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Cedar Lake, IN.

Okay all the pumpkins I grow go light, Why? My soil tests come out very good. Over a 100 pounds light, this just ain't right. What am I missing?

10/7/2014 8:53:14 AM

Central NY

....Pounds

10/7/2014 8:54:10 AM

Connecticut, USA

Are they getting enough water?

10/7/2014 8:59:41 AM

Central Minnesota

Soil tests are just a start, what do your tissue tests show? Just because it is in the soil doesn't mean its in the plant. In addition, look at the following:

Genetics, Calcium, Water, Heat

10/7/2014 9:17:54 AM

Aurora

Porkchop - how about sharing some wisdom - I have read you know the scoop on growing! I think I have heard that soil tests are a good overview of what might be locked up and not available to your young ones. But, unfortunately, not all soil test centers are the same, nor, do they necessarily reveal all important values. Contact Christopher, chandler_cm@yahoo.com, we had problems with one center being sort of vague. He is planning on using another for a better source. I advocate prepping garden soil ahead of time rather than pouring on a lot of nutrients synthetic or organic during transplant. I know that fall planted cover crops on tired soils (regardless of your test results) really increase good organic nutrient levels and unlock nutrients unavailable. Soil tests cannot account for weather and for sure Ken's message about the daily water applied. Shazzy's and Bubba's diaries taught me the importance of how windy days actually dry the plant out through its leaves and the plant will result in needing more water during those cycles. This impacts other plants in the garden as well. Synthetic or chemical fertilizers are also known to build blocks against the plant's ability to take up vital nutrients. I find it difficult to convince gardeners of this until their plants don't produce as expected. Back to fall prep - - items to try are rye, buckwheat and alfalfa then look into green sand and rock phosphate. Keep in mind, I do not want to be the one to steer you wrong, so please contact another soil testing center and compare your results. Best wishes on growing in 2015!!

10/7/2014 9:41:53 AM

British Columbia, Canada

I think unbalanced fertilizing and watering can cause them to go light.

10/7/2014 10:33:39 AM

Central NY

Lol!.. If I thought I had some wisdom I would certainly share!!!..I can say that our kin went a little light...we did not water the plant in the last 3 weeks...also had a few little ones on...that could be a factor for going light...?..I will get a soil test here soon ...I'm sure I'll have questions...good luck

10/7/2014 10:40:38 AM

Upa Creek, MO

I'm interested to hear from people who grow multiple pkns in one area and have them light and heavy. Although I didn't get mine weighed in 2011, I did notice a significant difference in 2 of my 3 that were the same size when lifting them with friends. The lighter one was in a more shaded area that grew much bigger leaves to catch the light. Just an observation but I think it could be many factors including genetics, water, light etc

10/7/2014 10:46:59 AM

Western NY

Donald -

I took a look at your previous diaries and results. The first thing to keep in mind that % heavy is mostly influenced by genetics and the particular shape you happen to get with an individual pumpkin. Watering and soil conditions do play a role, but that's just tinkering around the edges compared to the two big factors.

My biggest this year (as well as Porkchop's) suffered from lack-of-shoulder-itis, which didn't help when it came to measurements vs. chart. Similar to the pumpkins you had in 2012.

My best advice is to stick with it and let the law of averages catch up to you. You can help out the odds in your favor by growing seeds that may also have a track record of going heavy to the chart. It's not a guarantee but could help put the odds in your favor.

10/7/2014 10:51:31 AM

Pocatello (cliffwarren@yahoo.com)

Genetics and shape, that's most of it. I've got a brilliant shiny orange line going, and it goes about 10% light to the chart. That's the way it is.

Here is a topic I want to explore, maybe a good winter topic: Would you rather have a pumpkin that looks 800 pounds but goes 1000, or a pumpkin that looks 1200 pounds but goes 1000? We all act like the one that looked 800 is great and the one that looks 1200 is bad, but isn't the one that looks 1200 more impressive to look at? (IMHO, there are no right or wrong answers, I just want to know what people's thoughts are.)

10/7/2014 11:07:53 AM

Colorado

Night time temps hurt us in Colorado. We cool off fast in the evenings even after 90+ degree highs.Low humidity and mile high elevation.Plants/fruit cool off and dont maximize fruit growth.

10/7/2014 1:23:29 PM

Germany

In 2012 I had a 1789 Wallace and a 1723 Marshall next to each other, pollination was at the same time (only one day difference), but the 1789 was pretty light (like -10%) whereas the 1723 was heavy (like +10%).

10/7/2014 1:26:16 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

I have had plants go 27% heavy and 14% light growing next to each other. I think it is genetics and luck

10/7/2014 1:32:42 PM

Stanwood, Washington

Genetics aside, I think Shape has a lot to do with it as well I have noticed that tall well shaped pumpkins tend to go lighter than the squatty wide contorted pumpkins. Also all those lumpy protrusions and weird overhanging pieces swallowing the blossom are pure pumpkin wall so my rule of thumb is the uglier the pumpkin, the heavier it goes. :)

10/7/2014 1:43:48 PM

Muddy Waters

I grew 6 kins this year.3 were 3 % heavy.The last 2 will go chart or real heavy.Plus my 1478.5 went chart.Nothing light.I think the one important factor in going heavy is watering at the time of fruit development from pre polination to like dap 10.This is when wall thickness would get its start.Just my own theory.In Michigan this year we had steady rain at that time period in June no watering was needed.Calcium is important also mine runs 2500 to 4000 ppm.You can however deliver it through watering(if your soil is low).I grew my 1478.5 in 2012 and went 10% light.It was very underwatered,When I cut it open it was full of cracks,from lack of water.I water much heavier now.I will make video this November giving exact detail on my growing experience this season.Good luck & growem heavy!!

10/7/2014 10:40:01 PM

Cedar Lake, IN.

WOW! Thanks to all for the comments. This gives me something to explore this winter.

10/8/2014 7:33:58 AM

Cincinnati,OH

I had one go 3% light and the other 6% heavy in the same 1300 sq ft patch this year. Both had orange genetics. The one I babied with water and ferts went light, the one I payed less attention to went heavy. These results would lean towards Captains 97s observation because the tall round one was light and the long low one was heavy.

10/8/2014 8:21:04 PM

Muddy Waters

Remember side by side plants are sharing the same root zone.Whatever you feed or water one the other is getting also.roots go 60 feet plus in 1 direction.

10/8/2014 9:48:27 PM