From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Gettysburg, PA

Hello all,

I'm a completely new grower here in SC PA. I love to garden and do really well with tomatoes, squash, peppers, etc. Never tried pumpkins, until now.

I purchased some el'cheapo AG and Big Max seeds from Agway this year and got them started in 1 gal. pots in April. Had a little trouble getting my plot tilled this year b/c the neighbor's tiller was broke. Finally got them in the ground about a month ago, but didn't get the soil amendments in in time. I'll definitely pile on the manure/compost this fall for next year.

I currently have 4 BM plants growing. Have them paired, two to a hill. I know they aren't giants, but is that going to be okay? Just looking for a couple decent jack-o-lanterns outta these.

I also have 3 AG plants growing. One is on it's own hill and is at about the 5 ft mark, with lots of males and had about 5 females already that I've plucked off. It's growing noticeably daily. The other 2 are paired on one hill. Both are down and running, both about 4 ft going in opposite directions. Should I cull one, due to competition on the same hill, or leave them both?

My plot is in the best location for the most sunlight, I live in a heavily wooded area. However it's in the corner of a clover plot I planted for the deer. I know I'm gonna be lucky if one or two of my plants survive the deer, groundhogs and squirrels that are abundant in my area. I know, not the best idea, but it's the only place I have to plant. I do plan on fencing off the plants, if possible when they get closer to full size.

I've been fertilizing with miracle grow "Bloom booster" (15-30-15) on Tuesdays and Fish emulsion on Saturdays. Things are looking great. I'm gonna start burying vines. At what point do I start (vine length)?

Last question...any other growers near me?

Thanks for the tips. I love the amount of info found on here!

Charlie

6/10/2009 10:28:04 AM

Ct

As long as the 4 plants don't tangle with one another. Try and direct them in different directions. I grew big max last year and did well with miracle grow once per week and Neptune's fish/seaweed liquid as a drench and foliar twice per week. Also put down potassium later in the season to help the fruits. I had 4 plants and culled all but one fruit for each plant. I ended up with 4 pumpkins ranging from 30 pounds to 50 pounds each.

6/10/2009 10:32:12 AM

Hi Charlie,

I live in Fairfield PA about 10 mins from you. Nice to know that there is a grower in the area. You should bury vines just as soon as the main hits the ground. Just be carefull not to bury any secondarys or male flowers.

Shoot me a e-mail if you need anymore help.

giantpumpkinpatch@gmail.com

Martin

6/10/2009 3:00:41 PM

Mercersburg, PA

Charlie, I am in Mercersburg, about 20 miles southwest of chambersburg. I am using commercial seed as well this year but from Gurney's. I grew a 153 with commercial seed several years ago, but i am just now getting back into AG growing. Given the number of growers in southcentral PA, we should be able to exchange some seeds, info, etc. I know there is a grower in greencastle as well, but can't remember his name. I am working on getting some seed from other growers for next year, if you have good leads, let me know. JJL
jjlorson@yahoo.com

6/20/2009 2:11:17 PM