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Danville, CA (petman2@yahoo.com)

Seems there are a lot of wheel questions these days so here is one more.

I have a wheel shaped pumpkin at about 250pounds. Looks just like a wagon wheel that fell on its side. The issue is that the stem and vine are under the wheel. There is still an inch or two of room before the stem touches the ground and drives the vine in with it. Do I prop up the pumpkin? Dig out where the stem/vine should be? Thanks

8/8/2006 12:24:23 PM

Hudsonville, Michigan (michiganpumpkins@sbcglobal.net)

If it is still possible to see what you are doing under there, I'd dig out the soil underneath the stem and vine at potential pressure points, and replace with sand. Worked for me last year.

8/8/2006 1:02:39 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Ditto if you can't roll it over - dig under. But I'd try rolling first.

8/8/2006 4:49:37 PM

Danville, CA (petman2@yahoo.com)

Literally the size of a wagon wheel laying on its side with the stem in the middle where the hub would be. I can't roll it over as I would have to raise it up too high. If I could have rolled it and put the stem on top, that would have been perfect. I could have grown without a worry for stem stress. I will dig it out. Figured that was the answer. I assume that I don't want the stem to ever touch the ground.

8/8/2006 5:33:24 PM

Montoursville, PA

Dig that hole very carefully. The shoulders may support the growth and not push down and break the stem. I'd give it four to six inches of free space to alow for maximum compaction. Furthermore leave yourself a drain way so the hole does not become a puddle. Go for it. Good luck.

8/8/2006 9:08:19 PM