RE: weighing, moving, etc. (long one)

Ok gang, some more questions.  I think we survived 9+ inches of rain.  Yesterday I cut almost all of the vines (except the ones w/ the pumpkins) since they were really bad.  The leaves were all turning yellow and dying, some had powdery spots, but the spots did not rub off with my finger.  I also cut some SVB's out of the vine of my biggie.  The only decent looking leaves are the ones right by the pumpkins.  Did I end everything by cutting off so many vines and leaves?

It is suppose to get into the 70's this week and sunny.  Should I keep them shaded during the day with sheets?  Also, I put blankets on them at night and put plastic over the blankets.  My problem is that moisture collects under the plastic and the blankets are damp in the am.  Any suggestions?

I have also observed some 'spots' on my two 1450x1502.  The pumpkins are very pale in color.  The spots are not soft, more like 'scabs'.  Some of the spots have oozed (less than a drop of water), but the ooze is dried.  I have attached a couple of pictures if someone could look at.  I would greatly appreciate any input.

Debbie


 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: yorunk@comcast.net
> I don't think there are any weigh offs around me in N. Illinois, or at least 
> ones still going.  I saw in one person's diary that they taped the measuring 
> tape to the 'kin to get consistent measurements.  Not a bad idea, eh?
> 
> My neighbor went to a local fair and told me that my 'kin looked as big as 300 
> pounders.  That would be awesome.  I talked so someone at the local feed store 
> where I am going to take it to weigh it.  He said he has put his on pallets and 
> lifted the pallet into a truck to take it to get weighed.  Not sure if I can get 
> enough strong people for that.  I looked into the blankets, but am not sure if I 
> can get one in time.  
> 
> So many worries, so little time.  We are getting rain again and are at 2.5+ 
> inches for last night and today.
> 
> Debbie 
>  -------------- Original message ----------------------
> From: "Scott G. Manke" <manke@in-form.com>
> > Debbie,
> > 
> >  As I read it, the highest point can change often, therefore, that is
> > how you determine whether or not you are measuring in the same place
> > every time.  By always measuring at the same place (highest point) you
> > have a method of tracking to gauge the rate of growth.  Also the OTT
> > method is an estimate only, I have read of pumpkins actual weight being
> > plus or minus 20 percent of the OTT charts.  So your 270 could be more
> > on the order of 324lbs!  Isn't that exciting!
> > 
> > I found SVB's in some of my smaller AGs (later plantings) and in my
> > Wyatt's Wonder, but the pumpkins are still showing growth so I am
> > planning on leaving them on the vine as long as I can.
> > 
> > I have left mine uncovered for the entire season, with a 415lb Bill's
> > Big and a few 150's they all seem to be doing well.  I will be making a
> > pumpkin sling to lift the beast onto a pallet for the weigh off.
> > 
> > This is my first year with the giants and I couldn't be happier with the
> > results.
> > 
> > I recall that you stated you were in N.Illinois.  Are you planning on
> > attending a weigh off?
> > 
> > Happy Growing!
> > 
> > Scott
> > Madison, Wi
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: owner-pumpkins@hort.net [o*@hort.net] On Behalf
> > Of yorunk@comcast.net
> > Sent: Friday, September 12, 2008 8:31 AM
> > To: pumpkin
> > Subject: weighing, moving, etc. (long one)
> > 
> > I had a question about est. weight.  According to the books I have read,
> > the OTT method is the best.  I also read that the measurements should be
> > from the 'highest' point of the fruit.  Won't using the highest point
> > for the measurements bias the weights heavy? In addition, how to you
> > ensure that you are measuring from the same spot each time?
> > 
> > It has been suggested that I cut the pumpkins since there are SVB's in
> > the vines of all 3 plants.  I have cut off some secondaries with SVBs,
> > but am not sure how to get them out of the mains.  I read about cutting
> > them out, but I am not sure where they are exactly.  I see the entry
> > point, but don't know where they moved and don't want to cut along the
> > whole vine.  The boys are at 270, 214 and 140 pounds. I am struggling
> > with that concept, although I need to listen to the more experienced.  I
> > want to get a few more pounds, but don't want to risk losing them.  It
> > has been very damp and cool at night and very humid during the day.  At
> > night I cover them with blankets and plastic, but the blankets just get
> > damp and there is moisture on the inside of the plastic in the morning.
> > I have resorted to putting the tarps back on them since rain is
> > forcasted.  Now I worry that there is not enough air movement under the
> > tarps to compensate for the humidity.
> > 
> > Once cut, how do I move them?  I was planning on using heavy tarps and
> > several people, but I need to get them onto a pick-up truck to take them
> > to a local feed store to get them weighed.  I don't have access to a
> > forklift or a lifting contraption.  I wasn't sure how to secure them
> > once in the truck without damaging them.  I was going to set them on
> > comforters in the truck.
> > 
> > Then how do I keep them healthy until Halloween?  I would probably have
> > to put them back in their cages since the animals have very healthy
> > appetites around here.  Then I run back into the question of rain and
> > cool damp nights.
> > 
> > Is it obvious that I am obsessed, paranoid, a bit depressed at the
> > potential of losing them?  Anyone have any pumpkin Prozac????????
> > 
> > Last year was my first attempt and the 'kin God's were not with me.  I
> > blame the rain and my dead cat's ashes I put on the plants.  The only
> > one I had (maybe 70 lbs) looked great but was soup on the bottom when I
> > rolled it.
> > 
> > I have had great advice from everyone this year, esp. David from IL.
> > Any end of season advice will be greatly appreciated.
> > 
> > Debbie
> > 
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