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Winston Salem NC

We have had less than 1/2" of rain in the last 6 weeks and I have been watering to try to keep the soil evenly moist but....we just got 1 1/2" in an hour with more falling now. I have some new growth that has popped out and I have been letting fill in some bare spots that isnt terminated. I cut about 2 inches off of the end of every sidevine to try to drain the excess out.
I have been getting some small raised lines around the blossom end that I figure are trying to split for a week or so but they havent really got any worse. Is there anything else that can be done to possibly help keep the fruit from splitting?? Thanks
Rick
Rick

8/28/2009 11:02:39 PM

Winston Salem NC

I forgot to add that the plant is stumpless as of last week.

8/28/2009 11:04:14 PM

Rhode Island

sounds like you got it covered. you should be ok. especially at this time of the year when the daily gains have passed their peak.
we also protect the pumpkins stem from water at all times during the season. we cover the fruit and stem of our best pumpkins with a tarp during any forcasted rain storms. soft stems can become an issue here at the wallace patch so extra caution is warrented.
so far this year the stems have been great for the most part.
pap

8/29/2009 7:29:28 AM

Pataskala,OH

To late in the year for splits.

8/29/2009 11:24:39 AM

Winston Salem NC

Thanks Pap...The entire pumpkin is under cover and the stem looks great, not even a little crack. I did extend the cover over the blossom end farther since it is pretty deep and will pool water to keep it completely dry. Nic I thought it was never to late for splits, granted that with the gains slowing down its not as likely. Thanks
Rick

8/29/2009 4:56:50 PM