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Clinton, Iowa

Dan Carlson here from Iowa wondering just how much some of these growers put into there patches "on average" per year? I have read alot about people gripes, Bitches, ideas in a few past posts and I see some things were mentioned that others are being put at a disadvantage do to monetary reason.
I guess my point being is I would like alot of the new growers or Rookie growers to know this doesn't have to be a big cost pastime. Yes there are a few cost that do occure but some can be used year after year thus defraying the cost over time. An example being a tiller or shade cloth Etc..etc...
Anyways Marc and I grow together in my side lot in town. Granted we are not exactly HEAVY HITTERS (although my widening waist is telling me I am getting closer LOL) But what we actually spend on a yearly bases is quite minimal. Here is the breakdown by memory.
Seeds...Free from friends or our own. If you need some drop us a SASE and we will share.
Fertilizer

1/7/2008 1:48:36 AM

Clinton, Iowa

OOPS let me finish this one..sorry for the double post
Fertilizer is basically free from local Farm...cost to haul it GAs wise and maybe a dinner for the guy and his wife..LOL. We have added a little Calcium to balance our soil at maybe 4 bucks a bag so well call that 20 bucks a year there
The best 30 bucks spent a year on soil tests. That tells us what we need to do...Over the past 7 years this is all Marc and I have done and although we may not have been World class competitors we have atleast kept it interesting...
So just how much are some people spending??and is it really neccessary to do so.?? just thinking and wondering
DAN

1/7/2008 1:54:54 AM

Farmville, Virginia (mfowler@hsc.edu)

Dan, I raise 3 plants in a 1500 sq. ft. patch so I am fairly small scale. Most of the big expenses (lifting tarp, shade tarps, sprayers, hoses, etc) are not counted as every year expenses because I usually get a few years out of them.
I'm one of these people who lives basically paycheck to paycheck so I have to keep it as cheap as possible (plus the wife would kill me if I spent a lot). My average cost per year is around $300.00. Works out to about $100.00 per plant. Most of this is for insecticide, fungicide, fertilizers, and compost. The manure is free. This is a neat hobby but not one I can justify spending a ton of money on. I guess growing the 1300+ pound pumpkins requires more money but I just don't have it. Still I am very happy with what I do.

1/7/2008 2:20:55 AM

Ohio

Dan, this year it will cost me a lot more because I'm mostly all out of all my fungicides, pesticides and ferts. So it will look roughly like this for me this year.

Compost(20bucks a yard) 15 yards- 300.00
BioGro granular/Soluble - 200.00
Merit/ Pesticides/Fungicides - 200.00
Ferts/ fish seaweed ,ect - 100.00
1068 Wallace - Priceless

This is just a rough Idea on what I will spend this year, but next year it will be a lot less because my stuff usually last 3 years or so.

1/7/2008 4:42:37 AM

Western NY

Although I don't keep exact track of the money, I would say that i've probably been averaging 200-300 dollars per year max. In 2007 we had 8 plants, the 2 previous years we were doing more than 25. Selling one or two pumpkins a year ends up covering any money i've spent.

Now TIME, that's a different thing. If I had a part-time job (probably more like full time) instead of playing with pumpkins, I'd be rich.

1/7/2008 8:22:38 AM

Sparta, NC

I don't keep up with what I spend either, but I would say around $300 or so a year. I'm pretty lucky that I get my pesticides and fungicides free. I spent about $450 on a sprinkler system and fertilizer injector, which was probably the best money I have spent.

1/7/2008 8:38:25 AM

Liberal Ks.

I have to say i use some of the things above. But my biggest expence is my beer while watching the fruit grow lol

1/7/2008 9:36:06 AM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

I go very cheap also. Manure is free for the hauling. Grass clippings for compost are raked up from our huge yard. A jug of generic roundup costs $60 and lasts 3 years+. 1 bottle of Bayer Tree & Shrub for the Merit, a bottle of insecticide spray and a bag of dust, maybe a couple of bags of 10-10-10 and a couple boxes of Schultz tomato food will do it for the year. Seeds are free for the cost of postage and bubble envelopes. This year I might have to spend about $150 for a jug of fungicide treatment that should last 2 to 4 years. My biggest expense was the new tiller for 2007, but I went notill for 2006.

Note to other readers: Dan and Marc ARE considered heavy hitters in Iowa. They alwasy seem to come up with at least 1 1000# pumpkin; last year is was 2 if you count the huge green squash. They held the state record for 2006 and nearly had a world record with their 1432dmg.

