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Rector

Hi everyone. This is my first try at growing a large pumpkin.I have two plants and each have one pumpkin on it.The vines are close to 30 feet long with small vines growing out from the main vines.Everything seems o.k. right now.The biggest pumpkin is about 40 lbs.(guessing at the weight of it) I need to know how to keep it growing to a large size.I have read a lot but I need any help I can get. I just never thought I'd get this far. I did put soil on the vines to get more roots.Watering? Feeding? Bugs? Care in general.I would be thankfull for any help.

7/31/2011 1:40:12 AM

Cincinnati,OH

Sounds like your doing good. I would concentrate on keeping the plant healthy with fungicides and pesticide.

7/31/2011 10:10:45 AM

Upa Creek, Mo

Hey Garry, I am relatively new too, but after reading up on this for a year, here is what I have picked up. First thing all the competitive guys do is a get a soil test to know what ammendments to add etc. That aside, a good basic product to add without over doing anything is fish\seaweed like the Neptunes 2-3-1 as a foliar spray. I have know idea where Rector is, but fungicides and pesticides are a must here (contact and systemics in rotation once a week) like Daconil, Bonide Infuse, Orthomax, Bayer TS. There is a ton of stuff out there. Go to Extreme Pumkin Store site and click on their basic fertilizer program also for a good start.

7/31/2011 10:31:09 AM

Rector

thanks, I'll check it out. I did not get a soil test. I just bought the seeds and planted them. I just wanted to grown a 100lb pumpkin the first year now I want a BIG ONE. I did not start out right for a really large one.I'll do better next year.(ever hear that before?) Thanks again Ron Rahe

8/2/2011 9:06:45 PM

Rector

My best pumpkin has stoped growing. I see leaves turning brown close to the stump. Today i put some Bifenthrin on the plant.(insecticide/miticide)Will this help or is to late once you see damage?I do not know what is killing my pumpkin or if it is dying. Anyone got an idea what it is or what I need to do? Thanks Garry

8/4/2011 8:36:18 PM

Upa Creek, Mo

Browning leaves are normal starting at the sump the older the plant gets. If you fear worse like a vine borer you need a systemic if it is already in the plant. Start a diary with pics, and others can help.

8/4/2011 9:17:44 PM

Rector

my plant seems o.k.The big one is not growing. I bought the seeds on line. think I might have a normal pumpkin plant.Is there anyway to tell if its not a Dill's Atlantic giant???
By the way Rector is in North East Arkansas.

8/7/2011 8:46:10 PM