Hello - last week I discovered a groundhog that set up camp next to my pumpkin patch and started to eat the main growths (now 10 to 15' long) back from the growing point. The variety is Ol' Zeb, and it is a vigorous prolific pumpkin - my question is will the side shoots that haven't been eaten produce a reasonable crop of fruit? I can see some female flower buds on the side shoots, but they look like they are much smaller in scale than the flowers that have been produced from the strongest main lead growth. Will I just have to settle for fewer pumpkins smaller in size? Did I just answer my own question? Thanks for any first hand experience input, I appreciate it.

The groundhog was humanely disposed of and the burrow filled with rocks and soil - just wish I could find a way to keep the varmits out. I know a good dog works, but I am not interested in getting a dog anytime soon. Thanks for your help.