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Middle TN

I have 2 pumpkins set and growing slowly but surely. Since Im a new grower Im happy just to have made it this far. My goal is to beat my sister LOL and as of now Im in the lead :) The largest is really round and about the size of a large canteloupe. The other is more elongated but has a better stem angle and is further out on its vine. The sun shades are up and I have them sitting in play sand but I plan to pick up some landscape fabric to put on the sand today.

I wonder if theres any advice/tips anyone would like to share with a 1st year newbie? :)

7/1/2009 6:04:13 PM

Midwest

Put a fan on the stem. Watch for stem splitting when the pumpkin gets growing. SLOWLY adust the pumpkin so the stem is at a 90 degree angle to the vine! Only move it alittle per day, maybe 1in. until it's properly positioned. Start using a fertilizer with potassium and phosphorus now ie. 0-2-5 (Fish or Kelp). Don't let water get under/near the pumpkins. IMHO, I wouldn't use landscape fabric under a pumpkin but others may have success with it. The best advise I have is, keep the leaves healthy and minimize stress on the stem. To do that, you need to apply fungicides regularly and keep the stem dry.
You'll get a giant... Blow the doors off!
Greg

7/2/2009 2:01:27 PM

Middle TN

Thanks for the tips Greg, thats exactly the kind of info I need :) can I find fish or kelp fert, in co-op or TSC?
I dont know about blowing the doors off LOL but I'd sure like to hit a 100 lbs.
Tammy

7/2/2009 10:13:38 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

T Tammy...be prepared, willing, and able to build the vine up to the heighth of the stem!!! As the pkn gets taller, the vine has to be at the same level as the stem...or stress will become an issue...look for and use something (styrofoam works well) to raise the vine up to the stem, and down from it also. You will also have to cut some roots from under the main vine, to allow this to happen!! Sorta thinkin yer growin a Slunger!!! Hope this helps. Peace, Wayne

7/2/2009 10:49:57 PM

Midwest

Tammy
co-op carry fish, kelp and seaweed.. check out the co-op in Murfreesboro 615-893-9200 just south of you. Also, Home centers (ie Loews, Home Depot) carry some organic fertilizers on shelves next to the garden furniture. on-line, extremepumpkins.com and PandP Seeds has it. Do a google search and you'll get many hits.
Keep asking questions... the people on this site share what you need to get to the weigh-off!
Greg

7/3/2009 11:22:31 AM

Middle TN

Being in a small town in the back woods of TN can be a pain at times! I went to both co-op and TSC they've never heard of fish or kelp and didnt have anything remotely similar to 0-2-5. I will go to the next town over on Monday, they have a Lowes, Home Depot and a larger TSC, if I cant find it there then I guess I'll order online.

Peace,Wayne I dunno what a 'slunger' is but as long as its bigger than my sisters I'll be happy! lol

Thank you all so much for the great info and tips :) it may be too late for me to grow anything big this yr but next yr I'll be more prepared.

7/3/2009 10:26:50 PM

Mill Creek West by god Virginia

Tammy i guess im the originator of the word Slunger, its a saying i coined when i was growing up! slunger stands for something huge and heavy therefore we hope you grow a big ole slunger! hey go to wall mart if you have one nearby they carry alaska fish fertilizer in there flower department, or if theres a southern states close by,you can also use molasses as a fert for youre plants you could get some brier rabbit molasses from the grocery store just use a spoonfull in a couple gallons of water spray on leaves and drench around stump this will help raise the brixx in youre plant witch in the long run helps prevent disease, anyway if you ever got a question just always ask the bp community is wonderful! god bless ya keith aka mr slunger lol

7/3/2009 11:58:40 PM

Middle TN

ahhh ok, well in that case I hope we all get slungers! lol
This site has been a HUGE blessing to me! My season would have been over weeks ago had it not been for the kind folks here :)

7/4/2009 11:25:49 AM

Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

Alaska SMELLS and draws cats... order some of the stuff from Tom, and you'll be a long ways ahead. Though there is the convenience of dropping by Wally. I live in NOWHERE and Tom is a lifesaver up there in the corner with Extreme Pumpkins, and he sells good stuff. Worth your buck. Tom's soluable kelp powder is great stuff... works on tomatoes and grows happy and sassy petunias too.

7/4/2009 12:58:40 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

Alaska Brand products are fine. I have two cats and neither pay any attention to the fish or morebloom. Tom's products are excellent, I ordered heat cables from him last winter. Go with what works for you.

7/4/2009 9:44:22 PM