From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Edmonton, Canada

We had a killing frost overnight, and my plant is pretty much dead. However, the pumpkin was well covered, and remains on the vine. Is it better to cut it off now, or leave it on the vine?

9/23/2005 8:50:59 AM

Utah

I'd leave it on the vine. I've done that in that past and it worked out fine. I think it would lose more weight if you cut it off.

9/23/2005 12:52:44 PM

Montoursville, PA

Agreement with Gordon's post. In addition keep an eye on the vine. If it rots and the breakdown moves towards the stem, of the pumpkin......then cut the vine free. Leave five or six inch pieces, of vine, on the stem. Treat the cut with a fungicide. If it begins, to rot there again, cut a bit more off and do likewise. You may have a one inch piece, of vine, on the stem, at the weigh-off sites. This may not happen but if it does you have room, to stay ahead, of the breakdown, in the vine.

9/23/2005 1:12:54 PM

Sequim, WA

Ditto to what Gordon and doc said. Been there, done that. I even was able to measure gains, albeit small ones after all the leaved ended up fried from frost. It was a good three weeks prior to the final contest and I had quit taking measurements. I went to get a final measurement just prior to harvest and the thing had grown a little. As long as the vine is sound and the soil hasn't frozen those roots still pull water out of the soil and it has to go somewhere. I've had roots drip juices for three days after the rest of the plant was yanked out of the patch. Tuck your baby in, keep it dry, and good lock at your contest.

9/23/2005 3:26:57 PM

Edmonton, Canada

Thanks everyone!

9/26/2005 8:27:52 AM