1/7/2008 9:37:27 AM

Westford, MA

Should I include the new(used) truck I bought to haul all that free seaweed and manure. Neptune's harvest aint cheap!
Kevin

1/7/2008 9:52:11 AM

Wi

Last season under $200 easy. This season over $400 easy to try to prevent the disease I created this year :(

1/7/2008 11:28:06 AM

Boulder County Colorado USA planet Earth

Well last yr i spent $200 on vegie seeds, $120 on vegie plants.

$80 something on seeds from howard dill and beachy.
$30 something on bubbles for more pumpkin seeds.

For 08 season
So far I have spent $100 on manure(still need more)
$55 on fert (stillneed more)
$45 on bubble and mailings
$87 for vegie seeds for my garden
But its really cheap thearpy.

1/7/2008 12:32:17 PM

Napa Valley, CA

Most years its usually under $200. This is usually spent on compost, seaweed and fish, gypsum, mycorrhizae, soil test and sometimes calcium.
A lot of CA growers have a one time investment in misting systems that can run several hundred dollars with a sophisticated timing device.

Iowegian, Dan and Marc are considered heavy hitters here in California too !

1/7/2008 12:36:29 PM

Mulino, Oregon

Between organics (40-60 yds), fertilizers, fuel & lodging for events & seminars & probably in the neighborhood of $2000-$3000 per year. I ususally have enough expenses to write off any earnings I may get from the garden.

1/7/2008 3:40:29 PM

Long Island,New York

My gas bill alone was 1800 bucks.

1/7/2008 4:39:51 PM

Eddyz@efirehose.net

I won't tell you, because I don't want to know, also my conditions are not the norm, so another reason not to tell.
But, the smiles it puts on peoples faces "PRICELESS"

1/7/2008 4:45:00 PM

Boulder County Colorado USA planet Earth

Spending more on the patch this yr than normal, but like pap says "If you don't have good soil, you can't get a really big pumpkin"> (okay not in his own words but close)

1/7/2008 5:06:26 PM

Ontario

Patch tour is Niagara is the biggest expense.

drew

1/7/2008 5:50:36 PM

Eugene,OR

Thanks Jim...someone finally told the truth! I spend more on seeds at auctions than most people claim to spend in a year. I spend almost as much on fuel (tractor, tiller, generator, driving to meetings & contests) as many of the growers above claim to spend in a year on their entire pumpkin growing hobby! Like Eddy, I don't want to know how much I spend on my pumpkin growing. Heck, the delivery bill for the 220 yards of compost I bought this year was several hundred dollars (thankfully I've already forgotten what it was exactly). The little mister heads with the anti-drip valves thatI use on my misting system cost about two dollars apiece...and I use probably 30 per plant!

1/7/2008 5:58:25 PM

Eddyz@efirehose.net

I've thought about your post more since I posted and actually, I'd like to add that your exactly right on your statements Dan. I've heard you claim that you spend next to nothing, and good for you, because that just means your a very good grower. You have experience, and you cant' buy that. You need to work your ground, understand it, and also and most important, you need to understand the plant your growing. If it was a simple case of throwing a wack of cash out there and harvesting a record, there would be no fun in that. Now in some cases, a record comes from a rookie, Good for them, but very seldom do you see a repeat.
what I'm saying is you really need to do your homework, listen to experienced growers, use that information to your benifit, it's free.
I sunk a ton of money into my greenhouses etc, and 6 years later, with probably the worst weather we've had in those six years, I did my best, The money didn't do it, the Experience did.
Eddy

1/7/2008 6:21:36 PM

Clinton, Iowa

I guess I was not trying to find out how much people spend...But trying to show some that is doesn't have to cost alot to have some marginal successes as Marc and I have...I also forgot to mention cost for Warrior T and some cheap over the counter fungicides. The Warrior T was maybe 100 bucks for my share of a Gallon BUT it has lasted some 8 years now...so that cost if very minimal and I have put ona small pump and mmisting system about 6 years ago but again it is a reuseable source so that cost continues to get cheaper each year we use it. That said
I hope others out there are not thinking I was prying to find out how much people are spending. It was more of a "there is a light at the end of a tunnel for those growers out there that think they can't grow a huge pumpkin because they either can't or won't spend alot of money to do it. I think Eddy said it very well one post up from this one.Experience over the 15 years has saved me a ton of money over the past 7 years when i stopped pouring fertilizers all around my plants and started watchign what my plants were telling me. When Marc joined in 2004 he hit the road running and the workload cut in 1/2 besides ...A win win for each of us...
MArc and I are thinking of trying a little Kelp and mycorrhizae but not sure if it is worth it. After all we split a 61 day old fruit that weighed 1353 pounds. do you really want somethign to grow even faster then that? OHH th eoff season so many question so many decisions to make.....LOL Good luck everyone...and all the small back yard growers out there...Hang in there it can be done it just takes al ittlel hard work and effort....best wishes to all
DAN

1/7/2008 7:35:54 PM

Santa Rosa California

about $400 to $500 so far got to work it off to but it should be good in the end

1/7/2008 7:49:32 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

I don't keep a tally. The money that is spent on the patch would fall under the "general maintenance" area if my wife and I kept a budget at all.

