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Kutztown, PA

When I first got into this pumpkin growing thing I watched one of Ron Wallace's early videos in which he explained how to transplant from pots to the outside. To paraphrase: Ron said, lay the plant on a 45 degree angle in the direction the vine will lay so that the vine lays down nicely. I must have forgotten that my first couple of years and planted them straight up. That resulting in some "pea trap" vines at the stump. Almost all of the plants I planted the first couple of years developed foamy stump. Last year and this year I got smarter and planted my plants at at least a 45 degree angle and probably closer to 55. All of the vines laid flat and I had no foamers. My vines laid down nicely again this year and I my guess is I'll have no foamers again. I know one year of data isn't enough but I think a flat laying vine prevents foamy stump. Am I right?

6/11/2024 11:22:49 AM

Grittyville, WA

Intersting theory. I think during the first hot humid weather it might be wise to check for condensation and/or add a fan. I dont really know about pumpkins but Ive seen my fruit trees get a wet stump from pulling cold water out of the ground during warm humid weather. Its a weird phenomenon.

[Last edit: 06/11/24 2:08:33 PM]

6/11/2024 2:08:04 PM

Kutztown, PA

Except for the first year, I've use fans. A foamy stump is a real bad day, though some say they can cure one by draining etc. I've not had that kind of luck with mine. Once that cavity is open everything seems to fail. Hope I don't get one again. Crossed fingers.

6/12/2024 9:04:11 AM