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Location

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Date Posted

Appleton

does anyone know what I can put on the scratches that I have on my pumpkins (from moving them) to prolong the life till halloween? Thanks

10/17/2009 3:29:53 PM

Bethlehem CT

I don't usually put anything on them, they seem to heal up on their own.

10/17/2009 6:27:41 PM

Appleton

I have heard that putting cooking oil on the scrapes will help to stop the process of (going bad)! Has anyone else ever heard of doing something like this? Thanks again

10/17/2009 7:00:21 PM

Washington

We have sprayed minor scratches with a mild bleach solution just to kill any bacteria. Just keep an eye on scratches, many will seal over and not be a problem.

10/17/2009 7:46:20 PM

Anchorage, Alaska

Use a 1 part bleach to 10 parts water solution like sl said.
You can also use products like Wilt-Pruf which prevent them from drying out and possibly extend their shelf time.

Keep it dry.

10/17/2009 10:59:52 PM

Appleton

I will try the bleach solution..... The pumpkins are 200 - 300 pounds each and the kids, expect us to have large ones every year... I don't want to disapoint them--- thanks for the tip!

10/18/2009 9:34:14 AM

Simi valley, ca

Never had a small scratch become a problem--until this yr a small scratch from a raccoon turned into problem that ended up rotting threw the pumpkin , I did not think such a small scratch could be a problem so i did not pay much attention, when i finely noticed it getting worse it was too late , But lesson is treat the problem soon ,even if its very small !!

10/20/2009 8:39:47 PM

Appleton

I tried the bleach.... the 3 spots are about 3 to 4 inches across! Not too deep, but still a concern! Seem to be getting worse.... so I put dirt on them to see if it helps. The pumpkins were starting to smell (a little) Will give feedback if this works!

10/21/2009 8:44:55 AM

Southeastkansas

I put some sulfur powder on mine. I don't know if that was what did it, but they dried out and didn't rot. And I also used baby powder on some in the garden while they were still growing, and it seemed to dry them out and they healed. Good luck!

10/26/2009 8:08:29 PM