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Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

The newbee board has been slow, so I thought that I would see how everyone is going to prep for next season.

8/16/2004 7:52:01 AM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

I'll go first:
- Sent out soil sample
- Brought in approx. 1 ton of mulch and added a lot of greens for compost pile
- Sprayed new patch to kill off all grass and roots.
- Bringing in 6 truck loads of composted manure to till in
- Ordered Gypsum to till in for added calicium (if soil sample allows)
- Buying Fencing for new Patch
Thats about all that I have planned up until now.

Bo

8/16/2004 7:56:18 AM

Back of Beyond

I plan on digging all three patches down at least 3 feet and screening the soil to remove rocks etc. Then I plan to till and backfill with a mixture of compost, manure, peat, soil and sand. Then comes 200 # of gypsum per patch, buried irrigation system with 2 levels of risers, and subgrade support for a framed shade/greenhouse structure. After that comes soil samples again, cover crops and a new compost setup. Oh and I can't forget upgraded feeders, better compost tea setup ... the list goes on and on.

8/16/2004 11:11:29 AM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

DAMN!!!!! Nice JR, now I don't only have pumpkin envy, I have prep envy too!!!! LOL!
I need to get my hands on plans for hoop houses or an inexpensive greenhouse, any ideas anyone?
Bo

8/16/2004 12:56:07 PM

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Step 1: Better seeds!
Step 2: Clear some of the brush and trees currently blocking the morning sun from Patch #1
Step 3: Build my new Patch #2 (on the end of my septic field, it will be a slightly raised bed, large enough for 1 plant)
Step 4: Additions (compost manure etc.) to both patches, dependant on soil tests.
Step 5: Continue to monitor bp.com for additional growing tips.

8/16/2004 2:03:28 PM

Vancouver, White Rock, Canada

NEED SEED. Definately getting better seed for next season, and I am going to really ensure that my soil is good enough to support a huge fruit. This year all I did, basically, was remove the grass, and dump in the seeds, so next season will be much more organized. Definately adding manure, and compost, coffee grounds, mulch, peat, and something to bring up the potassium levels in the soil. Any ideas?

8/16/2004 2:13:07 PM

Vancouver, White Rock, Canada

Oh, ya, and installing a drip system.

8/16/2004 2:14:24 PM

Central Connecticut

here are some hoop house plans
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/ViewArticle.asp?id=53

8/16/2004 2:58:42 PM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

Very cool!

8/16/2004 3:16:55 PM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

I don't know if a drip system is going to be in the budget this time, I just picked up the Fencing and the stakes, and that tapped me out as far as "Pumpkin money", I still need 5 gallons of Neptunes Harvest and enough to by beer to sedate the friends that will be helping me with the manure on the 28th.....LOL

8/16/2004 3:19:06 PM

Enumclaw WA

Very impressive lists. If you have a chance, I would also suggest that you join some of the "patch tours" that clubs put on. That way, you get to see lots of technique. Also, joining a club or attending a seminar are other great ideas. Happy growing (this year and next)

8/16/2004 10:45:33 PM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

great ideas!, Thanks!

8/17/2004 7:36:22 AM

Vancouver, White Rock, Canada

Gypsum and greensand, too. I forgot.

8/17/2004 8:21:49 PM