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New Jersey

I am going to start a pumpkin !!! Am very excited!! I ordered seeds (10) of Dills Atlantic Giant, ... so.. how and when do I start? Please help! I am doing this for fun and joy, however I would love to learn and have at least one successful big fat pumpkin. I live in Zone 6, Northern New Jersey. Thanks to all !

3/5/2013 8:02:30 PM

So. Maine

I'd say look over some of the grower diaries listed under " Select Destinations " you will learn a lot on how and when to germinate your seeds plus learn lots of ideas on caring and fertilizing your plants throughout the growing season . Good Luck !

3/5/2013 8:46:34 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Stop...where did you get those (10)seeds...Please don't say a catalog, ebay or amazon. Get some proven seeds from growers here and start off right

3/5/2013 10:08:02 PM

Stanwood, Washington

First of all Unless you know the precise lineage of the seeds you bought I would throw them out. go here....

http://bigpumpkins.com/msgboard/ViewBoard.asp?b=1

and ask for seeds you will have plenty people offer to send you seeds with good genetics for nothing more than the price of postage.

secondly I would get a soil test done. There are various labs around the country that can do it. Then I would get someone like Tom at extreme Pumpkin Store.com to look at your results and make some recommendations on how to ammend your soil.

Thirdly I would Check out a book called How to grow giant Pumpkins by Don Langevin. There are several additions I can't remember what number is the latest. That will give you a good overview of all the basics of growing a giant pumpkin. You could also get a Pamphlet from the Wallaces called Dicks Tips. I am sure that would help out alot.

http://bigpumpkins.com/msgboard/ViewThread.asp?b=14&p=462293

You probably won't set any records in your first year but if you do that you should get something to be proud of and you can build from there in future years.

3/5/2013 11:19:54 PM

Minnesota

lightly file seeds, soak for a few hours in water on may 1st or so in seedling starting soil, transplant into growing area 7-10 days later, main vine of the plant will grow opposite the 3rd leaf that comes up. Feed and water them, cover with white sheet when pumpkin gets growing. Find someone in the area where you can visit there patch. Go thru the diarys look thru diarys. 1st page, main menu, links has a list of clubs you can join. This is a adicting hobby!

3/6/2013 12:06:49 AM

Colorado

Look at the 2012 diaries.Theyll be lots of pictures of seed starting,Plant pruning etc.The "How to grow world class giantpumpkins" (one or two ) books will be helpful. Try to find a grower in your area to coach you(helps learning curve).Once youve got a Feel for the hobby then ask specific questions on this forum.Look up Dills seeds website in Nova Scotia-for Quality seeds. Late april to early may to start seeds indoors.

3/6/2013 2:24:06 AM

Eastern Pennsylvania

Donna, check out the mid Atlantic giant pumpkin growers. We have a lot of members around the Allentown area of PA. Most of us start mid to late April with some form of protection from cold temps. If you are not equipped to provide a hoop house or other protection in the early season, consider starting your seeds indoors around may 01 with a goal to plant out in the patch around may 15. By may 15 our area is 99% frost free. We have about 5 member seed packs left which include many seeds from our 2012 pumpkins over 1100 lbs. also one seed from a 1500lb and one from a 1600lb pumpkin. We have many best in show orange winners too. Membership is $20. If interested email us midatlanticgpg@gmail.com. We can answer all of your specific questions. Welcome and good luck!
Jim gerhardt

3/6/2013 9:13:50 AM

Omaha, Ne.

Welcome to the madness. LOl. Just look around the site a little. And if you have questions. ask.

3/6/2013 3:52:11 PM