We like to have nice green grass, fruit trees, an abundance of flowers and potted flowers and plants and all the tools of the trade that make it possible and easier to tend. So when I go out and buy the "special stuff" just for the patch...I usually toss the receipt away quite quickly. Also, when I buy manure, compost, worm-castings and other soil ammendments, I always buy extra cause my dear wife is always loading up her wheelbarrow with my stock-piled goodies and using them in other areas of our yard and garden.

1/7/2008 8:55:19 PM

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

Well, the new drip irrigation system I am looking for 7 plants will cost roughly $700.

I have already spent $700 in mailings, manure, gypsum, sulfur, soil test, tree pruning, and seed auctions.

I will have to spend probably $100 on more chemicals.

Another $150 to make 6 more green houses, gotta buy 3 more heaters, so thats another $100.

At 100 gallons a day, that 4900 gallons a week, so have to buy enough for june/july/august/sept, so say 15,000 gallons of water

Still have to buy a couple hundred pounds of seaweed, some more gypsum and sulfur, probably $200 worth of myco, and maybe humic. Thats another $400.

I guess I wont count the 2500+ km of driving a v8 truck to attend 3 weighoffs, club dues, and weighoff dues.

I know there is more, but I am getting tired of at this...$2150...lol.

1/7/2008 9:36:01 PM

Western NY

I think some guys spend more making the labels for their seed packets than I do on chemicals, but they are pretty to look at.

1/7/2008 9:41:50 PM

Mt Vernon Ky

i cant say my wife would leave me

1/7/2008 9:44:46 PM

Frankfort Oh

lol,,,vic ,,mine too!!!!!!!!

1/7/2008 10:14:13 PM

Frankfort Oh

but avg $300

1/7/2008 10:15:10 PM

Minnesota(dw447@fastmail.fm)

Dan,
I like the spirit of your posting, and it is encouraging to know that growing competition A.G.s doesn't have to be a big expense. You and Marc are heavy hitters in my book. I hope you keep one of those real big ones together to the end, next year. Thanks for giving growers your perspective on the expense side of things.

1/7/2008 10:19:56 PM

Minnesota(dw447@fastmail.fm)

this year I mean.

1/7/2008 10:20:31 PM

van isle b.c. canada

i grow 8 plants nad so foar this season i,ve spent 300.00 on manure and 500.00 on seed auctions plus another 200.00 for soil sample and mycorrizal / ferts and this is only jan. craig

1/7/2008 10:42:22 PM

Indiana

LOL....I probably average 6 grand a year

Chemicals are expensive for 200 plants


doh!

1/7/2008 11:09:30 PM

Clinton, Iowa

I like the response I have seen....seems to be alot of diverisity out there on how much and on what we all spend alittle (or alot) of money on. I really feel for those who have to drive to grow (Glenn) because I think that would ruin it for me. Those guys that have to travel to take care of plants are truely dedicated in my opinion. Also I and Marc appreciate the HH status. HAng in there guys and focus on the important stuff. The stuff you can control like soil, plant protection, genetics,etc.etc.
Have a great season
DAN

1/8/2008 2:15:36 AM

Riverton, WY

I agree Doug, Dan & Marc are heavy hitters in my book as well. I've learned a lot from Dan over the years.

I don't spend a lot on fertilizers either, mostly due to the fact I've received plenty of free manure & tree leaves over the years. Most of my expense over the years has been getting my pumpkins to weighoffs that are 250 to 350 miles away.

1/8/2008 8:12:16 AM

Georgia

Its all about the green thumb and not the green wallet. Thats what gardening is all about I feel. Or Donald Trump would be known for growing giant pumpkins and probally hiring help to tend his plants under greenhouses with elaborate temperture controls and watering systems. Green thumb not green wallet.

1/8/2008 9:29:24 AM

Burt NY

My budget has been $100.00 per year. This year it is around $250.00

1/8/2008 10:57:22 AM

Minnesota

50 so far, free manure, free compost, bone meal, blood meal & calcium on sale, store going out of business.

1/8/2008 11:10:13 AM

Pocatello (cliffwarren@yahoo.com)

I try to keep a lid on expenses but the greenhouses are a necessity here. The plastic for that tends to run about $50. This year I'm going to change the design (again) so there will be some lumber expense.

Last year I spent a couple hundred on the tripod legs, chain hoist, and strap lifter. But that will last a long time, and is well worth it!

