From

Location

Message

Date Posted

WannGrow – you made a post on this message board the other day as follows:

“Subject: these seeds, will they grow big for me the same?

i want to try growing I know a grower and she also told me to try this to but wait and buy these http://xtremegardening.com/”

What I took from that message was that you’re a new grower (or someone who wants to grow – hence the screen name you’ve chosen) and are seeking advice on whether to look for seeds in this seed exchange board, or whether to wait and buy them from the company whose URL you posted.

You may not be aware, but there is a heated discussion within the giant pumpkin growing community, and on another message board on this web site, and it involves (in part) the very URL you posted. So, if you are simply a new grower trying to figure out this whole giant pumpkin growing thing, and are trying to figure out what the heck you stepped in the other day, that’s what’s going on. If the intent of your original post was something else, then I guess you would need to clarify that (and you can disregard the rest of this post).

Back to what I thought your original post was about, and my apologies to you and to the BP community if I am misinterpreting – you are a new grower wondering whether to get seeds via the Big Pumpkins seed exchange message board, or from the URL you posted. My advice, if you are brand new to this hobby, is: neither.

If you are a new grower, the best investment you will make is not in seeds, nor in soil tests and amendments (though you would be well advised to test and amend your soil), but rather, your best investment is in relationships with other growers. Experienced growers, especially those in your area, will be able to provide you a wealth of knowledge that simply does not come in a seed pack.

11/11/2011 12:04:44 PM

(continued)
There are many, many very good giant pumpkin growing clubs across the US and Canada, and around the world. If you post your general location (state, province, country, etc. - NOT your street address), someone on this site will very likely chime in with a suggestion on a local or regional club to which you might wish to belong. The great thing about these clubs is that by participating in them, you will have a chance to meet those experienced growers and learn from them. Chances are with most clubs, you will also have access to seeds as part of your membership. Even if there isn’t a club in your local area, there are probably still a few experienced growers who can give you a hand getting started in this hobby.

If you are a new grower, I welcome you to the madness. There can be quite a bit of happiness, frustration, and excitement along the way. Be prepared for all of these emotions, good luck finding some experienced growers in your area, and best wishes for a successful rookie season in 2012.

Grow ‘em big!

-Neal Leland

11/11/2011 12:05:06 PM

Sourthern Utah

well stated .. neal.. best to all that take up this sport,, this was my 4th year.. and best i ever had... 540 a new personal best,, had several down years do to bad weather, novice mistakes,, and very limited funding... after .. stepping up to soil sample.. and balance.. made a world of difference.. in what we was able to do. here in the highland of utahs rocky mtns.. 6500 feet elevation,, without a greenhouse,,

11/11/2011 3:51:09 PM

South Hero, VT

Echoing Neal: Do yourself and growers offering free seeds(or seeds from a club) a favor and grow the free(seed packet) seeds. We won't know if the free seeds are proven until they are grown, and the more grown, the better.

Don't pay hundreds(or thousands) of dollars for a seed(s)when you can get great genetics--and that's what it is all about--for free, or for the price of a membership in a club.

Fellow growers and patch tours are the way to go. Having someone nearby you can email or call on the phone is priceless. I am a living example of what experienced grower support can do(581 lbs to 912 lbs in one year).

Read Neal's posts above, and follow his directions exactly.

Looking forward to seeing your pumpkins in your diary next year

11/11/2011 5:44:28 PM