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Maryland

Hello, I am thinking of creating a diary here to catalog my pumpkin growing year and have a few questions first. Currently my pumpkin is measuring in at 537 lbs. 131cc. The entire plant is done hydroponic so there are no roots in soil at all. My main concern is this is my first year growing and i live in maryland so i do not have a local contest. I am also unsure if i can keep it growing until october and would possibly need it weighed before hand. If there is anyone who can give me info on where to take it or who to take it to that would be great. Also, considering the current size, what is the best way to move it.

Thanks,
Graeff

8/7/2014 11:43:02 PM

Stanwood, Washington

http://greatpumpkincommonwealth.com/index.php/weigh-off/ny-pa-southeast

Here are your choices.

8/8/2014 1:04:10 PM

Rhode Island

robo
id be very interested in seeing a review of your methods and such. pls email me some photos.this is something i toyed with as well. ( only in thought though)
thank you
pap wallace

papsbuick56@aol.com

8/8/2014 4:45:40 PM

Omaha, Ne.

wow that would be the biggest soiless pumpkin I have heard of.

Please make a diary. so I can see that its not just a fish story.

8/9/2014 10:55:05 AM

Torrance, Ca.

Diary up yet?

8/9/2014 11:00:04 AM

Maryland

I will try and get most of it up this evening. Currently working 12 hour days. If not, i will have it up Sunday. I promise its real!

8/9/2014 1:27:42 PM

Maryland

teaser pictures have been posted in my diary but the posts are being verified so it will take a lil for them to show up.

8/9/2014 1:37:53 PM

Bethlehem CT

Great job Robo!

8/9/2014 2:48:36 PM

Torrance, Ca.

Very, very cool!

Love the teaser photos!

8/9/2014 4:21:08 PM

Maryland

Diary is up!!! let me know what you think! Posts should be available sometime tomorrow.

8/10/2014 1:52:41 AM

Central NY

Wow... Most of the 21yr olds I know are lazy POS's...way to go kid..!!.. Good luck!!..can't wait to see the next system!

8/10/2014 7:08:16 AM

Farming- a bunch of catastrophies that result in a lifestyle

I am absolutely astounded at your drive, and creativity on this- and 500 pounds???? THAT'S AWESOME!! Way to go young man!

8/10/2014 7:25:13 AM

Farming- a bunch of catastrophies that result in a lifestyle

I was also going to add, but my finger was to quick on the 'post reply' button- had an idea while looking through your diary, could you use those cheap plastic kiddie pools somehow?? I know NOTHING, ZIP, ZERO, about hydroponics.

8/10/2014 7:26:38 AM

Hinckley MN

For spider mites I use pyrethrum mixed with insecticidal soap. It is a contact insecticide so get good coverage. I use a hose end sprayer at 3 oz per gallon of the mix. Really nice set up.

What have you used for fertilizers? Did you reduce nitrogen during fruit set? Did you increase potassium during the fruit growth stage? Great job keep it going, you may get a couple hundred more pounds out of it.

8/10/2014 2:18:49 PM

Maryland

LB- next year I'm considering a much larger custom growing container with a suspension and root growing network, my engineer side kicking in. A kiddie pool is about the right size but would lack the depth and strength i would need.

Ben- thanks! i sprayed today so hopefully that will help the mite issue. Also, in regards to nutrients, I simply followed the dutch master product guidelines using their gold line. excellent stuff and easy to use.

8/10/2014 3:31:39 PM

Maryland

I am also curious as to what other people have done hydroponically. From what Ive heard there arent many out there and wonder if I might have the worlds largest soil-less pumpkin?!

8/10/2014 3:34:13 PM

Omaha, Ne.

this guy on you-tube grow a hydroponic but it is far from soil-less. I believe yours is the biggest. Great Job!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q48CLJRgucU

The final frontier, These are the voyages of Bigpumpkin.com

8/10/2014 7:00:47 PM

Federal Way, WA

Absolutely amazing! I always love the creative ways people grow; growing in buckets in a trailer, growing in huge pots, up walls, etc. Can't wait to see what you achieve with the upgrades next year; it's like a dream for people with limited space.

8/11/2014 2:45:25 PM

Anchorage,Alaska

Im looking to grow my first pumpkin this season. I am going to do it hydroponically in the form of Deep Water Culture (DWC). If anyone has done Hydo with Pumpkins I have a few questions. What PH should I be running the at? Water Temperature? If anyone has experience in this If you could email me? AlaskanK5@gmail.com

Thanks
-Mark

3/8/2015 8:32:58 PM