From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Hayes, Virginia

Hi new to the game just jumped in get my feet wet.any advice welcomed.what do i put under th pumpkin to prevent ground rot.only have 1 big one growing dont want to mess it up.am i safe from this pumpkin aborting? its measurements are 59>56>84.according to a website i found its about 150 pounds? does that sound right? thanks for any feedback

8/17/2003 7:30:55 PM

KENTUCKY

depending on what chart you are using, your OTT total I come up with 170 pounds. Put sand or foam (no plastic coating) under pumpkin to keep it dry. Put up a shade structure over the fruit. Keep reading this site and you will learn a million things. Do a site search for anything you have questions with and you'll find many answers, or post a message as you just did.

Good Luck!
Mike

8/17/2003 7:57:01 PM

Montoursville, PA

Right now....get under your vine and cut away roots for at least two feet on both sides of your pumpkin's stem. The vine must be free to lift when the pumpkin grows. Feed it lots of fish and kelp if you have them. Kelp helps prevent mildew. However be ready to use fungicide if you see milldew.

8/17/2003 8:53:47 PM

Hayes, Virginia

Thanks KYGROWER & DOCGIPE for the fast feedback. will use your advice.thanks again, happy growing!!!!!

8/17/2003 9:09:11 PM

Western Pa.

I have been asked many questions regarding pumpkins, and one of the most frequent, is how do I prevent ground rot? This ranks right up there with milk injections and use of steroids on the pumpkins. All pumpkins will eventually rot, but if you have good drainage, keep your fruit dry late in the season, and alternate use of fungicides, you should be good to go, mother nature willing!

8/18/2003 9:18:44 AM

Hayes, Virginia

Hi docgipe good advice but i was a little late the stem has torn half way off from the vine.any way to patch up the stem or just call it a year? thanks for all the advice from everyone happy growing.

8/18/2003 1:44:27 PM

Oz

MELT WAX DIP IN COTTON BANDAGE. WRAP LIKE A WOUND. TRY TO REMOVE STRESS IN VINE. WATER YOUR PLANT UP REAL GOOD FIRST.
I AM USING THIN BLUE FOAM BOARD 4FT X 25 FT. CUT TO DEMAND. it does not last for next year.wear gloves and glasses when messing with hot wax.double boiler also for saftey.camp stove works great.

8/19/2003 1:28:32 AM

Montoursville, PA

Lots of guys bed their plants in builder's sand and in fact mound it up in the "V" to help support fruit sidewall weight stress. Keeps 'em dry and casuses resist to slugs and snails. I like the pulp mill underlying material but can not always seem to get it under in time. I freaking forget I have it. Get to going with sand. Guess I like playing in sand. :)

8/19/2003 9:18:54 AM