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Barre, VT

Hey guys, this is my first year really seriously getting into growing giant pumpkins. I have been looking all over the web for resources on a reliable fertilization plan for my first year, yet I can't seem to find anything. I am still in highschool, so my fertilization budget isn't too great (max of $80--I have to blow the rest on insects and disease--last year I lost my whole patch by the end of August) There are just so many options out there that I was wondering what was really essential to get a good size pumpkin come fall. I plant on growing around 3 giant pumpkin plants if that helps.

4/5/2020 9:54:50 AM

Central NY

Hey vt!- welcome to the site!...first thing I would do is email the Vermont club. Awesome group of folks and they will have good info on how to dial in the patch for your area. If 80 bucks is it..?....I’d get 20 pounds of 10-10-10, and some humic/fulvic and seaweed powders from Wallace WOW. Don’t start too early unless you have protections in place. Good luck!!... don’t be afraid to ask the “dumb” questions...I am the former king of dumb questions and it’s been working out pretty good.

4/5/2020 10:49:17 AM

Penryn CA

Read as much as you can from this site - all the threads of information really helped me the first year. The new growers message board - if you thought it - some newbie may have already asked it -and it has been answered by a seasoned grower. Good Luck in 2020!

4/5/2020 10:54:20 AM

Georgia

You might want to check for a quality public compost facility in your area. If you have one that offers aged compost then that will help provide free nutrients to your patch. But you can flatten the research and learning curve if you find a mentor. Here is a link to the Vermont club that PC mentioned: http://vermontgiants.tripod.com/

4/5/2020 12:18:52 PM

Flat Rock, Michigan

If you go to Hollands land o giants site read there fertilizer program should be helpful.

4/5/2020 3:49:48 PM

Barre, VT

Thank you all! I will definitely give the Vermont club an email. I plan on adding composted manure and kelp meal to start, and then adjusting from there based on what I find out! Good luck everyone in your season this year! I'm going to try to get a soil test... but we'll see if I get the results back in time.

4/5/2020 6:29:42 PM

South Hero, VT

Definitely get in touch with Vermont Giant Pumpkin Growers at vermontgiants.tripod.com. Both wallacewow.com and hollandsgiants.com have sections on how to grow giant pumpkins using their products. The Vermont growers might even have some spare fertilizers and amendments they could share along with free seeds and plenty of competent advice.

4/5/2020 6:32:32 PM