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Jericho Vermont

This has always been a fun favorite thread for me as we all have visions of new world records and personal bests. And once our seeds emerge it seems like we start walking those predictions backwards with the end result hoping to get a healthy pumpkin to the scales.

Why I won't grow a 2000 pounder this year: My cold muddy patch is always slowing the growth down and I will have at least 10 grower mistakes!

Let's hear your best reason!

4/17/2021 10:45:53 AM

Grittyville, WA

So true. But for me it's why I wont grow a 1000 pounder. Because I dont have the square footage prepped to do plants bigger than 150. I thought I would. For a really big pumpkin, I already resigned to prepping for next year!

4/17/2021 2:23:14 PM

Too cheap to spend the money to overcome growing conditions and enjoying my garden is first in line.

4/17/2021 2:26:45 PM

Watlington, UK

My main issue is having just 450 sq feet to grow in, I really do need 600 or so, it's painful having to terminate vines before necessary

4/17/2021 3:01:31 PM

Ironton, ohio

I expect one of 3 outcomes, taken down by critters, heat & humidity, or blown kin by pushing to hard. Growing one plant makes things tricky, also bad soil and certainly lack of experience will keep me from growing anything impressive. However, I kinda like having the odds stacked against me.

4/17/2021 4:54:38 PM

Upper Strasburg, PA

New patch, not adequately prepped, growing plants from seeds that were 15 & 20 years old. Next year will be my year.

4/17/2021 5:00:15 PM

Georgia

Humidity plus growing in Hell's backyard in July and August.

And John you are soooo right. I feel like I am a world class off-season grower, then as soon as my plants start to germinate it is straight down hill. lol

4/17/2021 5:28:05 PM

Burt NY

I am still pumping water out of my east patch

4/17/2021 7:19:06 PM

Deer Park WA

To us it dosent matter if we grow a WR or a porch sitter. Just being in the patch and learning is what drives us to continue growing these magnificant beasts every year.

4/19/2021 3:53:11 AM

Deer Park WA

Ps our limiting factor is our pH and micro Nutes are not yet balanced in the new patch. (Damit)....

4/19/2021 3:56:26 AM

Merrimack NH

Good post John. If you really think about it, there are so many reasons why things can go wrong.

It might be interesting to see another post titled "Why I am going to grow a 2000 pounder in 2021". I think a lot of growers are trying new things every year to hopefully grow bigger, It would be interesting to hear what those things are.

4/19/2021 11:59:13 AM

On a cliff in the desert

I have a black cloud that follows me around the patch and causes bad things to happen.

4/19/2021 3:07:02 PM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

I am not going to plant any.

4/19/2021 3:10:27 PM

50 Acres

Wile coyote. See Joe Btfsplk from Li'l Abner cartoons.Jim

4/19/2021 8:02:40 PM

Grittyville, WA

Yes I was thinking someone should post the positive (inverse ) question... "why will u reach your goal, what are you finslly going to do right this year!..."

4/19/2021 11:15:09 PM

Torrance, Ca.

Great post as always John! All my seeds started and look like 2000 pounders now! Somehow along the way I always mess something up though....! lol
So my excuse, disease and myself will be the reason.

A personal best is always a great year in my book!

If you would of asked this question 10 years ago we all would of thought you were crazy!;)

4/20/2021 9:51:29 AM

Honesdale, Pennsylvania

My patch isn't deep enough. I still don't have tractor to subsoil to break things up.

4/20/2021 10:22:14 AM

Ontario, Canada

because I suck at growing!!!!!

4/20/2021 11:52:10 AM

Central Ca

Because I want to stay married

4/20/2021 3:20:30 PM

North Of The Border

Because I live in Canada! (Also don't have $800 too spend on a 2145 McMullen, as it would be growing a record)

Because I have only three years experience ( this is the first year I will try with good seeds)

Because I am lazy when it comes to weeding (really, i can keep up with vine burying, but not weeding)

Because I have too small of a patch (only 1200 square feet) and I want to grow too many things (tomatoes, watermelon, cantaloupe, field pumpkin, etc...)

Because I don't have good enough soil ( should probably get a soil test, but I haven't added many fertilizers)

I figure these are significant reasons.

4/20/2021 4:30:06 PM

North Of The Border

Also, I'll probably do something stupid and mess it up, even if I had a good one going.

4/20/2021 4:31:20 PM

Nova Scotia

Maybe a stupid question but here goes. I would hope or think some have been grown without the use and aid of a greenhouse? And increasing CO2 levels like they have done for years with tomatoes, etc. You can have the best "hottest" seed out there to grow a whopper and soil conditions, but when you are up against Mother Nature, that's another whole kettle fish to deal with!

4/20/2021 5:00:45 PM

East Sussex, UK

I'm with Danny (Howard). I'm at the mercy of the weather. 10 straight days of below freezing nights was not a great way to start but if the weather cooperates and I don't do anything stupid, I can certainly hope to achieve my goal of a PB.

4/21/2021 6:06:43 AM

Johnston, Iowa

Only have room for one plant per year. Also: Time . . . I work two full time jobs from May 1st through Labor Day.

4/21/2021 9:32:59 AM

Westmoreland, KS

Because I love being 10 pounds short of 2000 pounds..."It's awesome!" I love how my buddies like to tell me how inadequate I am. It's great!

4/21/2021 11:03:28 AM

umm well I guess il change this up, im shooting for 2000 and more haven't had a personal best since 2007

4/21/2021 7:41:13 PM

Fullerton, California

Dang trees and aloe plants in the way.

4/21/2021 8:58:30 PM

Syracuse, NY

Thanks, Don - This post has been a real downer, but has motivated me as well, lol---eg

4/21/2021 10:24:52 PM

Whidbey Island

Decided to pass this year. Let the soil rest under black plastic to kill weed seeds while I tackle some major honey-do’s. Will try a few maters, however.

4/22/2021 12:15:54 AM

Pittsburgh, PA

For me it’s my neighbors trees blocking the sun and my soil that thinks it’s a swamp.

4/30/2021 9:55:59 PM