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Nh

Luckily made it to weigh off this year though during my pumpkin's stay at the fair, it developed a soft spot on blossom end which went all the way through into the cavity. Was really hoping to carve and bring the pumpkin to my 5yr olds trunk or treat night on the 27th. Knowing that it was rotting at a fast pace, I decided to cut open the blossom end as if it would be the top side of the pumpkin. I cut a small 3inch hole in the opposite end to help with drainage. Most of the inside was in good shape. I scraped the inside down really good and cut out the rot as good as possible. I have it in my garage which is dry and heated. I also have a small fan on 24/7. Its been about a week and most of the pumpkin on the inside is finally drying out. However, Im still getting areas popping up with new rot. I have been spraying with a light bleach water solution. My question is if anyone has any ideas that can improve our chances of this thing hanging in there till the 27th? All I can think of is if there is a way to dehydrate the thing? Fill it with white rice or the stuff that soaks up gas spills. Dehumidifier or something. I read somewhere believe it or not that wd-40 preserves pumpkins. Any way any advice will is much appreciated.
thanks

10/18/2017 8:23:41 AM

Arden, NC

Go buy some "wet and forget" at home depot or lowes. It's a concrete and roof cleaner that works great on pumpkin preservation. After you have all the soft spots down to good flesh, take one part of wet and forget and 5-7 parts water and get it on all parts of the flesh of the pumpkin. let it sit for about 5 minutes then drain it off and pat the flesh down to mostly dry. You will have no mold. I've held a carved pumpkin for 30 days with this stuff. Good product. Works great on stained roofs, fences, rock work and concrete too. Try to keep the W&F off the skin as it is hard on it.
Or watch this: http://www.askwetandforget.com/the-best-way-to-preserve-pumpkins/

10/18/2017 10:14:24 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Increase your bleach solution, or fill a sprayer with fungicide. If the rot has already started and you are in the cavity that thing is a time bomb.

Dry is good. Heated is bad. Cool and dry is what you need

10/18/2017 1:15:59 PM