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Central Mississippi

I will try my hand at growing some pumpkins this summer and need all the help I can get, looks like I came to the right place for information. I live in central Mississippi and was wondering if I need a certain type pumpkin for this hot humid area? I have two young boys that want to grow a huge pumpkin so I agreed to help them out. I would like for it to be big but also orange and good shaped. I have plenty of space and plenty of free chicken manure. I was going to buy the Pumpkin Collection from Harris seed, Howden biggie,Lumina,Magic Lantern, just to see what would grow. Thought I would ask on here before I send in a order.

Thanks for your help, Ronnie

11/26/2007 9:08:46 AM

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

You would be better off getting some free seeds from here. I am sure I wont be the only one to offer, but if you want, send me a self addressed stamped bubble envelope to me and I will send you some seeds.

Jordan Rivington
1522 East Big Beaver Road
Troy, MI, 48083

11/26/2007 9:37:32 AM

Central Mississippi

Jordan I will take you up on that, I really appreciate the offer.

I have gathered around 40 bags of oak leaves, some mulched some whole. I am going to try a layer garden, layer of chicken manure layer of leaves, layer rabbit manure, more leaves etc. I dont have a tractor so I am doing this to help keep down weeds. Also will try the mound method, mound 100lbs composted cow manure and 50lbs top soil and plant seeds in the mound thru holes in black plastic.

Mysoil test says my PH is 4.5, what is the prime ph for pumpkins?

11/26/2007 10:06:22 AM

Georgia

Hey RR your ph levels are way to low. I like my Ph levels at about 6.8-6.9 but levels at 6.5 are fine. Youll need to add some lime to raise your ph. Its way to low but you can adjust it before growing season so dont worry.

11/26/2007 10:09:14 AM

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

I would be careful with the oak leaves. Some opinions differ, but I wouldn't use any leaves from trees that produce nuts to be safe. Potential for toxic chemicals in breakdown.

The layering is like a no till....assuming you layer and leave of course, lol. Jack Larue is a big fan of this....which is quite the endorsement if you ask me.

Mounding is great, especially if you have lots of clay. In that case, digging a pit can act like a bowl which traps the water and hurts the plant.

Jason is right, the best pH for pumpkins is roughly between 6.5-7.0. You will need to add lime for sure. Add some now because it will take a while to change pH. Retest in spring and add more if necessary. Looking for a change in pH from 4.5 to 6.5 may be too much to ask for in one sitting....be careful about adding too much of anything, anytime.

11/26/2007 10:55:09 AM

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

It may not hurt to post your test results on here. Also, I am working on a soil analysis website. If you email me your test results, and details of your patch (length, width, sun exposure, etc) I can create an account for you to browse other samples.

11/26/2007 10:57:00 AM

Georgia

I also love the layering method. My one patch is covered in various different layers. Then that breaks down during the winter then I add some more aged manure. Thanks J-ro for telling him to add lime now I forget it takes a while. I both my growing sites and Im at about 6.5 acroos the board. Which made me happy. I would always like to add then take away. I like getting my ph levels at 6.9 when its time to plant.

11/26/2007 11:35:40 AM

Central Mississippi

I will get some lime and work it into the area for my vegetable garden and pumpkin area. What type lime is best? MY garden area will be around 100 ft x 100 ft.

Thanks for the information, Ronnie

11/26/2007 12:18:38 PM