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Jefferson, Maryland

Brand new grower here, making every mistake in the book. Yet I still have 4 pumpkins. No world beaters, but all growing about 6 lbs a day. Weights now between about 50 to 75 lbs. My goals this year are modest--a pumpkin or two that hits 200, and an awesome learning experience.

Ashamed to say I direct seeded these, but up they came. They are far too close to one another. Some are having issues, so the question is which, if any, to pull.

No. 1 is in great shape but slow growing.

No. 2 is fighting No. 1 for food. He is the heaviest of the bunch. But an early groundhog bite has left him with a big dip in the middle which worsens as he grows. Very concerned he may implode.

No. 3 is beautiful and rounded, but with a stem crack I am treating.

No. 4 is in great shape, but fighting No. 3 for food.

Any ideas about pulling some, or should I just enjoy the ride and see what happens?

Thanks!

8/1/2015 5:48:58 PM

Central NY

if your only shooting for a couple hundred pounds I say just prune them when they get too crowded...if one really slows down and it's in the way of an active grower, snip it off

8/1/2015 8:41:42 PM

Central NY

Def a case where pics would be helpful... Try the big pumpkin app, super easy to post with

8/1/2015 8:42:34 PM

Springfield, VT

If yhey are that close don't pull cut them off

8/1/2015 9:04:49 PM

Central NY

I just looked a few posts down..good question but Weeee might want to leave it at that ....

8/1/2015 10:46:05 PM

Garden State Pumpkins

to cull or not to cull that is the question. start eight plants pick the best four to put in the patch....wait for the best outdoor growers that lay down easy without a crack or double vine...cull to two ...now pick the best pumpkin on those vines after whatever dap you chose..that's what we do every year....it's tough to do but you have to. by your scenario 1 and 4 would be my choices..good luck GrowEmBig!

8/2/2015 6:09:14 AM