The largest of the pumpkins to date 17.08.09

This is looking really good. :-)

Yes, It's doing nicely. I'm trying to work out what that glue looking substance is on the flower end of the pumpkin, when the flower came off the glue substance was left behind? I was wandering if it was because the weather has been wet. The other pumpkin which is growing looks the same. Perhaps its normal? I hope so, I have worked really hard for these two pumpkins. I hope they make it to harvest.

Have never got pumpkins to this stage, but my courgettes/marrows always look like this once the flowers totally wither. I wipe off with a piece of kitchen paper, just to ensure that no rot sets into the fruits. Have never lost anything yet. I may remember seeing some straw in one of your pics. If not, put some under the pumpkins now, as you would with strawberries, just to protect further from any rot picked up with soil contact. I look forward to pics of your pumpkin harvest. :-)

Yes I'll try that, thanks so much. This is the first time I have grown anything like this really. I have done rocket and lambs lettuce which was nice, but I think thats simple compared to pumpkins. I am so excited to see them fully grown and ripe and will definately be showing them off if they make it, fingers crossed.