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Ellenville NY

Greetings, all --

I've been lurking for a while I'd like to start off by saying the folks on this board are great!

This will be my first year growing Atlantic Giants and I've doing my off-season educational reading to see me through 'til spring. So far I've read:

"How To Grow World Class Giant Pumpkins I-III" / Langevin
"Backyard Giants" / Susan Warren
"Teaming With Microbes" / Lowenfels and Lewis

What else can you suggest? I'm pretty open on topic: composting, vermicomposting, soil ecology, organic methods, IPM, genetics -- anything you've found helpful.

Thanks in advance,

Liane

2/12/2008 11:23:08 PM

Minnesota

I can't think of any books other than the ones you read, but, there is tons of info at this site. Also try the site search, look up anything, go thru the diary's, ask questions.

2/13/2008 2:28:24 AM

Yuba City, Ca.

I've always liked the great reading back on the BP Home page. Its Menu has How to's, Links and in the Patch stuff. Checkout everyones Diary last year, its interesting to.

2/14/2008 9:01:52 AM

Somers, CT

Maine Pumpkin Grower's site and http://www.candjfert.com which is Ray Waterman's Agro-K site

2/14/2008 9:41:32 AM

rob i think you mean craig lembke;s agro k site

2/14/2008 10:32:09 AM

Rhode Island

lulu
several very good pumpkin clubs in ny state. many others around the world.
suggest you locate other growers in your area of the state and ask for a couple patch tours during the season
nothing beats a first hand look
pap

2/14/2008 11:06:14 AM

Seattle, WA

Amazon.com has Teaming with Microbes the cheapest. It's only $17 on there and the suggested retail is 24.95. I hate to share that cause we're going to be selling it on our website soon! :-)

Great book, and if you can ever hear him speak, it's well worth the time! He's going to be at the NW Flower and Garden Show in Seattle next week, speaking on Friday at 4:30 (free with admission). We'll be there with a booth, microscope, and teas to look at. If anyone is in the area, stop on by and say "hi!"

~Tad

2/14/2008 12:07:20 PM

Cduross1@rochester.rr.com

lulu

Pap gave some excellent advice, as always.

NYSGPGA is available, and you can check it out online. There is a form for membership on their website to join. Well worth every penny.

Good luck this season and any questions, please ask!

2/14/2008 12:43:31 PM

Somers, CT

Sorry Craig and Ray. That was a typo.

2/14/2008 2:50:59 PM

Somers, CT

A timely planned trip in August to Cape Cod will put you in Providence right around the same time as the SNGPG patch tour. Last year it was a blazing 65 degrees.

2/14/2008 2:53:01 PM

Ellenville NY

Thank you all for the advice and encouragement -- I'll take all I can get.

Actually, I've already joined the NYSGPGA and received a nice letter of welcome from Deb and Randy Sundstrom and a great package of seeds, which I wasn't expecting (yeah, I'm new enough at this that I hadn't worked out that club memberships = seeds).

I'm going to have to hit one of the Pumpkin Patch tours this summer. I'm not so sure about Cape Cod, though; the last time I was there in 65 degree weather I got the worst sunburn of my life….

Good luck to all in '08,

Liane

2/15/2008 6:53:13 PM