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Canada

Hello Everyone! I'm new at pumpkin growing and am trying to grow a large pumpkin for a in-town contest for 'The largest Pumpkin'. I've heard the old wives tale of using milk to make your pumpkin larger. Is it true, or is it really a wives tale? If it really works, do you 'inject' the milk into the stalk or the actual pumpkin? I'm new at this (I'm 15) and don't know much. I live in Central Alberta. Please help me! (any other tips...?) THANK YOU from KALYN

5/19/2001 11:46:38 PM

Buffalo, Minnesota

its a waste of time, dont do it, their are better ways,

5/20/2001 12:58:10 AM

Rush, NY

WildBill is right. Several years ago, one of the Pumpkin Newsletters had an article on this subject by an Ag College Professor. The bottom line was that there are ingredients in milk that will do more harm than good. A number of people have told me they fed a plant milk and got a big pumpkin. They don't know how big it would have been without the milk.

5/21/2001 5:18:18 AM

Canada

If milk really doesn't work, are there any other ways? How about using a high (what is it? nitrogen, phosphate, or potash content) fertilizer, will that help? I re-planted my plants in larger pots and one is not doing so well (probably transplant shock) is there anything that will help? Any other tips for making large pumpkins? THANKS KALYN

5/21/2001 2:31:08 PM

Modesto, CA

If you are going to re-plant into different pots, there is a bottle of Miracle Gro, I believe it's called Quick Start; it aids in transplanting to prevent shock and helps the roots. In order to get a giant pumpkin though, you need to get it into the ground. There is a website called Neptunesharvest.com.....They sell fish and seaweed fertilizer which your pumpkin plant would love. Good luck to you

5/21/2001 3:28:08 PM

Canada

I want to thank you all for your help. If you have anymore tips please keep sending them in! THANKS KALYN

5/22/2001 8:08:50 PM

PORTLAND CT. USA

gardenbaby there is a book how to grow world class giant pumkins(1&2) by don langevin. annedawn publishing 1-800-985-7878. contains ever thing you need to know. keep looking in this site also, great info here too. good luck.

5/22/2001 10:34:23 PM

Arden Hills, Minnesota

I believe using milk to help the pumpkins grow was in a Laura Ingall's book 'Little House on the Prairie' The technique was used in a pumpkin growing contest in the book. The idea has been out there awhile as Laura Ingals Wilder's book 'Little House on the Prairie' I think your better bet is to use water solubable fertilizer such as Miracle Grow. Pumpkin plants are heavy nitrogen feeders, more so than most plants. I would about double the amount of fertilizer you use on regular garden plants. Provided you do not out right burn the plant with too much fertilizer, the pumpkin plant leaves start to get puckered looking on the outter edge when you slowly exceed a healthy level of fertilizer. Stop fertilizing for awhile if this happens.

5/25/2005 10:03:14 PM