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Berne, Indiana

Okay here's the deal I am a new giant grower in this season will be my first. And I'm looking to get the biggest and heaviest pumpkin, I don't care if it's ugly I have a tiller, ground ,some fertilizer and help. The plant will be put in the ground May 20th , and not taken off for any weigh off. I dont have money to pour in it just my time 3times a week. Cant afford soil test cause I couldn't buy the fertilizer to fix it. My ideal seed right now is 1843.5 Geddes (2012) what's your comments advice or critique I'm try to figure out my chances for success. Thank you all

2/10/2014 1:37:24 PM

England, essex

3 times a week ?
I hope you plan to water more than that?

2/10/2014 1:52:47 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

Without some soil information, it is a shot in the dark. You might get lucky and get something, or you could have a total failure. Even a cheap store bought ph test kit is better than nothing. If your soil is too alkaline or acidic, no fertilizer will help. If it is close to neutral and you use a balanced fertilizer and don't overdo it, you at least have a chance. Choice of seed in your situation won't matter much. And don't forget about insects, they can really mess things up.

2/10/2014 2:29:11 PM

Berne, Indiana

Okay I got sprinkles timer ect. and bug spay and such . Would a place like ''Rual King'' have the testers? maybe the best thing to do is get a job to pay for it lol I'm 16 and homeschooled.

2/10/2014 3:23:08 PM

Has anybody tried their local dept. of agriculture? Maybe they would do it.
Is there a local agri. college(or univ. or high school) that might do it for a lab project. Won't hurt to make some inquiries.
If i've read the forums right ,is there not a couple of the world's best that do not do any tests?

2/10/2014 3:38:02 PM

Good luck and make sure you have fun.

2/10/2014 3:39:28 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

Most garden supply stores have test kits.

2/10/2014 4:54:17 PM

England, essex

well I guess you will have to try to find out ;)
my thoughts are,, its better to try and fail than to never try at all.
it will be a season under your belt, plus you will be learning,
I have found to my cost there are a lot of mistakes to be made,
first 2 yrs I failed, just drove me on to try harder.
also I'm not working, so I have very little cash to throw at the pumpkins.
but it can be done,
just be realistic about your goals

2/10/2014 5:39:38 PM

BC, Canada

Joel, try these links.
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/rosesorg/msg0512510322034.html?8
http://www.chem.ed.ac.uk/sites/default/files/outreach/experiments/indicators-work.pdf
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpZs8os4sRM

lots of this available on the web if you just do a search.
You can do a basic test without spending much $ at all. In my research most cheap tester are crap and useless.
Spudders idea to see if there is a school that might want to do a test is great! Maybe alos inquire with the local garden or farm group, those groups are often very helpful.
As to cost, keep your eyes and ears open, I just picked up a pile of pvc pipe and valves and fittings form a commercial plant near me that was throwing it out. There's always a few bargains to be had if you aren't too proud and got a little energy to put in.

You got seed? I don't have a 1843 but for your first season (?), there are lots of great seeds out there that can and will push your knowledge and ability, and the best part of this AG community is they can be had for very little; or even a "please and thank you" will do.
Welcome to the silliness and good luck.

2/10/2014 6:10:04 PM

Linden, Mi.,

3 - Times a week ????????
You should think of three times a day !
If you want something, you should be willing to work at and for it.

Good luck, it is fun and a great feeling at the end of the growing !

2/10/2014 6:10:45 PM

East Jordan, MI

Contact your county extension office and see if they can help you. They have a 4H section. Call them, see if they have any suggestions or assistance for young growers like yourself.

http://www.co.adams.in.us/county-offices/view/extension-office

2/10/2014 7:12:02 PM

Hinckley MN

just about any AG seed from a fruit over 1000lbs will grow a fruit bigger than you can move by yourself.

Contact you local county extention to see what soil pH runs in your area. Ask them if you should ad lime to the soil. There are lots of Amish and Mennonite in your area so it should be generally good for farming.

Without a soil test I would find a source of free compost or aged manure (stored outside 6 months to 1 year). I would add roughly 1-2 inches of aged manure and 2-4 inches of compost over the entire area you want to till. use the higher numbers if your soil is very sandy or very clayey and the lower numbers if it in between. till as deep as you can.

I grew a 908 lb and two 600+ fruit my first year setting a plant out in late may, in a new patch, with no soil test. It was great fun and we hag a great big jack-o-lantern for Halloween!

2/11/2014 10:06:16 AM

Rhode Island

joel

without a doubt your expectations (and chances for success) should not be very high. with little work, no soil tests ,no disease control, no nothing? no need of looking for any top seeds either.

its possible to have some success that first year in the gardem but without a working plan? each season will prove to be more difficult to suceed.thats just the way it is in gardening. diseases winter over and do get worse each season.

save some time and plant flowers.

pap

2/11/2014 4:34:04 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Joel, do search for Indiana Giant Pkn Growers....some nice folks in that org.!!! Will prbly help if you ask nice? Peace, Wayne

2/12/2014 12:04:29 AM

Deerfield, Michigan

Joel, Do what you can and have fun. My first year I didn't do any soil test and sprayed only when I saw a problem. I did water about every other day and still ended up with a 640 pounder. Start gathering manure now for next year. Put it in a pile and turn it to help it break down some. Contact the Indiana Giant Pumpkin Growers for some tips. Good Luck

2/13/2014 7:57:51 AM

Rapid City, SD

death by svb's is my prediction

2/13/2014 7:11:19 PM

Muddy Waters

sounds right matt all the new growers I get started around here loose to the SVBs by late July.

2/13/2014 7:50:29 PM

Brisbane Australia

what's SVB stand for?

2/18/2014 4:31:16 PM

Karns City PA

Squash vine borer ....,mean little buggers ;)

2/18/2014 4:56:44 PM

Bethlehem CT

In some states you can get a free soil test done. It's not as detailed but it will give you pH for sure. Also like Farmer Ben says, I would look for manure, especially chicken as it comes with a full range of micronutrients.

2/18/2014 5:09:14 PM