pumpkin slime

[eeksypeeksy]

We planted pumpkins too late, have just one little pumpkin coming along (about the size of a tea pot), and now beads of clear, cold, wet slime are forming on it. What is it? Is the pumpkin haunted?

[Dave]

They could be slug trails is my first thought on that one but I could be wrong

[eeksypeeksy]

It can't be slugs trails. This stuff is like clear drops oozing from (not being deposited on) the pumpkin.

[Dave]

Been thinking about this, it could be the natural sugars of the plant oozing out. Is it sticky? Could it be a bit like the resin you get coming out of pine trees sometimes? I think it's probally nothing to worry about, if it's not that it could just be moisture coming out of the fruit as it respires. If you look at this link http://www-saps.plantsci.cam.ac.uk/records/rec384.htm it might explain a bit. If the slime was there in the morning then it is more than likely just a respiring pumpkin.

[eeksypeeksy]

You may be right. The drops have cleared up and the pumpkin is still firm. Thanks.

[Wombat]

Things that go away by themselves come back by themselves....it seems obvious to me that the pumpkin IS either haunted or possessed. In either case the remedy is fire, and lots of it! So eirther burn it at the stake, roast in a moderate oven or make pumpkin soup!

Done

Nev

[eeksypeeksy]

In either case the remedy is fire, and lots of it!

We plan on gutting it, cutting an ugly face in it, roasting its seeds (so it can't have demon spawn, of course), and putting a burning candle in it for a few days. I hope the candle does the trick. It's only a little evil pumpkin.

[Wombat]

Good luck Please let us know if it rises up and does something unspeakable!

Nev