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Wallingford,CT

Registration for this years 150 square feet contest will close on 15 April. Full details are posted here

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Attachments/2018%20Team-Pumpkin%20150%20Square%20Feet%20Invitational%20Pumpkin%20Tournament.pdf

Don't miss out on the fun.
Bart

4/1/2018 10:30:53 AM

Hadley Ny

Bart, How do I get to the address..attachment. I'm terrible with computers..Would like to enter. Just want to kick VTJohns butt with the same seed. If I don't I'm sure Kerry will!

4/3/2018 1:43:35 PM

Wallingford,CT

lol, I sent a copy of the rules to the address in your diary.
Bart

4/3/2018 4:31:26 PM

Hadley Ny

Got them thanks T We should both be growing the 300 DMG Hoffman. If not Kerry didn't kick hard enough. Great genetics...224 Hoffman X 1297 Young... JOHN your up!!

4/3/2018 6:55:43 PM

Cornelius, Oregon

Email sent Bart. This should be interesting as I have an idea. Muwahahahaha

4/3/2018 9:06:06 PM

Deer Park WA

Good fun Bart, email sent will snail mail the two bucks... Mapping out the 150 SqFt area this weekend. Will fill it with one of our back up plants ;)

4/3/2018 11:03:35 PM

Deer Park WA

Ps. What is the curren record for a 150 SqFt plant?

4/3/2018 11:10:22 PM

Grittyville, WA

1804 i think... Dont know for sure i might be off a little...

4/4/2018 7:01:37 AM

Wallingford,CT

Not to scare anyone away but to show what is possible in only 150 square feet, last year we had 5 pumpkins in the contest over 900 pounds. The current record is 968.9 pounds, grown by MatthewO in the UK. There is no doubt that 1k is possible and maybe someone will get there this year. Others over 900 were grown by Tiger girl, John Van Sand Baggus, John Butler, and mobymikequide. Amazing stuff....

4/4/2018 7:15:57 AM

Oak Grove, Mn

Email sent to you Bart...I was on the fence and fell over...right into my 150 special shape border. Last year, hail took me out. I still think I have the best shape possible. Going to till up another 450 sq ft of yard this spring if the snow ever melts. I can fit a 150 plant and still have enough room for a couple of watermelons. I don't want to scare anyone away..but I am going to think of the 150 as a really big indoor pot. Super Soil anyone? 1K finally going down this year.

4/4/2018 5:15:44 PM

Essex, UK

Unfortunately, going to have to pass this year. I will be back and look forward to someone growing heavier than 968.9lb this year.

4/4/2018 5:18:22 PM

Upa Creek, MO

Bart, any tricks to get a pkn set within 150 sq feet each year consistently? I don’t know if it’s my shade, but since 2014 I haven’t been able to have one keep on the main before 25 feet. I’m assuming you set them at 10-15 feet for this.

4/4/2018 5:40:17 PM

Oak Grove, Mn

Luke, I know you asked Bart, but I thought I would volunteer my thoughts of target zone. My 150 shape has a set target spot for where the pumpkin is going to grow. My vine pattern hits the target zone and then runs on the outside of it. It will keep circling the target area until a pumpkin sets. Ideally I should have one set 10-17 ft, but if problems arise, I can keep training the main in circle until I get a keeper. 25 ft would be on my second loop around. This would be a strange vine pattern...most of the vines would be near the stem..the pumpkin would not be fed very much by the vines closest to the pumpkin. But the advantage..I will never run out of room to set a pumpkin.

4/4/2018 5:48:49 PM

Deer Park WA

Good info Bnot! Any pics you can share? We usually set fruit around 15 feet but believe most of the push comes from vines / leaves behind the pumpkin so yes very challenging plant management!

4/4/2018 10:38:04 PM

Upa Creek, MO

Thanks for the info Bnot.

4/5/2018 8:41:33 AM

Oak Grove, Mn

Gads, this was my shape for 2016. My current shape is very similar but tweaked just a little. This drawing will give you an idea what I am aiming for.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=253510

150 contest is fun. I have seen many different ways to try to maximize the space. The results are now running over 6 pounds per sq ft. I think we still have much more to go.

4/5/2018 5:04:06 PM

Wallingford,CT

Luke, good question. Vine patterns and getting one set in the patch can be tough and many have tried different approaches. I thought I had posted a vine pattern but I can't find it so maybe I didn't post mine. You can look at FlatNorm diary to see my layout and I grow basically the xmas tree style, straight up the center and pollinate anything on the main if its at least 6 feet or so just in case. Usually I'm set at about 12 to 15 feet and I terminate the main at the pumpkin. Secondaries run out to the edge and then turn to run up the side of the patch so they are all 10 to 12 feet. The first ones I turn back to run and cross behind the stump. The last 2 before the pumpkin I turn to run back down through the patch towards the stump. I always consider turning the main around to go back down the center of the patch if needed to get a set but that hasn't been necessary so far.

4/5/2018 10:26:00 PM