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Ontario, Canada.

I have posted a few pictures of Dumbo in my log.
The pumpkin has a depression about 3" x 6" x 1/4" deep.
Can someone shed some light on this problem for me.

8/20/2003 10:19:37 AM

Chester Co., PA

Is something chewing on the surface at night? Is the spot spreading? Was it damaged when it was small? Is the spot soft or hard to the touch? Could be sunburn or rotting from the inside. Do you have mice visiting at night? Doesn't look good. Wash it with 10% bleach solution weekly.

8/20/2003 1:51:47 PM

Montoursville, PA

Looks chewed to me from the ragged edges. Groundhog? They like to sit up and eat.

8/20/2003 9:50:43 PM

Leicester, NY

It looks like damage caused by direct sunlight. I have seen similar depressions where one might cover the fruit with a cloth, perhaps with some dark print on it. The dark print causes a hot spot to develop and "cooks" a small area. It's going to be a nasty scar, that's for sure..Joe P.

8/20/2003 10:42:47 PM

Ontario, Canada.

PumpkiNut > I believe that is exactly what happened. I had been using black landscape cloth to cover it daily since I had not yet put up a shade structure. Is the damage terminal or can it be saved. I will post another picture in a few minutes of the damaged area. It has turned white but it is still hard. Dumbo gained 5" since yesterday so it is still growing well.

8/21/2003 8:39:23 AM

Leicester, NY

Kahuna1,
The pumpkin should be fine, just going to have that big white spot right to the end. It gives the fruit a little character:-) Joe P.

8/21/2003 12:33:02 PM

Oz

PUT VYNAL LETTERS OVER IT AND SPELL "BIG PUMPKINS.COM"
I WAS GOING TO DO THAT AND IF MY PLANTS MAKE IT I MAY STILL..HMMMM ALTERNATIVE BILLBOARD....LOL

8/21/2003 1:25:54 PM