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Pittsburgh, PA

Hi All,

I have a couple of questions today, the main one being about a spot on my vine that I think could potentially be rot.

See photos Here: http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/dibenea/library/

It is sort of cracking, but not seeping or soft. I have my stem covered, and it sees to be in good shape, but some of the leaves have been getting a bit yellow - I've been pruning them.

Also, the blossom end of my pumpkin seems to have a double node ... is this unusual? It is a little soft and I am wondering if this is a sign that the pumpkin will rot.

How does the positioning of the kin look? Should I make any adjustments?

Last, but not least what type of Sulfur does everyone use?

Thank you!!
Abby

7/25/2013 12:47:58 PM

Farming- a bunch of catastrophies that result in a lifestyle

I'm new to giant pumpkins, but from what I have learned here:
Kin looks good, try to keep him 90 degrees out from the vine so when he gets big the vine isn't rubbing him, and he can't crush it. Also cut the tap roots 3 nodes to each side of the pumpkin so the main vine can lift up as he grows.
The rot spot as I will call it looks like either A, some thing pierced it, and now it is starting to rot, or B where a vine borer went in. With the leaves starting to yellow I would suggest gently cutting lengthwise with the vine and making sure there isn't a grub in there. Either way, clean out the brown and pack it with sulfur or you can paint it with straight daconil. If you find a grub in there its time to treat for vine borers- its hard to keep them out, you have to be very diligent with spraying weekly for them. The adults are black and red moth like creature that lay eggs. The eggs hatch and the larvae burrows into the vine. A systemic drench pesticide is the only to effectively kill the grubs.

7/25/2013 1:10:33 PM

Farming- a bunch of catastrophies that result in a lifestyle

I couldn't really tell anything from pics on your double blossom end. Sulfur is a yellow powder you can buy at any garden supply center. Stump looks nice and dry from your pic.

7/25/2013 1:13:13 PM

Bethlehem CT

I would unbury the vines and spray them with something like Daconil.

7/25/2013 10:43:36 PM

Connecticut

Hard to tell much from the pictures, but it looks like the rot could be induced by what looks like mulch you are using to cover the vines. To me it looks like it holds a lot of water and this could be contributing to your potential rot issue. What also leads me to think about the mulch/composted used is the yellowing leaves could be the result of the material not being fully broken down and as a result it is consuming nitrogen leading to some plant issues.

Pumpkin positioning looks good I would just recommend a little sand to help he pumpkin slide as you work it to a 90-degree angle.

As far as sulfur regular garden sulfur seems to be what everyone is using.

7/25/2013 10:58:54 PM

Pittsburgh, PA

LB - Double blossom Pic here: http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/dibenea/library/

Any ideas on this?

7/26/2013 1:25:53 PM

Farming- a bunch of catastrophies that result in a lifestyle

The guide I have learned on here: if hes growing everyday he isn't aborting no matter how weird he looks, blossom or otherwise. keep an eye on that blossom end for potential rot, I lost a really good one this past week because I missed ONE day of inspecting them closely- it moves fast.
Also- im NEW to these big guys, read, read, read posts on this site- these guys know what they are doing, and they are absolutely hands down stellar at sharing their knowledge.

7/27/2013 5:21:02 PM