From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Parker, CO

Hello!

My name is Chad and this will be my first year *attempting* to grow myself a giant pumpkin (wish me luck), I have done a good bit of reading this past week but have yet to come across the answer to a problem that I have in the area which I live. This place is full of great info, thanks to all who have added!

I reside in Las Vegas, NV where I have a bit of a heat problem, I understand that pumpkins LOVE sun, however I doubt that they love the 100+ temps that are associated with my home. To combat this I can put up a shade cloth which will let in some light, however it won’t be full sun. A misting system has been suggested, however that would waste a good bit of water, but if it must be done then so be it. Dose anybody have some advice on how to grow a large pumpkin in a high heat environment?

Also, from my reading I know now that seeds are one of the keys to a good pumpkin, my personal goal is a 100lb pumpkin, I have a 4’x5’ hole that I must now fill with a soil/compost mixture which I have yet decide then mix it to the correct PH. I am going to roam my local nursery this weekend to pick out my filling so any tips on that would be grand as well.

What is the going rate for a seed? I don’t mind paying a few bucks for a seed that will give me a greater chance at obtaining my goal, if you are reading this and have some please shoot me a mail to Chad@TikiTikiReptiles.Com I would love to get one from you.

Last thing… Is anybody aware of another person in my area that is a pumpkin grower? I would love to be able to speak to somebody who has experience. I can read till im blue in the face but I find that a nice conversation is more helpful that most other things. So I guess I am looking for a pumpkin mentor =), ill pay for the calls if somebody is willing to help! Haha…

Thanks everybody!!!

3/7/2008 1:44:14 AM

Minnesota

Will be my 2nd year, I grew a 100 pounder last year, 500 is my goal this year. Pumpkins don't go that deep into the soil, 5 feet is probably excessive, growers use walking boards so they don't compact the soil. A soil test first before you add any admendments to your soil is recomended, 15 dollars at the university of minnesota. Heat is your number 1 enemy. Scroll the diary's from past years and see how they grew there's in the heat. I have some extra seeds given to me from growers, I don't think they will mind if I pass along a few to you, your welcome to them if you like. Send a sasbe inside another bubble envelope to me and I will send you seeds, free. fogsurfer313@yahoo.com

3/7/2008 3:04:04 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Search for Nevada...

3/7/2008 1:42:49 PM

Parker, CO

I have been looking for people in this forum from Nevada, however I have yet to fine anybody from S Nv, Reno and Las Vegas are VERY different. Here we get 110+ heat at times...

3/7/2008 2:23:09 PM

Utah

I think shade cloth would be a must for you. I'd guess that you'd need 50% to 67% blocking shade cloth. Below are some pictures of some set ups. There are lots of ways you could do one. Misting would probably be a good idea. Good soil will help plants be healthy so they can do better in the heat.
There are a few growers in Arizona and Texas - They might be able to help.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/displayphoto.asp?pid=4452&gid=-3085

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/displayphoto.asp?pid=4451&gid=-3085

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/displayphoto.asp?pid=4456&gid=-3085

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=68512

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/displayphoto.asp?pid=4460&gid=-3085

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/displayphoto.asp?pid=4461&gid=-3085

3/7/2008 2:54:49 PM

Parker, CO

Thanks for the pictures gordon! My patch will be no where near that size, however I get the idea now. I have been reading the AZ guys post's (Ben I think) so I will shoot him a mail soon to see what kind of seeds he uses that will take the heat a little better.

I am also going to start my patch with a whole mess of super soil that I recently got. The soil in Vegas is rather crappy so I will just get some good soil to start the whole thing off.

3/7/2008 3:37:13 PM

Sparks, NV

Wazio I am up in Reno and while it doesnt get as hot I can tell ya a shade cloth and lots of water will help you. I had some high heat days and he sahde cloth was my friend though a white sheet has worked as well

Good luck my southern neighbor!

3/8/2008 12:41:52 AM

Parker, CO

UNLV ROCKS!!! BOO UNR, haha... But really... :)

I am going to grow my patch in an area which I can span some shade cloth easily, and I actually have misting equipment that I may set up as well.

3/8/2008 3:09:43 AM

Danville, CA (petman2@yahoo.com)

Look in Duster's diary and contact him. He has dealt with high temps for a long time. I think he also has a few seeds he especially likes due to their heat resistance.

3/8/2008 11:29:37 AM

Parker, CO

It has been suggested that I try to hunt for some/a 1450 Wallace, Holland 500 & 1014, the Boyton 950, Mitchell 861 or Fredricks 754. Anybody have anything else to add, or have one that I can nab off yea?

3/9/2008 12:47:04 AM

Sparks, NV

HA! the shade cloth is gonna help out and by your growers diary looks like you ahve a good spot.

3/12/2008 2:17:40 AM