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Tx

my granddson lived with us for a year and while he was here he planted some pumpkin seeds he got from Lowe's, well they have moved away and left the plant with me, I don't know anything about pumpkins and so I stuck it in my front flowerbed and now it has taken over half my front lawn and is attracting alot of attention from my neighbors. I was looking at pics of pumpkins on this site and they are all growing with no grass around them, well like I said mine is in the front yard and it is growing in the grass, should I cut away all the grass and just leave dirt? Also, we had a solid month of rain and it spread like crazy but now it is really starting to get hot here, but the plant seems to be very healthy, I'm almost afraid to fool with it. I will start looking for the female flowers I hear everyone refer to. Right now I think there are only male flowers, over 50 of them! Any help will be much appreciated. I must admit I am loving this plant, I think I will plant my own next year... lol.

7/18/2007 4:59:33 AM

Farmville, Virginia (mfowler@hsc.edu)

Personally I don't think I would fool with it this year (as far as the grass is concerned). You have an incredible root system on that plant and you really don't want to disturb it. I'd enjoy this year, learn all you can, till up a patch this fall and go for it next year!!!

Good Luck!

7/18/2007 7:13:02 AM

Ontario, Canada.

Newbie, they certainly can consume a large area. Often larger than 1,000 sq.ft. Keep it watered and you should be rewarded with two or three 100+ pounders come fall. Listen, read, lurk and learn for next year. We will help you out.

7/18/2007 11:06:03 AM

Tx

what does a female flower look like, and do I "HAVE" to try to pollinate or can I just leave it alone and let nature run it's course. It's starting to have some kind of whitish areas on the leaves, is it in trouble? and also there are alot of gnatish type of little flies around the flowers. where can I get detailes info on growing a patch and I mean detailed, like how big the area and how to clear it and prepare and where to purchase seed. I am a converted pumpkin newbie, with no idea where to start. but I'm excited about all this. and I have an acre so I think I can grow a good patch.HELP HELP HELP. willing to make the effort.oh also, I'm old so any tips for clearing the land is appreciated.

7/18/2007 1:29:13 PM

Hayward, CA

There is a book that has been talked about once or twice on this site. I think it could help you to get some of the answers you are looking for. It is called 'How to Grow World Class Giant Pumpkins" there are now three books I, II, and III. I think there is alot of information about pumpkins in general and especially the Atlantic Giants. I have seen the first book on Amazon.com but I believe there are probably others in your area selling these books Don Langevin is the author.
Puter

7/19/2007 12:13:29 AM

ordinary,VA

heres a picture of a female flower future pumpkin.

www.flickr.com/photos/nlf/28076716/

you can just let the bees do the pollinating for you if you wish.
all the answers you can find here. on this site takes a little time use the search button.

for seeds many growers will give you plenty of seeds just for the asking.fall-winter time is a good time to find the seeds you would like to grow. just keep you eye on the seed exchange board on this site.

right now you should try to protect your plant from insects and disease.
you can buy the products at wal-mart, lowes,etc,etc
a good fungicide program would be a plus.

the how to books Puter mention is the best way to go.
books 2 and 3 for sure.
send me a email if you like will walk you through some basic stuff to get you started. oh and im old too lot of old folks in here -welcome:)

7/19/2007 8:20:46 AM

Tx

thank you, Mr.D&Me- for your help, I would like to email you what is your email address, I tried the one above, but kept getting error message.

7/20/2007 12:09:21 AM