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Mount Prospect,illinois

i know the season is young but what a difference between this year and last. I obviously have done many things different. My plants are so far ahead of last year it is unreal. I planted earlier in soil that was full of composted manure and leaves with real genetically superior seeds vs generic ags last year in less fertile soil. It is cool, so far, to see the difference. I may even get a pumpkin set before August! :)

6/3/2007 8:41:35 PM

Farmville, Virginia (mfowler@hsc.edu)

Dave, same here almost word for word. I know there is a HECK of a lot of work in front of me but seeing the plant improvement over last year and comparing notes with those I kept last year has been a lot of fun. Makes you feel good to huh?
I think the fact that we put so much work into the patch during the off season (which is a lot of work)and remembering all the things we did wrong last year makes seeing the improvements very rewarding.
Oh yeah...a lot of improvement for us new growers is in no small part due to the knowledge and advise that all great experienced growers here on BP are willing to pass on to us newbies. And oh the patience you guys must have to calmly answer all of our repeat questions!!! You guys are the best!

6/3/2007 10:07:50 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Very well stated, Mark...the pro's who answer our goofy ?'s, over and over and over again are to be applauded!!!!! I am very pleased with my plants this year...all look great, but they looked pretty good last year.... 6 days will tell the story in my patch....last year every pkn set,(10 or more) grew well till 14 days, and then aborted....1st pollination here was 5/27....8.5 days ago....gonna be a nervous week or two!!! Wish me luck!!! Peace, Wayne

6/4/2007 10:05:50 PM

Mount Prospect,illinois

I agree that most of what i am doing now is from people on this board. So far it has made a huge difference.

6/5/2007 7:22:21 AM

Boulder County Colorado USA planet Earth

This yr is slower than last, but I have way better seeds. So I say =(equall)

6/6/2007 11:51:51 PM

Delaware, Ohio

The difference between this year and last is so HUGE! Last year, I put them in a pot, put them in the ground and read a ton of information here and asked every question I could think of. I grew a 400 pound pumpkin!! I didn't know a thing. This year, I think I know so much more, but am having some problems...I know too much!! In some cases ignorance is bliss!!! The growers on this site are the most generous, helpful people out there. They want us all to grow'em big! I think that's what makes it so much fun, because it's not all about the pumpkin, it's about the relationships and the people that we have met because of the pumpkin! Oh...and I plan on asking many many many more stupid questions as the season goes on.....Just a warning.

6/7/2007 12:12:58 AM

United Kingdom

It`s really interesting to hear all the views about last year. I am a first year grower so I`m still at the "ignorance is bliss" stage. I have really enjoyed all the work which has gone into patch prep and have learned so much. I think the key this year for me is to have fun, learn even more and keep on posting on this site. The people here have been great.
Lots of people emailed me after my first posting just to say welcome and good luck.I have never met a friendlier bunch of people !
Godd luck to you guys this year. Please feel free to check my diary once in a while and see how a newbie does it (LOL)

Bye guys

Pete.

ps, CityGirl, If you look on the new growers forum, I have started a thread which is called "another dumb question"
YOU ARE NOT ALONE !!!

6/7/2007 2:24:00 PM

President - GPC

Yup, I remember when I didnt hold my breath when I grew....now it seems the more I learn the more nervous I get. Guess they call it Rookie AG fever.....Im told it goes away after many years and a few thousand pounders......But I have had a lot of fun, met a lot of great people, have friends all over and learned so much more about growing outside and inside....
Good Luck to you all. If you have any questions this is the forum to ask......

Grow'em BIG.....

6/7/2007 2:58:37 PM