From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Australia

Hey guys,
Its just under 3 weeks until weigh off.
My stem has been rotting, I've been cutting bits off it and loading up with sulfur.
I'm worried the whole thing will rot and start on the pumpkin before 3 weeks passes.
How can I stop it? should I cut it off up close to the pumpkin? or will that just give me less time until the pumpkin starts rotting?

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Rollux/P1060356_zpswobupjdp.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Rollux/P1060357_zpse89fx0ed.jpg

3/27/2017 3:16:56 AM

Jericho Vermont

If you have electricity a fan on it will work wonders.

3/27/2017 4:57:03 AM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

Try to keep it as cool as possible, too. Heat speeds decay.

3/27/2017 8:41:02 AM

Upa Creek, MO

Fan is a must, battery fan if need be. Expose the stem to sun all the time too, but keep dry from rain. Maybe slow down consistently on watering and make sure all rot is removed.

3/27/2017 9:16:53 AM

Mn

The stem is not part of the pumpkin, so don't be afraid to cut the stem off. Like VTJohn said, get a fan on it and make sure ALL the rot is cleared out. Also, keep it shaded. That's my 2 cents good luck! I hope she makes it!

3/27/2017 9:17:31 AM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Agreed, a fan on 24/7 will do an amazing job keeping it dry. Good luck.

3/27/2017 11:20:50 AM

Australia

Thanks guys. I've been exposing the stalk to get the sun on it, in hope of drying it out.
I might cut it off closer to the pumpkin to try and get ahead of the rot. I will organise a fan for sure. Right now its all out in the open so a fan will be tricky when the it rains. I better make a shelter.
I have been keeping it dry when it rains with a tarp.

3/27/2017 12:48:02 PM

Australia

so far so good, cut alot of the stem back been running a fan day and night. Looking better than it was.
I feel like now maybe the sky isn't falling in.

3/28/2017 1:01:53 PM

Australia

The sky is falling in.

It looked like I got the stem under control, all that is left has almost completly dried up. But now I'm finding soft spots in various places on the sides but near the base. I guess thats it a week and half out and I can't imagine its going to last that long. I've dug out all the soft spots and I've got two fans on it.
A week and a half is a long long time when things are going soft.

4/5/2017 2:44:48 PM

Mission Viejo, CA

Feel your Pain SuperDavid!

4/5/2017 4:34:18 PM

Mission Viejo, CA

That should read

I feel your pain.

4/5/2017 4:34:45 PM

stoughton WI

Have you applied sulfur powder. After making your cuts. Add a light disting of sulfur powder to the area.I use a paint brush to remove any excess. After applying sulfur powder put fan on it and keep dry, also let it get sunlight, it will help.

4/5/2017 5:30:34 PM

Upa Creek, MO

I agree with Rick, direct sunlight at this point and keep dry. No shade, sun will help dry up. I battle this every year.

4/5/2017 6:32:17 PM

Australia

I have been applying sulfur powder and I've got 4 fans on it right now. I managed to do a lift on it today and check out the bottom. Another 3 soft spots there, but nothing through to the middle. I've got it on a pallet on a trolley in my shed now with a fan coming from under the pallet. The soft spots have been under the curve near the bottom on almost all side, I dont think I would be able to get direct sunlight on it. I think for now I'm going to watch it like a Hawk and keep as many fans on it as I can. 1 Week to go!

4/7/2017 6:44:35 AM