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Can any large pumkins be grown in South Texas? What about the pest problem?

3/24/2004 5:02:21 PM

Montoursville, PA

If you have or can supply water I see no reason why you could not grow in South Texas. Build lots of humus into your patch with old manure. Get a soil test and do what you must to move towards 7.0 PH. How to best build your soil is nicely discussed by a book: Dear Dirt Doctor, Garrett, Texas University Press. Buy it on line sometimes second hand for as little as five bucks. New about 15.00 paperback.

The pest problem is no different for your pumpkins than it would be for general gardening or floral growing in your back yard.

We have a number of growers here that grow in high heat. There are things that can be done to make growing successfull. Determining what they are is maybe an ongoing discovery if no other South Texans are already growing.

Water is the big issue as I think I see it. You need about fifty gallons a day per plant as an estimate. You need an inch a week and that may be more than an inch depending on the humus content of your soil. You build the patch I think the pumpkin will grow well for you.

Our Southern growers may be more inclined to advise you. They will no doubt chip in with their two cents. We would all love to see a Southern Texas Pumpkin.

3/24/2004 5:19:50 PM

Appalachian Mtns.

Carols...I'm going to Niagara day after tomorrow. We need to talk after that!
"Southern"...aka: Kyle

3/24/2004 6:34:53 PM