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Nelson county , VA

Hi Guys, I'm a 39yo first time punkin grower....names Dan

plants are about 1 month old , main vines have been ID'd and are about 4' long with secondary vines coming on strong . I seem to have alot of blooms on my plants , im guessing they are male flowers. it seems to early for flowers? do I just let them go or what? and about how many female blooms(pumpkins) will i be culling and when?
also I been mounding the dirt on the vines as they grow out.....should I stop doing this at some point?
thanks yall
Dan

5/31/2010 1:05:35 AM

Rhode Island

we use the long thin bamboo stakes to pin and train the main and side vines in the exact direction we what them to
run. we move the stakes as we work the growung plant.

be sure you can tell the difference between small developing flowers and unneeded third atage growth,(pluck third stage growth off the seconary side vines when you vine bury ,if not the plant gets out of hand fast )-- do not prune any flowers or sides off the main vine.

the plant will want to grow tap roots under every spot on the vines where leaf stem meets the vine. this the the only area you need to help tap growth by placing a few hand fulls of dirt over the area. to much vine burying can lead to poor health of the vines down the road.

5/31/2010 6:20:39 AM

Nelson county , VA

thanks for the reply and the helpful tips pap

5/31/2010 9:10:34 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Welcome Dan. pap is one of the world's most experienced and accomplished growers.

5/31/2010 11:04:40 PM

Minnesota

Dan, Pap has even written a few books on how to, he knows what he's doing.

5/31/2010 11:32:27 PM