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Fairbanks, Alaska

Hi everyone! I'm just getting into growing giant pumpkins, but I think this is definitely going to be my thing. A little about me: I grew up around pumpkins my whole life, but I am new to the art of selectively growing giants. In fact, my family has about a 15 acre pumpkin patch near Champaign Illinois (Negangard Pumpkin Patch, check them out on facebook and visit them this fall!). This year i decided to plant a couple Dill's Atlantic Giants in the backyard for the kids but I found myself hooked! Right now we live in Fairbanks, but anticipate moving to Washington or Oregon next May. That pretty much rules out next year, but I want to be all set for 2019. My question is, where can I go for some good, comprehensive information for new growers like me? I have been searching the getting started section of this site, and have been doing my google research, but the information I have found there seems far below the sophistication of even the new growers forum here, which I greatly appreciate. The problem is I usually come into a specific question without knowing the context that led to it. I'm fine doing my own legwork and research, but I guess I'm asking if someone can point me in the direction of the 30,000 foot view of giant pumpkin growing and what questions I should be asking. Thanks in advance.

Redbeard

7/25/2017 6:06:25 PM

Colorado

Look up "how to grow world class giant pumpkins" by don landgevin. Hes written 3 or 4 how to books-not sure whats in print-Id try amazon or ebay-theyre a great starter info source

7/25/2017 6:50:04 PM

Morgantown, WV

Also try Team-pumpkin.org, lots of great info there on getting you going from hoop houses to seasonal timeline.

7/25/2017 9:28:48 PM

Oak Grove, Mn

Hang out on this site for about a year.Nearly every grower in the top 100 makes an appearance at some time. As a new grower you may not recognize their screen names but they are here.

7/25/2017 9:50:23 PM

Partlow,Va

"Bill's Big Pumpkins" video. search it and purchase for 6 or 10 bucks. Great video and person. That's where I started

7/25/2017 11:48:27 PM

Central Illinois

Videos by Frank and Tina Finders

http://sgpgrowers.wixsite.com/homepage/how-to-videos-cpw3

7/26/2017 8:02:33 AM

JACKSON, WISCONSIN. ; )

Ron Wallace has a few videos out there his web site is on the home page also get in touch with some growers on this site and make some phone calls I bet every day I talk to a grower or two yes everyday sometimes I speak to several growers in a day become a members of a club go to a weigh off if there is a will there is a way

7/26/2017 9:00:29 AM

Bethlehem CT

I know the book is old, but in my opinion every giant pumpkin growers needs to have a copy of Don Langevin's book. "How to Grow World Class Giant Pumpkins" (I have the second addition)
That book will give you your foundation on which to grow from.

7/27/2017 8:04:57 AM

South Hero, VT

"Dick's Tips II" available through the SNGPG is the best for the buck($10).

http://www.sngpg.com/pdfs/DT2_New_Ad.pdf

7/27/2017 9:47:08 AM

Westmoreland, KS

a couple years back i did a new growers post which has a lot of helpful tips. Best of luck to you. http://www.bigpumpkins.com/MsgBoard/ViewThread.asp?b=3&p=509431

7/27/2017 10:10:21 AM

President - GPC

Check out the Club Websites too....lots of information archived for browse at will for free, no secret pages or special handshakes needed.

7/27/2017 10:33:56 AM

Winston Salem, NC

The chat rooms are also invaluable. There are high quality growers in there every night. When you get to a specific question that you cant find an answer to go in there and ask. There's a wealth of knowledge and good people to boot.

7/27/2017 10:44:52 AM