The 1988 2wd Chevy pickup cost only $1300 and pays me back by purring sweetly every time I turn the key. It might outlast me. This is a refreshing change from the Ford I had, which averaged $300 a month in repairs! I like Fords, but this one didn't like me. But the old Ford 8N tractor, solid gold baby! The tractor pays me in satisfaction, and runs like new. Last year it required a new muffler, $26. That's all!

Whatever is left goes to soil amendments. I won't spend anything on seeds (other than postage and supplies) until I'm completely satisfied with my soil (i.e., never).

1/8/2008 1:43:09 PM

Salem, OR

"Less is more"--or at least I hope it is! Dan has proven that it doesn't need to cost a fortune, and in my opinion most of the big money spent doesn't show much of a return (having said that, I must add that I suspect that most of the guys who beat me this year spent a fair amount)

This year's projected costs:
1. A strained relationship with my friend because I left 200 bags of leaves sitting on the patch (his property) and his wife says "Everybody thinks we throw our trash out on the garden"
2. $75 for fresh cow manure to cover the leaves at the grow sites (Yeah, I actually did it this year, Dan!)
3. $40 diesel for the tractor
4. $50 for the build-it-yourself parts for a tea brewer (thanks for the tip, Thad!(see posting under Tea))
5. $100 to Starbuck's to buy a coffee when I head in to pick up coffee grounds--I'm counting it!
6. $100 to hook up the water tank to patch and fix broken PVC in the watering system
7. $100 for miccorhizae, fish, kelp (I think it's worth it)
8. $45 for soil test
9. $100 kelp meal, calcium nitrate, sprays
10.$0 for great seeds thanks to generous growers over the years

$610. Like I said, "less is more--More or less!

1/8/2008 3:42:17 PM

Jefferson, Ohio

Andy, I always like the way your seed packets look (hint?, lol)

1/8/2008 5:21:59 PM

Clinton, Iowa

LOL at GR 8 PMKN....Awesome line on the garbage in the patch....You should see MArc and Me... we travel around sniping all the bags we can find in the town we live..MArc and His boy Cole go on "runs" and they have a blast!!! when we finally get enough laid out you can walk from any one corner in the patch and step from bag to bag and never touch the soil...when you can do that you know you have enough on the patch!!!LOL then you have to open and spread them all!!LOL!
Thanks for sharing all...
DAN
PS GR 8PMKN please give me a hint on who you are I know it I just can't remember it...Thanks and remember i am getting old and Names are so hard to remember!!!LOL

1/8/2008 5:32:16 PM

Boulder County Colorado USA planet Earth

$300 for beer for the season

1/8/2008 5:43:27 PM

Riverton, WY

Dan, I'm thinking GR 8 PMKN is Matthew Isom...former Utah grower. (Somebody slap me if I'm wrong)

1/8/2008 6:37:30 PM

Boulder County Colorado USA planet Earth

wiz what do u spend?

1/8/2008 7:09:11 PM

Clinton, Iowa

Awesome Ronnie thanks for letting me in on it...I know MAtt very well...Just not by that name I guess!!!
DAN

1/8/2008 9:42:10 PM

Utah

OK Dan I have the bags of leaves out in my patch now... they've been there since Nov... they have a foot of snow on them now ... what do I do next? :)

gordon

1/9/2008 12:44:46 AM

Riverton, WY

I hope I'm right Dan, 'cause Connie's standing over my shoulder just droolin' about that "slap" thing....lol!

1/9/2008 8:04:39 AM

southwest MO

I try to add something of value each year... 1st it was a 5 ft. fence to help keep deer and criters out. (They would eat my lunch otherwise) I added 2,000 sq. ft of shade cloth with homemade structure ... 1 hp lawn sprinkler pump for irrigation. This year will probablly be some sort of misting system, and a small ripper for the tractor... Tinkering around with this junk is all part of it for me... Plants are in the ground for only 1/3 of a year. I need something to do the other 8 months!

1/9/2008 9:49:15 AM

Wood River, IL (kennyw_49@yahoo.com)

I haven't really keep track, probable don't want to know. I would guess it's $150-$200 a year.

Dan just wanted say I aways enjoy your posting. They are always on a subject that gets a great response. Thank you!

I also think you & Marc could wear the HH hat.

Kenny

1/10/2008 6:19:56 AM

Newmarket, NH USA

I spend about 300 dollars a year and that is given to me as a Christmas gift from my family. This year I did drop 100 extra on 10 yards of aged manure. Many growers I know spend very little and do very well others spend a fortune and do well also. I think luck still plays a part in ones success to a degree. Just my 2 cents worth LOL

1/10/2008 9:29:52 PM