for a novice. STRESSED MIKE

7/1/2003 12:22:12 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Hey Mike, sit back breath deeply, and lets get to work saving this baby.
This is why I was stressing getting those curves in place yesterday...
If your plant is trenched or covered. You are going to have to untrench it a few feet on both sides of the pumpkin. Digging down and exposing the main vine. Now using a sharp knife cutting the tap roots coming from the main vine. Get something to stretch the main vine and support it by the stem of the pumpkin. Milk Jugs or blocks of styrofoam, have even seen people make slings using panty hose. Also gather a few friends or bigger family members. During the heat of the day scooch that baby back, to give it some slack. If you have too elevate the blossom end of the pumpkin to relieve the stress. Some people eventually have to cut the main after the pumpkin to save it. You still have lots of options... Oh yaa you are going to want to treat that split with a fungicide. Shannon

7/1/2003 12:42:39 PM

Garden Grove CA.

All rite I have dug up the main after the pumpkin and will get out there and start on back side of the pumpkin.And will take off shade to warm vine.The measurements are side to side 62" stem to blossom 57" stem to stem 80" so if I have this added right about 150 lbs. are goals have changed we just want to keep it on the vine.Thank you Shannon for your help Mike

7/1/2003 2:22:07 PM

Garden Grove CA.

It worked so far so good.Its has some time left to keep growing for the fair.We started in April.Thanks Mike

7/2/2003 11:29:09 AM

Montoursville, PA

Yea team! Easy does it over several days just a little at a time. We don't want to hear any clicking sound that did not come from a cricket. :)

7/5/2003 5:38:19 PM