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Rhode Island

15. once the plant starts to throw a main vine it is very critical that you do not use any commercial high nitrogen fertalizers. the nitrogen makes the young main very rigid and easy to snap. we build a small hill under the main so as to let it down gently by scraping out a little soil every day until the main is all the way on the ground.
if you force it to much or try and work the plant to early in the am before the plant warms up you will snap it every time.
16. train the main to run straight out from the base. for example if the main is running due south? then each side needs to be traines to run directly east on one side of main and west on the other.
17. each side vine should be a minimum of 12 ft from main before dead ending vine growth. to grow somethiong truely special you need a minimum of 13 to 14 sets of sides before you pollinate a fruit. any before that should be snipped off.
18. find out what pests and diseases are common in your area and take steps to protect your plant. if not your season will be over by the middle of august.
19. never water at night,spray pesticides very early am or late pm,never during heat of the day. keep soil moist but not flooded. water over the top as little as possible as splashing also spreads disease.
20. buy some books like the langevin collection especially books # 2 and 3. read then several times.
21. nuzzle up with a good grower in your area. nothing beats a first hand look at what a good grower is doing.
22. if your easily discouraged this is not the hobby for you. go learn how to play golf or go bowling.
but, if you can dream and dont give up on that dream? you will be rewarded.

3/15/2007 9:54:09 PM

Jefferson, New York

I'm brand new to GIANT PUMPKIN growing, grew a 2 pounder when I was a kid. It's a wonder I can remember that far back, must be those packages of $7.00 pumpkin seeds I"ve been eating lately, not too many in a pack tho.
DR.M M from PA turned me on to this GREAT website today.
Been on the computer all day. Thanx to all you experts for sharing your vast knowledge with us new comers. As for # 22, I would rather play with GIANT PUMPKINS than balls.

3/16/2007 12:25:55 AM

South East

Thanks Pap.

3/16/2007 6:14:26 AM

Cameron,ontario Team Lunatic

Great posting Pap. All the newer growers should follow these steps & if you can find a grower in your area, stop by & ask a few questions. I'm sure he'll help out. I'm mentoring someone this year for the first time & I'm really looking forward to it.

Phil

3/16/2007 7:38:16 AM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

Great tutorial!

3/16/2007 7:42:09 AM

Wood River, IL (kennyw_49@yahoo.com)

pap,
It helps if the good grower you nuzzle up to is close by. But that isn't always possible. I found a pretty good one 1600 miles away. Where would we be with out the world wide web. But you are so right a mentor makes all the differents in the world.
Kenny

3/16/2007 8:02:02 AM

Rhode Island

kenny
if you live in IL there are many who post on here that could help you from that area of the country.

post up asking for help in the message section. tell them the area of the state you live in. you may be surprised how many growers there are closer than 1,600 miles who would be glad to help.

pap

3/16/2007 3:30:43 PM

Wood River, IL (kennyw_49@yahoo.com)

pap,
I'm agreeing with you, I'm not complaining. I would have never made it through my first year without the mentor I had. I'm guessing the closest grower is a couple hours north of me.

And with all fall & winter to do patch prep I'm ready to roll in 07.
Kenny

3/16/2007 6:06:57 PM

your welcome to come see my plants anytime kenny hours .were all learning nonstop and even learning from mistakes to

3/16/2007 7:44:55 PM

Rhode Island

with a handle like "morris the moose" you should be in the front row in no time. great handle
pap

3/16/2007 10:32:06 PM

Waitakere New Zealand

thanks pap thats a great run down very helpfull cheers

3/17/2007 4:02:59 AM

Wood River, IL (kennyw_49@yahoo.com)

Don,
If I go to the Knoxville National this summer. I'm going to try and visit you and Mike both while I'm in Iowa. I work a lot of OT and it's just hard to find the time to get away.
Kenny

3/17/2007 5:44:47 AM

Coventry R.I.

Pap, I AM ONE LUCKY GUY FOR SURE , TO LIVE NEAR YOU GUYS. THANKS FOR THE INFO FRANK

3/17/2007 3:50:59 PM

Wood River, IL (kennyw_49@yahoo.com)

Frank,
We all can't be as lucky as you. From everything I've read the RI mafia does it right.
Kenny

3/17/2007 4:06:41 PM

Coventry R.I.

Thats for sure Kenny, just got to produce LOL

3/18/2007 4:53:51 PM

West Chazy,N.Y.

I don't have any growers to snuggle up to in my area PAP. this will be my 4th year, guess I'll have to go solo.
And ask a lot of questions here. Some of the growers here could always come and visit me!......lol.

I sure do thank all the growers that have helped me so far,I would have never gotten the pkns that I have gotten.

3/18/2007 5:50:00 PM

Bethlehem CT

Thanks for the info pap, this will be my 2nd year growing atlantic Giants. I look forward to putting it into practice. I am amazed at the generosity of growers here, everyone helps everyone else.

3/19/2007 8:37:38 AM

San Jose garysand@pacbell.net

another hint, do NOT water overhead until the vine is running I snapped one my first year, they are very fragile

3/19/2007 8:20:36 PM

Grant, MI

I missed these three posts. Glad I went back to look.

6/22/2007 9:19:44 PM