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Franklin, Tennessee

I apologize, I'm sure this question has been asked countless times. But I do have another question to go along.

I've noticed that a LOT of the giant pumpkins are grown in the New England area. Is it a better growing climate or what? What should I know about making my first attempt at growing a giant in Tennessee vs. growing a giant elsewhere? This is the climate where Kudzu thrives - usually hot, often dry summers and a long growing season.

I will hopefully get Don Langevin's new book on organically growing giant pumpkins. I'm sure I'll learn all I need to know to start growing from that book, but can I get some advice from others ahead of time?

As far as seed genetics go, I've got some from SeedOutlet.com and will probably get one more variety.

So if you don't mind, can I get personal advice on any particular area of giant pumpkin growing? I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks,

Jonathan

10/15/2009 11:25:55 PM

Rhode Island

jonathan

i dont live in the south but i will offer this when compairing your weather in the south compaired to southern new england.

your spring is a lot earlier and warmer than ours. you can get the plant out earlier ( late march -early april?) and be pollinating late may into early june?, getting a big jump on the new england states.

unfortunately your weather in the dead of summer can be so hot that it actually shuts down some of the pumpkins possible growth.
for example, when we are at 80-85 degrees in early august ?planking on the pounds ? in your area, you can be over 100 degrees and extremely humid.

the best advise anyone could give you is to get in touch with other successfull growers in your area.
get involved with these growers,ask them for there help.you would be surprised how many people enjoy seeing others suceed.

pap

10/16/2009 7:35:49 AM

Franklin, Tennessee

Thanks for the advice. We usually do get 100 degree weather in August, but this year was an exception. I have no idea what next year will be like but I can hope it won't be too extreme for the pumpkins' growth. By planting early, perhaps I can get most of the growth before the temps soar.

Also I thought that pumpkins and other cucurbits love hot weather - how come the humid hot weather here could slow the growth of AG's?

10/16/2009 12:08:12 PM

Westford, MA

Marry an understanding and forgiving spouse!

10/19/2009 3:07:12 PM

Rhode Island

by liking hot weather we are talking about mid eighties.etc,up to ninty degrees.
when you get to high ninties and over one hundred the fruit and plant will be stressed and slow way dowmn possibly never to ramp up again.
if i was deep south and the temp got that high? id have a shade cloth over the plant for sure.

10/20/2009 8:10:53 AM

Franklin, Tennessee

I plan on putting a shade over the fruit, especially during the hottest weather. I hope that will help it out.

10/20/2009 1:02:16 PM