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South Carolina

I have read here all sorts of remedies for stem and pumpkin splits and how to patch them. I have also read most pumpkins submitted for weighoffs must be "free of foreign matter". What is the best procedure so as not to be DQ'd if you are taking a pumpkin for competition?

8/22/2009 10:21:38 AM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

A patched split is ok as long as the split does not enter the cavity. Any material used to patch or heal it must be removed prior to weighing. Any wound found to enter the cavity after removal of the material will DQ the pumpkin from placing and it will be tagged "exhibition only". There is no shame in weighing an "exhibition only" pumpkin. That pumpkin you managed to get to the scales will still have an official weight. Sometimes, there is no control over the forces of nature.

8/22/2009 1:04:40 PM