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Ohio

Been lurking here for awhile and have found some very useful info. Last fall we bought a large pumpkin (200+ lb) from a local farmer. We saved the seeds and planted them this June. (Have never tried to grow a pumpkin before) Both plants came up and I got a nice pumpkin at about 10 feet. Cut everything else off. 4 days ago a groundhog got in the garden and did some good nibbling on this pumpkin (maybe the size of a soccer ball). It is not looking too good and am thinking of pulling the whole plant and starting over. Is it too late? Not trying for a monster but would love a 200+ for the front yard this fall. Thanks for any help.

7/30/2008 4:06:41 PM

Pataskala,OH

yes way to late

7/30/2008 5:31:06 PM

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

It will take at least 2 months from seed to pollination. That would put you in October. Unfortunately it is too late.

Any vines still growing? If so, let em go and see if more females show up. You can pollinate another now and still go well over 200+, but not starting a new plant.

7/30/2008 6:15:19 PM

Ohio

Thanks, I thought it might be too late, but can't hurt to ask. There is a small pumpkin about 2 feet further out but has stayed the size of a lemon for the last week. Maybe if I take off the big one this one will pick up?

7/30/2008 7:44:54 PM

Ohio

Don't pull the pumpkin, yet. A raccoon took a big chuck out of one of my pumpkins, and the wound healed over nicely.

7/30/2008 11:11:14 PM

San Jose garysand@pacbell.net

do not cut it off, it will probably survive and give you a nice 400lber

7/30/2008 11:40:18 PM

Garden State Pumpkins

I love the advice..but that hole has to covered and no water can sit in it. sulpher, captan or whatever has to be applied or rot will set in. If the hole already exposed the cavity it is over...It's not to late if the vine and secondaries are decent size...if it's a pencil thin main running eight feet with two foot sides that's another problem...If the vine has vigor and size set another pumpkin 200 lbs should be no problem.

7/30/2008 11:52:41 PM

Garden State Pumpkins

also that 200 lber from the local farmer could be a "Big Max" variety and that was a great size for them...AG's are a bit more aggressive. If It was a Big Max...60 lb's from here would be good....Most people won't look to buy sixty pound pumpkins cause they're to big to get to the car! We just love Em!!! Keep going...See what ya can get...read more ..people here will give ya great seeds..do some soil prep and next year you'll have that monster! GrowEmBig! Chuck

7/31/2008

Ohio

Thank you for all the encouragement and advice. The wound is not so much a hole as maybe a 4" x 4" "shaving" maybe 1/2" deep. I have checked local garden stores for captan with no luck. Maybe somewhere in Columbus (any of you central Ohio growers have a place you can recommend?) If I am lucky enough to find some, how do I apply? Should I clean the wound first? Trim off any spots? Sorry for so many questions, I am very "green" and have no idea what I'm doing....however, this pumpkin growing thing is becoming my new obsession! Guess it could be worse ;-)

7/31/2008 8:02:11 AM

Frisco, TX

I can't find Captan in Atlanta either. I didn't see Sulpher powder either. I have a small crack in the stem of my pumpkin. I have cleaned it out, put bleach water on it. Tried to fill it with silicon caulk but it just shrivled up and did not seal the crack. Anyone have any suggestions?

7/31/2008 7:41:18 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

Kgirloh: you have time to grow something decent of you can get another one pollinated. Feed the groundhogs some high speed lead if possible.
Dunwoody: paint it with full strength daconil and let it dry.

7/31/2008 10:42:49 PM

Frisco, TX

Thanks Iowegian

7/31/2008 11:42:46 PM

Ohio

I scored some Captan yesterday! Now, what to do with it? I checked out the wound on my pumpkin, it its turning white in areas but does not seem soft at all. The pumpkin is still growing. Do I make a paste out of this Captan and apply that way? Just dust it with the powder? Mix it with water (how much) and spray it? Or just leave it alone and hope for the best?

8/1/2008 7:23:57 AM