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Location

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Lombard, IL

They both fertilize, right? Which is better? Why? I ask this because I am having a hard time finding a local store to buy supplies. The local Ace carries worm castings. No one around here has any fish fertilizer to speak of. I live in the Chicago burbs, BTW. Also, I really don't like to mail order my garden supplies. I like the high I get cruising around the store and a little impulse buying here and there. I don't get that over the internet.

5/24/2007 11:13:05 PM

addison Il

Hey pumpkin mom welcome to the world of growing giant pumpkins you could not have stumbled upon a greater site for newbies and vetrens alike. Me and my sis have been growing giants for about 3 yrs now in addison the next town over from you. There is a nursery on the corner of north ave and RT 53 that sells fish emulsion and everything you could need to grow em big. Theres also swartz nursery on the corner of army trail and 53 in addison for more supplies. If your new to the sport theres no better place for you too be then our club the IGPGA thats the illnois giant pumpkin growers association our president George J is right here in roselle and hes the best president ever. Theres a weight off begininig of october and everyones there its a big deal and its at didier farms. Im excited as you see we love newbies and am happy to welcome you into the pack of proud illnois growers. Currently our champ is Gene McMullen his pumpkin last yr weighed in at a big 1,124 lbr
Well enough chat heres the link to our local site and always ask questions here, you can't ask for better peaple then the growers right here on BP welcome to the site and to the family.

http://home.comcast.net/~hitthedeck2007/IGPGA/IGPGA.html

PS grow em big

5/24/2007 11:52:10 PM

Addison IL.

Yes Welcome to the world of giant pumpkins new Illinois grower.

5/25/2007 12:21:05 AM

South East

he pumpkin mum,
both are diffrent, the castings u can use to improve yar soil, to brew tea from. its contains nitogen and pottasium and microbial life wich is very good for your soil.
the fish fert, probably contains some trace elements and proteins, wich wil strengthen the plant and make it more resistant to disease.
anyway, i wish u good luck, and hope you grow a BIG one!
Have fun tryin!!!!!

5/25/2007 2:11:36 AM

Lombard, IL

AWWWW! Thanks for the warm welcome! I did notice some local growers while I was reading through the diaries and was hoping to learn a lot from you since we would most likely have the same problems. I drive by that place on North Ave & 3 a million times a week. My friend has been bugging me to stop in there for some other things. I will be sure to stop by this weekend or even today. I have been shopping at the local Ace Hardware, Home Depot and (SHHH!) Wal-fart. I knew they weren't the best places for garden supplies, but wasn't sure where else to go. I will check out the IGPGA as soon as I get a chance. Thanks again!

5/25/2007 9:13:04 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Fish has Nitrogen - Earthworm castings support biology in a grand way but deiver very small amounts of NPK. Use castings in brews & as a soil amendment (if you can get enough) & use the Fish for foliar & drenching.

5/25/2007 10:29:04 AM

Minnesota

I bet they (fish castings) would work great, better than worm castings.

5/25/2007 10:46:01 AM

Well your questions are pretty much answered, but I just thought I'd mention that I'll be living in the Chicago area this summer, not too far from sis1 and curvy1. So all us pumpkin ladies should meet up sometime! I move there tomorrow and will be living in Wheaton.

5/25/2007 10:47:04 AM

addison Il

That would be fun and welcome to illnois brigitte

5/25/2007 11:59:16 AM

Lombard, IL

WHEATON!?! I grew up in Wheaton! You are a stones throw away from all of us. We should meet up! Where/When? You all can come to my house and check out the 100,000 cicadas that have invaded.

5/25/2007 12:57:19 PM

Addison IL.

We are on our way .. My sister Curvy one is obssed with the bugs she will bring her jar , Thanks. Hey Brigitte are you gonna be in Illinois in October too? Yes we should all get together that will be fun..

5/25/2007 1:38:28 PM

nope, I'm just there until mid August. This summer we should definitely get together though. jot down my email, it's brigi85@yahoo.com

5/25/2007 10:39:11 PM

No Place Special

Cool another new close grower. Im from Wlacott Ia, just west of Davenport Quad Cities. WELCOME!!!!

Mike Frantz

5/26/2007 4:56:58 PM