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Ypsilanti Michigan

I have a pumpkin about"70" inches from the stem to the other side where it meets again. The problem is, it's at a slant near a small hole, and starting to slide in it. Im trying to fill the hole, but the bottom of the shoulder part of the pumpkin is almost touching the vine. When I pull the pumpkin to make room; the bottom tilts downward and it's almost to heavy to pick the end up. Im afraid to pick it up because I don't want to break the stem. Man and it has a golden yellow color to it and I don't want to loose it. What should I do?

7/31/2003 11:35:43 AM

Montoursville, PA

Wow....some good close up pix would help. Can do??

7/31/2003 11:45:30 AM

Oz

GET SURPLUS NETTING AND LINE IT WITH STRAW.
WRAP THE PUMKIN AND SECURE THE NET TO FENCE RODS.
A SUPPORTER,,HEHE
USE ROPE TO ADJUST. AND CRADEL IT GETTING WIDER AT THE RODS. USE THE "ITS GONNA GET BIGGER" MATH TO BUILD.GOOD LUCK.

7/31/2003 12:27:15 PM

Ypsilanti Michigan

I now posted two photos of the pumpkin Im trying to save in my diary. Should be near the end. What do you think docgipe?

7/31/2003 8:47:48 PM

porterville,california usa

get yourself one of those blow up plastic inner tubes. the kind you buy for the swimming pool. put it under the pumpkin first, and then inflate it until it gets high enough to put dirt in the hole under the pumpkin. i use water to inflate mine. it`s a lot easier than blowing it up with air.

8/1/2003 3:47:04 AM

In the shade - PDX, OR

Hey Doug - Get some support under the main vine that is in front of the pumpkin. That is the stress that is bending your stem downwards.

Use some bricks, or styrofoam stacked up.
Others have used pantyhose or a bungee tied to a stake. look at some diaries for suggestions etc.

As for filling in the hole, get some help to tilt the fruit toward the main and put as much sand in the hole as possible.

If the main is going to touch the fruit, put a piece of styrofoam between the vine and fruit to cushion.

Good Luck.
Ceis

8/1/2003 11:40:30 AM

Montoursville, PA

Make sure the vine roots are cut free and stay free for at least three feet on both sides of the stem. Get pressure on the vine to go up. Presently the vine is to tight causing the stem to go down. I have the same exact problem. Do not try to move the pumpkin except gently as Ceis has suggested.
...Camera angles are tricky. You might be able to ball up a softer pressure point wad of sponge between the pumpkin and the stem or close by vine but think gentle two weeks or longer pressure to ease the vine up. Put gentle pressure under the vine on both sides of the pumpkin as suggested.
...I feel it is to late to move the pumpkin which by the way is appearing to be in good position otherwise.

8/1/2003 12:26:55 PM

New Brunswick

Doug...I have the exact same problem as you. Mine is at 41 or 42 inches cir. It is growing down hill and there was a lot of pressure on the stem and vine. I undertook to fix the problem by placing a couple of wide flat boards at the end of the pumpkin (without touching it) Then I piled soil on top of the boards and up and around the pumpkin. I gently lifted it up and snap...off went the blossem end tip. Suppose it will live? I dusted it with sulpher...and am hoping for the best. Has anyone ever knocked off the blossem tip before?

8/1/2003 2:46:14 PM

Ypsilanti Michigan

You all have been very helpful. Im going to put all of these ideas together to see what I come up with. I'll keep you posted to let you know how it goes. Im glad I have friends out there who understand pumpkin talk. My wife is begining to get the pumpkin feaver now. She is starting to check on it when I do now. Ha! Ha!

8/1/2003 9:09:32 PM

Oz

truck inner tubes...i think detroit has one or two truck companies,,,,,lol hahahahahahaha

8/6/2003 9:30:28 PM