From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Central NY

Where’s all our new growers this year?...I love watching the new guys and gals starting out in this stupid hobby...this will be our 7th year and remember our first like it was yesterday...growing these giants is truly one of those “wonders of nature “ that, if we play our cards right , we get to experience first hand right in our own back yards....I know it’s late for many around the country but soring temps are coming..(I hope anyway).... Best of luck to all you newbies this season...may you make it to the scale in one piece...and heavy...!!!!!!!

4/18/2018 12:05:00 PM

Central NY

Spring temps ...not soaring temps..(that’s in another month , right before winter)...

4/18/2018 12:07:07 PM

central Nc

Well.... I'm a first timer and trying to not ask questions that have already been asked.

That being said, I've got my trellis up, but my LGs won't germinate! How many days should it take on a 80 degree heat mat?

4/18/2018 11:40:47 AM

On a cliff in the desert

I'm waiting for snowstorms to stop before even thinking about planting. Supposedly another one tonight for me. Then I have to prep my patch and get my soil sample done before planting. My Karkos 5.63 tomatoes for Gale Woods farm won't be germinated until May because of this weather.

4/18/2018 11:45:17 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Wolfpack crank the heat up to 90°. They like it a little warmer

4/18/2018 12:03:51 PM

Western Massachusetts

Technically never brought anything to a weighoff so I'm still considering myself a new grower

4/18/2018 12:05:01 PM

NE Arkansas

wolfpack sometimes they can take a week to 10 days to germ

4/18/2018 12:07:35 PM

Westmoreland, KS

wolfpack...ask questions yes most have been asked before but it's amazing how the answers change from year to year

4/18/2018 12:53:32 PM

central Nc

thanks guys! i'm shooting for AG, LG, and tomatoes this year. not expecting much except a lot of learning...

4/18/2018 2:15:46 PM

Virginia

I consider this my first real attempt with good seeds. Last year just threw a store bought seed in dirt and got a couple 75 pounders. But learned a lot. This year I have my soil ammended and have a seed from Andy Wolfs 1917, and a few from Andy Scalise. Going to give it a real attempt with everything I learned from this site. Got one in the ground so far. 2 or 3 more to go when they are ready.

4/18/2018 2:59:02 PM

Zimmerman, Minnesota

It’s funny to think last year at this time I didn’t even know this website existed and all the information I had to grow giant Pumpkins came with a starter pack of seeds from the St. Croix Growers Association (and what I know based on normal gardening my whole life). It wasn’t till a patch tour at Scott Steil’s patch in August where I learned how much really goes into growing giants and there were other crazy people like me that put their all into these plants. I also met great people like Shannon Engel, Chris Qualley, Lorelee Zywiec,Pete Caspers, Scott Steil, and Bev Anderson. Who were there to answer questions and offer support...At the weigh offs in the fall I met even more amazing growers Bob, Travis, Tony, Larry, Kevin, Pete, Todd....I guess what I’m saying is if I never joined a club and met these amazing people I don’t think I would know as much and would be having as much fun. There are plenty more growers that I have met on this site or Facebook that I’m looking forward to meeting this fall at both the weigh offs and the big show.

4/18/2018 10:17:35 PM

NE Wisconsin

This will be my first year growing giants. I will try to keep my diary updated throughout the summer. The only thing in it right now is snow pictures.

4/19/2018 8:23:06 AM

Central NY

Who was the new guy that's competing against coworkers that don't know about the Giants?....that should be fun to watch....

4/19/2018 9:20:18 AM

Eastern Nebraska

Mr.Porkchop, that would be me. Currently fighting weather, same as alot of the others. (Snow yesterday) Planted several test plants in a mini-greenhouse I have setup in my shop, and doing well so far. I'm looking to start the real seeds probably the 28th. Have a half dozen Reapers, and some orange pear tomatoes up to keep me busy until go time. I'll get some pics up one of these days when i have a chance. Have to keep getting the other projects done and out of the shop, so i can actually find my way to the plants....

4/19/2018 11:55:44 AM

Central NY

Cool ...and the coworkers still clueless?...lol...too funny...and just an FYI...I’m still staring at projects I started seven yrs ago...get while the gettins good if ya know what I mean...this hobby is addictive

4/19/2018 12:36:24 PM

Plymouth, MN

Second year growing Atlantic giants here, but am stepping up my game this year. Better genetics, trying for bigger and better-amended garden plot, and have joined a growers club. The snowy winter has been a real thorn in my side. Also am going to try and do a better job managing the local fauna (turkeys in particular) that did in my main vine last year.

4/21/2018 8:10:31 PM

central Nc

Well well. As an advanced gardener I kinda laughed at all the questions about seed starting. I'm humbled. Finally made a germ box around 85-90 degrees and whatdya know? Got one each gourd, pumpkin, and melon within 2 days of transferring the seeds in there. Guess I'm back to being a novice. Lol

4/23/2018 5:46:29 PM

Central NY

This is one of those plants that does that to a person..#tamethebeast

4/23/2018 8:55:42 PM

Manitowoc

I'm on my second year grow last year I got over 800 pounds and this year I'm keeping it simple. Going for a new Wisconsin state record. No pressure. Lol

5/2/2018 8:23:18 AM

Albion,IN

my second year also. last year I planted store bought "garbage" in my garden on easter, and got one seed to germinate a month later(I had actually given up on them). That plant produced one pumpkin about 15 pounds. this year I got some seeds from Ron Wallace. I don't know what the pedigree is, but so far have gotten four out if six to germinate. I will probably put them in the ground some time in the next week or so. My goal this year is sixteen pounds!!!!!!

5/4/2018 5:30:24 PM

Central NY

Lol...you got that all day Indy ...just make sure you are prepared for bigger w those Wallace seeds...whole different animal...and good luck

5/4/2018 6:51:10 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

‘Bigger pumpkins, bigger problems’

5/4/2018 9:03:01 PM

Manitowoc

My final tally for my plants this year. Good thing I have a big garden
1501,1502,1852 Vander wielen
1531,1611 Martin.
1703,1929 Barlow.
1524faust.
1237 Casper.
Any thoughts on these seeds towards pollinating self or cross??
Ill take any advise involving fertilizers etc. Also. Thanks let me know what you guys thoughts are

5/7/2018 7:11:47 PM