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Minnesota

Hello, My pumpkin (around 150ish lb) has a few golfball size bruises / rot or soft spots on its bottom where it rests. Some of them are not too soft but I don't want to risk pressig on them to find out how soft they actually are. I would guess they could likely be from having to leave it in a van for a few days till I could recruit a hand in getting it out. The weather has been in the 50-60's of late, so I dont know if that was an instigator to the process; but anyway,is there anything to be done to either slow down any potential rotting or possibly stop it? Right now I have it on its side in the garage with a fan blowing on it, is this of any use? should I apply anything to the wounds? is all hope lost for this pumpkin making it to Halloween?
Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Thanks

9/26/2006 10:24:32 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Keeping it in a walk-in refrigerator would help. Cleaning with a mild bleach solution helps too.

None of this is to suggest the fruit WILL keep once rot begins. It just helps.

9/26/2006 11:50:01 PM

Montoursville, PA

I have watched nine pumpkins break down from various causes including carving. Once soft spots are the size you mention the problem is from within. I would carve it right now for the kids to enjoy. Any pumpkin going to a weigh-off outside of a few top winners go for the fun and social support of the event. You may as well please the kids, the neighbors and yourself by making a yard carver early. Then go to the weigh-off for all those other reasons anyway. Shoot the breeze. Get a free load of airborn BS and enjoy the fellowship.

9/27/2006 9:00:20 AM