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Syracuse, NY

My opinion is that finding out what the Sun's track is over a patch from dawn to dusk, with the Sun illuminating that patch for as long as possible, is the orientation desired, with the plant's main vine tip aimed at the morning Sun and therefore ending the day with the Sun disappearing toward the base, resulting in the greatest # of daylight hours available to the plant. ALSO, the prevailing (common, daily, usual) wind direction would be from the stump to the tip, allowing for the plant to be 'streamlined' to that effect. Significant staking with bamboo is in order in MY near future, as last year I bought a bundle of 500 and did not use them, for keeping the leaves strong against the wind. My WIND has been more fierce here than ever, this year so far. This is all not a 'founded' method and is just what I am thinking I would ultimately go by, and therefore have for many years. Others will chime in.
PS---I'd say that 900 square feet for each plant would be just right, like two pieces of pizza in opposite directions occupying that space.
Good Luck--eric g

[Last edit: 04/06/25 6:51:01 AM]

4/6/2025 6:41:04 AM

Syracuse, NY

(*_*) eg

[Last edit: 04/06/25 6:45:05 AM]

4/6/2025 6:42:08 AM

Moscow, Russia

Eric, thank you very much. This is very interesting information. I'll make a note. The only thing I'm upset about is that I understand that giant pumpkin plants need to be minimally planted in such an area, but I really want to grow different ones. I will think about how to persuade the management of the botanical garden to allocate me another place for planting giants :)

4/6/2025 2:19:49 PM

Grittyville, WA

I'd arrange it so that the pumpkins ends up near the patio or pathways so that visitors can see them. As far as the public is concerned, its all about the presentation/appearance not the weight. For the most part, they can't tell a 600 lb pumpkin from 1k, or a 1500 lb pumpkin from a 2k pumpkin.

4/6/2025 5:42:29 PM

Grittyville, WA

It would be really cool if the public could touch a growing pumpkin without getting their shoes muddy!

[Last edit: 04/06/25 5:45:14 PM]

4/6/2025 5:44:14 PM

Syracuse, NY

Haven't thought about that, LK, since 2005 when I had an orange lil' beauty offa the 689.5 Sandercock at a grocery store, my 352; There were a lot of fingernail marks into it because it looked so ORANGE and 'manufactured', lol.
Totally hijacking this post - Which is the handsomer MELON???
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=44267
The seeds from this 352 (689.5 X 1097.5 Beachy) still sprout! eg

4/6/2025 6:29:54 PM

Grittyville, WA

Yeah, it could probably survive a fingernail lashing... but might need to put up a "no shoes on the pumpkin" sign. It could either be fun or frustrating.

4/6/2025 11:01:24 PM

Moscow, Russia

Eric, you're absolutely right, unfortunately, visitors to the botanical garden are a bit prone to vandalism towards plants. It's very unnerving and sometimes you want to put a high fence around pumpkins, because people trample plants for the sake of wanting to touch and take selfies. At the end of the season, we put it on public display, where people can take pictures with a pumpkin, and I allow them to touch it, hug it, and even children to climb on top. But please don't scratch or pick. No one can believe that a pumpkin is real and human curiosity in people generates vandals. I've already come to terms with it. But I only allow people to come to the pumpkin beds under my supervision. And you know, people seem to know how to behave themselves and be careful when you're standing next to them like a prison guard or an executioner :)

4/8/2025 9:28:00 AM

Moscow, Russia

In fact, people are not spoiled and for them any size of pumpkin, which is bigger than a football, causes surprise and delight. When I was conducting excursions, I closed all the fruits and opened the pumpkin fruits from smaller to larger, and this caused a storm of emotions among the visitors. Size is important to them if they see it in comparison. But in fact, the color of pumpkins is important to them, of course, orange is the most impressive. Although I like green squash more, but having to please the public to grow what they like best is a dilemma. Therefore, I want to accommodate my desires and the desires of the public in one small area :)

4/8/2025 9:33:24 AM

Moscow, Russia

Eric, this is a very beautiful pumpkin, I like its ribbed shape! I would also pick it with my fingernail, lol :)

4/8/2025 9:38:34 AM

Syracuse, NY

The joke is on everyone, because I got to REALLY pick it!
Ha ha ha...
I will show you the other end of it and it IS the
'Liquid Orange' of Pumpkin Dreams:
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=43786

and another fruit I had that I had forgotten about, my 614 from '06:
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=59273

The seeds from the 352 still sprout and I hope the 614's do as well.
Please trim your nails before opening each link, lol, or you'll need a new monitor!
eric g

4/8/2025 1:24:49 PM

Moscow, Russia

I really like this pumpkin, it has a beautiful nose, it resembles either a flower bud or a mouse. I generally like everything that is not standard :)

4/8/2025 1:55:55 PM

Syracuse, NY

One half of a hot air balloon being inflated.
Great policy of yours! eg

[Last edit: 04/08/25 2:16:40 PM]

4/8/2025 2:16:27 PM

Moscow, Russia

That's right, a balloon with a basket on which people fly! I have friends who are balloonists, I need to give them an idea for the shape of a new ball, I'll show them your pumpkin for example, lol :)

4/8/2025 2:29:04 PM

Syracuse, NY

OMG - What are the odds??? Lol!
eric g

4/8/2025 9:57:17 PM