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Johnston, Iowa

Looks like there's a good chance I'll be moving soon. This could not have come at a worse time of year for a pumpkin grower. The thought of moving into town, or to a place with a back yard that won't allow for a garden is, well depressing. Was preparing to set a couple of pumpkin plants out this week. Not sure if I should:

1. Put plants out in the patch anyway in case it takes months for our house to sell

2. Keep plants inside on my grow table as long as possible, on the chance we'll move soon and I can start them at the new house.

Asking for advice and venting at the same time. Sucks to leave my patch that I've worked so hard on and our quiet country home that we love so much!

5/5/2014 2:29:48 PM

Corryton, TN

Plant ASAP. Start backups now in case you have to go to plan B. Just my thoughts.

5/5/2014 2:38:51 PM

worst time to actually move would be just after all vines are buried and stopped thats 3/4 of all the work on plants

moving out of state? or just close to work?
no way id plant a pumpkin if moving during growing season

5/5/2014 2:40:40 PM

Johnston, Iowa

thanks guys. Don we'd be moving somewhere NW side of Des Moines (Ankeny/Polk City/Grimes) to be closer to work. And need to distance ourselves from some issues in Pella.

Hope to God we can find an affordable acreage on the edge of town.

5/5/2014 3:09:22 PM

Upa Creek, MO

When we moved in 2010, we were showing the house around Halloween so I had my pumpkins on display and was a nice selling point that they were produced out back. Had we been selling it in summer, I prob wouldn't have grown since beat up plants look more like clutter to the average person or buyer. Maybe do the 150 sq foot club this year.

5/5/2014 3:17:13 PM

Farming- a bunch of catastrophies that result in a lifestyle

I'd plant them in the patch you have worked so hard on because:
1. Housing market sucks and it could take a while before yours sells.
2. If someone came up to you tomorrow saying 'yes we want it' closing can 'take awhile'.
3. worst case scenario your plants are in the ground, and people love big pumpkins- see if you can work out deal w new owner to keep them going. Most people aren't so horrible that they would say "hell no, tear that shit out". I bet (if it came to it) the new owners would see the work involved (especially if you gave them a guided patch tour during the showing phase)and let you finish the season.
I'd go for it.

5/5/2014 4:56:24 PM

Brookfield, Wisconsin

If it were me I would go ahead and plant them. I put a contingency in the sale that I could have access to and finish the season. You could sweeten the deal for the buyer by allowing them to display a kin over Halloween. Or even give a small price break.

5/5/2014 6:55:11 PM

Alberta

Hey Dan..Ask your realtor to insert a clause stating you keep the garden(patch) till Oct...No matter when they take possesion of your home...most buyers would'nt have an issue with it!

5/5/2014 7:46:15 PM

Western NY

Take your soil with you.

5/5/2014 9:16:50 PM

Mnt.pleasant ,tennessee

Go redneck &grow it on a trailor,portable pumpkin patch

5/5/2014 11:13:04 PM

Bethlehem CT

In my experience, I would say plant them. Who knows what the future holds? Every time we plant a seed it is an act of faith. Worry about what to do when it sells. I have seen lots of good ideas on here.

5/6/2014 6:38:52 AM

Central Illinois

Promise to leave it weed free after harvest

Reseed it to grass if they like, or a cover crop

They will be busy too and would probably appreciate someone else taking care of it.

5/6/2014 8:30:27 AM

Johnston, Iowa

Thanks everybody! Decided I'm going to plant, just scale things back from what I had planned on.

5/6/2014 8:35:56 AM

Williamsburg,KY

Good Luck Dan.

5/7/2014 7:44:16 AM

Polson, Montana

Dan, I am in the same situation; wife and I have listed the place for sale. I have my plants in but may have to walk off and leave them. Oh well, it is what it is. Would not start my 2009 Wallace because of the moving deal. We are building a new home in Missoula, Montana on a 1.06 acre site.

5/7/2014 11:26:16 AM