From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Nh

Hey to all. This is my 5th year attempt at giant pumpkins. I have always been given seeds by a guy at one of our fairs here in NH. Always some real A+ seeds. He encourages me every year and every year I fail. I have never even had luck with pollination. This year, however, is a great one. I THINK! I have read a million things on here today, but if I could just run my situation past anyone here? To start, my poor plants had a bad start. They germinated fine and all, but then my Dad died and everything was put on hold. The plants spent cold nights outside, even got a tiny frost once. But now, they seem to have bounced right back. I havent taken measurments in the past two weeks or so, but by July 6th I had one pumpkin on one of my vines 12" around. I wonder though, does anyone think its too close to the base of the plant? Its only about 7ft out. Also, do plants tend to keep the fruit this far out after pollination? Or is there a chance it could still abort the fruit. I do not have the time or financial resources to go out and buy all the fancy stuff to grow these things, but I am keeping my fingers crossed that I might end up with something 500lbs or more??!?!? I would love to report to my friend at the fair that I have a pumpkin worthy of his approval, maybe even see about entering it if it gets big enough. Thanks to any replies.

7/18/2011 12:57:23 PM

Springfield, VT

7ft is to close for a big one competeing at the 1000lbs or more. It shouldn't be and issue for a smaller pumpkin, the goal is to actually have a pumpkin at the fair

7/18/2011 2:47:19 PM

Nh

So I may have to depend on another one of my plants to give me a big one. I am happy to see this one grow. I may just leave it, unless another more promising one develops further down the vine. But so far, I have not seen another female develop. Can anyone answer why? Why it should be further down the vine? What is the reason?

7/18/2011 4:35:37 PM

Presto, Pa.

Sorry to hear about yuor dad. Water and more water. I put cow poop and water and more water. I put 55 gals on she a day. one plant. My ground is good and well drained. I put the hose in different places there is always a place that is drier then another. It is all creek water. I keep reading on here. Next year I might take my wifes allowance and get all the stuff I need. Some peoples are smaller and alot are bigger. My first year I just want to have a pumpkin at the end. Biger the better

7/18/2011 6:10:35 PM

Springfield, VT

The location is to provide enough leaves and roots to provide food for a big pumpkin. The ideal location is 10-15 foot out for a big one. A few big ones have been closer to the stump but you need plant beyond the fruit to backfeed.

7/18/2011 8:32:20 PM

Boscawen, NH

There are plenty of growers here in NH that would be willing to stop by your patch and give you a hand, or invite you over to their patch to discuss what works best for them. Drop me an email at sgeddes@tds.net and we could work something out.
Steve

7/18/2011 9:14:23 PM

Tinykinville

grow the kin ive taken three sets at about seven feet to over 1000lbs.

7/19/2011 12:10:16 AM

Nh

Thank you to all who gave input. So, the longer out on the vine, the more area to collect and feed the pumpkin. I guess I should have thought about that! Thanks though. I will water more and worry less. I think I will keep this kin and hope my other vine gives me some more females to pollinate. Crossing my fingers that my luck is still working for the rest of the season.

7/19/2011 12:32:10 AM

Muddy Waters

Remember there are exceptions to every rule,with kins & Melons a lot is theory, its great to try something outside of the box ,Keep the plant healthy spray fungicides & such, you may break all the rules! Good Luck!!

7/19/2011 6:08:40 AM