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Montgomery, IL

going to grow a few this year, got some good seeds"atlantic giants".I live in northern Ilinois,thinking about starting plants indoors very soon and putting them outside in mid may.Is this to early?the seeds say 120 day growing season,if i start them this early will they be done to early or will they continue to grow past 120 days. any help /hints would be GREAT Thanks bob!!!!!!

4/6/2010 3:43:29 PM

Cincinnati,OH

The plants will become root bound inside of 1 week.
Best to wait until the 1st week of May unless you have some kind of frost protection and plant them outside.

4/6/2010 7:35:26 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

Also, it sounds like you have a generic pack of atlantic giants from the local store. You want to get your hands on some real seeds from the growers here if you haven't already. You can start with some of my seeds if you like email me at eastparkrider@yahoo.com all of my seeds are big bright orange producers. Jim

4/6/2010 11:38:35 PM

Joliet, IL

to early bob for northern illinois unless you are starting one for the state fair. you will need a greenhouse with soil warmed up to do it this early. after sprouting, the plants should go into the ground in 4 or 5 days in my opinion, depending on the size of your pot. 7 or 8 days at the lattest if using 4 or 5 inch pots. april 20th-25th is a good window if you have hoophouses, and maybe wait until about may 1st if no hoophouses in case of frosts. a small plant on the average may 15th last frost date is still easy to cover with a box or 5 gallon bucket if no hoophouses or greenhouses are used.

if you want some good seeds, i have plenty from my 1100+ pumpkins, or some other good genetics from many of these fine people at bp.com that have sent me seeds. email me if interested and we also have the Illinois Giant Pumpkin Growers Association if you are interested in joining. we meet once every winter, and the weigh off this year will be at Bengston's Farm in Homer Glen, IL on Sunday Oct. 3rd. first place is $5000 this year and should draw a nice crowd and some big ones from all over the midwest.

best of luck,
shazzy
jeff shenoha-joliet, IL
shazzyshaz@aol.com

4/7/2010 11:22:14 AM

Montgomery, IL

Thanks for the help,this is my first year and i would love to break the #200 mark over #400 would be incredible,if i were to get better seeds do you think this is a resonable goal for my first year?My soil is pretty good,has beed a vegie garden for years. thanks for any advice!!!!!

4/7/2010 3:49:10 PM

Rockfield, KY

This is our first year growing giants too. I did buy
"real" seeds & we are doing our best to get everything prepped & ready to go. Gives my dad & I something fun to do together. Glad I found this board!

4/8/2010 10:26:04 AM

Montgomery, IL

yep iv talked with a few guy on here and everyone has been VERY helpful with any questions /info ,help you need .Ya im glad that i came across this sight to !!

4/9/2010 1:05:10 PM

Corryton, TN

Very reasonable rybec. Remember the word, moderation! If a little is good, alot can end your season.

4/9/2010 5:09:35 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Welcome DR78, glad to see yet another KY. grower coming on board!!! Have you met Mr. Brinkley yet? Peace, Wayne
PS...Kudo's for the project w/yer dad!!!

4/10/2010 12:42:14 AM