The Pumpkin growing and carving challenge 2015

Yes, when you cut it, do not cut the actual stem that runs from the fruit to the vine. Cut the main plant vine either side of the stem so it resembles a "T" shaped handle on top of the pumpkin, this stops rot getting to the pumpkin and allows longer storage.

Do not use it as a handle though as they can become detached quite easily.

Steve...

 

You can also give it wipe round with a weak bleach solution to help get rid of any thing that might make it rot

 

righto, thank you guys for the advice

i'm assuming i just store it in a garage or somewhere similar until carving time?

also Richard360, would an anti-bacterial surface wipe be ok?

 

Store it somewhere frost free, anti bac wipe will suffice, don't go mad though and try to rub off mud as that can scratch the surface and leave it open to infection.

Steve...

 

Hey guys I picked my pumpkin at the weekend but have not had time to weigh it yet but will be doing this weekend I think as I was struggling to find someone free to give me a lift with it but got it home out of all the wet here is the Mrs stood with it

 

You've still got green leaves!

Every single remaining squash of mine were heavily frosted about a week ago, and lightly frosted twice before that, what with it being too cold to plant out until the middle of June I'm beginning to think my plot is too susceptible to frost to bother with longer season stuff like big pumpkins and will stick to marrows.

 

Well weighed the pump kin and was shocked
244.2lb but we do have it on a bucket so we can see the weight so say knock off 5 lb ?
Really happy with that

 

Good result for a bad year Richard, well done you. Weigh the bucket for a true weight, probably a couple of pound only.

Steve...

 

Hey guys thanks Steve I can not weigh the bucked yet as its back at the allotment and full of weeds lol
Well started carving the pumpkin and no wonder it was heaven the walls are unbelievably thick

 

Well done Richard!!

 

Does anyone else have a carved pumpkin photo to submit here?

I'll leave it till midnight tonight then collect them all up and make a poll vote topic from them for members here to vote for their favourites.

Unfortunately, I cannot take part this year, I couldn't grow my own and pumpkins where in short supply at the shops here in Cumbria.

Steve...