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Westmoreland, KS

I've been "growing" giant pumpkins for a few years now and i still consider myself a new grower. The first year i grew my biggest pumpkin but i have learned a ton since then.

Things you should be aware of before growing:
1) Experience: Giant pumpkin growing is gardening in the big leagues if you haven't garden before giant pumpkin growing will be a Huge challenge.
2) TIME: Think of growing pumpkins as a sport. The guys who grow the huge pumpkins are like Jordan, Lebron, and Kobe they spend a ton of time preparing studying and spending time working with their soil. If you don't have that time or don't want to spend that much effort on a pumpkin don't expect the same result.
3) Weather: You can't control mother nature so you should spend time studying your area get used to checking the weather outlook daily, or hourly. You need to learn how much you need to water and how often this is a very tricky thing to get right.
4) Money: Every year I purchase some new things for the garden over time I've built up a great supply of gardening gear and soil amendments. If you try to do this in one year it can be very costly. Some of the big boys spend tons of money on pumpkins don't do this your first time out.
5) Learn: Take everything your told or you read "with a grain of salt". There is a ton of info out there read it learn it but the best way to grow is to get out there and give it do it yourself. Take notes and make changes each and every year.
6) Addiction: Watch out this is a warning Giant Pumpkin Growing can be a huge addiction. Day and night 365 days a year you might find yourself thinking, dreaming about pumpkins relationships may be put on hold and summers well lets just say your summers will fly by and you won't want to do anything but grow pumpkins...some people may not understand your addiction but you will!


Add to this as you see fit

5/30/2014 5:51:06 PM

Lakewood, Colorado

Very we'll said "rookie". I am also a rookie, in my 4th year and I learn a ton each year. Unfortunately, I have tendency to ignore some things that I think are trivial, and later learn their importance. I am looking for a breakout year this year.

My additions:
1. Soil testing. You are in the dark if you don't know what your soil is doing and how it is reacting to the amendments you put on. It should be done more than once per year. I am doing it at least 4 times this year. Even if you don't understand it, find someone on here that does. You need the whole story.
2. Read the entire board relating to soil on this website and get the book "the ideal soil" by Michael Astera. If you have ever heard Ron Wallace talk, you will understand that he is constantly studying. Do the same.
3. If Pap says something on here, write it down in your pumpkin journal. You will need it sometime. Yes, keep a journal.
4. In the beginning, even if you have space, only grow one or two plants and learn from them. The plants are the best teachers.
5. Get a mentor that lives near you. I am lucky enough to know a few great growers around here and they have info if you can ask the right questions.
6. Cover crop. Very important, and should be grown in both the fall and spring.

5/30/2014 6:48:55 PM

Massachusetts

and please DO NOT TOUCH your plant in the morning! every year I see someone break their main vine, wait till noon or after to make any needed adjustments to your plant, please lets keep this a snap free season lol,,,,.......

5/30/2014 7:14:42 PM

Westmoreland, KS

As a way to continue this for new growers who may stumble upon this post and are growing or thinking about growing for the very first time I'm going to add to my original post with suggestions that i think would have helped me out a ton my first year.

7) Soil: This is the lifeblood of your plant without good soil you will never grow anything of any size. Your topsoil will be fine but over the years you can and should make it better. This doesn't happen over night or during the growing season this happens over time so test it and add too it as you need.
8) Plants: One or two plants doesn't seem like a lot when you are new but it may be more work then you can handle start slow and remember. "There's always next year!"
9) Delicate: Think of pumpkins as a clay pot when hot you can work with them mold them move them how you see fit. However and take this to heart I'm speaking from experience when COLD they will Break!!! As a rookie just leave them alone don't get all excite about new growth LEAVE THEM ALONE!!! Wait to later in the after noon think of everyday as a work day don't touch them until 5 even on the weekends!

5/30/2014 10:25:02 PM

Ely Mn

Do not walk on your soil!!!this is somthing newer growers overlook
And makes an absolute difference.

5/30/2014 10:48:38 PM

Ely Mn

especially in smaller growing spaces you need every inch of air
to those roots.and the best part is its free:)

5/30/2014 10:55:49 PM

Upa Creek, MO

All great points. One must also remember just because something is working for a grower in one region does not mean it will work where you are.

5/30/2014 11:37:06 PM

Farming- a bunch of catastrophies that result in a lifestyle

1. Read, read, read, read, read.
2. Listen, listen, listen, listen.

5/31/2014 7:28:22 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

1. Have fun...it is only a pumpkin

5/31/2014 8:13:27 AM

Guelph, ONT

Patience!! don`t get riled up, or try to hurry things

5/31/2014 11:03:46 AM

Colorado

Learn from a good grower in your area.

5/31/2014 3:43:17 PM

Whitehall Montana

I agree with Linus,after all it is only a pumpkin and a lot of fun to watch grow

5/31/2014 5:47:30 PM

Torrance, Ca.

All this and much, much more can be learned from what cojo said.

Good stuff.`

5/31/2014 6:12:17 PM

Westmoreland, KS

Great stuff guys Thanks all

5/31/2014 9:31:49 PM

Rhode Island

always stay on the side of caution. if it might happen? it will.
if you just want a pumpkin buy one. to much work and to little reward at times so stay focused on your goals.

all great suggestion posted here folks. our best to everyone

pap and ron

6/1/2014 6:52:07 AM