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Location

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Port Orchard, Wa. USA

Hi everyone,
I have a few questions reguarding my first time. Let me start by saying that recently I found my father in Washington state and moved up to be near him. Upon getting to know him I find that he grows pumpkins and challenges anyone in the family to beat his 500lb record. Well I have done some gardening before but nothing serious. My wife took the challenge and now I am a new owner of 4 Atlantic Giant Pumpkin plants that I have planted last week. Now here's what I have done.
I planted them in loose soil with a spacing of about 1 foot apart. I added a 20lb bag of Steer gro manuer and have been watering them every other day. The growths are about 6 inches tall and doing well. Now, what is the best thing to do? Or did I goof already? I am determined to grow something worth bragging about even if I dont beat him. I have read alot of info on the site and hope I can get some advantageous help. I know there is alot I should do and know so with the help of this group, maybe I can learn the correct way and have something to show for it.

5/18/2003 4:05:52 PM

KENTUCKY

if your really serious about growing them, read all the info you can on this site and a MUST IS order the 2 books by Don Langevin "How To Grow World Class Giant Pumpkins" volumes 1 and 2. these to books will give alot of information and a great start to your new hobby. Be forewarned, this hobby gets very addictive and depending how seriour you are, somewhat costly. Good luck, and grow a big one you can brag about!

5/18/2003 5:37:17 PM

Montoursville, PA

Oh my goodness!! Your start mirrows mine last year. Then I came here. What I think I have learned is posted in my diary. Last year I grew a monster fifty pounder with the wrong seed. The above advise, from Kentucky, is what I followed this year.

5/18/2003 6:12:34 PM

Usa

I would only get the 2nd book by Don Langevin.
The first is good but the 2nd is better.

5/18/2003 7:02:53 PM

New Brunswick

I have the second book...it is full of info. I got it from Veseys seeds.

5/18/2003 9:37:29 PM

In the shade - PDX, OR

Get the books.
I'd also read the "featured grower" chat transcripts.
Make a list of all the specific topics you want to learn about i.e. vine pruning - then do a site search here on BP.

Do your research & ask questions.

BTW - the foot apart spacing is way too close.
Remember that these are "GIANTS" and will require 700 to 1000 sqft of garden space.

Welcome and Good Luck.
Ceis

5/19/2003 12:05:46 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

How much area do you have to grow in bugnasty? As in square feet. Where did your father get these seeds? Are they store bought or proven seeds. If not proven seeds maybe another Washington grower or someone near by could send you a few. It makes all the difference in the world where the seed comes from. I grew big pumpkins for 4 years with store bought. The biggest I got was 122. Welcome to this insane hobby called pumpkin growing. Shannon

5/19/2003 2:12:02 AM