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Gilbert AZ

Hello everyone

I am countrygirl_13, and just purchased some seeds from e-bay. They were advertised as being from an 1000 lbs pumpkin. I have been reading and it seems that soil prep, seeds and care is the only combination that you need to grow huge pumpkins. What about this injecting the vines with some special food? Also I live out in the coutry on 2.5 acres and own two horses. So I have ample amounts of manure. Is horse manure good enough for growing pumpkins? And what other fertilizers should I use. I also get irragation about twice a month, it this good or bad?
Thanks Countrygirl_13

6/23/2001 11:02:56 PM

Mid Michigan

Hey Country...You're getting a pretty late start if you were trying to grow one for a contest, but you could probably still have a fairly nice one for Halloween.
Horse maure is good, as long as it's composted..not fresh.
I haven't heard of anyone injecting a pumpkin vine....i would have to bow to the masters on that question. Dont think i'd attempt it tho. A lot of the growers feed their pumpkin plants seaweed, kelp, and fish emulsion.....myself personally, between the compost, miracle grow, and lots of water....that's all i've been doing.
You could check out the "how to" section on this site, and probably pick up a lot of tips for growing a monster.
Good luck........cuzbiker

6/24/2001 5:50:25 AM

Connecticut, USA

You might need some sort of misting system down in AZ. The plants don't like it much over 90 degrees. We have an article in the How To section about misting.

6/25/2001 6:42:41 AM

Sloughhouse, CA

You will need a misting system for sure. It is hotter there than in the central valley. Home Depot has some timers that will work just look for the kind that will work in greenhouses. Suzy in Sloughhouse.

6/25/2001 9:15:13 PM

Gilbert AZ

Hey Thanks everyone!! I will look into misting systems for
the pumpkins. I have a lot of old horse manure to use. It is about 2 yrs old. I still need to know how you all feel about irrigation. I can get irrigation twice a month and then I can supplement with tap water in between. The only down fall I can think of is that the standing water could rot my large pumpkins. Well thanks again.

countrygirl_13

6/26/2001 10:25:24 PM

Sloughhouse, CA

I have been using soaker hoses around my pumpkins. If you could put some of the irrigation water in barrels and save it that would be good. The big farmers around here use irrigation water for their fields. They plant in long rows and then flood them. If you have access to a well for your household use use that water. Suzy in Sloughhouse.

6/27/2001 2:26:59 AM

Gilbert AZ

Soaker hoses are popular around here to. I can make rows and flood them with irragation. Our tap water is from a community well that is maintained by us. Do you use soaker hoses and misters? How much water is too much? And what are the signs of over watering?

Thanks
Countrygirl_13

6/28/2001 4:51:37 PM

Sloughhouse, CA

At the present time I'm watering every other day with the soaker hoses. I will mist when the temperature is 90+. This week we had rain and temps. in the 80's. Next week we expect temps. back in the 100's. Is Gilbert closer to Phoenix or Tuscon? Suzy in Sloughhouse.

6/28/2001 7:11:54 PM

Gilbert AZ

Hi Suzy in Sloughhouse

Gilbert is closer to phoenix than tuscon. I work in Phoenix right by the airport, and it takes about 45 minutes to get to work. Tuscon on the other hand is about 2 to 3 hours away. Temperatures here are in the 100's and will most likely stay in the triple digits the rest of the summer until monsoon storms roll in.

countrygirl_13

6/30/2001 7:47:25 PM