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Austell, GA

I read this new grower forum everyday. Thanks to all you who tell us newbies how to grow some bigguns.

If you would, please take a look at these pictures and tell me what is wrong with my pumpkin patch (besides the horrible weeding job and small space):
http://ppdl.agriculture.purdue.edu/dd/uploads/dd0310-1.JPG
http://ppdl.agriculture.purdue.edu/dd/uploads/dd0310-2.JPG
http://ppdl.agriculture.purdue.edu/dd/uploads/dd0310-3.JPG
http://ppdl.agriculture.purdue.edu/dd/uploads/dd0310-4.JPG
http://ppdl.agriculture.purdue.edu/dd/uploads/dd0310-5.JPG

Incidentally, I've submitted these pictures to Purdue's Plant and Pest Diagnostic Labratory, but I was hoping to get some other "expert" opinions from real giant pumpkin growers. And, besides, I don't know how long it'll take before they get back to me...

Misc information that may or may not help you in the diagnosis.
-I planted these two pumpkin plants on 25 May, they sprouted on 01 June.
-They are planted in a clay-like soil.
-I've fertilized twice per week (from 01 June - 05 July) using Miracle Gro All Purpose Water Soluable Plant Food (24-8-16). I've since changed to Miracle Gro Bloom Booster Water Soluable Plant Food (15-30-15) and I used that twice last week, on 09 and 12 July.
-I water twice per day. Once at 8AM, and once at 3PM. I use aprox 1 gallon per plant per watering. So, each plant gets a total of 2 gallons per day.
-I 'stake' the main vine and secondaries with cut-up coat hangars in order to "train" the vines down the long axis of the garden space (I don't want them to grow onto the pavement). I then bury the vines up to about 6 inches from the end of the tip.

Any help is most appreciated as this has become an obsession for me...

7/17/2007 1:05:37 PM

Lombard, IL

I am a newbie as well, but to me it looks like it could be Gummy Stem Blight. If I am right then you need to grab a fungicide asap.

7/17/2007 1:44:15 PM

Georgia

It really doesnt look that bad do you spray diesase control on it once a week. Id recommend getting some garden diesase control spray Orhtos a good brand and can be found even at home depot. Spray once a week even if your plants look better.

7/17/2007 1:48:37 PM

Austell, GA

The only thing I spray my pumpkin plants with is Sevin (there are a ton of Japanese Beetles around here). That won't do anything for a fungus or bacteria...

But, I don't think it is Gummy Stem Blight...I've looked that one up and it doesn't meet the criteria. At least, not according to this reference: http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-17/BP-17.pdf

7/17/2007 1:56:49 PM

Georgia

Your plants dont really look that bad I say just go get some fungicide and they should start looking healthier In no time. When you fertilize especially with Miracle Grow spray late at night or early in the morning it helps a lot. Never spray in the heat of the day.

7/17/2007 2:02:09 PM

Austell, GA

Jason, thanks for the advice on the miracle gro, but rest assured, I don't fertilize in the heat of the day...

Maybe I am looking too closely at the leaves, but again, they just don't look like the leaves I see online here...

7/17/2007 2:30:26 PM

Georgia

Most growers here dont use too much or any miracle grow. Fish fertilizer with kelp doesnt pose as much a threat to burn plants. Plus spraying kelp which a lot of fish fertilzers contain help really green up the leaves.

7/17/2007 2:42:47 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

Try switching to a mild organic fertilizer like Neptunes fish/kelp and only spray at twilight. Start a fungicide program alternating once every week with Daconil and Immunox, both only about $12-$15 per bottle. Get the bottoms of the leaves. The plant didn't really look that bad off in the two pics I opened. Good luck -Jim

7/17/2007 3:25:10 PM

Austell, GA

Orangeneck and Jason, thanks. Maybe I am just being a nervous nelly. But, I will start with the fungicide...

As for the organic stuff, if I can find it, I'll get it. I'm not looking to grow a world class pumpkin, I just want one that weighs more than I do...

7/17/2007 3:36:38 PM

Coupeville WA

USMC
If your soil is clay like and you fertilize with water soluble ferts as often as you say you do, the soil probably is holding onto those inorganic salts that make these fertilizers soluble.
In heavier soils, you have to soil drench much less often. I would recomend some "aerobic" teas on the leaves and in the soil as well as switching to an organic feeding system. Gypsum next year to break up the clay and a soil analysis to look at the salinity in the soil.
With all of that being said, the leaves do eventually break down and turn yellow. This is what people talk about when they say that the plant only has approx 120-180 days to live.

7/17/2007 3:39:11 PM

Georgia

Sometimes Lowes or Home Depot sell organic fish fertilizer for a good price. And its easily available on the web. Good Luck I hope ya weigh 1000 pounds or more then you will be growing a world class Pumpkin.

7/17/2007 3:39:58 PM

ordinary,VA

witout a soil test its hard to say what your plants needs mihgt be but i would slow up on the MG. twice a week might be a too much. try every two weeks on the MG.
I dont use MG so dont take my word on the subject.just that i dont use that much fertilizer. when i do its fish or kelp.
but i would get some fungicide on your plants disease will take your plants out quick.
would use a systemic and contact fungicide changing the types of fungicide you use everytime you spray.
Im using over four types of fungicides this year and the heavy hitters us more than that.
when weeding be careful pulling weeds you can do damage to your pumpkin roots by yanking the weeds out of the ground..

all in all your plants dont look that bad.maybe Steve (tremor) will take a look an give some advice, the man knows his stuff
best of luck grow-em big

7/17/2007 3:48:55 PM

Austell, GA

Hey, thanks everyone for your comments so far...And, I'll go out and get some of that organic fertilizer...I don't want to be the odd man out when it comes to using MG...but, it seems to be working...

7/17/2007 4:01:20 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

You will learn...seems to be working is the big clue. Miracle Grow is fine for short term growth but you want seasonal growth. How many 1400 pounders and above are grown with Miracle grow...None.

7/17/2007 4:11:51 PM