Pumpkin leaves dying

[curly_kate]

The leaves that are at the base of my pumpkin plants are dying off. The ends look pretty healthy, and I have several green pumpkins growing. Is this a harmless/expected occurrence, or should I be worried?

 

[OaklandCityFarmer]

This is usually normal as the plant progresses the earlier leaves do tend to die back. Just make sure there is no damage near the base of the stem as this can be a sign of squash vine borer.

Also, make sure they are getting plenty of water. At this stage if the water intake is restricted this could result in smaller than expected pumpkins.

Good job on getting pumpkins!

 

[Beekissed]

I had a few that were turning a little yellow but their neighbors weren't, so I fed them some chicken manure and they are starting to snap back. This week I had a few more with the same symptoms, so I am trying the manure again. Hope it works as well.

 

[curly_kate]

it IS squash borer!! I found those little &^%$^( today! I yanked the really bad ones & buried the vines on the others. Hoping that I can salvage some!

 

[OaklandCityFarmer]

it IS squash borer!! I found those little &^%$^( today! I yanked the really bad ones & buried the vines on the others. Hoping that I can salvage some!

Bt could help if you can get it into the plants soon. Also for the plants that aren't infected yet you might be able to wrap the base of the plants in aluminum foil or kraft paper.

Good luck!