Pumpkin - Can't resist

[garygc2008]

Hey,
Its my first time growing pumpkin and can't resist showing the first baby off.

Its now off the plant unfortunately, because some animal took a liking to it ( Cats? ). Had deep scratches on it.

[Flummery]

Well, it looks gorgeous. They are fantastic plants aren't they? You can see why people get pumpkin-itis and want to grow loads of different ones.

[Two_Sheds]

I expect your scratches are slug bites that have expanded as the skin grew ... I had the same thing last year, and thought the Beast of Bodmin had sharpened its claws on all my Nuggets

[garygc2008]

I know what you mean about different varieties! The thoughts are already ticking for next year. Interesting thought on the slugs, i didn't think about stretching, thanks.

[Skotch]

I expect your scratches are slug bites that have expanded as the skin grew ... I had the same thing last year, and thought the Beast of Bodmin had sharpened its claws on all my Nuggets

We had scratches over a number of our pumpkins last year - some very deep. Turned out to be foxes moving the pumpkins to get to the slugs sheltering underneath

Skotch

[Lavenderblue]

can you take pumpkins off the plant just before they are fully orange? i am going away next week for nearly 3 weeks (meep and woohoo at the same time) and wanted to make sure they would be ready for eating when we got back.

[Two_Sheds]

can you take pumpkins off the plant just before they are fully orange? ...wanted to make sure they would be ready for eating when we got back.

why would you take them off the plant?
If you're worried about them drying out, then give them a really good soak and a deep mulch (of cardboard, grass clippings, whatever)

[Lavenderblue]

why would you take them off the plant?
If you're worried about them drying out, then give them a really good soak and a deep mulch (of cardboard, grass clippings, whatever)

Sorry, I didn't make myself clear The plants have powdery mildew, we are going to be away for nearly 3 weeks and I don't want to loose the fruit at this late stage - they are so close to being ripe. I picked the first ripe one today though - its really pretty

[garygc2008]

I actually thought you had to ripen them off the plant anyway once they're picked?