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Kutztown, PA

In the past I've cut off the flower, tendril, and tertiary, before burying nodes. This year I'm just going to pinch off the tertiary (and do it early) so the wound size is very small. Some folks let those wounds heal for a day or two prior to burying the nodes. Do you wait to bury vines? What's your process and timing?
Also, can you please tell me how to grow the world record?:)

6/10/2024 2:38:57 PM

Salem Ohio

I pinch my tertiary’s off with my finger and bury them the same day and I’ve never gotten a disease or rot from it. I know some growers do pinch them off and then wait a day to bury it which does sound logical, but I have never had an issue so I think you’ll be fine.

6/10/2024 10:52:40 PM

Kutztown, PA

Do you treat the wounds with anything? I've read some folks sprinkle sulfur on them. I usually spray Hydrogen Peroxide on any above ground wounds then let them dry out.

6/11/2024 9:36:13 AM

Salem Ohio

No I just bury them. Again waiting a day or using peroxide or sulfur all sounds very logical, but I have never done anything with no disease or rot issues. I just prune and bury nodes at same time.

6/11/2024 11:34:18 AM

Grittyville, WA

Ive never grown a record but maybe the key is to think both big and small, Garwolf. Small details can matter, as does the overall big picture. As long as you dont neglect one in favor of the other, I think you've got a chance.

6/11/2024 2:13:29 PM

Kutztown, PA

Gritty, of course I was kidding about the record. There's no real evidence I'm capable of that, based on my current skill level. :) Details are important, that's for sure. I guess anyway you can get to a weigh off is all that matters in the end. You do see the same guys growing big ones every year. They have to be doing something I'm not doing. Maybe "water boarding" could get us some intel :)

6/12/2024 9:10:01 AM

Grittyville, WA

The top growers are nice guys and generally speaking they've been chipping away at it for 20 years with a couple exceptions. Look at last years GOTY Steve Sperry... he's just been at it year after year after year, making steady gains, he probably learns a bit more every year.

Also, generally speaking what is good for a tomato will be good for a pumpkin, for example, so dont be afraid to mix info from all the top growers. Plus, some of the same concepts that apply to fruit trees or high bushel corn will apply to pumpkins.

Nothing wrong with wanting to grow a world record. Go for it, why not.

[Last edit: 06/12/24 11:40:58 AM]

6/12/2024 11:40:17 AM