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Smithville, Tn

I've got a stupid question. If the pumpkin is gaining minimal to none, is it better to leave it on the vine or to cut it. Next, if I cut it off, will it be ok to cover it up and leave it in the patch or move it to the garage where it would be a little cooler? Weigh-off is next Saturday. Stump and stem are in good shape but the vine is looking rough in spots. If I have to cut it, will it loose more weight sitting in the patch versus being in the garage?

9/23/2010 10:45:43 PM

Upa Creek, MO

Leave it in the patch as long as possible as long as the plant is some what healthy at this point and keep it covered. For future reference, if you do cut early, keep it in a cool, dry place and on wood (never concrete).

9/23/2010 11:09:31 PM

Ohio

Luke, I never gave that a thought before untill you mentioned it,,, but I sit my smaller pumpkins, gourds corn etc,,, in the basement on the cement floor untill Im ready to sell them (usually I just end up giving most of them away,,lol , but thanks for the tip.

9/23/2010 11:32:25 PM

Sequim, WA

That is not a stupid question. A stupid question is one that gets rephrased and asked again when the person doesn't like or understand the answer they were given. At any rate, I would keep it on the vine as long as possible as long as it is a sound fruit and protected from varmints. Vines can look awful, but as long as they aren't mush they are still supporting the fruit. I would leave it where it is until it has to be moved. You don't want to risk damaging the pumpkin by making multiple moves before heading off to the contest.

9/24/2010 12:32:54 AM

Smithville, Tn

Thanks for the help!

9/24/2010 10:38:44 AM