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Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

My son is going to try some New Zealand Wanganui Giant Carrots this year. I was told the best bet would be to grow them in a clean sandy soil inside of PVC pipes.

What diameter tubing are we talking about here?

3/13/2007 10:30:00 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

I have seen them grow in down spots. So I would say atleast 3 inch pvc..From what I read water from bottom only forces the rooting actiuon down.

3/13/2007 11:09:49 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Cool....Thanks Shannon.

Steve

3/13/2007 2:24:34 PM

Lymington UK

Hi,over here, they’re grown in 50 gall drums with the top and bottom cut off. We then fill them with sharp sand to the top. After that we drive a metal post about 2 inch in dia,to the bottom of the drum. We put about 6 stations (plants) per drum in and as we take the metal post out we fill with the best sieved soil you can find. We then sow about 3 seeds per station and when they germinate cut the tops of unwanted plants, don’t pull them as you can damage the root of you remaining one. If you need any help just mail me

3/13/2007 4:37:21 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Are we growing for length or size?

3/13/2007 9:20:52 PM

Rexburg, Idaho (brianchristensenmd@gmail.com )

What variety of seeds for this endeavor? It sounds fun.
What is "sharp sand"?

3/13/2007 10:05:03 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

I am growing a variety Alun Jones sent me. They are from a 15lb Carrot. I assumed since Steve was asking about PVC pipe he was growing one for length. I would not grow one for size in a small PVC pipe. It will be in a small barrel like Ian is talking about. Right next to my 46lb beet.

3/14/2007 8:14:06 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

I think the thing to do is grow for both length (tube) & weight (open deep soil or tub).

3/14/2007 3:23:15 PM

Lymington UK

Hi Brian we use sharp sand because it has big particles with means it is well drained. Also I have heard but not done this myself of growers trimming the tap root t make them split and therefore get heavier roots.

3/14/2007 7:24:53 PM

Central Pennsylvania lauralie1978@yahoo.com

I have looked and looked to no avail. Where on earth do you find seeds for these?

3/14/2007 11:07:16 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Shannon When are you going to learn you just don't find them. You have to search long and hard. Plus get in a few veggie seed exchanges. These Giant Veggie growers do not seem to be as open as pumpkin growers.

3/15/2007 7:47:06 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Carrot seeds on the way with your Tomato seeds. Tomatos are supposed tolove carrots.

3/15/2007 7:59:00 AM

Central Pennsylvania lauralie1978@yahoo.com

You are awesome! OK, maybe now I'll admit I have a boys name, LOL! I am hoping to be able to join your exchange this year. Thank you!

3/15/2007 12:10:47 PM

Mike Turner here in the UK has a few thousand giant carrot seeds and has very good knowledge of growing giant carrots for weight. Maybe try and contact him next year if you are looking for seeds or "how to" info etc.

Gareth

3/16/2007 6:10:48 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Got an email address for Mike?

3/16/2007 9:50:25 AM

San Jose garysand@pacbell.net

did mike recover???? he was pretty ill

3/16/2007 6:58:40 PM

Montoursville, PA

Crushed sand or sand stone is sharp sand. It has sharp edges from the processing that is a smashing action. Other sand is round in various sizes depending on formation which may be different in different sand pits or mines. Sandstone is found in layers of given thickness similar to clay which under similar pressure becomes slate in layers. Sand when fired or heated to the liquid state becomes glass. Technically glass is a liquid derived from sand.

Sharp sand will pack and hold together better than round sand. One commmon round sand is called Playground Sand. Names get tricky but Mason's Sand is sharp sand.

4/9/2007 8:52:38 AM