From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Puerto Rico

Hi

This is my first year on growing giant pumpkins. I live in Puerto Rico, a bright, sunny, beautiful island in the Caribbean. We have tropical weater wich is basically summer all year long.

My first plant did not get too much soil preparation. Seeds were bought at home depot so I'm not expecting huge pumpkin. Is very young at 4 feet on lenght and only gets fertilizer every week and water two times a day. On very hot days leafs get a little dull because lots of heat by direct sunlight. I guess I need to cover the plant a little until it grows bigger and stronger.

I'm about to plant the seeds for the second plant. I went to read more and learn the importance of genetics. I got seeds from parents that weight 2,000 pounds. For this one, terrain will be conditioned with manure, hay and many other nutrients. Also, I will be installing soaker hoses controlled by electrical sensors that measure soil humidity and temperature. Is there an specific amount of manure to be added for example per square foot or similar? What are important tips I must know on soil preparation?

Any tips or recomendations from the more experieced growers that may help my plants? I appreciate all the help you guys can provide.

Thanks!

6/2/2015 1:10:04 PM

aurora, IL

If you can try to get a soil test done. Also, make sure the manure is composted or it could burn your plants (depending on what manure it is).

6/2/2015 2:23:39 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Shade cloth and misters

6/3/2015 7:32:06 AM

Winston Salem, NC

Ditto on the shade cloth and misters. Anything above 85 F and the leaves will flag and transpire to cool the plant (i.e. working to cool plant not working to grow plant or pumpkin as efficiently)

6/3/2015 3:24:55 PM