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Nh

It goes without saying how generous folks are on this site about spreading the seeds around and at very little or no cost at all. Myself being the beneficiary of this kindness, year after year. Starting to feel a bit selfish however. I still have yet to grow 1000 pounder. I'm consistent 500 to 850lbser's, however as the years pass i'm beginning to think maybe these weights are not as much to do with my hard work and expertise, as they are about genetics? Geesh!The evolution and advancements in growing giant pumpkins is growing at a astonishing rate of speed. So fast in fact, I feel I may forever have to post my thoughts and questions in the beginners thread! As a comparison,If I were still in school and had a similar rate of progress as I do in growing giant pumpkins, I'd be like 27 years old in 11th grade! I guess that may be kind of cool actually. Maybe one day Ill be the king of beginners! Aim high as they say. This leads me to my question. Does anyone believe that if one buys his or her seeds on various websites, etc, that they are paying for even the smallest of an edge in growing a big one? Can I cheat my way to 1000lbs

4/7/2017 10:20:28 AM

Westmoreland, KS

Personally I believe you get in what you put out. Have you watched any of Ron Wallace's talks if you haven't you should. I don't think you can "cheat" your way to 1000lbs maybe if you have the perfect weather and you are disease free then on that one perfect year you could but not year after year. I've listened/read what Ron and/or Pap posts on this site over the last few years and I can tell you it helps a ton!

One of the biggest things I've learned is that you have to understand your growing environment really well in order to be successful. I think you could grow almost any good genetic seed from the past 5 years over 1000lbs especially in NH. But you need to spend time in the patch and you need to spend time learning your soil/environment.

That being said I still feel like a 37 year old in the 12th grade! So you are not alone best of luck this year!

4/7/2017 10:56:46 AM

Lexington, Ky

I grew one of my own seeds to nearly 1,100 pounds. No great genetics and it was free. Let me follow that up by saying, I have grown ten times more pumpkins in the 500 to 850 pound range than the 1,000 pound range. Lots of factors involved. Location, the given years weather and disease. I grown in the south which is not an advantage whatsoever. I tried to grow like the big boys for the first few years, then it dawned on me, I'm not in their location, I don't have their soil type nor do I have their weather. I began to ignore other growers and learned to work with what was in front of me. Matter of fact, my first two 1,000 pounders came in the same year of newly opened, unamended, no soil sample patch. My third came last year in same.

And it helped to finally set realistic goals for myself. I work, have kids, homework, extra curricular stuff with kids, etc., and I sure can't afford to lay out significant cash for top seeds. For as little time as I spend in the patch, I'm happy with the results.

4/7/2017 12:16:24 PM

Woodward, Oklahoma

I believe their are lots of good bloodlines out there that don't coast a lot of money. Main thing is do your research.

4/7/2017 2:59:03 PM

@ justaroofer

go look at my last post in seed exchange.

4/7/2017 4:15:45 PM

Oak Grove, Mn

seeds can be grown to many different sizes. I spent many years growing a selfed line..the weights thru the years....1161 lbs,1610 lbs, 184 lbs, 356 lbs and finally 1109. Since all these weights were from very close genetics, just generation apart selfed I have decided that grower skill and environment make the biggest difference. Most of the seeds grown in the last few years have the potential for 1000 pounds. Many seeds that could be had for a SASE would have the potential for 2000. Fortunately there is much more to growing really big other than seed...that is what makes it interesting.

4/7/2017 4:24:20 PM

stoughton WI

All these post have great advice, try joining a club, talk to lots of different growers. Get your soil right.learn to read what the plant needs. Research different things. Find out what works the best in your patch. If you ever need help there are growers on chat site here that would be more than happy to help you out. Email me rickjoli@hotmail.com if you ever need some help.

4/7/2017 6:25:14 PM

Nh

thanks for all the advice fella's.
I believe my knowledge of soil and how to go about making sure its decent is my biggest downfall. I myself have a roofing business and a five year old boy. I guess the best advice id ask is... if you were short on time, and you really haven't done anything to your soil but till every spring and add moodoo for 5yrs, what could you do to at the very least improve your soil? Also, I really wasn't looking to cheat my way, I was just kind of finding the humor in this great... Ill call it a sport! why not, right?

4/8/2017 7:49:04 AM

Ask advice about amendments in another post. And the good growers will tell you that a soil test is very important.

4/8/2017 10:23:22 AM

It might get more hits as a seprate question.

4/8/2017 10:27:19 AM

New Hampshire

The NHGPGA annual seed swap is tomorrow in Goffstown at the Beauchamin residence. I'll have plenty of great blood lines to give out if you're there. Might just put you over the 1000lb mark this year.

4/8/2017 10:58:39 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

jroofer...certainly respect your dedication to family first, but soil test is rather cheap...call your local Ag agent, should be listed in the phone book, and soil test is (in KY) about $7. Also, maybe moodoo, is not helping!!! Go spend the $7!!! Peace, Wayne Grow em BIG!! Peace, Wayne

4/10/2017 1:42:31 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

I agree with Wayne. Sort of like getting low MPG on a car, unless you have it diagnosed by a mechanic you wouldn't know what is causing the problem. Sometimes it is a $3 sensor.
A soil test would tell you what you are lacking. One mineral deficiency will limit your potential.

4/10/2017 1:10:25 PM

Nh

sounds like great advice to me.
appreciate it all of you.
sometimes you think things will be overwhelming and daunting until you just take the advice and do it!
soil analysis it is!

4/11/2017 3:46:29 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Kul beans, roofer...next step, do a lil research for Joe Ailts...hope I spelled it right!!! I think he has a program to help you w/corrections!

4/13/2017 1:39:16 AM

Bethlehem CT

A soil test is a great suggestion. You could add all the fertilizer in the world and not get very far if your soil pH is 5.

4/13/2017 7:57:49 AM