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Ashland, KY

Folks, from the "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing" category:

I was recently wandering around the big box hardware store, looking for ideas for my hydroponic pumpkin set-up, and came across the caulk aisle. I have read here on BP that latex caulk is used to repair stalk and pumpkin cracks. But, how about this stuff: DAP elastomeric patch compound-I became interested when I read the ingredients: calcium carbonate (Ca is good for plants, right?); mineral spirits (not so good, but very volatile, so short-lived); titanium dioxide (no idea how this stuff treats plants), silica (probably OK for plants), and ethylene glycol (which, by the way, is a natural PLANT HORMONE, also used commercially to hasten fruit ripening).

Sorry to be long-winded here. Does this seem like a great product for reparing cracks? Dries flexible and has a few biochemical components that may promote healing of cracked pumpkin parts. Or am I over-thinking this and the mineral spirit component will simply kill everything?

Thanks,

EP

8/23/2011 9:40:56 PM

Ashland, KY

oops, an additional component in this product I left off...ammonia, also good for plants.

8/23/2011 9:42:01 PM

most growers who caulk are fixing a blown up/ cracked hole in pumpkin its not going to a weighoff for entry just to keep it going a short time. if its harmfull to pumpkin so is compost pile

8/23/2011 10:44:52 PM

Ohio

I agree with Don 100% EP,

it sounds like good stuff you found there EP, but use that stuff for a pumpkin that you run into that has a hole that breaches into the cavity, guys use stuff similar to the stuff you have mentioned to close a hole up on a pumpkin to mature long enough to save seeds, or just for fun to see how big they can get a pumpkin to keep it growing a bit longer.

But don't wait to long for getting your seeds if you close a hole up, because once a little bit of air(even a pin hole of air) breaches inside the cavity the rotten process starts no matter how good you seal it up after.

I post about using Daconil alot on here , Tom Beachy told me about this little trick 7 or 8 years ago its been the best thing I have found to use for cracks, rotten spots and stem splits, I even use it to paint it on the vines when ever i see a problem starting. I use Daconil (fungicide) straight from the bottle by dipping a small paint brush into it and then painting it on the bad spots . This is the best stuff I have ever used , it dries quick and hard and wipes off easy when its time you have your pumpkin weighed in.

I gotta find a way to get daconil to Jan Molter in Germany,LOL,they dont have it over there...any ideas on sending some across seas?

8/24/2011 5:16:30 AM

Ohio

HERES A LINK

http://www.extremepumpkinstore.com/ecom-prodshow/Daconil.html

8/24/2011 5:18:33 AM

Picton,ON ([email protected])

Bees wax is also an excellent material for patching splits...as long as the fruit keeps growing, you are ok. If it stops, get your seeds out asap!

8/24/2011 7:55:24 AM

Western NY

Liquid Nails clear silicone caulk.

8/24/2011 8:13:24 AM

Northern Cambria, Pa.

Grafting wax is very sticky and soft enough to stretch with the crack as it widens.

8/24/2011 8:21:02 AM

Colorado

a new toilet seal is a good way to go(may still be bees wax)

8/24/2011 1:43:26 PM

JACKSON, WISCONSIN. ; )

titanium dioxide is an agent used to inhibit fading or discoloring. i have thought about latex caulking but its water based so i dont know how it could fully cure being in a moist enviroment. flange sealer (for new construction windows) would be a much better product to fill and seal a hole in the prized kin due to it having a very high amount of solids in the chemical make up of the product. just some random info. but the toilet seal ring probably the best idea.

8/24/2011 2:05:16 PM

Sharon, MA

Prior to cracking the pumpkin was sterile inside. Unfortunately as soon as a crack occurs, its over! In 7-10 days. And once its sealed up by caulking compound the bateria inside the pumpkin thrives. As it rapidly decomposes the inards and seeds create a smelly mess, which the neighbors an enjoy on a hot August or September afternoon. Quickly cut the pumpkin open and get the seeds.

8/24/2011 8:26:06 PM

Cincinnati,OH

When I get a rotten one I send it COD to Brooks LOL.

8/24/2011 8:42:05 PM

Napa Ca.

I disagree with it being over due to a crack. Unfortunatly i know by experience. Had a crack that exposed air to the cavity. I repaired with a cheap latex caulk. granted, i had to do this afew times as the split grew. This pumpkin lasted till November when i removed seeds in good shape.

8/25/2011 12:47:51 AM

Wisconsin

I have tried to seal blossom end splits 3 times over the years.....with many different methods....ALL were rotted within 7-10 days. Good luck!

8/25/2011 7:18:57 AM