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Nottingham, UK

Is this what I realy need to do to get a big pumpkin? If I followed their ground prep which sounds reasonable shouldnt that be okay?

I checked out the fertilizing program from extremepumpkins and can't but help wonder how much it would cost and how confusing it is to have so many additives.

http://www.extremepumpkinstore.com/media/pdf/fert.pdf

8/8/2011 12:34:31 PM

Western PA

Everybody does things different.

Some growers really focus on the soil and claim they dont fertilize at all and end up with 1400 & 1500 lbers year after year.

The past two years I have really focused on the soil & supplementing with Foliar & Soil drenching ferts. Still no 1400 lber here though.

you can have everything right, but when it comes down to it, you just need to get a pumpkin that wants to grow set. Most successful growers will have a bunch of plants because they know not all are gonna make it and only a couple pumpkins out of them are really gonna pack on serious numbers.

But to answer your question, I am sure people do follow that fert plan. and I am sure it costs a ton of money per plant. By no means do you have to follow that plan to grow a monster. The growers growing the monster in general having been honing there skills for years and can read the plants very well, they know what to put on and when to put it on which is key.

Good Luck!

8/8/2011 12:48:02 PM

Pataskala,OH

The better the soil the less fertilizer you will need.

8/8/2011 12:52:14 PM

Ashby, MA

Doing soil tests will really help you know where your at. The test only cost $15 and it's well worth it. Do one in the fall, spring and beginning of July.

8/8/2011 3:20:00 PM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

Dandytown, yep we are serious.
You are correct, the soil is supposed to feed the plant, but after reading upwards of 70 soil tests each spring and fall, we have been able to see what these plants use, and how fast they deplete the soil of essential nutrients, when the balance is no longer, various nutrients can get locked up, or the gains can be compromised, Plant health can suffer making you plants more vunerable to pests and disease.
We are not saying that you must follow the fert programs, that is up to you. We can only recommend, we cant force you, nor are we saying this is the only way, we are simply passing along what has worked for us and a lot of other growers.
We have helped growers achieve new personal bests. We dont say that you have to use everything, we offer solutions to the nutrient needs of the plants during the season.
The fert programs are a template of what the plants need during various stages of growth.
Whether organic or traditional ferts, I dont know of too many growers that have used nothing and still managed to grow large fruit. On the other hand, when numerous growers were experiencing problems due to the terrible cold, wet spring we had, we helped a major portion over come these challanges by recommending solutions to bring their plants out of a "stalled or stunted" phase.
Unless you are growing 6 or more fruit per season, one container of fert will last multiple seasons.
Is it expensive, yes, anytime you have an initial investment in any hobby or sport, it is expensive.

8/8/2011 7:09:39 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Thanks for following up here Tom. Not only do you offer us a great service and unique products, the advice, council and friendship are the best part of your program.

8/8/2011 11:58:31 PM

Nottingham, UK

Pumpkin picker, you're right about knowing what to put on and when, almost as if the top growers know how to listen to their plant. Now I know that I will be investing lot of time next year and a bit of cash as well at extremepumpkins so I will want to play the numbers game in terms of 3 plants over this years 1 plant. As you say, not all will make it and I really want that investment to pay dividends. The sport is a gamble though isnt it.

Tom, I guess I was more alarmed at how much they might need and how often and i got the impression that I wouldnt have time to feed myself. I do want to be doing all I can, however, this is my first year and I guess its best for me to get a feel for things over time, make sensible changes and understand/log the improvements For instance this year I did not do a soil test and prep consisted of creating a pit/mound with just manure, chicken manure pellets and slow release fert and have been feeding weekly with synthetic fertlizers (not the best I here). For year 2 I think I will just concentrate on getting my soil in good shape by testing in autumn, manure and amend as neccessary and grow grazing rye to cover followed by retests in spring. A good base to move on. However, after investing in the soil I will not want it to fall short and will most likely end up supplementing.

I have a feeling this hobbie is going to cost $$ ££. Good job I have a nice big shed to hide all those soil improvers etc from the Mrs.

Thanks for your feedback

8/9/2011 4:39:25 AM

Nottingham, UK

I guess you're not called extreme pumpkins for nothing! :)

8/9/2011 4:43:19 AM

Muddy Waters

This is just like Hunting or fishing,You can spend what you like.Its still fun to grow cheap!but odds are better if you go all out!Its my Hobby,I will spend what a typical deer hunter spends a season,he gets vennesion I get veggies!LOL
Together we have Stir Fry!!!

8/9/2011 7:03:14 AM

Rhode Island

many many of your top long time growers invest pretty big dollars into their patches each and every year. especially if your planting in the same patch year in and year out.

some of these growth and protectant products can cost in excess of $250.00 per gallon.

we usually purchase in bulk or we have several of our friends split the cost and the product. its a good way to help keep the costs down.

speaking of toms site? he is very fair with his product prices and in my opinion is one of the better people its been my pleasure to have known over the years.

in new or newer patches with decent soil test levels? you can get away with little investment those first couple years however, stick around those patches for a couple years and if you dont invest? your results will suffer greatly.

8/9/2011 5:16:03 PM

Kentucky, U.S.A.

Here, Here! North Shore! Thanks, Tom! If I could just retain some of what every one has shared with me!!!!BSD, David

8/9/2011 10:57:03 PM

Nottingham, UK

I have been digesting the fertlising program and it doesnt seem as busy as I though. Looks a lot on paper. Almost a daily foliar, few ferts with water and a mix for burying vines etc. Once you get into a routine I guess ut becomes second nature.

Thanks everyone for your feedback and helping put it all in context.

8/10/2011 5:11:55 AM