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Nashville, TN

What a response... so far these are what I now have.. and I have one seed of each started in the cold frams...

507 Wolfley '04 - 845 BobierX723 Bobier
612 Wolfel '04 - selfed 723 bobier '99
374 Bosworth - 940 L. Wentzell open
572 bosworth - 1081 R. Wentzell X 940 L.Wentzel
798.5 Mudd - 1074 Calai selfed
706 Mudd - 1236 Eaton selfed
691.5 Mudd - 660 Mudd selfed
1008.5 Mudd - 500 Mitchell selfed
660 Mudd - 1236 Eaton X 1074 Calai
631 Mudd - 640 Mudd selfed
640 Mudd - 1074 Calai X 1236 Eaton
665 Mudd - 842 Eaton selfed
845 Nesbitt - 846 Calai X 723 Bobier
610 Garrell - 845 bobier sibbed

3/14/2005 6:38:21 PM

Nashville, TN

I also have 4 open-pollinated AG , 2 open pollinated Prizewinners and 2 O.P. Big Max....

I've set seed back from each variety - so for those coming from selfed stock, I do not think that they need to be selfed again. Those from crosses I will probably self this year to 'set' characteristics. Which should I cross? I consider the Open Pollinated plants to be likely carrying diverse genetics and will use the female flowers of those for crosses - hopeful to see if there's evidence of hybrid vigor in the F1 generation next year... however, I want to use the pollen from known genetics to cross on others..

Thanks to all who have sent seeds so far! Looks like I will have around 20 GP plants... have revamped the garden plan to incorporate space for 24 GP plants.. Looking for four more varieties....looks like I won't have much weeding to do this year!

3/14/2005 6:46:17 PM

Ohio

Start a diary teach!

3/15/2005 4:55:08 AM

Commack, NY

20+ plants is an aweful lot for a newer grower of Atlantic Giants. I guess it depends on what you're goals are. Are you trying for the biggest possible pumpkin? or is there something else on the agenda? Ive been growing since '98, and although i have room for say 6 plants, the most ive ever grown is two. AG's take ALOT of work to maximize there potential. 20 plants to Tom Beachy, or Nic Welty is a drop in the bucket, but even your "heavy hitter" types arent growing anywhere near that. When i say "heavy hitter" i mean growers that are at the top of the pumpkin growing world, year after year after year.

3/15/2005 8:43:01 AM

Benton Ky

Last year was my first year and I thought I cant believe most people only grow 2 plants.I grew 6 and I found out quickly why they only grow 2. Lots of work, but I will probally grow 8 this year.

3/15/2005 11:11:29 AM

Nashville, TN

hmmm... what am I doing?..... I have yet another 15,000+ garden space prepared from the horse barn's waste to fill.. Already have to maintain a large organic herb garden, front flower gardens and orchards..... Decided that space-greedycrops like pumpkin, squash, gourds, corn - were the best way to fill over half of that garden so that I'd have less to weed. Systemic chemical sprays are only once a week - and the watering only takes turning on the spout while I go inside for lunch... I've been gardening extensively on this property for many, many years - and have had GREAT success with pretty much anything planted...

Decided to try a few GP... Then my kids and students wanted to get involved (they want 4H entries...) - so I incorporated my drive to study inheritance in living organisms - and decided to research which GP variety does the best in TN long, hot summers. The more varieties you use in a research project - the more solid your results generally are...

I've now revamped the garden plan to incorporate 10 - 10'X20' beds along one side.. 8 - 10'X20' beds along the back... 4 - 10'X20' beds along the other side.. and 5 - 10'X15' beds along the front (for Big Max & prizewinner).. Still have PLENTY of space for the rest of the veggies in the center....

Then EVERYONE here started sending me seeds from different varieties of GPs!!! I'm sure some will do well - some won't .. but as soon as April 29th comes around - they'll all be moved out of the big cold frame. and my diary will start.

3/15/2005 1:54:46 PM