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Date Posted

Central Connecticut

I read in book 1 that it’s a good idea to spray your pumpkin once a week with a diluted bleach solution. Is this still the best way or have there been any improvements?...Chris

7/19/2002 12:13:52 PM

Connecticut, USA

I have used bleach in the past with success. It keeps the fungus from getting a start.

7/19/2002 8:48:58 PM

Greencastle, PA

I've heard that rubbing a pumpkin with vegitable oil a week before harvest gives it nice color and shiny skin. i would think that using a pruduct like pledge on it would make it nice and shiny.
Tom

7/20/2002 12:40:18 AM

Deer Park WA

I feel guilty saying this but I have only slightly sprayed my plants once with Maliathon (cuz aphids were in the fruit trees, no signs on the plants) and I am off to the best start I have EVER had. Remember pumpkin plants don't like insecticides/fungicides and these products are very harmfull to the microorganisms in your soil. I would only use them as the lesser of two evils and only when necessary. I will give you a quick example, I tried last year to use Langinvins spray program in his How to book 2, I burnt 50% of the old center leaves out of my patch my 519 came from and the pumpkin literally stopped growing for several days while the plant was in shock. I was using Malathion at the recommended dosages. Now I will only use chemicals if I detect a problem.

7/20/2002 1:49:52 AM

Central Connecticut

Wow Gads...You must be in paradise! No bugs! that's great! The reason I read about spraying the AG was to keep the skin soft and fungus from getting in any micro cracks. Thanks Guys...Chris

7/20/2002 9:53:55 AM