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Westerville, Ohio

I have a problem with my pumpkin leaves. Edges are turning brown then black. should I cut the leaf off or trim it? I'm not sure how to deal with it. Also what should I put under my pumpkin to keep it from rotting. Right now I have cardboard but it has buckled.
Thanks,
Candis aka Luck Luck

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa281/candisrn/August_13_2012.jpg

8/13/2012 5:48:37 PM

Minnesota

Sand or mill fabric work best under pumpkin, The older the plant gets the first leafs will slowly start dying.

8/13/2012 7:03:22 PM

Westerville, Ohio

Thanks, should I cut those leaves off or leave them on?
Candis

8/13/2012 7:04:36 PM

Upa Creek, Mo

I like to determine if they are diseased or just old. If diseased you can cut the worst ones off to prevent the inevitable spreading, and let new growth at the nodes fill in with new leaves. If just old, I let the new growth come up first and then cut when ready to take over for the old leaves, so don’t pluck new growth in the damaged leaf areas. Most common leaf disease I have dealt with is powdery mildew, but I can’t tell what you have in your pic. Have you sprayed at all leaving that white residue?

Drainage is key for under the pumpkin and a grass\cardboard combo won't work. If you can't get mill fabric, get some thin plywood, drill some drainage holes in it, and then use lots of sand on top of that. Just my opinion. Luke

8/13/2012 9:40:20 PM

Westerville, Ohio

Thanks Luke! I'm going to get rid of the cardboard today. Should I just use kids play sand?

8/14/2012 8:11:13 AM

Upa Creek, Mo

Yes, that will work. Be very careful when moving the pumpkin up to put sand under it. Those stems snap very easily and it's better to use 2 people.

8/14/2012 8:59:58 AM

Lexington, Ky

Your leaves look sun or chemical burned, I would cut them off just to make sure, either way, the leaves aren't doing you a bit of good. Foam (as suggested several weeks ago) under the pumpkin will be much easier than handfuls of sand...you only have to lift it once.

8/14/2012 9:07:21 AM