From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Wood River, IL (kennyw_49@yahoo.com)

This is my first year, and I have learned so much, so far this year. And I have so much more to learn. I check this site a couple time a day trying to soak all this knowledge in. And I'll admit I've had some trouble wrapping my brain around some of this. I've had a lot of trouble getting fruit to set, I still don't have anything growing. But I'm really enjoying myself, my whole yard and graden has never looked so good.

I think the biggest thing I've learned so far this year is. That if one or more of these guys/gals tell you something isn't a good idea, LISTEN to them. They know what there talking about.

The second biggest thing is vine management. It's taken a couple months but I've finally figured out how to bury a vine with out causing it to split.

I'd really like to hear what all the other Rookies have learned in this first half of the growing season?

7/19/2006 6:11:31 PM

Sacramento, CA

I have learned to stop messing with the vines. I have broken off the tips of 3 mains by being too aggressive with my training the vine to go this way ot that.

7/19/2006 6:16:21 PM

Port Orchard Washington

I've learned that even with all the knowledge, its still a crap shoot and go with what feels right

7/19/2006 10:44:05 PM

Danville, CA (petman2@yahoo.com)

) There are no dumb questions. Seems that a "simple" question can blossom (Hoots Dirt - Foliar Feed comes to mind) and teach us all

) Pest management - Hit the patch early, even before planting and keep a regular schedule to keep em down.

) Weed management - Hit the patch early, and keep a regular schedule to keep em down.

) Vine Management - Putting the S curves in the vines as they grow so there is some slack. Also realize that vines are going to root quickly so get them in place quickly so they are not disturbed later

) Good soil is king! Beats fertilizing, although see below

) Gotta pump em with fertilizer early to get the vine out there. Then cut back way back for females and then pick up again slowly

) Proper watering requires timers. Buy battery operated valves (DIG Brand is good) to make sure even watering and can set up mist on hot days

) Don't be afraid to cut off a 20lb pumpkin for a 5 pounder, it will grow to 20lb before you know it

) Join clubs - everyone in the hobby is VERY nice

) Have fun and involve the kids


Now this post needs to be repeated AFTER harvest in October to see what else we have learned. I fear that the "easy" part is past and keeping this monster under control and in one solid piece is the hard part!

7/19/2006 11:46:51 PM

Doylestown, PA

I think I learned that nothing beats experience. Everyday I go out in the patch and figure out things I could do better, like plant placement & direction, pruning, etc. If you look at peoples diary's that have posted for a few years, you can see how their patches have been improving. I'm already impressed with the fact that I have some pumpkins at all... can't wait to see what the future holds.

7/20/2006 9:43:26 AM

Mocksville, NC

I'm always a newbee, and what i have learned from this site,and hands on with tending them, can not be written in one day. I guess not to fiddle with the plants or fruit thinking i know best, i can treat them, prune them, and grow them, but problems always occur, that nobody can help so if you give 100% that dosent insure that you will make it to the weighoff, but you gave 100% thats what matters, and every year yu'll get better, and better at reading signs you can control before they end your season, and most of all do what works for you, and listen to the plant you will know what i mean when your out there alone and its quite. Great luck

7/20/2006 6:00:57 PM

Delaware, Ohio

I've learned that no question is silly and that someone is always always willing to help.
I've learned that growing a giant pumpkin is addictive and I want to grow more next year.
I've never planted so much as a petunia let alone a pumpkin so I've learned so very much.

7/26/2006 9:01:41 AM

Central Ca

Patience

7/27/2006 9:59:20 PM