My Pumpkins Are Bigger Than Yours

Live from the Pumpkin Patch, [Well! almost live], it's harvest time and my pumpkins are bigger than yours. This is the last installment of this feature for this year and we hope you found it informative as well as entertaining. Coming next month, complete harvest wrap-up with pictures and yield performance data.

This week: Oct. 8, 1997, see....

  • The Harvest.
  • Post-Harvest Handling.

    • Harvest and Handling tips from USDA (Quick Tips) and Controlling Post-Harvest rots from North Carolina State Univ., see below.

    Last Week, the harvest in progress.

    The variety Gold Rush, Nice size and shape plus great handles.

    A new small experimental variety, great for kids.

    Variety Mystic, a nice 4 to 5 lb fruit but yields were average.

    Pumpkin and Winter Squash, Control of Post Harvest Rots. Guidelines from NCSU, click here

    Quick Harvest and Storage Tips For This Week:



    Harvest fruit when mature avoiding cuts and bruises.



    Cure after harvest at 80-85 degrees F and 75-80% humidity for about 10-20 days.


    After curing, store at 50-60 degrees and 70% humidity.


    Keep fruit dry and provide good air circulation.


    Temperatures elow 40 degrees for long periods cause chilling injury and lead to fruit rots.


    Pumpkins will keep for 2-3 months if properrly handled.

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