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Date Posted

San Jose garysand@pacbell.net

Odds are you will not grow a world record this year. Just learn and do the basics, I know you want to grow a huge pumpkin, we all do. Don't get paranoid about crosses,and pollinating by hand. Odds are you do not have the most desired seeds to plant. I don't want to seem negative, but just take it one step at a time. HAVE FUN

There will be highs and lows, just keep plugging along. Read, learn and enjoy

5/18/2009 8:13:19 PM

Bloomington, IN

Thats one thing I've learned about my gardening habits over the years. The more I stress myself, the more I screw up!

5/18/2009 10:27:50 PM

Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

Yep, relax. Just doublecheck what the weatherman said and check it yourself outside... biggest things at start of season are sudden cold temps and wind. Be prepared.

There is beginners luck, but just concentrate on the basics and be proud of whatever you get :)

5/19/2009 12:00:37 AM

milford, CT,

I like this post..my first few years I was given the advice to set my goal at 500 lbs...once you can do that..set your sites on 700 lbs...every year pick the brains of veteran growers and attend as many weigh-offs and events as possible. A lot of great information is gotten talking to growers at these events...BE proud of your 300-500 lbers...soon they will be in the past. Also..believe the advice that is often given on this site...good seeds good soil, good weather,water 1 inch per week, watch for bugs and disease and lastly..don't over fertilize. Yhe weights will go up as you accumulate experience and knowledge. Mark

5/19/2009 4:55:51 PM

Ct

I'd be more than happy with a 200 pounder. I think us newbies get overwhelmed with all the things we're supposed to do, only because we want to do it the right way and not accidentally kill our plants, thus all the questions we ask.This site has so much information it can be confusing and overwhelming for the new grower.

5/20/2009 8:20:00 AM

Cochecton, NY

Setting realistic goals definitely helps get you back next season. Last year was my first year. My goal was 300Lbs. My biggest was 303! Mission accomplished. This year I am aiming for 500Lbs. Not that I would stop growing if I did not reach it(I love doing this too much), but to succeed at your goals always makes things sweeter. I will settle for 501 or any number geater!

Good luck to all,

Nick

5/21/2009 7:03:48 AM

Buffalo, New York

last year was my first year, my goal was 100 pounds.

most my fruit split in august but my secondary fruit went for 357.5 pounds.

this year goal is 500, but with patch expansion with tilled up sodd, i am not expecting much.

5/22/2009 11:46:21 PM

Rhode Island

i have said this at least one thousand times but it needs to be repeated one more time.
the absolute best advise i could give any new grower is to find a mentor and learn as much as possib;le from them.

over the years ron and i have mentored many new and veteran growers, its a proud day when they can realize their garden goals. its a good feeling to know you have helped someone so you the mentor also should feel proud of the accomplishment.

get a mentor in your area and go from their. not one local? so what, take a drive once a week or so even if its a couple hours.

pap

5/23/2009 7:06:24 AM

Oklahoma State Record Holder

I had 3 goals last year, 300lbs, 500lbs, and 700lbs, my fruit went 460lbs. I was very happy, this year my goal is 700lbs.

5/23/2009 7:53:38 AM

Groton, NY

last year was my first year. I got some good seeds and advice from a local guy, got all 3 of the growing giant pumpkin books and read them 10 times each, and tried my best. ended up with a 514 lb. I was real happy. I will try to relax this year and have more fun and see what happens.

5/23/2009 11:16:34 AM

Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

My goal is one more pound than Pat, and making it to the scale :) Actually I want 1k....

I count my self super fortunate to have held at least one together off each vine, and all five of the 'bigguns' all weighed more than I did!

Grow because you want to, be glad to get what you get, and be proud. There's always next year!

5/23/2009 4:39:49 PM

Cduross1@rochester.rr.com

This is supposed to be a fun hobby, if it's no longer fun, then think about a year off. I debated that this year myself, but it's too much fun and therapy for me not to grow plants. Late, but I have four in for this season. My goal is two over 1000.

Last year I got really lucky on an off weather year to get two pumpkins, one at 802 and the other at 938. The challenge to beat that is huge, and I'm hoping with any luck I will be able to this season. No matter what I will be happy and proud of whatever I grow. My first two years I grew 256 and 275 and really jumped the numbers up last year. Still learning all kinds of things and still making newbie mistakes, but, with a little luck and some nice weather, who knows! Dream big and most important have some fun!

6/1/2009 1:43:34 PM

Sandy, Utah

Ya know Gary i hear ya. i am new this year , i am asking tons of questions and meeting some great people, you hit the nail on the head, i'm just gonna have fun this year and learn what i can and go for an attainable goal of 900 lbs.

6/7/2009 12:03:21 AM