Leave them on the vine as long as possible. They will age well if you can let them stay out overnight for at least a few frosty nights. Then, as the plant begins to die , the stalk will harden off and the leaves will wither. Cut the pumpkin off leaving a good length of stalk. Don't use the stalk as a handle, it will break and then fungus will get in and ruin the pumpkin. Allow them to sit in the sun as long as possible to help them mature. Once the weather turns, store them on their sides in a cool dark dry area. A dry basement would be ideal. Clean off any moisture and soil before storing. They will continue to mature and colour through the winter. If they all start to become over ripe at once, then cook and freeze them as soups etc.

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The secret is the soil.

Wow Kurlie, 13 of them..

Just imagine how many ORANGE pumpkins you'll
get when you get those pumpkins in EARLIER next year!!!!
*I get mine in late every year...*
So, I know exactly what you are talking about8

One small tip...even if you don't get them in as early as you like, say something like preparing the soil or something you're behind in to get them in... it takes a second or two to repot those plants into a bigger "cell" or pot/container, and that'll get some of it's root
system going and seem to the plant that it's growing, and putting out bigger roots... until you can get it into the ground..
I do that alot...

How big and or small were the pumpkins????
And did you get any pictures of the pumpkins?
That would be kinda neat to see!!!

* * * *
Weezie

Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have
done this have entertained angels without realizing it.
- Bible - Hebrews 13:2





http://photobucket.com/albums/y250/weezie13/