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Ellensburg, WA

Question folks!

I have a couple large pumpkins (not by the professional standards) i think in the 300# range. i am going to transport these bad boys to a home for children battling cancer for them to enjoy, paint, write on whatever. My question is what is the best way to handle them so they last. I'm thinking of harvesting them just prior to moving will be my best option but i'm getting close to frost here and i'm betting that will soften them. So, Great Pumpkin People help a rookie out. B. Thompson Ellensburg, WA

9/26/2007 11:34:21 PM

Mill Creek West by god Virginia

just leave them on the vine as long as possible even if frost kills the leaves of youre plant root system will still feed the punkins, and to help from any cold damage to pumpkins just throw a old blanket or sheet over the pumpkin themselves this will keep em warm! oh i wanted to say what youre doing for the kids is awsome! if there is anyway seed wise i could help you just give me a shout i go by burrhead on bp my name is keith barrett from mill creek west virginia, email addy is [email protected] once again youre efforts for the kids is awsome! burrhead

9/26/2007 11:46:00 PM

Delaware, Ohio

Hi FOBS!
What a great thing you are doing. My Nephew is a patient at St. Judes and has stayed at Ronald McDonalds house. I think I will call the local RMH to see if they would like a pumpkin. I would have never have thought about this. What a great idea. All children love big pumpkins!! I also have some seeds if you want. Just send me a email. [email protected]. I'll send them right away.
Way to go....Oh and what burrhead said about keeping the pumpkins alive for the next few weeks....he's right, do what he said.
CityGirl

9/27/2007 1:10:49 AM

[email protected]

Nice gesture FOBS!!!

I would wrap the pumpkins in blankets. Irrigate to prevent frost damage if it's just a close call. If a hard freeze takes the leaves out for good then leave the pumpkins on the vine until needed anyway. They might not grow any more but this will keep them longer.

9/27/2007 1:33:17 AM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

After harvesting wipe them down occasionally with a bleach or lysol solution. Those little hand wipes work awesome.

9/27/2007 1:50:33 PM

Ellensburg, WA

Hey Everyone,

Thanks for the sound ideas and the encouraging words. I have given pumpkins away for years and i noticed that the bigger the pumpkins the bigger the smiles. So, i thought why not try and grow something special and send it to the kids who need the biggest smiles. i ordered some select seeds from Howard Dill and it turned out pretty good. i'm currently organizing their destinations and trip logistics. i will keep you informed and if this works i will post some pictures for everyone to see. I will also expand the project for next year. thanks for the kind words. Brian

9/27/2007 9:43:29 PM