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Central Utah

Well this is the first year at attempting to go a GIANT. I learned alot thanks to curtlave and this site.... mainly what not to do. Next year I'll have a better game plan. Anyway, I set a goal at 400 lbs. but dont think I'll even come close. My pumpkin is still growing but i think I waited way to long to keep one. I was trying to get one in the perfect spot .... Anyway, the ott is only at 131 but it increases about 4 inches a day. What is a normal expectation for a totally new guy at this?

9/20/2012 6:26:42 PM

Lexington, Ky

My first year expectation was nothing more than to successfully grow and manage a plant, I didn't care if I had a pumpkin or not. Year two I worked on plant management and pollination skills. I wanted a pumpkin but I had no expectation regarding how much it weighed. Year three, I expected 1,000 pounds. Didn't reach that goal until year six...lol.

Once you get a good grasp on your limitations (time, money, geographical, etc) you'll know how much pumpkin you are cabable of growing. The normal expection for a totally new grower will vary based on many factors. I think you have the right approach, a humble 400 pound goal is much better than alot of new growers that think a world record is within grasp.

9/21/2012 8:44:55 AM

Rhode Island

well said 1320.well said.
pap

9/21/2012 9:26:18 AM

Sourthern Utah

shawnc,, you really did good,, i thought concidering,, you really are almost alone there in central,, utah,,.. the wife and I are still growing again,, next season,, and will be alot closer after mid october,, looking forward to seeing and chatting with you again,, curt N sue

9/21/2012 11:49:01 AM

Torrance, Ca.

This was my first year out and have 2 just below a 1000 lbs. The biggest thing for me was to find 1 maybe 2 people ( make sure they have some seasons under their belt) and listen to everything they say. Don't cut corners, don't get lazy,,,, treat your plants like part of the family.

There were times when I second guessed,,, just ask Tom or Jim but I did what was told and the pumpkins kept growing and growing and growing!!!! I had so much fun from beginning to end!!!

Find someone and ask questions! :)

9/21/2012 4:59:49 PM

Princeton Kentucky

My true goal this 2nd yr of growing AG's was to have disiplin of not putting too much ferts on the plants and to let the group of veterans here tell you what to do with out having to ask them all the time. Look, Listen and Learn, that was my goal and I have achieved it in the Pumpkin I have in my daughters and mines diary. Every hour of every day for me has goals in it so that has taught me to stay focused and listen to the people that matter and know what they're talking about. Shawn last year our kin was 169#, this year its.......well I don't know what it is but it was bigger than 169 within 30 days I think. Get a Book on growing these things and read it over the winter and listen to alot of these guys, look at the diaries..you'll know who's who. Don't be affraid to ask question like you are here. Just spewing my personal opinion. Good luck

9/25/2012 6:01:52 PM

Princeton Kentucky

Good post by the way 1320 and ask So.Cal.Grower how to catch Rock Bass in the Bull Kelp, Yummy lol.

9/25/2012 6:06:41 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

I for one always congratulate all 1st year growers at a weigh off...because getting one there is a great accomplishment.

9/25/2012 8:27:41 PM

West Michigan---Hasekg39@gmail.com

This was my first year as well and I started it off with expectations of 500lbs but I knew that hard work and Knowledge was going to be the difference and to my surprise I ended up with 1 with an ott close to 900lbs, 2 with ott's over 500lbs and 2 others with ott's over 300 lbs. ALLOT of WORK Good Weather Good Knowledge and Good Seed are what you need (hey that rimed)

I guess I would say this expect the unexpected and enjoy the ride

9/26/2012 3:46:51 PM

Deerfield, Michigan

First year grower here also and my goal was 400 lbs. Well I have one now at 810lbs but we will see at the weigh off. My wife thinks I'm nuts...lol

10/2/2012 3:57:10 AM