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Eugene, OR

Hi all. Next year will be my first year growing
these monsters. I've been trying to figure out the best way to go about preparing my plot for optimum growth and I just wanted to run my plans by the experts to see if I'm making any obvious mistakes or if anyone has suggestions.

I have an L shaped plot 20 feet wide. The length of the longer leg is around 45 feet and the shorter leg is 20 feet. All told, I have about 1300 sq. ft. to work with and plan on planting 3 plants. Thanks to the guidance of Don Chambers, I've decided to utilize the Christmas tree
style to optimize space. I plan on tilling the entire plot the hard way with a 13 hp tiller (unfortunately) and adding the necessary nutrients per my soil analysis. I was also thinking of digging "pits" about 6 by 6 by 3 feet deep below the area where each of the seedlings will be
planted and refilling it with compost, manure, etc. to give the main root lots of nutrients as it grows. How much drainage do the root systems need to prevent rot? I was thinking of addind hay or something similar along with the composted manure, etc. to help with drainage but I'm not sure if it's necessary.

Does this sound like an acceptable plot for the AGP?

Also, where and when should I begin burying the main vine to encourage secondary root growth? I plan on setting the pumpkin about 15 feet out.

Thanks to some generous growers, I've gotten my hands on some good seed(Chambers 1019, 1156 x 526.5) as well as toehrs but I don't want to waste them on a poorly prepared plot.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

Brian

11/15/2003 7:17:24 PM

San Diego

Your plot sounds really good, wish mine was as big:) I would not suggest putting hay in your soil, your drainage should be fine with lots of compost and manure. Just manage your watering so you don't flood yourself. Most growers try to keep the soil consistantly moist, but not flooded. Start burying your main as soon as it starts running on the ground. Many people dig a small trench infront of the vines and then just bury the whole vine as it grows in the trench, others just bury each leaf axis on the vine. You will do well in your patch with good seed, good soil, and moderate fertilizing during the growing season. Make sure disease prevention is high on your list too. Grow em big my friend. Jim

11/15/2003 11:20:55 PM

Eugene, OR

LOL, we'll see how "good" it is next year! I just hope to have fun and grow a big one.

When you say I should start burying the main as soon as it starts running on the ground, I assume you mean I should bury it past the pumpkins I've set right? I also plan on burying all the secondaries and tertiaries as they grow to help establish the root system necessary to feed the pumpkin all it needs.

One other thing, do all AGP's normally only produce only 1 main? Some of my Big Max pumpkins I've grown in the past had 2 or 3 mains coming off the stump. I assume this is not a good thing when trying to grow a big one. Since I'll be using the Christmas tree method, I will be planting the seedlings at the borders of my plot. Is there anything I can do to ensure the main grows in the direction I want it to? I guess I can just slowly train it to grow in the direction I want it to, but I just wonder if the tight turn to train it in the right direction would hinder growth later on down the road.

Thanks for your info!

Brian

11/16/2003 12:50:09 AM

Garden State Pumpkins

Oh yeah and get the great books...How to grow world class pumpkins by Langevin...now with the third edition..will give you all the tips an early grower needs...vine will usually go away from he first true leaf...etc..burying the main starts when it starts running...leaving it above ground near the fruit set for slack...then continuing to bury when there is enough slack following the pumpkin...these are personal choices may not be necessary without the dreaded SVB's...Grow em BIG! Chuck

11/16/2003 8:44:23 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Welcome Brian. This is a fine & supportive group of folks here. As winter sets in, don't be surprised by the little snafus. When it comes time to help, these folks are the very best.

Have fun.

Steve

11/16/2003 9:09:01 AM

San Diego

start buring your vine as soon as it starts running on the groun by the stump. Do this all the way up until your pumpkin. Cut the tap roots of the vine around the pumpkin 3 ft on each side as the pumpkin grows and lifts up the vine. But don't cut the tap roots until you are sure it's the one you will keep or atleast cut as few as possible until you know it's a keeper pumpkin. After the pumpkin, start burying again. And yes, you can have multiple mains. Jim

11/16/2003 9:32:12 PM

Eugene, OR

Thank you all for the responses and info! Your help is greatly appreciated. I'm sure I'll have many more questions for everyone.

Brian

11/18/2003 4:39:01 AM

Spanish Ontario

hi brian the best man for fertilizer info is DR TREMOR NEE STEVE KEN

11/23/2003 6:06:00 PM